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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Malvin Maldi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chris Herzog (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Maldi kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Loituma TECHNO!. Herzog has chosen Robert Tepper - No Easy Way Out as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
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| 170 cm
31
161 lbs
27 - 14 - 0 |
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175 cm
33
166 lbs
22 - 12 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
27 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Malvin Maldi!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
22 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Chris Herzog!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Anni Minnemäki and Johanna Lukiainen.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Maldi misses the jab.
Herzog doesn't manage to clinch there - Maldi circles away.
Herzog moves in looking to clinch but Maldi pushes him off.
Herzog tries to clinch
and Maldi counters with a three punch combo that has Herzog backing up. Herzog nods at Maldi to acknowledge the strikes.
Herzog tries to clinch
and Maldi counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Maldi throws the left hand but Herzog avoids the punch easily.
Maldi throws a series of punches but Herzog avoids them all with ease.
Maldi feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Maldi not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Maldi with a flurry of punches that miss.
Herzog being controlled here, momentarily.
Herzog keeping moving, preventing Maldi from controlling successfully.
Maldi is looking to work some ground and pound but Herzog has wrist control.
Maldiis looking to pass into half guard but Herzog pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Herzog is in guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Maldi looking to hit a scissor sweep but Herzog is one step ahead there.
Maldi has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Maldi is on top in guard.
Maldi won't allow Herzog to get back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Maldi is looking to advance position but Herzog has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Herzog avoids the attempt from Maldi to control.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maldi keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Herzog throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Herzog lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Maldi hang on?
Maldi slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Herzog perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Herzog is trying to control. Maldi wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Maldi is trying to control but can't.
Maldi keeping control of the position.
Maldi is looking to control Herzog's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Maldi avoid being mounted?
That's three minutes gone in the round.
The ref stands the fighters back up. Malvin Maldi wasn't doing enough on the ground.
A looping hook to the body misses from Maldi. Herzog does a little dance to reset his feet.
Maldi throws a sloppy body shot
and Herzog counters with a takedown into side control.
Maldi manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Maldi trying to control from Herzog's half guard. Herzog has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Herzog trying to control the position.
Maldi trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Herzog escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Maldi gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Maldi tries to free his leg and advance position but Herzog is retaining full guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maldi throws a big elbow that misses.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Maldi throwing strikes from guard but Herzog blocks nicely.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Herzog has his foot on Maldi's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Maldi works his way back into a safe position though.
Maldi trying to control the position from guard on top but Herzog is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Maldi got a little sloppy there for a moment and Herzog has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Maldi has managed to get both his arms back between Herzog's legs - danger averted.
Herzog is looking for a triangle but Maldi pushes his legs off easily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Maldi in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Maldi passes into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Malvin Maldi dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!
Herzog tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Maldi counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Herzog lands a body shot.
A slapping leg kick lands for Maldi.
Maldi lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Herzog at a distance.
Herzog doesn't manage to clinch there - Maldi circles away.
Maldi swats away the attempt to clinch by Herzog.
Nice shot by Maldi.
Herzog closes the distance looking to clinch
and Maldi counters with a nice leg kick.
Herzog doesn't manage to clinch there - Maldi circles away.
Maldi scoring well with a low kick there.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Herzog defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Maldi.
Maldi scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Maldi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Maldi circles away from the clinch attempt.
Maldi throws a hook but Herzog blocks it.
Herzog uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Maldi.
Herzog keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Maldi.
Herzog moves in looking to clinch but Maldi pushes him off.
Herzog darts in and clinches Maldi up against the cage.
Maldi lands with a short shot to the head.
Herzog lands a hook that snaps the head of Maldi backwards.
A short left from Maldi.
Herzog tries to break the clinch but Maldi is controlling the position.
Herzog lands with a short shot to the head.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Herzog tries to break the clinch but Maldi is controlling the position.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Maldi.
Maldi is trying to maintain a safe position but Herzog gets an underhook and turns Maldi into the cage.
Maldi tries a body shot but Herzog blocks it.
Maldi tries to work over Herzog's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Maldi swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Maldi lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Maldi doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Maldi tries to pull guard but Herzog won't allow it.
Herzog gets through Maldi's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Maldi.
Herzog blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Maldi fails to land.
Herzog lands a left hand.
Herzog blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Herzog gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Maldi.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Malvin Maldi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Maldi has Herzog pressed against the cage, preventing Herzog from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Herzog throws a head punch that misses.
Maldi blocks a body shot from Herzog.
Maldi tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Herzog lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Maldi scores with a shot to the side of Herzog's head.
Maldi tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Maldi lands a body shot in the clinch.
Maldi content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Herzog throws a punch but it's blocked by Maldi.
Herzog breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Maldi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Maldi misses with a shot to the body
and Herzog counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Maldi swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Herzog breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Herzog fails with an attempt to clinch.
Maldi tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Herzog swivels and escapes.
Maldi tries to score a power double leg takedown but Herzog sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Maldi somewhat.
Herzog wants to clinch
and Maldi connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Herzog tries to clinch up but Maldi circles away and keeps his distance.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Maldi throws a right and a left that both miss.
Maldi connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Herzog momentarily.
Maldi misses with a body shot.
Herzog tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Maldi paws at him with a jab and circles away.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Herzog wants to clinch.
Herzog ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Maldi moves away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close second round but I would say that Malvin Maldi will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
Herzog is looking to clinch.
The fighters circle momentarily. Maldi darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Herzog doesn't manage to clinch there - Maldi circles away.
Herzog tries to clinch up but Maldi circles away and keeps his distance.
Herzog slips a jab and a cross from Maldi.
Maldi misses with a head kick.
Maldi misses with a straight left.
Herzog is looking to clinch.
Herzog is looking to clinch but Maldi is avoiding it.
Malvin Maldi is winning the standup battle so far.
Herzog wants to clinch
and Maldi counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Herzog's guard now.
Maldi trying to control the position from guard on top but Herzog is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Maldi stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Herzog swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Malvin Maldi overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Herzog keeping moving, preventing Maldi from controlling successfully.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Herzog looking for a sweep. Not yet Herzog, not yet.
Maldi stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Herzog swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The ref stands the fighters back up. Malvin Maldi wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Herzog fails in his attempt to clinch.
Maldi throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Herzog moves into the clinch.
Maldi has a couple of punches blocked by Herzog.
Herzog stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Maldi tries to work over Herzog's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Herzog blocks an uppercut.
Maldi misses with a hook from the clinch.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Herzog blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Maldi working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Maldi tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Maldi can't find room to land a body shot as Herzog controls the action.
Herzog tries a body shot but Maldi blocks it.
Maldi goes for a takedown in the clinch but Herzog prevents it.
Herzog softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Maldi misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Herzog blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Maldi has Herzog pressed against the cage, preventing Herzog from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Herzog working hard to break the clinch.
Maldi looking to slow down the pace here.
Herzog lands with a light punch inside.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Herzog lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Chris Herzog seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Herzog lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Herzog breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Maldi misses with a straight right.
Maldi missing with a left hand there. Herzog was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Maldi tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Herzog swivels and escapes.
Maldi shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Maldi fails to land with a series of punches.
Some wild striking there from Maldi.
The fight stays on the outside here - Herzog looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Maldi misses with a jab, cross combination.
Maldi misses with a right hand
and Herzog counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Maldi holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Herzog blocks a body shot from Maldi.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maldi throws a head punch that misses.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Herzog.
Maldi misses with a punch to the body.
Herzog makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Maldi wants a takedown but no success here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Malvin Maldi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Herzog.
Maldi is trying to pull guard but Herzog turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Herzog lands a right hand.
Herzog lands a shoulder strike.
Herzog is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Herzog scores with a shoulder strike.
Maldi is rocked!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Maldi pulls guard successfully.
Oh Maldi is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Herzog trying to control the position from guard on top but Maldi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Maldi is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Herzog defends well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but Malvin Maldi did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
That's time! Maldi's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Herzog slips under a jab from Maldi.
Maldi seems to have got his legs back now.
Maldi goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Herzog tries to clinch up but Maldi circles away and keeps his distance.
Maldi misses with a hook.
Herzog takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Maldi throws a front kick aimed at Herzog's knee but Herzog avoids it well.
Herzog tries to clinch up
and Maldi counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Herzog avoids the body shot from Maldi.
Herzog displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Maldi throws out the jab.
Herzog fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Maldi avoids it really well and circles away.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Maldi throws a lazy uppercut
and Herzog counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Maldi misses with a looping left.
Maldi throws a series of strikes that have Herzog backpedaling.
Herzog tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Maldi paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Maldi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Herzog clinches up against the cage.
Maldi misses with a hook to the ribs.
Maldi trying to stall but Herzog improves his position.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Herzog.
Herzog blocking some punches.
Herzog breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Herzog tries to clinch but Maldi moves out of range.
Herzog moves in looking to clinch but Maldi pushes him off.
Herzog tries to clinch there but Maldi circles away.
Herzog fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Maldi, pushing him back against the cage.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maldi can't find room to land a body shot as Herzog controls the action.
Still in the clinch, Herzog scores with a nice short uppercut.
Maldi working aggressively here.
A head punch on the inside from Maldi fails to land.
Maldi misses with some punches.
Maldi wants a takedown but no success here.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Maldi prevents a body shot from Herzog.
Maldi doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Maldi misses with a body punch.
Herzog escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
No joy there for Maldi, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Herzog staying out of range there.
Maldi throws a sloppy body shot
and Herzog counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Herzog stuns Maldi with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Maldi will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Herzog blocks a jab.
Herzog darts in trying to clinch
and Maldi counters with an outside leg kick.
Herzog is looking to clinch but Maldi is avoiding it.
Maldi thows a body shot but no joy.
Maldi gets tackled into the cage by Herzog. Herzog maintains the clinch.
Herzog is trying to break free.
Maldi tries to stall but Herzog uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Maldi doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Herzog breaks the clinch.
Maldi cracks Herzog with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Herzog tries to clinch but Maldi is having none of it.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maldi lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Herzog tries to close the distance and clinch up but Maldi swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Maldi throws a hook to the side of Herzog's head but Herzog sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Herzog slips under a jab from Maldi.
Maldi rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Herzog moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Herzog tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Herzog uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Maldi.
Maldi shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Maldi bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Herzog's head backwards.
Maldi wants to land a leg kick but Herzog is out of range.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Maldi lands a lovely overhand right.
Herzog tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Herzog tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Maldi paws at him with a jab and circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close fourth round but I would say that Malvin Maldi will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!
Herzog bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Maldi blocks a head kick by Herzog.
Maldi is looking to score with low kicks.
Herzog wants to clinch but Maldi slips to the side
and Maldi counters with a series of strikes. Herzog will be more careful next time no doubt.
Herzog tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Maldi paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Maldi throws a right hand that Herzog ducks under and follows up with a left that Herzog also avoids with ease.
Herzog tries to clinch but Maldi moves out of range.
Maldi tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Herzog swivels and escapes.
Malvin Maldi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Herzog clinches up with Maldi and pushes him back against the cage.
Maldi misses with a hook to the ribs.
Herzog blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Herzog misses with a hook to the ribs.
Maldi doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A frustrated look appears on Herzog's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Maldi softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Maldi swings wildly with an uppercut but Herzog uses good head movement to avoid it.
Maldi lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Maldi scores with a hook to the body.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Maldi.
Herzog misses with a hook from the clinch.
Maldi drops down looking for an ankle pick but Herzog pulls his leg out and moves away.
Maldi throws a wild body kick that Herzog sees coming a mile off.
Maldi misses with a hook.
Maldi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Maldi keeps the fight on the outside.
Herzog doesn't manage to clinch there - Maldi circles away.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Herzog is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Maldi throws out a loose jab but Herzog uses good head movement to avoid it.
Maldi is looking to chop away at Herzog's legs.
A slow jab from Maldi misses its intended target.
Maldi throws a sloppy body shot
and Herzog holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Maldi tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Herzog just stands there and leans against the cage.
Chris Herzog has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Malvin Maldi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Maldi goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Maldi tries to throw a body punch but Herzog avoids it by throwing Maldi back against the cage.
Maldi pushes Herzog back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Herzog lands a right hand that snaps the head of Maldi backwards.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Herzog breaks from the clinch.
Herzog wants to clinch
and Maldi counters with a three punch combo that has Herzog backing up. Herzog nods at Maldi to acknowledge the strikes.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Herzog tries to clinch there but Maldi circles away.
Maldi swats away the attempt to clinch by Herzog.
Maldi lands a jab to the nose.
Herzog slaps away a takedown attempt from Maldi, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Herzog tries to clinch up but Maldi circles away and keeps his distance.
Maldi misses with a series of wild punches.
Herzog avoids the head kick by Maldi.
Herzog walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Herzog is looking to clinch.
Maldi circles away from the clinch attempt.
Herzog misses with a telegraphed body shot
letting Maldi counter with a right hand.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Herzog fails with an attempt to clinch.
Herzog uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Herzog fails with an attempt to clinch.
A combination from Maldi does no damage.
Malvin Maldi is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Maldi lands a lovely overhand right.
Herzog closes the distance but Maldi moves to the side
and Maldi counters with a nice uppercut.
Maldi fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Herzog.
Maldi scores with a head kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Maldi ducks under a wild hook from Herzog.
Maldi keeps the fight on the outside.
Maldi bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Maldi smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Malvin Maldi.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Maldi, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 50:45
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 50:45
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 50:47
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Malvin Maldi!
Malvin Maldi retains his lightweight title!
A relieved looking Malvin Maldi thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
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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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