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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Iker Ramirez (ranked 39 p4p, 5 weight class) and Futoshi Matsunaga (ranked 308 p4p, 35 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!
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| 180 cm
28
155 lbs
17 - 3 - 1 |
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170 cm
28
145 lbs
18 - 9 - 1 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Excellent grappler
World class MT
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
17 - 3 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Iker Ramirez!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
18 - 9 - 1, fighting out of New York, Futoshi Matsunaga!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, and Timothy Bukovac.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ramirez stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Matsunaga.
We've been informed that Matsunaga has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Ramirez checks the leg kick nicely there.
Ramirez swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
An inside leg kick lands from Matsunaga.
A clash of legs there as Matsunaga blocks the low kick.
Matsunaga tries to clinch but Ramirez moves out of range.
Matsunaga swinging wildly here.
Ramirez tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Matsunaga misses with an uppercut.
Matsunaga swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ramirez works the jab nicely.
Ramirez jabs Matsunaga right on the nose. Matsunaga blinks but takes it well.
Ramirez moves out of range as Matsunaga strikes.
Matsunaga ducks under a wild hook from Ramirez.
The fighters circling - Matsunaga throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Ramirez uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Matsunaga.
Ramirez wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Matsunaga throws a body punch but Ramirez moves out of range.
Matsunaga loads up on a big right hand but Ramirez slips the punch.
Matsunaga throws a lazy right hand but Ramirez sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A looping hook to the body misses from Matsunaga. Ramirez does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ramirez scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Ramirez lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Ramirez pulls out of a head kick attempt.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A jab from Matsunaga misses.
Ramirez is looking to counter punch.
Ramirez takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Matsunaga tries to clinch but Ramirez is having none of it.
Ramirez throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Ramirez throws a quick inside leg kick.
Ramirez avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Matsunaga wants to clinch.
Ramirez misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Matsunaga.
Ramirez tries to land a leg kick but Matsunaga saw it coming and moves away.
Matsunaga jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Ramirez waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Matsunaga.
Ramirez keeps the fight on the outside.
Matsunaga is looking to chop away at Ramirez's legs.
Ramirez ducks under a wild hook from Matsunaga.
Ramirez finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Ramirez lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Matsunaga has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Matsunaga and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Matsunaga lands with a straight right. Ramirez didn't see that one coming.
Matsunaga misses with a looping left.
Ramirez motions for Matsunaga to come forward. Ramirez throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Ramirez has been working on his boxing with his coaches at AK Beasties in the buildup to the fight.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Ramirez.
Matsunaga staying out of range there.
Matsunaga misses with a head kick.
Matsunaga thuds his right hand into Ramirez's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ramirez connects with a crisp jab.
Nice defenses there by Matsunaga.
Ramirez dodges the punch combination from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ramirez throwing a counter right hand but Matsunaga manages to avoid it.
Ramirez throws a low kick but Matsunaga avoids it.
Matsunaga looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Matsunaga throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Ramirez on the side of the head.
Matsunaga throws an overhand right that lands on Ramirez's shoulder, as Ramirez tries to avoid the shot.
Matsunaga tries a head kick but it misses.
Matsunaga takes a jab right on the kisser.
Ramirez ducks right into an uppercut from Matsunaga.
Ramirez throws a body punch but Matsunaga moves out of range.
Good shot there by Ramirez.
Matsunaga uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Ramirez.
Ramirez misses the jab.
Ramirez walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Ramirez misses with a wild body shot.
Matsunaga lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ramirez's sensitive parts.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ramirez moves out of range of the leg kick from Matsunaga.
Ramirez lands with a thumping leg kick.
Matsunaga is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ramirez.
Matsunaga lands a head shot.
Matsunaga throws an overhand right that lands on Ramirez's shoulder, as Ramirez tries to avoid the shot.
Matsunaga lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ramirez's sensitive parts.
Matsunaga scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Ramirez looks to score with a jab to the body but Matsunaga is just out of range.
Ramirez uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Matsunaga.
Ramirez connects with a leg kick. Matsunaga looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Ramirez waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Matsunaga.
A leg kick checked by Matsunaga.
A leg kick checked by Matsunaga.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Ramirez, right into the meat.
Ramirez looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Ramirez avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Matsunaga displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Ramirez throws out the jab.
An inside leg kick from Ramirez misses.
Ramirez throws a push kick but Matsunaga slaps the foot to one side.
Matsunaga fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Ramirez looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
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!
Ramirez lands a jab.
A jab lands there for Matsunaga.
Ramirez slips a jab from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Good leg kick by Matsunaga there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Matsunaga lands a slapping body shot.
Ramirez takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
A nice leg kick lands there from Ramirez.
Ramirez displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Matsunaga throws out the jab.
Ramirez tries to land a leg kick but Matsunaga saw it coming and moves away.
Matsunaga blocks a jab.
Matsunaga misses with an uppercut.
Matsunaga scores with a leg kick.
Matsunaga fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Ramirez on the side of the head.
Matsunaga misses the jab.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ramirez takes one to the chin there.
Ramirez moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Ramirez takes one on the button.
Matsunaga is looking to chop away at Ramirez's legs.
Matsunaga stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Ramirez.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Futoshi Matsunaga will probably get the nod.
That's time! Ramirez's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Matsunaga misses with a body shot.
Good standup being displayed there by Ramirez as he connects with a hook.
Matsunaga throws a looping overhand right but Ramirez ducks down to avoid it.
Ramirez takes one to the chin there.
Matsunaga throws a half hearted mid kick.
Matsunaga swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Matsunaga throws an overhand right that lands on Ramirez's shoulder, as Ramirez tries to avoid the shot.
Ramirez throws a right hand that Matsunaga ducks under and follows up with a left that Matsunaga also avoids with ease.
Matsunaga looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Ramirez throws a low kick but Matsunaga moves out of range easily.
Matsunaga's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Ramirez looks to score with a jab to the body but Matsunaga is just out of range.
A clash of legs there as Matsunaga blocks the low kick.
Matsunaga moves out of range of the body kick from Ramirez.
Ramirez takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Ramirez misses the shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsunaga thuds his right hand into Ramirez's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Matsunaga throws a shot from downtown. Ramirez moves away and avoids it.
Matsunaga throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Matsunaga just misses with a punch to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ramirez throws a body shot but no joy.
Matsunaga tries to clinch but Ramirez moves out of range.
Ramirez throws a big counter combination but Matsunaga scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Ramirez is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Ramirez defending well as Matsunaga loads up on a big left hand.
A slapping body kick lands there for Ramirez.
Matsunaga connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
This entire fight has taken place on the feet so far and you wonder whether Ramirez might be better served trying to take this one to the ground because he's losing the standup battle so far.
Matsunaga connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A leg kick checked by Matsunaga.
Matsunaga looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Ramirez takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Ramirez moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Matsunaga lands with an uppercut that bounces Ramirez off the cage and back into range.
Ramirez throws a low kick but Matsunaga avoids it.
Matsunaga misses with a jab, cross combination.
Matsunaga looks to land a right hand but Ramirez moved out of range.
Matsunaga walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
A chopping leg kick lands by Matsunaga.
Matsunaga throws a hook but Ramirez avoids it easily.
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!
Ramirez misses with a series of wild punches.
Matsunaga connects with a solid leg kick.
Ramirez lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Matsunaga tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Matsunaga lands a slapping body shot.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A slow jab from Ramirez misses its intended target.
Ramirez steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga throws a hook but Ramirez blocks it.
Matsunaga takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Ramirez takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
A jab from Matsunaga misses.
Ramirez lands a slapping body shot.
Ramirez throws a hook but Matsunaga blocks it.
Matsunaga takes one on the button.
Matsunaga tries to clinch up.
Matsunaga throws the left hand but Ramirez avoids the punch easily.
Matsunaga moves out of range as Ramirez throws a body kick.
Ramirez throws a shot from downtown. Matsunaga moves away and avoids it.
Ramirez connects with a right hand. Matsunaga shakes it off.
Ramirez throws a shot from downtown. Matsunaga moves away and avoids it.
Matsunaga looks to throw the jab but Ramirez is out of range.
Matsunaga takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Good shot there by Ramirez.
Ramirez misses the shot to the body.
Ramirez connects with an inside leg kick.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Ramirez uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Matsunaga.
Ramirez went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Matsunaga scores with a body shot.
Matsunaga throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Matsunaga blocks a head kick by Ramirez.
Ramirez throws a shot from downtown. Matsunaga moves away and avoids it.
A swing and a miss from Ramirez.
A clash of legs there as Ramirez blocks the low kick.
Matsunaga walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Ramirez checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ramirez. Matsunaga does a little dance to reset his feet.
Matsunaga throws a leg kick but Ramirez moved away.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Ramirez. Matsunaga shrugs it off though.
Matsunaga cracks Ramirez with a right hand to the side of the head.
Futoshi Matsunaga seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Jab from Ramirez.
Matsunaga takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Matsunaga throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Matsunaga misses with a hook.
Matsunaga checks the leg kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ramirez pushes Matsunaga away with a front kick.
Ramirez does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga swinging wildly here.
Ramirez bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Matsunaga ducks right into an uppercut from Ramirez.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Ramirez checks a leg kick.
Matsunaga looks to throw the jab but Ramirez is out of range.
Ramirez chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Matsunaga can pounce on him.
Ramirez misses the shot to the body.
Matsunaga 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.
Ramirez throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Matsunaga throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Ramirez on the side of the head.
Ramirez connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Matsunaga's hands.
Matsunaga tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Ramirez gets tackled into the cage by Matsunaga. Matsunaga maintains the clinch.
Ramirez breaks the clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matsunaga looks to land a left hand but Ramirez moved out of range nicely.
Matsunaga throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Ramirez sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Matsunaga moves out of range of the strikes.
Matsunaga now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Matsunaga uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ramirez.
Ramirez lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
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 Iker Ramirez will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Matsunaga fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Ramirez on the side of the head.
Matsunaga moves out of range of the body kick from Ramirez.
Matsunaga blocks a jab.
Ramirez takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Matsunaga throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ramirez moves out of range of the strikes.
Ramirez throwing a counter right hand but Matsunaga manages to avoid it.
Matsunaga scores with a nice right hand.
A cross from Matsunaga lands.
Ramirez slips a jab from Matsunaga.
Ramirez tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Matsunaga is able to avoid easily.
Ramirez takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
A jab lands there for Ramirez.
Ramirez lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Ramirez keeps the fight on the outside.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Matsunaga tries to clinch but Ramirez moves out of range.
Matsunaga is looking to clinch but Ramirez is avoiding it.
Matsunaga misses with an uppercut.
It looked like Ramirez wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Matsunaga, right into the meat.
Ramirez looks for the body kick but Matsunaga saw that one coming.
A clash of legs there as Ramirez blocks the low kick.
Ramirez ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Ramirez scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Matsunaga misses with a hook. Ramirez ducked under it nicely.
Ramirez fires out a quick counter leg kick but Matsunaga just manages to avoid it.
Ramirez throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Ramirez is looking to chop away at Matsunaga's legs.
Ramirez will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Matsunaga scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Matsunaga throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ramirez defending well as Matsunaga loads up on a big left hand.
Ramirez is looking to counter with a body kick.
Matsunaga has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
An inside leg kick lands from Ramirez.
Matsunaga jabs Ramirez right on the nose. Ramirez blinks but takes it well.
Ramirez uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Matsunaga.
Ramirez is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Ramirez lands a jab to Matsunaga's midsection.
Ramirez uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Matsunaga.
Ramirez throws a big shot that misses.
Matsunaga rushes Ramirez and presses him up against the cage.
Ramirez swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Matsunaga keeps control of Ramirez as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Ramirez lands an uppercut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Ramirez.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ramirez lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Matsunaga tries to pull guard but Ramirez won't allow it.
A short uppercut from Ramirez.
Matsunaga pulls Ramirez into guard.
Ramirez's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Matsunaga is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Ramirez defends well.
Ramirez sitting in guard here, content to control.
Matsunaga is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Ramirez stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Matsunaga swivels though and keeps the full guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga trying to control the position.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ramirez controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Matsunaga throws a lazy right hand but Ramirez sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ramirez swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ramirez throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Jab, jab by Matsunaga - just one landing.
Jab by Matsunaga.
Ramirez paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Ramirez throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Matsunaga on the side of the head.
Ramirez works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga misses with a straight left.
Matsunaga has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Ramirez.
Matsunaga misses with a straight right.
An attempted straight right counter from Ramirez misses the target.
Ramirez throws a low kick but Matsunaga moves out of range easily.
An inside leg kick lands from Ramirez.
A chopping leg kick lands by Ramirez.
Matsunaga moves into range and connects with a jab.
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!
Matsunaga scores with a leg kick.
Ramirez wants to land a leg kick but Matsunaga is out of range.
A little jabbing left from Matsunaga on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Ramirez slips a straight right by Matsunaga.
Ramirez tried to counter with a leg kick but Matsunaga avoided it.
Ramirez throws the kick towards the body but Matsunaga avoids it.
Matsunaga lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Ramirez moves out of range as Matsunaga strikes.
A telegraphed right hand from Matsunaga misses the target.
Matsunaga throws a hook to the side of Ramirez's head but Ramirez sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Ramirez. Matsunaga shrugs it off though.
Matsunaga misses with a hook. Ramirez ducked under it nicely.
Ramirez lands with a cross.
Matsunaga throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Ramirez shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close third round but Futoshi Matsunaga just about did enough to take it.
That's time! Ramirez's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Matsunaga misses with a hook. Ramirez ducked under it nicely.
Ramirez on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Matsunaga clinches with his opponent.
Ramirez throws a head punch that misses.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Ramirez creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Ramirez misses with a punch on the inside.
Matsunaga tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Matsunaga tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Ramirez just stands there and leans against the cage.
Ramirez misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ramirez breaks from the clinch.
Ramirez misses with a straight left.
Ramirez moves out of range of the strikes.
Matsunaga ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
The fight stays on the outside here - Matsunaga looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A slow jab from Matsunaga misses its intended target.
Ramirez shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Matsunaga scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Matsunaga takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Matsunaga lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Ramirez at a distance.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ramirez showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Matsunaga.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsunaga is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ramirez.
Matsunaga gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Matsunaga takes one on the button.
Matsunaga throws a chopping leg kick but Ramirez manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Ramirez does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Ramirez takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
A telegraphed right hand from Matsunaga misses the target.
Matsunaga throws the left hand but Ramirez avoids the punch easily.
Ramirez throws a hook but Matsunaga blocks it.
Matsunaga ducks under a wild hook from Ramirez.
Ramirez tried to score with a low kick but Matsunaga checks it.
Ramirez lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Ramirez lands with an overhand left.
Matsunaga with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Ramirez just misses with a punch to the body.
Matsunaga throws a two punch combo that lands 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!
Ramirez keeps the fight on the outside.
Ramirez takes one on the button.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga slips under a jab from Ramirez.
Matsunaga looks to score with a jab to the body but Ramirez is just out of range.
Matsunaga throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Matsunaga connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Matsunaga uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Ramirez.
Matsunaga throws a hook but Ramirez blocks it.
Matsunaga misses with a few strikes there.
Ramirez on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Matsunaga throws a big shot that misses.
Ramirez throws a shot from downtown. Matsunaga moves away and avoids it.
Ramirez tries to land a front kick but Matsunaga steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Matsunaga lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Ramirez throws out a loose jab but Matsunaga uses good head movement to avoid it.
Matsunaga looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Matsunaga throws an overhand right that lands on Ramirez's shoulder, as Ramirez tries to avoid the shot.
Matsunaga throws a leg kick that misses.
Ramirez waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Matsunaga.
Matsunaga was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Matsunaga misses with a right hand
and Ramirez counters with a stiff right hand.
Matsunaga thows a left - swing and a miss!
Ramirez throws out a leg kick but Matsunaga moves out of range and Ramirez only half commits.
Iker Ramirez has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ramirez connects with an inside leg kick.
Matsunaga throws a shot from downtown. Ramirez moves away and avoids it.
Ramirez moves out of range of the leg kick from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Matsunaga checks the leg kick.
Ramirez uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga throws an overhand right that lands on Ramirez's shoulder, as Ramirez tries to avoid the shot.
Matsunaga throws a lazy right hand but Ramirez sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ramirez tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Matsunaga was well out of range. Poor timing from Ramirez.
Ramirez throws a front kick aimed at Matsunaga's knee but Matsunaga avoids it well.
Ramirez stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Ramirez moves out of range as Matsunaga strikes.
Ramirez lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
A combination from Matsunaga does no damage.
Ramirez looks to score with a jab to the body but Matsunaga is just out of range.
Matsunaga misses with an uppercut.
Matsunaga swings for the body but Ramirez moves out of range.
Ramirez moves away from the strike by Matsunaga.
Ramirez moves out of range as Matsunaga strikes.
Ramirez is looking to counter punch.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ramirez throws out a leg kick but Matsunaga moves out of range and Ramirez only half commits.
Matsunaga missing with a left hand there. Ramirez was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ramirez is looking to land body kicks.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Matsunaga misses with a body shot.
Matsunaga blocks a low kick nicely.
Ramirez throws a leg kick but Matsunaga sees it coming and checks it nicely.
A nice leg kick lands there from Ramirez.
Matsunaga missing with a left hand there. Ramirez was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Matsunaga throws a sloppy head kick and Ramirez moves out of range easily.
Matsunaga keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
It seemed like Matsunaga was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
A slow jab from Ramirez misses its intended target.
Matsunaga throws a counter combo.
The crowd cheers as Matsunaga lands an impressive looking overhand right. Ramirez doesn't seem phased though.
Matsunaga misses the shot to the body.
Ramirez throws a jab when Matsunaga was well out of range.
Matsunaga throws a lazy right hand but Ramirez sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ramirez connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Ramirez moves out of range of the strikes.
Matsunaga throws a quick inside leg kick.
Ramirez lands with a slapping head kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close fourth round but Futoshi Matsunaga will probably get the nod - 10:9.
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. This is the final round!
Matsunaga loads up on a big right hand but Ramirez slips the punch.
Ramirez stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga looks to throw the jab but Ramirez is out of range.
Matsunaga takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Nice shot by Matsunaga.
Ramirez checks a leg kick.
Matsunaga scores with a jab.
Ramirez smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Ramirez finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Matsunaga lands a nice looking body shot.
Good work by Matsunaga as he checks the leg kick.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Matsunaga! But no joy.
Ramirez slips under a jab from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Matsunaga throws a body punch but Ramirez moves out of range.
Matsunaga scores with a crisp jab that stopped Ramirez in his tracks.
Ramirez lands with an overhand left.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Matsunaga connects with a crisp jab.
Ramirez moves out of range as Matsunaga strikes.
Ramirez throws a big counter combination but Matsunaga scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Ramirez lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Matsunaga circles away quickly and effectively.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A telegraphed right hand from Matsunaga misses the target.
Matsunaga takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Ramirez moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Matsunaga is looking to clinch.
Matsunaga with a nice cross.
Matsunaga misses with a straight right.
Nice straight punches there by Ramirez. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Ramirez.
Matsunaga has closed the distance and engaged Ramirez in a clinch.
Ramirez breaks from the clinch.
A big right from Matsunaga misses.
Matsunaga misses with an uppercut. Ramirez saw that one coming.
Matsunaga has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Ramirez.
Ramirez misses with the body kick
and Matsunaga counters with a stiff right hand.
Ramirez misses with a hook. Matsunaga ducked under it nicely.
Matsunaga cracks a nice hook into Ramirez's ribs.
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!
Matsunaga avoids the body shot from Ramirez.
Matsunaga swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Ramirez.
Ramirez moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Ramirez slips under a jab.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ramirez displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Matsunaga throws out the jab.
Matsunaga swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Ramirez.
A punch combination from Ramirez misses.
Ramirez throws a leg kick that misses.
Matsunaga keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Matsunaga listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Good work by Matsunaga as he checks the leg kick.
Ramirez blocks a head kick by Matsunaga.
Ramirez connects with a right hand. Matsunaga shakes it off.
Matsunaga dips to his left and cracks Ramirez with an uppercut!
Ramirez lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Matsunaga tries to clinch but Ramirez is having none of it.
Ramirez tries to work over Matsunaga's front leg with a kick but Matsunaga checks it.
Matsunaga turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Matsunaga moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Ramirez lands with an overhand left.
Ramirez buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Ramirez on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Matsunaga. Matsunaga obviously looking to wear him down.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ramirez throws a leg kick but Matsunaga sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Matsunaga looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Matsunaga scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Matsunaga checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Matsunaga blocks a jab.
Matsunaga avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Matsunaga is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Matsunaga scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Matsunaga missing with a left hand there. Ramirez was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ramirez blocks a head kick by Matsunaga.
Matsunaga ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Matsunaga swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Ramirez is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Matsunaga missing with a left hand there. Ramirez was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ramirez walks into a jab.
Matsunaga sizes up Ramirez with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Nice uppercut lands for Matsunaga. That snapped Ramirez's head back.
Matsunaga cracks Ramirez with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ramirez pivots, looking for a leg kick but Matsunaga is out of range and Ramirez settles back down.
Matsunaga moves out of range of the strikes.
Matsunaga jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Ramirez on the side of the head.
Futoshi Matsunaga is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Ramirez pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Ramirez lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Matsunaga has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Matsunaga and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Matsunaga missing with a left hand there. Ramirez was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ramirez cracks Matsunaga with a right hand to the side of the head.
Matsunaga walks into a stiff left hand from Ramirez.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Matsunaga.
Matsunaga scores with a jab to the jaw.
Matsunaga cracks Ramirez with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Ramirez connects with a solid leg kick.
Ramirez misses with a looping right.
Matsunaga keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Ramirez misses the target.
Ramirez throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Matsunaga.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matsunaga listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Matsunaga ducks under a wild hook from Ramirez.
Nice uppercut there from Ramirez.
Matsunaga tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Ramirez swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Futoshi Matsunaga.
I think Matsunaga has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 46:50
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 49:47
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 48:48
The fight is ruled a draw!
Iker Ramirez retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!
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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
91% |
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