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EFC 25 PBP Commentary |
Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Harrison Cutler (ranked 2625 p4p, 3264 weight class) and Ryan Wizard (ranked 326 p4p, 400 weight class). Harrison Cutler has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?
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| 177 cm
25
163
2 - 1 - 0 |
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179 cm
25
145
2 - 1 - 0 |
BJJ Blue Belt
Decent elbows
Good chin |
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Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Likes musicals |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 4 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Harrison Cutler!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Ryan Wizard!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Don Winkell and Timothy Bukovac.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Wizard blocks a jab.
Wizard tries to clinch up.
Cutler's corner calls for a 1-2. Cutler obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Cutler ducks under a wild hook from Wizard.
Wizard's coach down at was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Wizard's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Cutler keeps the fight on the outside.
Cutler is looking to counter the offense by Wizard and move into the clinch.
Cutler gets tackled into the cage by Wizard. Wizard maintains the clinch.
Wizard tries to pull guard but Cutler holds him up against the cage and eventually Wizard drops back down to his feet.
Cutler lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Wizard dodges an elbow strike from Cutler.
Our sources have told us that Cutler has been working on his elbows in the gym.
Wizard is trying to pull guard but Cutler turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Cutler scores with a hook to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cutler lands a shot to the body.
Cutler lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Cutler digs a right hand into Wizard's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Wizard's gas tank.
Wizard takes an elbow to the forehead.
Wizard prevents a body shot from Cutler.
Cutler lands a damaging elbow.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Cutler lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
 It looks like Ryan Wizard has been cut.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Wizard jumps guard but Cutler turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Harrison Cutler has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ryan Wizard.
Wizard takes an elbow to the forehead.
Nice body punch from Cutler - that landed with a thud.
Cutler presses Wizard against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Wizard goes for a takedown in the clinch but Cutler prevents it.
Wizard looks winded!
A nice glancing elbow lands by Cutler.
Cutler throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Cutler creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Wizard's defenses.
Cutler lands a nice shot to the body.
Cutler lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
A right hand to the body from Cutler.
Cutler lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Cutler lands a nice shot to the body.
Cutler gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cutler prevents the takedown attempt.
Cutler lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Cutler.
Nice elbow from Cutler.
 Wizard is rocked!
Wizard takes an elbow to the temple.
Wizard is still on wobbly legs! Can Cutler finish him?
Cutler presses Wizard against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Cutler gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cutler is leaning against Wizard and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A short body shot lands from Cutler as the two fighters clinch.
Cutler lands an elbow just above Wizard 's eye.
Cutler gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Cutler working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Cutler lands a damaging elbow.
Wizard is pressed against the cage. Cutler pushes back and unleashes a big elbow that really hurts Wizard! Two more big strikes from Cutler and Wizard crumples to the mat and taps out furiously due to the strikes!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:20 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Harrison Cutler!
After winning the bout, Harrison Cutler thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.
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| S |
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A |
G |
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B |
G |
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G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
70% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tesla Nokia (ranked 2737 p4p, 3017 weight class) and Jared Cruz (ranked 363 p4p, 397 weight class). The key to victory for Tesla Nokia has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.
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| 195 cm
22
186
5 - 2 - 0 |
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184 cm
18
190
2 - 0 - 0 |
BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Cardio machine |
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Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Powerful |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 4 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Tesla Nokia!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Jared Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Jack Bonds and Frank Antenori.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cruz shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Nokia but Nokia pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Nice sprawl there from Nokia as Cruz shoots in.
Nokia is looking to counter with head kicks.
Nokia throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Cruz.
Nokia lands a high kick!
Cruz shoots in but Nokia avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Tesla Nokia has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jared Cruz.
Cruz darts in looking for a takedown but Nokia gets double underhooks and turns Cruz into the cage.
Nokia appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Cruz looks for a takedown but Nokia sprawls well.
Cruz tries for a takedown but Nokia circles away easily
and Nokia makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
That kick from Nokia tenderised Cruz's leg. Cruz is trying to keep his angry face on.
Nokia thows a body kick. Cruz tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Cruz drives through with a takedown into guard.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Cruz loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Cruz postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Nokia looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there.
Cruz advances position into side control!
That's one minute gone in the round.
Cruz postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Nokia tries to improve position but can't.
Cruz scoring with punches from side control.
Nokia takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Nokia sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Nokia is trying to get back to full guard.
Nokia is refusing to be controlled, as Cruz sits in half guard.
Cruz thows a huge punch but Nokia dodges it nicely.
Cruz has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Cruz wants to take a breather but Nokia is having none of it.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nokia tries to get to full guard but Cruz has control of the leg.
Nokia blocking the ground and pound attempt from Cruz.
Nokia blocking the ground and pound attempt from Cruz.
Nokia moves into full guard.
Cruz scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Nokia is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Cruz is in close to Nokia's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Cruz has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at EFC Gym. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Cruz lands a couple of elbows.
Cruz postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Cruz working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Cruz lands a couple of decent looking shots.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nokia not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cruz working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Cruz on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Nokia tries a head kick but it misses.
Cruz fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Nokia avoids it really well and circles away.
Nokia throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Nokia leaves Cruz with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A head kick misses from Nokia.
Nokia throws a nice outside leg kick.
Cruz dives in for a single leg takedown but Nokia sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Cruz with a lazy takedown attempt
and Nokia counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Cruz closes this distance looking for a takedown but Nokia circles away.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nokia thuds his shin into the meat of Cruz's side.
Cruz fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Nokia avoids it really well and circles away.
Tesla Nokia is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Cruz walks forward, straight into a front kick from Nokia.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Nokia plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Cruz shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Horrible takedown attempt by Cruz or perhaps it was just good defense by Nokia, which made it look bad.
Cruz shoots and misses
and Nokia counters with an inside leg kick.
Cruz looks winded!
Nokia delivers a nice body kick.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Cruz.
Nokia lands with a kick to the temple. Cruz shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Tesla Nokia dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Nokia scores with a leg kick.
Cruz closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Cruz lands a nice forearm strike.
Cruz tries to score with some ground and pound. Nokia controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
You can see the frustration on Nokia's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Jared Cruz has got the better of the ground game so far.
Nokia regains half guard, as Cruz was trying to land strikes.
Cruz prevents Nokia from improving his position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Nokia is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Cruz can do to turn this around?
Nokia keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Cruz is keen to just control but Nokia is a slippery customer.
Cruz trying to mount his opponent but Nokia defends it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Cruz takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Cruz prevents Nokia from improving his position.
Cruz lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Cruz thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Nice strikes from Cruz there.
Cruz not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Cruz winds up and cracks Nokia with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Cruz throws a strike but Nokia avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Nokia trying to keep a closed guard but Cruz is proving a slippery customer.
Nokia working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Cruz.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruz scoring with punches to the head and body.
Cruz postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Cruz makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Cruz lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Cruz throws an elbow that misses. Nokia uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Cruz's guard. Nice move by Nokia!
Cruz keeping full guard, as Nokia tries to pass.
Cruz is controlling Nokia's posture.
Cruz is trying to control the position but Nokia postures up.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Nokia from controlling successfully.
Nokia won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz being controlled here, momentarily.
Nokia trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Nokia from controlling successfully.
Cruz is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Cruz throwing shots but Nokia is blocking nicely.
Nokia manages to get to full guard.
Cruz missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cruz lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Cruz postures up.
Cruz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Nokia is keeping the position for now.
Cruz working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Nokia's head.
Nokia tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Cruz in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Nokia controls Cruz momentarily but Cruz frees himself.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Nokia looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there.
Nokia utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Jared Cruz showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Cruz shoots for a takedown but Nokia saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
An inside leg kick lands from Nokia.
Cruz throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Nokia's waist but Nokia gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Cruz off to one side.
Nokia was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Nokia leaves Cruz with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Tesla Nokia has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jared Cruz.
Cruz fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Nokia sprawls well initially but Cruz persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Nokia is trying to control but can't.
Nokia is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Cruz's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Cruz's back!
Nokia biding his time, controlling Cruz.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz just trying to survive but Nokia is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
Nokia struggling to keep hold of the position.
Cruz manages to reverse the position and now he's in Nokia's guard. Nice work there by Cruz.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Nokia not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Nokia pulls Cruz in close to prevent any damage.
Nokia not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Nokia looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there.
Cruz postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Cruz is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Cruz trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Cruz landing some decent shots from guard.
Cruz lands a couple of elbows.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Cruz throws a big right hand that misses.
Nokia preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Cruz scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Nokia is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nokia 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.
Nokia preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Tesla Nokia is winning the standup battle so far.
Cruz fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Cruz has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Nokia.
Cruz manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Nokia on his heels. He'll look to pass Nokia's guard now, I'm sure.
Nokia looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz is looking to work some ground and pound but Nokia has wrist control.
Cruz postures up in Nokia's guard and throws a big left but Nokia blocks it.
Nokia preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Cruz postures up in Nokia's guard and throws a big left but Nokia blocks it.
Cruz is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Cruz trying to control but Nokia is working from the bottom.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
Cruz might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Nokia haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Nokia with a nice cross.
Cruz with a lazy takedown attempt
and Nokia counters with a nice body kick.
Cruz takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Nokia connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Cruz on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Nokia looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nokia throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Cruz fails with a takedown attempt.
Cruz closes the distance and clinches up with Nokia, looking for a takedown. Cruz pushes Nokia against the cage but Nokia circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Nokia throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Cruz's head.
Cruz shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Nokia but Nokia pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Nokia throws a sloppy head kick and Cruz moves out of range easily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nokia lands a leg kick that knocks Cruz off balance momentarily.
Cruz shoots for a takedown but Nokia saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Cruz shoots in looking for a takedown. Nokia tries to sprawl out of it but Cruz keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Nokia manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
A shot to the liver by Nokia. Beautiful body shot.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Tesla Nokia clearly takes that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!
Cruz looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Nokia is fending him off so far but Cruz persists. Nope, Nokia circles away and we're back to standing.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Nokia.
Nokia looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
A cross from Nokia lands.
Nokia is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Cruz shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Nokia manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Nokia controlling the position.
Cruz with a nice head shot there.
Nokia avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Nokia knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Cruz on the ground.
Nokia is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Cruz is refusing to be controlled, as Nokia sits in half guard.
Cruz preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Nokia is taking a breather. Cruz says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Cruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Cruz is looking to control Nokia's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Cruz avoid being mounted?
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Cruz is looking to improve his position.
Nokia is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Cruz is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Nokia throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Cruz trying to hold on to Nokia's head to control him but Nokia postures up.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Nokia scores with a kick to the midsection.
Nokia with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Nice sprawl there from Nokia as Cruz shoots in.
Nokia delivers a nice body kick.
Cruz is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Nokia throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Cruz.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nokia feints and then cracks Cruz's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Cruz down.
Nokia throws a head kick but Cruz moves out of range.
Nokia lands a nice looking body kick.
Cruz looks for a takedown but Nokia sprawls well.
It appears Nokia was looking to counter with a kick there.
Tesla Nokia has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jared Cruz.
Cruz dives in and grabs Nokia's left leg, looking for a takedown. Nokia pushes down on Cruz's head and hops out.
Horrible takedown attempt by Cruz or perhaps it was just good defense by Nokia, which made it look bad.
Jared Cruz is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Nokia lands a nice looking kick to the body. Cruz takes a step back to recover.
Good shot there by Nokia.
Cruz doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Nokia counters with a straight right hand.
Cruz tries to score a power double leg takedown but Nokia sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Cruz somewhat.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Both fighters circling a little - Nokia finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Nokia. Cruz shrugs it off though.
Cruz's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Cruz shoots in but Nokia avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nokia throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Nokia lands with an overhand left.
Cruz shoots for a takedown but Nokia saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Jared Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cruz sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Nokia looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Cruz takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Jared Cruz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Tesla Nokia is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Nokia delivers a nice body kick.
And that's the end of the fight!
Tesla Nokia showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Nokia 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 4 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight for Tesla Nokia!
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight for Tesla Nokia!
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight for Tesla Nokia!
Tesla Nokia wins by unanimous decision!
Tesla Nokia made sure to mention his sponsor, Finnish Elite Extreme Science in his post fight interview.
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| S |
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A |
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B |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
47% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jordan Karpov (ranked 3652 p4p, 1655 weight class) and The Eagle (ranked 436 p4p, 223 weight class). The Eagle is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.
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| 178 cm
19
170
2 - 1 - 0 |
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179 cm
22
144
11 - 8 - 1 |
Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Granite chin |
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BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 4 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Jordan Karpov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, The Eagle!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Timothy Bukovac and Percy O'Donnell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Eagle throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Eagle getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Karpov rushes Eagle and presses him up against the cage.
Eagle jumps guard and drags Karpov to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Eagle working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Karpov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Karpov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Karpov is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Eagle trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Eagle is trying to keep Karpov in close.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Karpov slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Karpov continues to stall.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Eagle looking for a guillotine here but Karpov defends easily.
Karpov controls from within his opponent's guard.
Eagle working for a triangle but Karpov defends it easily.
Eagle trying to control the position.
Eagle being controlled here, momentarily.
Eagle looking to control.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Karpov clinches up with Eagle and pushes him back against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Karpov.
Karpov lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Eagle backwards.
Karpov lands a shot to the body.
Karpov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Eagle backwards.
Eagle misses with a body punch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Karpov.
Karpov working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Eagle tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Karpov lands a hook that snaps the head of Eagle backwards.
Karpov lands a hook to the side of the head.
Eagle is trying to pull guard but Karpov has him pressed against the cage.
Karpov lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Karpov lands a shoulder strike.
Eagle misses with a punch on the inside.
Karpov throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Karpov lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Eagle jumps guard but Karpov turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Jordan Karpov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of The Eagle.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Karpov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Eagle tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Karpov just stands there and leans against the cage.
Karpov lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Karpov keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Eagle's efforts to push away.
Eagle has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Karpov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Eagle jumps guard but Karpov turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Eagle tries to pull guard but Karpov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Karpov pushes Eagle back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Eagle jumps guard but Karpov turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Karpov gets through Eagle's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Eagle fails to pull guard.
Karpov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Eagle's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Eagle has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Karpov avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Karpov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Eagles head.
Eagle tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Eagle looks winded!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Karpov lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Eagle is rocked!
Eagle fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Karpov scores with a nice hook to the head.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Karpov lands with a light punch inside.
Eagle is still on wobbly legs! Can Karpov finish him?
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Karpov as Eagle tries to tie him up.
Eagle seems to have recovered his senses.
Karpov cracks Eagle with a nice body shot.
Nice body punch from Karpov - that landed with a thud.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Eagle.
Eagle misses with a body punch.
Karpov cracks Eagle with a nice body shot.
Karpov pushes Eagle back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Eagle tries to pull guard but Karpov holds him up against the cage and eventually Eagle drops back down to his feet.
Eagle fails to pull guard.
Karpov lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Karpov scores with a shot to the side of Eagle's head.
Karpov working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Karpov works on Eagle's body with a couple of short punches.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Karpov takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Karpov lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Jordan Karpov dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.
Karpov forces Eagle back against the cage and clinches.
Eagle jumps guard but Karpov stands there with Eagle around his waist. Eagle gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Karpov.
Karpov stops a takedown attempt from Eagle.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Karpov.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Karpov.
Eagle jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Karpov walks away with a smile on his face. Eagle gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Jordan Karpov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of The Eagle.
Karpov moves into range and clinches up with Eagle.
Karpov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Eagle backwards.
Karpov lands a right hand.
Karpov lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Eagle.
A short right from Karpov on the inside.
A right hand to the body from Karpov.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Eagle jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Karpov walks away with a smile on his face. Eagle gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Karpov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Karpov.
Karpov makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Karpov presses Eagle against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Eagle is breathing heavily.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Karpov lands a body punch.
Eagle is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Karpov lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A body shot lands from Karpov.
Karpov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Eagles head.
Karpov creates a bit of space for himself and rocks Eagle with a big uppercut! Eagle tries to clinch up but Karpov pushes him back against the cage and lands another monster strike that crumples Eagle to the mat! Eagle covers up and Karpov unloads with more strikes until the referee steps in to end the bout!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:22 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Jordan Karpov!
Our winner, Jordan Karpov, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
52% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Kyle Austin (ranked 1958 p4p, 3668 weight class) and Zdravko Zdravkov (ranked 267 p4p, 467 weight class). The key to victory for Kyle Austin has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.
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| 181 cm
38
185
24 - 12 - 0 |
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185 cm
30
184
9 - 11 - 0 |
Decent wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine |
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Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 4 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 24 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Kyle Austin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Zdravko Zdravkov!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Percy O'Donnell and Don Winkell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Austin misses the jab.
Austin scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Zdravkov is trying hard to land a takedown here. Austin sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Zdravkov tries to close the distance and clinch but Austin swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Austin lands a nice leg kick that just misses Zdravkov's sensitive parts.
Austin leaves Zdravkov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Austin feints a jab promting Zdravkov to slip. Austin then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Zdravkov slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
It looks like Zdravko Zdravkov has been cut.
Austin pushes Zdravkov up against the cage in a clinch.
Austin unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Austin unloads a knee to the mid-section. Zdravkov lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Zdravkov jumps guard but Austin stands there with Zdravkov around his waist. Zdravkov gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Kyle Austin has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Zdravko Zdravkov.
Zdravkov manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Austin has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Zdravkov is proving hard to escape from.
Zdravkov wants to sweep here but Austin controlling him for the moment.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Zdravkov doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Austin got a little sloppy there for a moment and Zdravkov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Austin has managed to get both his arms back between Zdravkov's legs - danger averted.
Zdravkov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Austin has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Austin stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Austin has been working on his boxing with his coaches at EFC Gym in the buildup to the fight.
Austin lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Zdravkov swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Austin counters with a nice uppercut.
Austin scoring well with a low kick there.
Zdravkov closes the distance and clinches.
Zdravkov jumps guard but Austin stands there with Zdravkov around his waist. Zdravkov gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Austin with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zdravkov is trying to pull guard but Austin turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Zdravkov tightens his grip and picks Austin up, before dumping him to the ground. Austin manages to land in guard.
Austin keeping moving, preventing Zdravkov from controlling successfully.
Zdravkov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Zdravkov working some strikes from top position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zdravkov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Austin works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Zdravkov scoring with punches to the head and body.
Zdravkov throws an elbow that misses. Austin uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Zdravkov's guard. Nice move by Austin!
Austin knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Zdravkov on the ground.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Zdravkov is on top in guard.
Zdravkov lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Austin has momentary wrist control but Zdravkov slips an elbow through the middle.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Zdravkov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Austin working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Zdravkov.
Zdravkov postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Austin is on top in guard.
Austin has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Zdravkov is proving hard to escape from.
Zdravkov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Zdravkov is on top in guard.
Zdravkov postures up in Austin's guard and throws a big left but Austin blocks it.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zdravkov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Zdravkov stands up over Austin, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Zdravkov keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Austin's head.
Zdravkov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Zdravkov's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Zdravkov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Zdravkov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Zdravkov throws a big right hand that misses.
Zdravkov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Austin works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Zdravkov trying to control but Austin is working from the bottom.
Zdravkov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Zdravkov landing with the ground and pound.
Zdravkov has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at EFC Gym. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
Zdravkov makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Zdravko Zdravkov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Zdravko Zdravkov's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!
Austin scores with a leg kick.
Zdravkov tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Austin defends well and Zdravkov ends up having to push Austin into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Zdravkov gets a double leg takedown into Austin's guard.
Zdravkov looking to sit in guard and control but Austin gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Zdravkov throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Zdravkov not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Zdravkov trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Zdravkov doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Zdravkov trying to strike off his back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Austin preventing the sweep.
Zdravkov throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Zdravkov throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Zdravkov lands a decent punch to the body there.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Zdravkov wants to sweep but no luck.
Zdravkov has his foot on Austin's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Austin works his way back into a safe position though.
Zdravkov throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Austin avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Zdravkov doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Austin takes one to the chin there.
Nice jab there from Austin.
Zdravkov with a hook.
Austin throws a hook but Zdravkov avoids it easily.
Zdravkov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Zdravkov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Austin's elbow.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zdravkov blocks an elbow strike from Austin.
Austin throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Zdravkov blocks it with crossed arms.
Austin using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Zdravkov has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Zdravkov misses with a punch to the body.
Zdravkov pulls Austin into guard.
Zdravkov striking from the bottom.
Zdravkov working a defensive guard here.
Zdravkov is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Zdravkov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Zdravkov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Austin's head.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Zdravkov connects with a nice short shot to Austin's temple.
Austin is trying to get back to full guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice strikes from Zdravkov there.
Zdravkov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Zdravkov scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Zdravkov is nestled in close to Austin, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Zdravkov working over Austin with some ground and pound. Austin looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Zdravkov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Austin is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Zdravkov scores with a couple of nice shots.
Zdravkov working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Zdravkov takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
 Austin is rocked!
Zdravkov lands a massive shot from half guard that has rocked Austin! More strikes land and this one is all over! Zdravkov jumps to his feet and is applauded loudly by the crowd!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Zdravko Zdravkov!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Zdravko Zdravkov made sure he mentioned EFC Threads, along with how happy he was to win his fight.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
46% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Frank Karuso (ranked 1410 p4p, 1457 weight class) and Daizen Kuroda (ranked 200 p4p, 207 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 190 cm
22
195
8 - 2 - 0 |
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182 cm
22
154
8 - 8 - 0 |
BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Cardio machine |
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Powerful takedowns
Counter fighter
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 4 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Frank Karuso!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Daizen Kuroda!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Timothy Bukovac and Don Winkell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Karuso moves into the clinch.
Karuso pushes Kuroda back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Karuso struggles to land a body shot inside as Kuroda controls his hands.
Kuroda tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Karuso slows down the pace here.
Karuso lands an uppercut.
Karuso is working Kuroda over against the cage.
Kuroda jumps guard but Karuso stands there with Kuroda around his waist. Kuroda gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Karuso lands a body punch.
Karuso lands a body punch.
Kuroda is looking to take this one to the mat.
Frank Karuso has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Daizen Kuroda.
Kuroda tries to pull guard but Karuso forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Kuroda tries to pull guard but Karuso won't allow it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Karuso digs a right hand underneath Kuroda's ribcage. Kuroda let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Kuroda fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Kuroda fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Karuso digs a right hand into Kuroda's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kuroda's gas tank.
Kuroda looks winded!
Karuso lands a hook that snaps the head of Kuroda backwards.
Karuso lands a body punch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A short uppercut from Karuso.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuroda fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Karuso lands a body punch.
Karuso lands a shot to the body.
Karuso works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Karuso lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Karuso.
Karuso digs a right hand underneath Kuroda's ribcage. Kuroda let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Karuso throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Karuso stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Karuso digs a right hand underneath Kuroda's ribcage. Kuroda let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Karuso presses Kuroda against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A right hook to the body lands for Karuso.
Good body shot from Karuso.
Karuso lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Kuroda.
Karuso digs a right hand into Kuroda's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kuroda's gas tank.
A right handed body shot lands from Karuso.
Karuso lands a body shot.
Karuso lands a nice shot to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Karuso cracks Kuroda with a nice body shot.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Karuso makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Karuso works on Kuroda's body with a couple of short punches.
Karuso lands a right hand that snaps the head of Kuroda backwards.
Karuso presses Kuroda against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Karuso lands a nice shot to the body.
Karuso is working Kuroda over against the cage.
Karuso lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Kuroda or not.
Karuso looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Good body shot from Karuso.
Karuso breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Karuso rushes Kuroda and presses him up against the cage.
Nice body punch from Karuso.
A short body shot lands from Karuso as the two fighters clinch.
Karuso scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Karuso lands a body punch.
Karuso lands a right hand that snaps the head of Kuroda backwards.
Karuso scores with a hook to the body.
Karuso lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Karuso lands a body punch in the clinch.
Karuso lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Kuroda or not.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Karuso dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Karuso dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Karuso.
A right handed body shot lands from Karuso.
A body shot lands from Karuso.
Karuso lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Karuso lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Karuso lands a body punch in the clinch.
Karuso throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Karuso.
Karuso lands a body punch in the clinch.
Karuso scores with a hook to the body.
Karuso is working Kuroda over against the cage.
Karuso lands a body shot.
Karuso lands a nice shot to the body.
Karuso digs a right hand into Kuroda's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kuroda's gas tank.
Karuso lands a hook that snaps the head of Kuroda backwards.
Kuroda tries to pull guard but Karuso forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A left hand lands to the body for Karuso.
Karuso digs a right hand into Kuroda's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kuroda's gas tank.
A body shot lands from Karuso.
Karuso pushes Kuroda back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Kuroda jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Karuso walks away with a smile on his face. Kuroda gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Karuso moves into range and clinches up with Kuroda.
A short body shot lands from Karuso as the two fighters clinch.
Karuso lands a nice uppercut.
A short body shot lands from Karuso as the two fighters clinch.
A right handed body shot lands from Karuso.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
A right hook to the body lands for Karuso.
Karuso lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Karuso cracks Kuroda with a nice body shot.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nice body punch from Karuso.
A right hook to the body lands for Karuso.
Karuso scores with a hook to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Frank Karuso dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Karuso looks to land a combination. Kuroda sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Karuso pushes Kuroda up against the cage in a clinch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Karuso.
Karuso lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Karuso stalling against the cage.
A short body shot lands from Karuso as the two fighters clinch.
Kuroda is trying to pull guard but Karuso turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Karuso lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kuroda backwards.
Karuso is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kuroda can do to turn this around?
Nice body punch from Karuso.
A body shot lands from Karuso.
Karuso scores with a shot to the side of Kuroda's head.
Nice body punch from Karuso.
Karuso throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kurodas head.
Kuroda is breathing heavily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Karuso digs a right hand underneath Kuroda's ribcage. Kuroda let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Karuso lands with a short shot to the head.
A short body shot lands from Karuso as the two fighters clinch.
Karuso lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Kuroda is rocked!
Karuso manages to break the clinch.
Kuroda is still on wobbly legs! Can Karuso finish him?
That's one minute gone in the round.
Karuso has managed to clinch.
A short right from Karuso on the inside.
Frank Karuso has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Karuso stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Karuso presses Kuroda against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Kuroda seems to have recovered his senses.
Karuso lands a body shot in the clinch.
Karuso breaks from the clinch.
Kuroda throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Karuso's waist but Karuso gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kuroda off to one side.
Kuroda gets tackled into the cage by Karuso. Karuso maintains the clinch.
Karuso lands a shoulder strike.
Karuso is working Kuroda over against the cage.
Karuso is working Kuroda over against the cage.
Karuso lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Kuroda or not.
Karuso pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Karuso closes the distance and clinches.
Karuso lands a body punch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Karuso presses Kuroda against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Karuso cracks Kuroda with a nice body shot.
Karuso pushes Kuroda back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
We've been informed that Kuroda has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Karuso scores with a hook to the body.
Karuso cracks Kuroda with a nice body shot.
Karuso digs a right hand into Kuroda's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kuroda's gas tank.
Karuso lands a shot to the body.
A left hand lands to the body for Karuso.
Karuso lands a body shot in the clinch.
Karuso lands a body shot in the clinch.
Karuso is working Kuroda over against the cage.
Karuso lands a body shot in the clinch.
Karuso lands a body punch in the clinch.
A nice left hand lands by Karuso.
Karuso throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Karuso pushes Kuroda back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Karuso works on Kuroda's body with a couple of short punches.
Karuso lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
It looks like Daizen Kuroda has been cut.
A short body shot lands from Karuso as the two fighters clinch.
Karuso lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A body shot lands from Karuso.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuroda jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Karuso walks away with a smile on his face. Kuroda gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Frank Karuso has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Daizen Kuroda.
Karuso drives through and clinches with Kuroda against the cage.
A body shot lands from Karuso.
Karuso cracks Kuroda with a nice body shot.
Karuso is working Kuroda over against the cage.
Karuso lands a shot to the body.
Karuso lands a nice uppercut.
Karuso lands with a left to the head.
A right hook to the body lands for Karuso.
Good body shot from Karuso.
Karuso taking a breather.
Karuso gets through Kuroda's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Kuroda takes an elbow to the temple.
Karuso lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Kuroda or not.
Karuso makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Karuso lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Kuroda tries to pull guard but Karuso won't allow it.
Karuso lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuroda letting Karuso take a breather here.
Karuso pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Karuso clinches up with Kuroda and pushes him back against the cage.
Karuso lands a right hand that snaps the head of Kuroda backwards.
Karuso lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Kuroda or not.
Karuso breaks from the clinch.
Karuso misses with a jab, cross combination.
A little jabbing left from Kuroda on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Karuso cracks a nice hook into Kuroda's ribs.
Frank Karuso is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Karuso works Kuroda's body with a nice hook.
Karuso lands a body shot.
Karuso has closed the distance and engaged Kuroda in a clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Karuso taking a breather.
Karuso pushes Kuroda back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A right handed body shot lands from Karuso.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Frank Karuso dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Daizen Kuroda's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.
Kuroda misses with a lunging right hand
and Karuso counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Karuso darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Karuso lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Karuso fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Karuso lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Karuso connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Kuroda shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Karuso as he jumps to the side.
Karuso gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Karuso lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Kuroda.
Kuroda takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Karuso throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Karuso lands a body punch.
A body shot lands from Karuso.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kuroda is trying to pull guard but Karuso has him pressed against the cage.
A short body shot lands from Karuso as the two fighters clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A hook to the body from Karuso.
Karuso lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Karuso lands a body punch in the clinch.
Karuso lands a nice uppercut.
A short body shot lands from Karuso as the two fighters clinch.
A body shot lands from Karuso.
Karuso lands a body punch in the clinch.
A body shot lands from Karuso.
Kuroda takes a shot to the head.
A short body shot lands from Karuso as the two fighters clinch.
Karuso digs a right hand underneath Kuroda's ribcage. Kuroda let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Karuso cracks Kuroda with a nice body shot.
Karuso throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A body shot lands from Karuso.
Karuso throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Karuso working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Kuroda jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Karuso walks away with a smile on his face. Kuroda gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Frank Karuso has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Daizen Kuroda.
Karuso lands a lovely overhand right.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuroda on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Karuso gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Karuso lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kuroda backwards.
Karuso is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Karuso stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Nice body punch from Karuso - that landed with a thud.
Karuso lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Karuso scores with a hook to the body.
Karuso's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Kuroda takes one to the chin there.
Karuso has managed to clinch.
A hook to the body from Karuso.
Karuso lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Karuso lands a body punch.
Karuso lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Kuroda.
Good body shot from Karuso.
Karuso lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Karuso digs a right hand underneath Kuroda's ribcage. Kuroda let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Karuso stalling.
Karuso lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kuroda backwards.
A short right from Karuso on the inside.
Karuso lands a shot to the body.
Karuso lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Kuroda.
Karuso works on Kuroda's body with a couple of short punches.
Karuso lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Kuroda.
A left hand lands to the body for Karuso.
A nice left hand lands by Karuso.
Karuso digs a right hand underneath Kuroda's ribcage. Kuroda let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A hook to the body from Karuso.
Karuso lands with a light punch inside.
Karuso scores with a hook to the body.
A nice left hand lands by Karuso.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Karuso's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Karuso lands with a nice combination. Kuroda backs away looking to recover.
Karuso with a nice cross.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Karuso moves into the clinch.
Kuroda can't get the takedown.
Karuso lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Kuroda.
Karuso lands a body shot in the clinch.
Karuso lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Kuroda.
Karuso lands a shot to the body.
Karuso lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Kuroda.
Good body shot from Karuso.
A right hook to the body lands for Karuso.
Karuso lands an elbow inside.
Karuso works on Kuroda's body with a couple of short punches.
Karuso lands a shot to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Karuso works on Kuroda's body with a couple of short punches.
Karuso is working Kuroda over against the cage.
A right handed body shot lands from Karuso.
Karuso scores with a hook to the body.
Karuso lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kuroda backwards.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Frank Karuso clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Daizen Kuroda's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!
Karuso closes the distance and pushes Kuroda back into the cage.
Karuso breaks from the clinch.
Karuso rushes Kuroda and presses him up against the cage.
Karuso lands a body shot.
Karuso stalling in the clinch.
A short uppercut from Karuso.
A short body shot lands from Karuso as the two fighters clinch.
Karuso is leaning against Kuroda and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A right hook to the body lands for Karuso.
Karuso digs a right hand underneath Kuroda's ribcage. Kuroda let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Karuso lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Karuso throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Karuso lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Karuso lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Good body shot from Karuso.
Kuroda is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A right hook to the body lands for Karuso.
Karuso breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Karuso tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Karuso is looking to clinch.
Kuroda fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Karuso avoids it really well and circles away.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Karuso presses Kuroda against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Karuso breaks from the clinch.
Karuso scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
A shot to the liver by Karuso. Beautiful body shot.
Frank Karuso seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Karuso is looking to clinch but Kuroda is avoiding it.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Karuso lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Kuroda takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Kuroda is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Kuroda manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Karuso on his heels. He'll look to pass Karuso's guard now, I'm sure.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Kuroda slips nicely into half guard.
Kuroda is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Karuso sees it coming and defends easily.
Kuroda is looking for a kimura here.
Kuroda looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuroda prevents Karuso from improving his position.
Kuroda is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Karuso is just riding it out for now. Kuroda eventually gives up the hold.
Karuso is looking for a sweep. Kuroda is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Karuso is defending against the submission attempts here by Kuroda.
Kuroda looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Kuroda tries to pass to full mount but Karuso defends it.
And that's the end of the fight!
Frank Karuso showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Karuso, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight for Frank Karuso!
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight for Frank Karuso!
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight for Frank Karuso!
Frank Karuso wins by unanimous decision!
Frank Karuso decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
79% |
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Co-main event
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Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Lue Randle (ranked 1666 p4p, 1506 weight class) and Aron Gray (ranked 236 p4p, 218 weight class). On his way into the cage it seems that Lue Randle has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Lue Randle seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?
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| 181 cm
21
178
6 - 1 - 0 |
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177 cm
26
154
9 - 5 - 0 |
BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Insanely flexible |
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Powerful takedowns
Counter fighter
Good gas tank |
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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 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Lue Randle!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Aron Gray !
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Frank Antenori and Percy O'Donnell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gray swats away the attempt to clinch by Randle.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Gray ! But no joy.
Lue Randle seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Randle misses with a body punch
and Gray counters by clinching up.
Gray manages to pull guard.
Randle has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Gray throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Gray is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Randle landing some decent shots from guard.
Gray has momentary wrist control but Randle slips an elbow through the middle.
Randle content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Gray is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Gray is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Randle defends well.
Randle is in close to Gray 's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Randle chips away with some ground and pound.
Gray has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at EFC Gym. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
Gray looking for a triangle here. Randle is fighting it but it looks tight! Gray pulls the arm across and this one won't last much longer! Nope, Randle is tapping out - this one is all over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Aron Gray !
Aron Gray is the new welterweight champion!
Aron Gray made sure to mention his sponsor, EFC Threads in his post fight interview.
The defeated Lue Randle had this to say: 'thank you to all my supporters, love you all.'.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
48% |
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Main event
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Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sepi Pulkkinen (ranked 410 p4p, 891 weight class) and Rodney Alcala (ranked 14 p4p, 8 weight class). Alcala comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Leonard Cohen - Everybody Knows kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
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| 225 cm
29
333
17 - 7 - 0 |
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200 cm
31
195
27 - 16 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the super heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Sepi Pulkkinen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Rodney Alcala!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Don Winkell and Percy O'Donnell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Pulkkinen delivers a nice body kick.
Pulkkinen lands a big head kick that sends Alcala tumbling to the mat! Pulkkinen takes a step backwards and waves Alcala back to his feet - he wants the finish!
Alcala is rocked!
Pulkkinen misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Pulkkinen tries a head kick but it misses.
Pulkkinen cracks Alcala with a big right hand that sends him crashing to the floor. Pulkkinen has the opportunity to follow him to the ground but instead he's beckoning Alcala to stand back up!
Alcala is still on wobbly legs! Can Pulkkinen finish him?
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Alcala throws a head kick that misses.
Pulkkinen takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Alcala's coach down at EFC Gym was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Alcala's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Pulkkinen cracks Alcala with a hook to the temple - Alcala is on wobbly legs here! Pulkkinen swarms him with hook after hook, landing with each one! Alcala falls to the canvas face first and the referee dives in to stop the fight! Pulkkinen wins by TKO!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:25 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Sepi Pulkkinen!
Sepi Pulkkinen retains his super heavyweight title!
A very excited looking Sepi Pulkkinen rambled incoherently for about 5 minutes post fight about how awesome he is. It was kinda funny for a while but then everyone got annoyed.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
100% |
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