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GFC 72: PBP Commentary |
Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Zhelin Li (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tyler Bennet (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bennet has chosen Gimmie The Loot by Jarren Benton as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Tyler Bennet will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.
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| 171 cm
27
160 lbs
2 - 3 - 1 |
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175 cm
25
163 lbs
0 - 1 - 0 |
BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Very strong |
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BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Determined |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
2 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Zhelin Li!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Tyler Bennet!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Frank Antenori and Don Winkell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Li has a takedown stuffed.
A looping hook to the body misses from Bennet. Li does a little dance to reset his feet.
Bennet has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Li is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Li pushes Bennet up against the cage in a clinch.
Li dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Li keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Bennet's efforts to push away.
Li pulls guard.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Li looking to hit a scissor sweep but Bennet is one step ahead there.
Bennet tries to stand but Li is controlling from the bottom.
Li looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Bennet decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Li, up you get!
That's one minute gone in the round.
Bennet moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Bennet fails to land with a series of punches.
Li shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Bennet napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Bennet is not content to let Li control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bennet tries to buck Li off but Li is having none of it.
Li tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
You can see the frustration on Bennet's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Li is working for what looks like an arm triangle here. Bennet is trying to escape and Li transitions quickly into an armbar! He's slapped it on tight and Bennet is forced to tap! Nice work there by Li! Very nice indeed!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:24 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Zhelin Li!
The defeated Tyler Bennet had this to say: 'Fuck it, I just need to improve.'.
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| S |
C
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G |
S |
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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
38% |
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Undercard bout
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Steveo Perkins (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Luis Guerrero (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Luis Guerrero has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Steveo Perkins's chin.
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| 188 cm
18
145 lbs
1 - 1 - 1 |
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169 cm
19
155 lbs
2 - 0 - 0 |
BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Good chin |
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Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Heavy handed |
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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
1 - 1 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Steveo Perkins!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Luis Guerrero!
The judges for this bout are , Don Winkell and Frank Antenori.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Perkins tries to sprawl but Guerrero drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Perkins wants to improve his position but Guerrero is controlling well.
Guerrero content to control rather than advance.
Guerrero lands with a punch from half guard.
Perkins has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Guerrero seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Guerrero works his way into full mount!
Perkins taking shots to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Guerrero landing strikes from the mount.
A nice elbow there by Guerrero.
Perkins is rocked!
Guerrero loads up on a couple of big shots to the head that have Perkins scrambling to escape. He can't get free though and several more unanswered shots from Guerrero land to the head. The referee has no choice but to stop the fight. Guerrero stands and salutes the crowd.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Luis Guerrero!
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C
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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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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Tristan Blancheflor (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Franco Rivera (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Blancheflor comes to the cage accompanied by Can we still be friends?. Franco Rivera has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Tristan Blancheflor's chin.
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| 170 cm
30
155 lbs
8 - 4 - 0 |
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185 cm
24
159 lbs
8 - 5 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Basic striking
Cardio machine |
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BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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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 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Tristan Blancheflor!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Franco Rivera!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Frank Antenori and Timothy Bukovac.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rivera tries to clinch up but Blancheflor circles away and keeps his distance.
Blancheflor circles away from the clinch attempt.
Blancheflor closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Rivera did well to prevent Blancheflor getting side control.
Blancheflor controlling the action here.
Blancheflor trying to control from half guard but Rivera is working away.
Blancheflor thows a huge punch but Rivera dodges it nicely.
Blancheflor 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.
Rivera tries to roll over but Blancheflor keeps him under control.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Blancheflor is looking for a kimura here.
Blancheflor trying to pass the guard but Rivera defending well.
Blancheflor is working for a submission here. He's got hold of the far side arm and he's looking for a kimura. He's cranking on the arm and he's got it! Rivera is tapping out! Ouch, that looked like it hurt!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Tristan Blancheflor!
Post fight, Tristan Blancheflor stared into the camera and said 'Sorry about your damn luck!'.
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| S |
C
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B |
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G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
24% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Paul Thomas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Adam Fitch (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fitch has chosen HEALTH - TEARS as his entrance music. I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!
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| 190 cm
31
215 lbs
11 - 7 - 0 |
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190 cm
24
220 lbs
6 - 7 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Very quick |
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BJJ Brown Belt
Decent boxing
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
11 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Paul Thomas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
6 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Adam Fitch!
The judges for this bout are , Frank Antenori and Timothy Bukovac.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A head kick misses from Fitch.
Thomas fails with a takedown attempt.
Fitch closes the distance and clinches up with Thomas, looking for a takedown. Fitch pushes Thomas against the cage but Thomas circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
We've been hearing reports that Thomas has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Fitch is trying hard to land a takedown here. Thomas sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Fitch throws a right and a left that Thomas avoids nicely.
Fitch dives in and grabs Thomas's left leg, looking for a takedown. Thomas pushes down on Fitch's head and hops out.
Paul Thomas has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Adam Fitch.
Thomas drives through with a takedown into Fitch's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Thomas got a little sloppy there for a moment and Fitch has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Thomas has managed to get both his arms back between Fitch's legs - danger averted.
Fitch throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Thomas trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Thomas throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Fitch works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Thomas throws a big right hand that misses.
Thomas throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Thomas wants to pass the guard but Fitch is keeping the position.
Thomas postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Fitch looking to control.
Fitch has his foot on Thomas's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Thomas works his way back into a safe position though.
Fitch is looking for a triangle but Thomas pushes his legs off easily.
Thomas stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Fitch swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Fitch looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Thomas with a nice head shot there.
Fitch throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Fitch trying to control the position.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Thomas accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Fitch is trying to control the position but Thomas postures up.
Fitch escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Thomas gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Fitch keeping full guard, as Thomas tries to pass.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Fitch working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Thomas doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Thomas manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Fitch has his foot on Thomas's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Thomas works his way back into a safe position though.
Thomas works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Fitch trying to control from the bottom.
Thomas wants to work for an arm triangle but Fitch is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Fitch trying to control from the bottom.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitch wants to improve his position but Thomas is controlling well.
Fitch wants to control but Thomas is keeping busy.
Thomas prevents Fitch from improving his position.
Thomas is working for a submission here. He's got hold of the far side arm and he's looking for a kimura. He's cranking on the arm and he's got it! Fitch is tapping out! Ouch, that looked like it hurt!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:46 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Paul Thomas!
Paul Thomas spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.
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| S |
C
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S |
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B |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
48% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Hideo Kono (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Darius Kasparaitis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Kasparaitis's choice of entrance music: Gotta Get Away. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 168 cm
23
149 lbs
12 - 4 - 0 |
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175 cm
22
140 lbs
7 - 1 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
12 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Hideo Kono!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Darius Kasparaitis!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Frank Antenori and Don Winkell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kasparaitis loads up on a big right hand but Kono slips the punch.
Kono swings away with a body shot that misses
and Kasparaitis counters with a shoot takedown. Kono fights it but they end up in guard.
Kono 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.
Kono is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Kasparaitis drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Kasparaitis jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Kono manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Kasparaitis manages to get himself to full guard.
Kasparaitis wants to sweep here but Kono controlling him for the moment.
Kono trying to stand up but can't free himself from Kasparaitis's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kasparaitis looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kono is one step ahead there.
Kono avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Kasparaitis throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kasparaitis working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Kono.
Kasparaitis has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kasparaitis is looking for a triangle but Kono pushes his legs off easily.
Kono stands and throws Kasparaitis's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Kasparaitis struggling a bit here.
Kasparaitis is not content to let Kono control the position.
Kasparaitis is looking to regain half guard here but Kono keeps moving and retains side control.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kono tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Kasparaitis is trying to get back to half guard.
Kasparaitis is still trying to improve position.
Kono wants to stand but Kasparaitis has his arm trapped.
Kono tries to advance to mount but Kasparaitis instead regains half guard.
Kono content to control rather than advance.
Kono is looking to take a break and control but Kasparaitis is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kasparaitis is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Kono is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The ref stands the fighters back up. Hideo Kono wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Kono misses with a left hand
and Kasparaitis cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
A combination from Kono does no damage.
Kono throws a body punch but Kasparaitis moves out of range.
Kono dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kasparaitis is looking to score with low kicks.
Kasparaitis has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.
Kasparaitis moves out of range as Kono strikes.
Kasparaitis looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Kono jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kasparaitis dodges the punch combination from Kono.
Kasparaitis pushes Kono away with a front kick.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kono throws an off balance right hand
and Kasparaitis counters with a good, hard body kick but Kono shrugs it off.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kono tries to bum rush Kasparaitis with a series of wild strikes but Kasparaitis uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Left hook, right uppercut from Kono.
Kono just misses with a punch to the body.
Kasparaitis keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kono.
Kono throws a hook but Kasparaitis avoids it easily.
The fighters circling - Kono throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kono takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kono swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kono misses with a hook. Kasparaitis ducked under it nicely.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kono cracks Kasparaitis with a right hand to the side of the head.
Kono swinging wildly here.
Kasparaitis ducks right into an uppercut from Kono.
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 Hideo Kono will probably get the nod.
That's time! Kono's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Kono 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.
Kono catches Kasparaitis with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Hideo Kono seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kasparaitis will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Kono misses with a left hand
and Kono takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Kono throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kasparaitis keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kono.
Kono thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kono scores with a decent looking hook.
Kasparaitis connects with a good right hand that stumbles Kono. Kono circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Kono throws a left and a right that both miss
and Kasparaitis counters with a thumping low kick.
Kono throws a hook but Kasparaitis avoids it easily.
Kono throws a hook but Kasparaitis blocks it.
Kasparaitis cracks Kono with a hook to the temple - Kono is on wobbly legs here! Kasparaitis swarms him with hook after hook, landing with each one! Kono falls to the canvas face first and the referee dives in to stop the fight! Kasparaitis wins by TKO!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:54 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Darius Kasparaitis!
During a confident post fight interview, Darius Kasparaitis thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
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C
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G |
S |
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B |
G |
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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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Co-main event
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Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Van Pol (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kenji Kato (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Van Pol could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Kenji Kato's chin.
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| 175 cm
24
165 lbs
10 - 1 - 0 |
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176 cm
24
167 lbs
9 - 4 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
10 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Van Pol!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
9 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kenji Kato!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Frank Antenori and Don Winkell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kato misses with a straight right.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Pol. Kato shrugs it off though.
Pol shoots in for a double leg but Kato sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Pol connects with a good right hand that stumbles Kato. Kato circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Pol moves away from the strike by Kato.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Pol, right into the meat.
Kato lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Pol looks to throw the jab but Kato is out of range.
Van Pol seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kato misses with a head kick.
Pol looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Pol goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Kato swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Pol.
Kato changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Pol blocks a low kick nicely.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pol misses with an attempted mid kick.
Pol takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Pol looks to land a body kick but Kato moved away.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Pol looks for the body kick but Kato saw that one coming.
Pol checks a leg kick.
Kenji Kato is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Pol tries to score with a low kick but Kato moves his leg out of the way.
Kato swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kato avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kato misses with an uppercut. Pol saw that one coming.
Pol wants to land a leg kick but Kato is out of range.
A low kick from Pol is predictable there
and Pol takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Kato lands a jab to the head.
Kato drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Pol swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Pol slips a jab from Kato.
Kato bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A big left from Pol misses.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pol throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kato steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Pol.
Pol throws a wild body kick that Kato sees coming a mile off.
Pol throws a leg kick but Kato sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Pol lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Pol looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Kato lands a really nice looking cross but Pol seems unphased.
A head kick from Pol lands but Kato takes it in his stride.
Pol swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kato throws the left hand but Pol avoids the punch easily.
Pol misses with a body punch
and Kato counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Pol checks a leg kick nicely.
Nice body punch from Pol.
Kato ducks under a wild hook from Pol.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kato tried to score with a low kick but Pol checks it.
Pol throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Pol lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Kato throws a right hand that Pol ducks under and follows up with a left that Pol also avoids with ease.
A low kick from Kato is predictable there
and Pol makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Pol lands a lovely overhand right.
Pol throws the kick towards the body but Kato avoids it.
Pol with a jab.
Good work by Pol as he checks the leg kick.
Kato displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Pol throws out the jab.
Pol lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Kato throws a shot to the body.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Kato.
A bone on bone clash there as Pol blocks the leg kick.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A good leg kick by Kato.
Kato lands an overhand right.
An inside leg kick lands from Pol.
Kato throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
A head kick by Pol misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Good standup being displayed there by Kato as he connects with a hook.
Pol doesn't manage to clinch there - Kato circles away.
Pol throws a head kick that misses.
Kato misses with a body kick.
Pol's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Kato connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Pol scrambles back to his feet.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kato clobbers Pol with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Pol is rocked!
Kato showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Pol.
Pol gets cracked there but stands up to it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Kenji Kato will probably get the nod.
That's time! Pol's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Pol lands with a hook. Kato tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Kato thows a body shot but no joy.
Pol shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Kato throws a hook but Pol avoids it easily.
Kato swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Pol throws a half hearted mid kick.
Pol tries to close the distance and clinch but Kato swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Nice body punch from Kato.
Kato jabs Pol right on the nose. Pol blinks but takes it well.
It looks like Van Pol has been cut.
Kato fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Kato changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Kenji Kato seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kato looks to score with a jab to the body but Pol is just out of range.
Pol changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kato tries to avoid it but Pol manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kato to the ground. Kato escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
A nice inside leg kick there by Pol. That's going to slow Kato down.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Pol avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kato throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Kato avoids a kick to the body.
Kato works Pol's body with a nice hook.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Kato 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 Pol has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Pol and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Good leg kick by Kato there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Kato misses with a low kick.
Kato fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Pol has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Kato takes a swing at Pol's ribcage but misses.
A slapping leg kick lands for Pol.
Kato slips a straight right by Pol.
Kato lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Pol circles away quickly and effectively.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kato missing with a left hand there. Pol was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kato works Pol's body with a nice hook.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Kato crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Pol - the referee stops the clock and Kato gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Pol. Kato manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Pol thuds his right hand into Kato's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
An inside leg kick lands from Kato.
Kato dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kato tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Pol.
Pol throws a body kick that misses
letting Kato counter with a right hand.
Pol throws a wild body kick that Kato sees coming a mile off.
Kato pivots, looking for a leg kick but Pol is out of range and Kato settles back down.
Kato takes a swing at Pol's ribcage but misses.
Pol dives in for a single leg takedown but Kato sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Van Pol. That's going to take a lot out of him.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kato scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Kato stalling against the cage.
Pol misses with some punches.
Kato misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kato breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Pol tries to land a front kick but Kato steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Pol avoids the body shot from Kato.
Kato checks a leg kick.
Kato misses with a kick to the body.
A low kick from Pol misses
and Kato counters with a left to the body.
Kato dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Pol tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kato sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Pol somewhat.
Pol misses with a right hand
and Kato counters with a thumping low kick.
Pol is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pol steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kato.
A bone on bone clash there as Kato blocks the leg kick.
Pol looks to land a right hand but Kato moved out of range.
Kato takes a swing at Pol's ribcage but misses.
Kato misses with a body kick.
Pol throws a head kick but Kato moves out of range.
A slow jab from Pol misses its intended target.
Pol 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.
A lazy body kick from Pol
and Pol takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Pol is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Pol pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Some bone on bone action there as Kato checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Jab by Kato.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Kenji Kato showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Van Pol's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!
A nice inside leg kick there by Kato. That's going to slow Pol down.
Pol throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kato 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.
The fight stays on the outside here - Pol looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Pol throws an overhand right that lands on Kato's shoulder, as Kato tries to avoid the shot.
Pol misses with a hook. Kato ducked under it nicely.
Kato gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Pol, as that shot connected.
Pol throws the left hand but Kato avoids the punch easily.
A solid leg kick lands there for Pol.
Pol fails with an attempt to clinch.
Pol throws a low kick but Kato moves out of range easily.
Kato misses with a series of wild punches.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A shot to the body from Kato misses
and Pol counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Pol misses with a looping right.
Pol throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Kato wants to land a leg kick but Pol is out of range.
Kato misses the jab.
Kato checks a leg kick nicely.
Kato moves out of range of the body kick from Pol.
A jab from Pol misses.
Pol takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Kato connects with a solid leg kick.
Pol thows a leg kick but Kato checks it
and Pol takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Pol checks the leg kick nicely there.
Kato fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Pol manages to avoid it.
Van Pol has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pol tries to move into range but Kato moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Pol throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Pol throws a leg kick
and Kato makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Kato missing with a left hand there. Pol was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Pol throws a body kick that misses.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Pol 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 Kato has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Kato and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Kato misses with a kick to the body
and Pol counters with a left to the body.
Pol keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Kato pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Pol tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Kato counters with a nice low kick that buckles Pol's knee momentarily.
Pol throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Pol misses with a kick to the body
and Kato connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kato chopping away at his opponent's legs.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pol has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Kato.
Pol misses with a kick to the body.
Pol tries to clinch there but Kato circles away.
Kato lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Oh Pol is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Kato fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Pol looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Kato scoring well with a low kick there.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Pol on the wrong end of a nice hook.
The fighters circle momentarily. Kato darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Kato buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kato lands a jab to Pol's midsection.
Pol looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Pol looks to land a right hand but Kato moved out of range.
A thudding body kick lands there by Kato!
Kato avoids a kick to the body.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pol drops his hands momentarily and Kato takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
BOOM! Kato lands a beautiful left hook that drops Pol. Pol tries to recover but Kato is having none of it, landing more punishing shots from mount. One final crushing shot and Pol lies motionless on the canvas. The fight is over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:11 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Kenji Kato!
An out of breath Kenji Kato thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
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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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Main event
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Jami Balkan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Miguel Hernandez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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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| 177 cm
25
152 lbs
12 - 6 - 0 |
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178 cm
24
156 lbs
10 - 7 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
Excellent MT
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
12 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jami Balkan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
10 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Miguel Hernandez!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Frank Antenori and .
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Balkan dips to his left and cracks Hernandez with an uppercut!
Nice defenses there by Hernandez.
Balkan takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Hernandez misses with a shot to the body
and Balkan counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Hernandez has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Hernandez uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Balkan.
Hernandez throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Balkan dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Hernandez. That did some damage!
Balkan tries to work over Hernandez's front leg with a kick but Hernandez checks it.
Hernandez scores with a jab to the head.
Balkan throws a jab but it's blocked by Hernandez.
Balkan looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Hernandez checks a low kick from Balkan.
Hernandez looks to score with a jab to the body but Balkan is just out of range.
Hernandez comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Balkan lands with a thumping leg kick.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Balkan throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Hernandez looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Hernandez throws a head kick but Balkan moves out of range.
Balkan fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hernandez manages to avoid it.
Balkan misses the shot to the body.
Balkan uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hernandez.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Balkan.
Balkan lands with a nice body kick.
Left hook, right uppercut from Balkan.
Balkan walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Balkan connects with a body shot that sends Hernandez's belly button to the back.
A left and a right from Balkan both land. Nice combination.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Balkan works the jab nicely.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Hernandez.
Balkan moves out of range as Hernandez throws a body kick.
Hernandez misses with a straight left.
Miguel Hernandez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hernandez looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Balkan is fending him off so far but Hernandez persists. Nope, Balkan circles away and we're back to standing.
Hernandez scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Balkan is trying to stand back up but Hernandez is controlling him
Hernandez trying to mount his opponent but Balkan defends it.
Hernandez not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Hernandez is pressing down on Balkan's thigh, looking to free his foot. Balkan is holding on for now.
Hernandez trying to control the action but Balkan is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hernandez throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Hernandez with the ground and pound but Balkan uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Hernandez connects with a couple of short punches.
Balkan not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Hernandez looking to pass the guard.
Balkan keeping moving, preventing Hernandez from controlling successfully.
Hernandez tries to free his leg and advance position but Balkan is retaining full guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Balkan wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
The ref stands the fighters back up because Jami Balkan just wasn't active enough.
Hernandez fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Balkan manages to avoid it.
Hernandez swings widly with a right hand
and Balkan counters with a left to the body.
Balkan bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A big right from Hernandez misses.
Hernandez feints and as Balkan raises his hands in defense, Hernandez changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Hernandez trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Balkan pulls Hernandez in close to his closed guard and prevents Hernandez from doing any damage or advancing position.
Hernandez has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Hernandez wants to control from the top but Balkan keeps moving.
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 Jami Balkan will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.
Balkan throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Balkan with a jab.
Hernandez fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Balkan manages to avoid it.
Balkan walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Hernandez checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Good leg kick by Balkan there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Balkan walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Hernandez throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Balkan tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Hernandez is in Balkan's guard.
Hernandez looking to pass the guard.
Hernandez throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Balkan works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Hernandez tries to free his leg and advance position but Balkan is retaining full guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Hernandez accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Balkan controls Hernandez momentarily but Hernandez frees himself.
Hernandez trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Balkan keeping moving, preventing Hernandez from controlling successfully.
Hernandez working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Hernandez trying to control but Balkan is working from the bottom.
Balkan is trying to keep Hernandez in close.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Balkan keeping full guard, as Hernandez tries to pass.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Hernandez accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Balkan keeping full guard, as Hernandez tries to pass.
Hernandez wants to control from the top but Balkan keeps moving.
Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hernandez.
Balkan connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
A chopping leg kick lands by Balkan.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hernandez misses with a hook to the body
and Balkan counters with a three punch combo that has Hernandez backing up. Hernandez nods at Balkan to acknowledge the strikes.
Balkan misses with a few strikes there.
Hernandez throws a poor cross that misses
and Balkan makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Hernandez takes a swing at Balkan's ribcage but misses.
Hernandez scores with a shot to the body.
Hernandez misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Balkan.
Hernandez throws a hook but Balkan avoids it easily.
Hernandez takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Hernandez shoots in looking for a takedown but Balkan manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Hernandez's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Hernandez fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Jami Balkan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Miguel Hernandez.
Hernandez avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Balkan ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hernandez moves away.
Balkan scoring well with a low kick there.
Balkan slips under a jab from Hernandez.
Hernandez changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Balkan tries to avoid it but Hernandez manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Balkan to the ground. Balkan escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Balkan lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Balkan feints and then cracks Hernandez's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Hernandez down.
Balkan throws a chopping leg kick but Hernandez manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Balkan throws a nice outside leg kick.
Balkan jabbing away but nothing is landing.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Balkan moves out of range as Hernandez strikes.
Balkan throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hernandez tries to work over Balkan's front leg with a kick but Balkan checks it.
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 Jami Balkan will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!
Hernandez goes for a double leg but Balkan avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Balkan continues to drive forward.
Hernandez misses with an elbow over the top.
Hernandez blocks an uppercut.
Balkan escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Jami Balkan is winning the standup battle so far.
Balkan throws a hook but Hernandez blocks it.
A solid leg kick lands there for Balkan.
Hernandez fails with the takedown.
Balkan lunges at Hernandez with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Hernandez's hand.
Balkan looks for the body kick but Hernandez saw that one coming.
Hernandez has a takedown stuffed.
Jami Balkan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Miguel Hernandez.
Hernandez takes one on the button.
Balkan throws a low kick, looking for Hernandez's leg but Hernandez calmly moves out of range.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hernandez misses with a takedown attempt - Balkan sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Balkan throws a leg kick which misses Hernandez's front leg but catches the back leg as Hernandez tries to avoid it.
Balkan dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Balkan moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Hernandez fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Balkan manages to avoid it.
Hernandez thows a body shot but no joy.
Hernandez lands with a thumping leg kick.
Hernandez tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Balkan swivels and escapes.
Hernandez takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Balkan.
Balkan ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hernandez moves away.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hernandez waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Balkan.
Hernandez pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Balkan uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hernandez.
Balkan cracks Hernandez with a right hand to the side of the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Balkan ducks under a wild hook from Hernandez.
Balkan cracks the inside of Hernandez's front leg.
Hernandez's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Balkan lands a nice looking body shot.
Balkan throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Hernandez stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Balkan throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Balkan ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Balkan turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Hernandez misses with a lunging right hand
and Balkan connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Balkan scores with a jab to the head.
Balkan throws a good cross that connects.
Balkan lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Hernandez misses the body punch
enabling Balkan to counter with a crisp jab.
Balkan scores with a decent looking hook.
Hernandez is rocked!
Balkan uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hernandez.
Hernandez is still on wobbly legs! Can Balkan finish him?
Hernandez on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Balkan. Balkan obviously looking to wear him down.
Hernandez throws a leg kick
and Balkan counters with a slapping leg kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Balkan ducks down and throws a big overhand right - it lands flush on the jaw, knocking Hernandez out cold! The fight is over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:43 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jami Balkan!
A very excited looking Jami Balkan 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
74% |
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