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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Rei Higuchi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Igor Laponov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Laponov has chosen Oxxxymiron - Where we don't have as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.
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| 163 cm
26
139 lbs
8 - 2 - 0 |
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172 cm
26
150 lbs
7 - 5 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Brawler
Very quick |
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Good takedowns
Basic striking
Solid chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Rei Higuchi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
7 - 5 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Igor Laponov!
The judges for this bout are Winston Alpacca, Daniel Franklin and Dirk Anderson.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Higuchi shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Higuchi prevents Laponov from improving his position.
Laponov is looking to control Higuchi's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Laponov avoid being mounted?
Higuchi working Laponov over with strikes.
Laponov is trying to control but can't.
Laponov blocking the ground and pound attempt from Higuchi.
Higuchi is trying to work for a kimura but Laponov is defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Laponov actively working from the bottom here.
Laponov wants to control but Higuchi is keeping busy and won't allow it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Laponov is refusing to be controlled, as Higuchi sits in half guard.
Laponov works his way to full guard. Good work.
Higuchi throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Laponov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Higuchi has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Higuchi engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Laponov tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Higuchi throwing strikes but missing.
Higuchi postures up.
Laponov has an active guard here but Higuchi has managed to pass into half guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Laponov is trying to maintain the position but Higuchi is very close to passing his half guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Higuchi performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Laponov looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Laponov blocking the ground and pound attempt from Higuchi.
Higuchi looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Higuchi is looking to advance position but Laponov won't allow it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Laponov looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Higuchi seems to be working for a kimura but Laponov defends the submission attempt.
Laponov wants to improve his position but Higuchi is controlling well.
Laponov actively working from the bottom here.
Higuchi is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Higuchi sitting and controlling from the half guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Higuchi is looking for a kimura but Laponov is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Higuchi to get the leverage.
Higuchi prevents Laponov from improving his position.
Higuchi is working for a kimura but Laponov is defending it quite comfortably.
Higuchi thows a huge punch but Laponov dodges it nicely.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Higuchi passes the guard and advances to mount!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rei Higuchi dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Higuchi shoots for a double leg takedown but Laponov sprawls well. He's pushed Higuchi's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Laponov will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Laponov tries for a takedown but Higuchi sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Higuchi shoots in looking for a takedown. Laponov tries to sprawl out of it but Higuchi keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Laponov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Igor Laponov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Higuchi.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rei Higuchi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Higuchi looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Laponov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Higuchi can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Laponov looking to control.
Higuchi stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Laponov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Laponov throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Laponov working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Higuchi doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Higuchi manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Laponov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Laponov looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Higuchi stopping the sweep attempt from Laponov.
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.
Higuchi is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Laponov is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Laponov has escaped and now he's on top!
Higuchi escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Laponov gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Laponov trying to control but Higuchi is working from the bottom.
Laponov won't allow Higuchi to get back to his feet.
Higuchi is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Higuchi pulls Laponov in close to prevent any damage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higuchi looking to hit a scissor sweep but Laponov is one step ahead there.
Laponov passes into half guard.
Higuchi gets back to full guard.
Laponov preventing the sweep.
Laponov trying to control the position from guard on top but Higuchi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Laponov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Higuchi here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Laponov trying to control the position from guard on top but Higuchi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Laponov looking to pass the guard.
Laponov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Laponov stopping the sweep attempt from Higuchi.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Laponov slips a jab from Higuchi.
And Laponov tries to counter it with a takedown but Higuchi pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Laponov fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Higuchi avoids it really well and circles away.
Higuchi tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Laponov manages to circle out of the way.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Igor Laponov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!
Laponov misses with a leg kick.
Laponov throws a hook but Higuchi blocks it.
Higuchi changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Higuchi misses with an uppercut.
A leg kick checked by Higuchi.
Laponov changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Higuchi tries to avoid it but Laponov manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Higuchi to the ground. Higuchi escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Higuchi slips a jab and a cross from Laponov.
Higuchi moves out of range as Laponov strikes.
Laponov looks to score with a jab to the body but Higuchi is just out of range.
Higuchi fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Laponov thuds his right hand into Higuchi's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Laponov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Igor Laponov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Higuchi drives through with a takedown into guard.
Laponov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Higuchi passes easily into side control. Nice work.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Laponov tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Laponov is trying to control Higuchi's posture but Higuchi avoids it.
Higuchi tries for a kimura but Laponov is defending well.
Laponov avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Higuchi.
Laponov taking punishment in the form of punches.
Igor Laponov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Laponov is trying to get back to half guard.
Higuchi working away.
Higuchi tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Higuchi has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
A lull in the action here as Higuchi stalls from top position.
Higuchi wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Laponov, who protects the arm well.
Laponov wants to control but Higuchi postures up.
Laponov is the more experienced fighter here and he's going to need to draw on some of that experience if he's going to pull this one out the bag.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Laponov is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Laponov manages to work his way to half guard, despite Higuchi's best efforts.
Laponov looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Higuchi is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Laponov can do to turn this around?
Laponov is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Higuchi pulls his head out easily.
Higuchi takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Higuchi working the head and body with strikes.
Laponov tries to roll over but Higuchi keeps him under control.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higuchi 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.
Laponov makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Laponov.
Rei Higuchi is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Higuchi looking to pass the guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Laponov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
And that's the end of the fight!
Rei Higuchi showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Higuchi 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Winston Alpacca scores the fight for Rei Higuchi!
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight for Rei Higuchi!
Judge Dirk Anderson scores the fight for Rei Higuchi!
Rei Higuchi wins by unanimous decision!
A very excited looking Rei Higuchi made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
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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
25% |
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