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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Hakuin Ekaku Jr (ranked 118 p4p, 17 weight class) and Katurian Tupolski (ranked 494 p4p, 73 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Ekaku Jr might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Jiu Jitsu. Tupolski has chosen Mobb Deep - Shook Ones part II as his entrance music. Katurian Tupolski has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?
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| 175 cm
32
165 lbs
32 - 11 - 3 |
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175 cm
40
182 lbs
33 - 15 - 3 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine |
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Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin |
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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
32 - 11 - 3, fighting out of Los Angeles, Hakuin Ekaku Jr!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
33 - 15 - 3, fighting out of Montreal, Katurian Tupolski!
The judges for this bout are Yves DeLean, Elvis Blanc and Alec Ball.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ekaku Jr gets a double leg takedown into Tupolski's guard.
Ekaku Jr wants to control from the top but Tupolski keeps moving.
Ekaku Jr in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Ekaku Jr works over Tupolski with some ground and pound from guard.
Ekaku Jr is stalling in the full guard.
Ekaku Jr trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Ekaku Jr wants to control from the top but Tupolski keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tupolski is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Ekaku Jr presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Ekaku Jr throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Ekaku Jr blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Ekaku Jr misses with a hook to the ribs.
Ekaku Jr is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Tupolski gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr wants to stall.
Tupolski lands with a short shot to the head.
Ekaku Jr tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tupolski's elbow.
Ekaku Jr is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Tupolski to keep the fight standing.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr lands with a short shot to the head.
Ekaku Jr gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Tupolski kicks Ekaku Jr off and gets back to his feet.
Ekaku Jr scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tupolski throws a big shot that misses.
Tupolski attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Ekaku Jr misses with a jab, cross combination.
Tupolski is trying to counter with his kicks.
Good leg kick by Tupolski there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Tupolski throws a hook to the side of Ekaku Jr's head but Ekaku Jr sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ekaku Jr connects with a nice looking jab.
Ekaku Jr with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Tupolski will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Tupolski throws a body shot but no joy.
Ekaku Jr appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Tupolski takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
A nice leg kick lands there from Ekaku Jr.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Ekaku Jr tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Ekaku Jr is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ekaku Jr. Tupolski does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ekaku Jr stuns Tupolski with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Tupolski on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Tupolski throws a push kick but Ekaku Jr slaps the foot to one side.
Tupolski needs to keep his hands up - Ekaku Jr had a free shot at his head there.
Ekaku Jr throws a leg kick but Tupolski checks it.
Ekaku Jr lands with an uppercut that bounces Tupolski off the cage and back into range.
Tupolski connects with the punch.
Ekaku Jr swings for the body but Tupolski moves out of range.
Tupolski motions for Ekaku Jr to come forward. Tupolski throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Tupolski on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Katurian Tupolski seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tupolski throws a body kick that misses.
Tupolski misses with a wild body shot.
Ekaku Jr looks to score with a jab to the body but Tupolski is just out of range.
Tupolski pushes Ekaku Jr away with a front kick.
Tupolski pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Ekaku Jr half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Ekaku Jr looks for a takedown but Tupolski sprawls well.
It looks like Ekaku Jr has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hakuin Ekaku Jr. That's going to take a lot out of him.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski misses with a low kick as Ekaku Jr jumps back.
Tupolski fails to land with a series of punches.
Ekaku Jr tries to counter with a takedown but Tupolski is quick to defend against it.
Tupolski scores with a spinning back kick!
Tupolski lands a lovely overhand right.
Tupolski throws a solid leg kick but Ekaku Jr takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Tupolski.
Ekaku Jr uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tupolski.
A cross from Tupolski lands.
A momentary lapse in concentration from Tupolski enables Ekaku Jr to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Tupolski manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Ekaku Jr throws a strike but Tupolski rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Ekaku Jr 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.
Tupolski stands up from guard. Let's bang!
A nice leg kick lands there from Tupolski.
Tupolski takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ekaku Jr connects with the punch.
Ekaku Jr misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tupolski.
Tupolski thuds his shin into the meat of Ekaku Jr's side.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr throws an overhand right that lands on Tupolski's shoulder, as Tupolski tries to avoid the shot.
Ekaku Jr shoots for a takedown but Tupolski saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Tupolski throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Ekaku Jr jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Tupolski misses with a looping left.
Ekaku Jr tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tupolski was well out of range. Poor timing from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr throws a hook but Tupolski avoids it easily.
Tupolski throws a body kick that misses.
Ekaku Jr swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tupolski looks for the body kick but Ekaku Jr saw that one coming.
Tupolski throws a looping overhand right but Ekaku Jr ducks down to avoid it.
Ekaku Jr chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Tupolski can pounce on him.
Tupolski fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Ekaku Jr checks it well.
Tupolski walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Ekaku Jr keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ekaku Jr shoots in and bounces Tupolski off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tupolski utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but I would say that Hakuin Ekaku Jr will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Ekaku Jr throws the left hand but Tupolski avoids the punch easily.
Tupolski wants to land a leg kick but Ekaku Jr is out of range.
Tupolski tries to land a front kick but Ekaku Jr steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Tupolski swings for the body but Ekaku Jr moves out of range.
Ekaku Jr misses with a wild body shot.
Ekaku Jr misses with a straight left.
Ekaku Jr misses the jab.
Ekaku Jr has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Tupolski.
Tupolski thows a left - swing and a miss!
Tupolski misses with a looping left.
Tupolski steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ekaku Jr.
Tupolski's corner calls for a 1-2. Tupolski obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Ekaku Jr throws a low kick but Tupolski avoids it.
Tupolski keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ekaku Jr.
Tupolski lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ekaku Jr moves out of range as Tupolski strikes.
Tupolski misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ekaku Jr.
Tupolski throws a head kick that misses.
Ekaku Jr swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tupolski blocks a jab.
Ekaku Jr misses the jab.
Ekaku Jr moves out of the way of the counter high kick fromTupolski.
Tupolski is looking to land body kicks.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tupolski pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Tupolski buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Tupolski is looking to land body kicks.
Ekaku Jr uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tupolski.
Tupolski wants to land a leg kick but Ekaku Jr is out of range.
Tupolski on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Tupolski misses with a lunging right hand
and Ekaku Jr counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Ekaku Jr.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Ekaku Jr accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Tupolski wants to stand but Ekaku Jr is controlling the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ekaku Jr showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Ekaku Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Tupolski is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr is working Tupolski over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Ekaku Jr throws a strike but Tupolski rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Ekaku Jr looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Tupolski puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Ekaku Jr manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ekaku Jr has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Tupolski wants to get up but he can't break Ekaku Jr's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Tupolski won't allow Ekaku Jr to sweep him here.
Ekaku Jr controls Tupolski momentarily but Tupolski frees himself.
Ekaku Jr is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Tupolski is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Tupolski wants to stand but Ekaku Jr has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Tupolski gets to his feet - Ekaku Jr follows without any prompting.
Nice defenses there by Tupolski.
Tupolski lands an overhand right.
Ekaku Jr feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Tupolskis jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Tupolski misses with a straight left.
Ekaku Jr feinted with a counter takedown.
Ekaku Jr connects with a body shot.
Tupolski throws a shot from downtown. Ekaku Jr moves away and avoids it.
Ekaku Jr drops his hands momentarily and Tupolski takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
A slow jab from Ekaku Jr misses its intended target.
Tupolski throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski throws a lazy right hand but Ekaku Jr sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ekaku Jr tries to land a leg kick but Tupolski saw it coming and moves away.
Tupolski misses with a low kick.
Ekaku Jr blocks the body kick.
Tupolski gets a clinch.
Tupolski lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Tupolski tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Ekaku Jr wants a takedown but no success here.
Tupolski lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Ekaku Jr goes for a takedown attempt but Tupolski pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Ekaku Jr takes one to the chin there.
A jab from Tupolski does it's job there.
Jab, jab by Ekaku Jr - just one landing.
Ekaku Jr takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Tupolski throws out a loose jab but Ekaku Jr uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ekaku Jr scores with a nice right hand.
Tupolski uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Ekaku Jr.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Katurian Tupolski showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.
Ekaku Jr takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Tupolski throws a body shot but no joy.
Ekaku Jr appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Tupolski throws a half hearted mid kick.
Ekaku Jr dives in and grabs Tupolski's left leg, looking for a takedown. Tupolski pushes down on Ekaku Jr's head and hops out.
Tupolski misses with a body kick.
Ekaku Jr missing with a left hand there. Tupolski was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Tupolski lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Tupolski is looking to land body kicks.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Tupolski attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Tupolski looks to land a body kick but Ekaku Jr moved away.
A slapping body kick lands there for Tupolski.
Tupolski walks into a stiff left hand from Ekaku Jr.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tupolski steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ekaku Jr.
Tupolski appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Ekaku Jr ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tupolski moves away.
Good work by Ekaku Jr as he checks the leg kick.
Ekaku Jr lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
A big right from Ekaku Jr misses.
A low kick from Tupolski misses
and Ekaku Jr counters with a nice double leg into side control. Tupolski won't be happy with that.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tupolski tries to escape but Ekaku Jr is in control.
Ekaku Jr with the ground and pound but Tupolski regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
Ekaku Jr wants to control but Tupolski is keeping him busy.
Ekaku Jr throwing shots but Tupolski is blocking nicely.
Ekaku Jr lands with a punch from half guard.
Still in half guard, Ekaku Jr seems content to control.
Ekaku Jr wants to free his trapped foot but Tupolski is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Ekaku Jr throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski is staying active underneath Ekaku Jr, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Ekaku Jr wants to pass the guard but Tupolski is defending well.
Ekaku Jr not doing much here.
Ekaku Jr missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Ekaku Jr not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Tupolski is refusing to be controlled, as Ekaku Jr sits in half guard.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Ekaku Jr fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Tupolski looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr looks to land a combination. Tupolski sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Tupolski tries to land a front kick but Ekaku Jr steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Ekaku Jr will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Ekaku Jr closes the distance and clinches up with Tupolski, looking for a takedown. Ekaku Jr pushes Tupolski against the cage but Tupolski circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Ekaku Jr ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Tupolski throws a wild body kick that Ekaku Jr sees coming a mile off.
Ekaku Jr walks into a stiff left hand from Tupolski.
Ekaku Jr darts in looking for a takedown but Tupolski gets double underhooks and turns Ekaku Jr into the cage.
Tupolski appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hakuin Ekaku Jr. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ekaku Jr takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Tupolski misses with a body kick.
Tupolski uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Ekaku Jr.
Tupolski looks for the body kick but Ekaku Jr saw that one coming.
Ekaku Jr takes a swing at Tupolski's ribcage but misses.
Ekaku Jr shoots in and bounces Tupolski off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tupolski is looking to stand up but Ekaku Jr isn't so interested in that idea.
Tupolski utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr throwing strikes from guard but Tupolski blocks nicely.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Ekaku Jr's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Ekaku Jr in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Ekaku Jr lands a couple of digs.
Ekaku Jr throwing strikes but missing.
Tupolski working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Hakuin Ekaku Jr clearly takes that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Tupolski moves away from the strike by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr throws a quick inside leg kick.
Tupolski tries to land a front kick but Ekaku Jr steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Ekaku Jr keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Tupolski.
Ekaku Jr scores with a three punch combo!
Tupolski throws a looping overhand right but Ekaku Jr ducks down to avoid it.
Ekaku Jr moves away from the strike by Tupolski.
Ekaku Jr blocks the body kick.
Ekaku Jr jabs Tupolski right on the nose. Tupolski blinks but takes it well.
Ekaku Jr lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Tupolski.
Tupolski clobbers Ekaku Jr with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr lands a nice hook to Tupolski's body. Tupolski takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Tupolski, right into the meat.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ekaku Jr misses with a low kick.
Tupolski tries a quick counter leg kick but Ekaku Jr is wise to it.
Ekaku Jr looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Ekaku Jr stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Tupolski swivels though and keeps the full guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tupolski wants to get back to his feet but Ekaku Jr is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Tupolski keeping moving, preventing Ekaku Jr from controlling successfully.
Ekaku Jr keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Tupolski's head.
Tupolski is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Ekaku Jr is controlling him.
Ekaku Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Tupolski is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Tupolski on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Ekaku Jr. Ekaku Jr obviously looking to wear him down.
Tupolski thumps Ekaku Jr with a low kick.
Tupolski bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ekaku Jr lands a head shot.
Ekaku Jr chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Tupolski can pounce on him.
Ekaku Jr misses with a wild body shot.
Ekaku Jr walks into a straight right hand from Tupolski.
Ekaku Jr throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Tupolski on the side of the head.
Tupolski throws a jab but it's blocked by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr throws a right and a left that Tupolski avoids nicely.
Tupolski feints a counter leg kick.
Tupolski avoids the body shot from Ekaku Jr.
Katurian Tupolski is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Tupolski throws a leg kick but Ekaku Jr moved away.
Ekaku Jr uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tupolski.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice leg kick lands there from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr feints and as Tupolski raises his hands in defense, Ekaku Jr changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Ekaku Jr wants to pass the guard but Tupolski is keeping the position.
Ekaku Jr looking to sit in guard and control but Tupolski gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Ekaku Jr wants to sweep but no luck.
Tupolski postures up.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr is pulling down on Tupolski's head. It's preventing any offense from Tupolski, at least for the moment.
Tupolski preventing the sweep.
Ekaku Jr lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.
Tupolski working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ekaku Jr.
Tupolski pushes Ekaku Jr off and scrambles back to his feet.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tupolski goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Tupolski just misses with a punch to the body.
Ekaku Jr drops down looking for a counter takedown but Tupolski sprawls and moves away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Hakuin Ekaku Jr had his way with Katurian Tupolski in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!
Tupolski with a jab.
Tupolski lands with a kick to the temple. Ekaku Jr shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Ekaku Jr shoots for a double leg takedown but Tupolski sprawls well. He's pushed Ekaku Jr's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Tupolski scoring well with a low kick there.
Ekaku Jr takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Tupolski ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Tupolski walks into a straight right hand from Ekaku Jr.
Tupolski fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Ekaku Jr has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Tupolski misses with a leg kick.
Ekaku Jr throws a quick inside leg kick.
Good exchange - Tupolski coming out on top.
Tupolski throws a body kick that misses.
Ekaku Jr looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Ekaku Jr connects with a solid leg kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tupolski fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Tupolski moves away from the strike by Ekaku Jr.
Tupolski's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Tupolski avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Ekaku Jr smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Tupolski pulls out of a head kick attempt.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Ekaku Jr changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Ekaku Jr shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Tupolski as he jumps to the side.
Tupolski fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
That kick from Tupolski tenderised Ekaku Jr's leg. Ekaku Jr is trying to keep his angry face on.
Ekaku Jr misses with a low kick.
It seemed like Tupolski was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Ekaku Jr sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Tupolski throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Ekaku Jr counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Ekaku Jr throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Ekaku Jr performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Ekaku Jr not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Katurian Tupolski has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Ekaku Jr throwing shots but Tupolski is blocking nicely.
Ekaku Jr throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tupolski avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Ekaku Jr throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Ekaku Jr not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Ekaku Jr thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Tupolski's head.
Tupolski keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Tupolski is refusing to be controlled, as Ekaku Jr sits in half guard.
Ekaku Jr sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Tupolski defending well though.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski is trying to stand back up but Ekaku Jr is controlling him
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Tupolski throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tupolski goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Nice straight punches there by Ekaku Jr. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr gets a double leg takedown into Tupolski's guard.
Ekaku Jr stops Tupolski from standing up.
Ekaku Jr keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Tupolski's head.
Ekaku Jr with a flurry of punches that miss.
Ekaku Jr looking to sit in guard and control but Tupolski gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Ekaku Jr tries to land a sweep but no joy.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski is looking to work some ground and pound but Ekaku Jr has wrist control.
Ekaku Jr is controlling Tupolski's posture.
Tupolski in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Tupolski stopping the sweep attempt from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr is working hard here to advance position.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Ekaku Jr working a defensive guard here.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
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 Hakuin Ekaku Jr.
I think Ekaku Jr has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 49:46
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 49:46
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 49:47
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Hakuin Ekaku Jr!
Hakuin Ekaku Jr retains his welterweight title!
Hakuin Ekaku Jr looked relieved post fight as he said the following; 'Thank you to my inspiration, my father, THE GREATEST EVER Hakuin "Zen" Ekaku.'.
In defeat, Katurian Tupolski stepped up to the mic, saying 'Fighting is a tough business. All the props to my opponent - he was better tonight. I will be back stronger.'.
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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
64% |
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