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Infinity 121: Mika vs Ponting PBP Commentary |
Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Anzhor Azhiev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ahmed Babilon Mamed (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?
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| 177 cm
32
144 lbs
15 - 46 - 0 |
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175 cm
27
140 lbs
7 - 19 - 0 |
BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin |
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BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
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
15 - 46 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Anzhor Azhiev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
7 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ahmed Babilon Mamed!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Matti Vanhoillinen and Marco Blurström.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Azhiev scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Mamed looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
Azhiev is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Mamed doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Azhiev.
Azhiev is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Mamed defends it well.
Azhiev seems to be looking for submissions.
Azhiev is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Azhiev is trying to work for a kimura but Mamed is defending well.
Azhiev is working for a kimura but Mamed is defending it quite comfortably.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Azhiev is working for a kimura but Mamed is defending it quite comfortably.
Mamed tries to get to full guard but Azhiev has control of the leg.
Mamed has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Azhiev is working away from the top position though.
Azhiev is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Mamed defends it well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Azhiev is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Azhiev is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Mamed still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Mamed has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
Azhiev tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Azhiev is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Mamed off and has taken his back!
Mamed preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Azhiev.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Azhiev is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Mamed has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
Azhiev is looking for the choke from the back position but Mamed is controlling his hands well.
Azhiev doesn't have the hooks in and Mamed manages to turn into his guard.
Mamed is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Azhiev had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Mamed defends it easily.
Azhiev looking for a guillotine here but Mamed defends easily.
Azhiev working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Mamed doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Mamed manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mamed slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Azhiev looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Azhiev working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Mamed has passed into half guard!
Azhiev is refusing to be controlled, as Mamed sits in half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Anzhor Azhiev dominated that round.
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.
Mamed shoots in but no luck this time.
Azhiev changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Mamed looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Mamed is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Azhiev's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Azhiev is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Azhiev is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Azhiev is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Mamed doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Azhiev.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Azhiev is looking for a kimura but Mamed is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Azhiev to get the leverage.
Mamed is breathing heavily.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Azhiev is trying to work for a kimura but Mamed is defending well.
Azhiev is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Mamed is just riding it out for now. Azhiev eventually gives up the hold.
Azhiev is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Mamed can do to turn this around?
Mamed is defending against the submission attempts here by Azhiev.
Mamed is trying is best to control the position here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Mamed makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Mamed gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Azhiev to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Azhiev stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Mamed swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Mamed working a defensive guard here.
Azhiev drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Azhiev jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Mamed wants to sweep but no luck.
Anzhor Azhiev overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Azhiev drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Mamed dives on top into guard.
Azhiev is looking for a triangle but Mamed pushes his legs off easily.
Azhiev is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Mamed defends well.
Azhiev looking to try and escape his hips here, looking for a submission. It looks like he's going for a triangle but Mamed is defending well. Azhiev quickly switches to an armbar and extends the arm! Mamed has no choice but to tap, to a very quick submission! Wow, that was lightning fast! Azhiev celebrates on the cage, with the crowd.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:48 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Anzhor Azhiev!
A determined Anzhor Azhiev didn't want to dwell on this fight in his post fight interview. Instead he was more keen to state he wants a title shot. Let's see if he gets it!
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| S |
C
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B |
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
31% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Dan Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Edvin Rinne (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Smith comes to the cage accompanied by Sabaton- Metal machine. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
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| 175 cm
37
154 lbs
19 - 17 - 1 |
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175 cm
22
153 lbs
1 - 1 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine |
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BJJ Brown Belt
Dangerous knees
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
19 - 17 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Dan Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Edvin Rinne!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Johanna Lukiainen and Roosa Järviläinen.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rinne was well out of range. Poor timing from Smith.
Smith uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rinne.
Smith shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Rinne as he avoids it easily.
Rinne clinches with his opponent.
Smith works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Smith wants to pass the guard but Rinne is keeping the position.
Smith passes into half guard.
Rinne is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Smith is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Smith raining down shots from the mount!
Smith has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Smith controlling the pace for now.
Smith trying to control but he's not successful this time.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Rinne hang on?
Smith raining down hammerfists from mount.
Rinne has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Smith lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Rinne is squirming around, avoiding Smith's attempts to control the action.
Rinne is trying desperately to improve position.
Rinne taking shots to the head.
Smith with a couple of short strikes.
Smith raining down shots from the mount!
Smith looking to control but Rinne is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Smith landing punches.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Smith looking to finish Rinne with some ground and pound. This is bad for Rinne!
Rinne is rocked!
Smith scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Rinne is still in real trouble! Can Smith finish him?
Smith looking to finish here with some ground and pound. He lands one big shot that has Rinne covering up... and two more big strikes land, forcing the referee to step in and put and end to proceedings! This fight is all over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:26 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Dan Smith!
Dan Smith decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.
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C
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B |
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
62% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Pablo Escobar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aatos Kesti (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Aatos Kesti told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!
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| 170 cm
24
150 lbs
2 - 1 - 0 |
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169 cm
22
152 lbs
7 - 4 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin |
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Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful |
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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
2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Pablo Escobar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Aatos Kesti!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Marco Blurström and Matti Vanhoillinen.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kesti shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Escobar napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Escobar gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Kesti throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Escobar to regain full guard.
Kesti throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Escobar looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Kesti must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Kesti chips away with some ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kesti throws a big right hand that misses.
Escobar wants to stand up but Kesti is controlling him.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kesti throws a strike but Escobar rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Escobar is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Escobar loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Kesti wants to stand and escape but Escobar is having none of it.
Kesti really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Escobar. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Escobar sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Kesti wants to stand but Escobar is controlling the position.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Escobar content to stall in guard here.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Kesti throws a right and a left that Escobar avoids nicely.
Escobar seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Kesti misses with a straight left.
Kesti looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
No joy there for Kesti, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Kesti with a poor takedown
and Escobar connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kesti closes the distance and clinches up with Escobar, looking for a takedown. Kesti pushes Escobar against the cage but Escobar circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
As Kesti backs away, Escobar returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Kesti throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Escobar's waist but Escobar gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kesti off to one side.
Escobar appears to be looking for a big counter.
Pablo Escobar has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Aatos Kesti.
Nice takedown defense from Escobar. No joy for Kesti on that attempt.
Escobar is looking for a counter combo.
No luck for Kesti with that takedown attempt.
Escobar is looking to counter punch.
Kesti tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Escobar defends well and Kesti ends up having to push Escobar into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Escobar throwing a counter right hand but Kesti manages to avoid it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kesti tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Escobar takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Kesti throws an off balance right hand
and Escobar counters with a nice right hand that sends Kesti toppling to the canvas! Kesti scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Escobar finish him?!
Kesti is rocked!
It looks like Aatos Kesti has been cut.
A big right from Escobar misses.
Kesti is still on wobbly legs! Can Escobar finish him?
Kesti has his takedown stuffed
and Escobar counters with a huge right that knocks Kesti out cold! Escobar is running around with a crazed look on his face - you can see how much that meant to him!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:23 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Pablo Escobar!
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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
43% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between David Haggstrom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Connor McGregoire (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.
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| 183 cm
29
154 lbs
12 - 4 - 1 |
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177 cm
24
149 lbs
4 - 1 - 0 |
Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Good chin |
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BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Tends to cut |
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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 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, David Haggstrom!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Connor McGregoire!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Ben Zyskovitsi and Matti Vanhoillinen.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fight moves into the clinch position.
McGregoire is stalling here.
McGregoire lands a nice elbow.
A right handed body shot lands from McGregoire.
McGregoire lands a hook to the side of the head.
McGregoire stalling the fight.
McGregoire content to slow the pace in the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McGregoire scores a nice knee to the body.
McGregoire just leaning against Haggstrom, taking a breather.
Haggstrom tries for a takedown. No joy.
Come on McGregoire - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
That's one minute gone in the round.
McGregoire content to slow the pace in the clinch.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Connor McGregoire.
McGregoire has Haggstrom up against the cage in a clinch.
McGregoire can't find room to land a body shot as Haggstrom controls the action.
McGregoire misses with a body punch.
McGregoire digs a right hand underneath Haggstrom's ribcage. Haggstrom let out a lung full of air as it connected.
McGregoire controlling the action here for a moment.
Haggstrom has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. McGregoire is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
McGregoire looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom has a couple of punches blocked by McGregoire.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for McGregoire.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as McGregoire takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
McGregoire leaning against his opponent.
McGregoire misses with a body punch.
Haggstrom on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Haggstrom has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by McGregoire after a bit of a struggle.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for David Haggstrom. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nice body punch from McGregoire.
Haggstrom tries for a takedown but McGregoire manages to get underhooks.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGregoire misses with a punch to the body.
McGregoire tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
McGregoire working Haggstrom over with knees to the body.
Haggstrom prevents a body shot from McGregoire.
Haggstrom is trying to drag McGregoire to the mat but McGregoire just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
McGregoire creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
McGregoire landing some nice looking knees to the body.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGregoire lands an elbow just above Haggstrom 's eye.
Haggstrom managing to block the knees to the body from McGregoire.
McGregoire with a knee to the head.
A bit of stalling here from McGregoire.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as McGregoire takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
McGregoire continues to stall. The referee tells him to work or he's going to break them up.
McGregoire tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
McGregoire cracks Haggstrom with a nice body shot.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A nice glancing elbow lands by McGregoire.
McGregoire misses with a knee strike.
McGregoire tries to land knees in the clinch but Haggstrom avoids the damage to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Connor McGregoire dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
McGregoire moves to clinch but Haggstrom breaks away
and Haggstrom counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Haggstrom uses his free foot to push down on McGregoire's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for McGregoire.
Haggstrom tries to control but McGregoire wriggling away.
McGregoire is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McGregoire is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Haggstrom looking to finish McGregoire with some ground and pound. This is bad for McGregoire!
That's one minute gone in the round.
Haggstrom is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Haggstrom with good strikes from the mount here!
Haggstrom scores with a couple of good head shots there.
McGregoire really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Haggstrom. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Haggstrom cracks McGregoire with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
McGregoire is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
Haggstrom fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom moves to the back position.
McGregoire won't enjoy being in this position. Haggstrom looking for the choke. Oh... he's slipped the arm under the neck - McGregoire is tapping - it's over boys! Haggstrom picks up the submission victory!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:25 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). David Haggstrom!
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C
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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
38% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Erkki Elastinen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aimo Pamaus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Elastinen comes into the arena with Cascada - Dangerous blaring out of the sound system. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 160 cm
42
148 lbs
32 - 29 - 1 |
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172 cm
29
154 lbs
14 - 7 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
32 - 29 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Erkki Elastinen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
14 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Aimo Pamaus!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Arvi Lind and Roosa Järviläinen.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Elastinen fails with the takedown.
Elastinen fails to land the takedown.
Elastinen closes the distance and clinches up with Pamaus, looking for a takedown. Elastinen pushes Pamaus against the cage but Pamaus circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Erkki Elastinen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Elastinen fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Pamaus avoids it really well and circles away.
Elastinen shoots in but Pamaus avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Elastinen misses with a takedown attempt - Pamaus sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Elastinen looks for a takedown but Pamaus sprawls well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Elastinen shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Pamaus defends it nicely.
Pamaus counters with a body kick.
Pamaus misses with a body kick.
Pamaus goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Elastinen feinted with a counter takedown.
Pamaus has worked on his takedown defense in the runup to this fight and it is paying off so far.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Pamaus.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Elastinen closes this distance looking for a takedown but Pamaus circles away.
Elastinen shoots for a double leg takedown but Pamaus sprawls well. He's pushed Elastinen's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Pamaus misses with an uppercut.
Pamaus misses with an uppercut.
A jab from Pamaus misses.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Elastinen.
Elastinen is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Pamaus's half guard.
Elastinen is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Pamaus has managed to free his arm - good work.
Elastinen stops Pamaus from getting back to his feet.
Well, if Elastinen is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Elastinen is looking to take a break and control but Pamaus is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Pamaus gets back to full guard.
Pamaus is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Elastinen is controlling him.
Elastinen slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Pamaus is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Elastinen has just dragged him back down to the mat.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Elastinen wants to lay and pray for a moment but Pamaus keeps working.
Elastinen working the ground and pound but Pamaus is defending the strikes.
Elastinen is looking to take a break and control but Pamaus is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Pamaus tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Elastinen wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Elastinen tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Pamaus tries to improve position but can't.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Pamaus tries to escape but Elastinen is in control.
You can see the frustration on Pamaus's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Elastinen tries to move into full mount but can't pass Pamaus's legs.
Pamaus tries to bench press Elastinen off him but Elastinen keeps the position.
Elastinen moves into full mount!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Elastinen wants to control the action but instead Pamaus gets a body lock and reverses into Elastinen's guard! Nice work!
Pamaus is in close to Elastinen's body, working some short punches and elbows.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Aimo Pamaus dominated that round.
That's time! Elastinen's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Elastinen shoots in for a takedown but Pamaus shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Elastinen uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Pamaus.
Pamaus throws a chopping leg kick but Elastinen manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Elastinen shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Pamaus but Pamaus pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Some bone on bone action there as Elastinen checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Elastinen moves out of range of the body kick.
Elastinen swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Elastinen takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Elastinen takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Elastinen takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Elastinen fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Erkki Elastinen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Elastinen shoots in for a double leg but Pamaus sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Elastinen misses with a takedown attempt
and Pamaus counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Elastinen.
Pamaus cracks the inside of Elastinen's front leg.
Pamaus misses with a looping right.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Elastinen bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Pamaus walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Elastinen checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Pamaus has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Pamaus tries a head kick but it misses.
Pamaus throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Elastinen misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Aimo Pamaus is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Elastinen with a lazy takedown attempt
and Pamaus counters with a nice body kick.
Elastinen looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Pamaus is fending him off so far but Elastinen persists. Nope, Pamaus circles away and we're back to standing.
A little jabbing left from Pamaus on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Pamaus misses with a body kick.
Elastinen shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Pamaus but Pamaus pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Pamaus throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Elastinen's head.
Pamaus throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Pamaus digs a good body shot into Elastinen's ribs.
Pamaus throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Elastinen closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Elastinen lands in his opponent's guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Pamaus keeping moving, preventing Elastinen from controlling successfully.
Elastinen passes Pamaus's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Elastinen is looking to take a break and control but Pamaus is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Elastinen is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Pamaus is pressing down on Elastinen's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pamaus wants to stand and escape but Elastinen is having none of it.
Elastinen wants to control from the top but Pamaus keeps moving.
Pamaus wants to get back to his feet but Elastinen is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Pamaus keeping moving, preventing Elastinen from controlling successfully.
Elastinen tries to free his leg and advance position but Pamaus is retaining full guard.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Elastinen fails with the takedown
and Pamaus counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Nice defenses there by Elastinen.
Elastinen tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Pamaus swivels and escapes.
Elastinen shoots for a takedown but Pamaus saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A momentary lapse in concentration from Pamaus enables Elastinen to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Pamaus manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Elastinen looking to pass the guard.
Elastinen is pushing down on Pamaus's leg trying to pass to half guard. Pamaus is fighting to maintain full guard but Elastinen has managed to sneak the leg through.
Elastinen wants to advance to full mount but Pamaus doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
Elastinen passes Pamaus's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Elastinen prevents Pamaus from improving his position.
Elastinen controlling the action here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Aimo Pamaus showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!
Elastinen fails to land the takedown.
Nice takedown defense from Pamaus. No joy for Elastinen on that attempt.
Elastinen backing away here, and Pamaus unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Pamaus. Elastinen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Elastinen is looking to counter punch.
Pamaus lands with a thumping leg kick.
Pamaus lands with a shot to the body.
Pamaus throws a looping overhand right but Elastinen ducks down to avoid it.
Elastinen feints and as Pamaus raises his hands in defense, Elastinen changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Pamaus keeping full guard, as Elastinen tries to pass.
Pamaus is trying to control the position from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Elastinen trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Elastinen pushes down on Pamaus's leg and manages to get into half guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Elastinen stops Pamaus from getting back to his feet.
Pamaus is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Elastinen's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Elastinen's back!
Pamaus controlling well, preventing Elastinen from escaping the position.
Pamaus trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
Pamaus connects with a big shot to the side of Elastinen's head.
Pamaus scores with punches to the body.
Elastinen breaks Pamaus's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Pamaus keeping full guard, as Elastinen tries to pass.
Elastinen slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Elastinen trying to control the action but Pamaus is working from the bottom.
Elastinen works to advance to full mount. Pamaus defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Poor strikes thrown by Elastinen there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Elastinen jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Pamaus is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Pamaus and Elastinen has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Pamaus struggling a bit here.
Elastinen is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Pamaus is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pamaus tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Pamaus throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
Pamaus misses with a body kick.
Erkki Elastinen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Pamaus looks to score with a jab to the body but Elastinen is just out of range.
Aimo Pamaus seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Pamaus scores with a push kick.
Pamaus keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Pamaus! But no joy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Erkki Elastinen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Elastinen moves out of range as Pamaus throws a body kick.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Elastinen looks for a takedown but Pamaus sprawls well.
Pamaus scores with a leg kick.
Elastinen shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Pamaus napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Elastinen prevents Pamaus from escaping the position.
Pamaus manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Aimo Pamaus is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Elastinen is keen to just control but Pamaus is a slippery customer.
Elastinen 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.
Pamaus controlling the position for now.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Aimo Pamaus.
I've got Pamaus winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 27:30
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 27:30
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 27:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Aimo Pamaus!
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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
38% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Brady Barnes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mark Goudeau (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Barnes's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Young Buck, TI, The Game, & Ludacris - Stomp. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!
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| 170 cm
23
149 lbs
12 - 3 - 0 |
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170 cm
20
155 lbs
3 - 0 - 0 |
BJJ Purple Belt
Dangerous knees
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite 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 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Brady Barnes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Mark Goudeau!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Tarja Halkonen and Arvi Lind.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Goudeau throws a jab but it's blocked by Barnes.
Nice defenses there by Barnes.
A looping hook to the body misses from Barnes. Goudeau does a little dance to reset his feet.
Goudeau wants to counter the offense by Barnes and move into the clinch position.
Barnes lands with a kick to the temple. Goudeau shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Goudeau pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Barnes misses with a wild body shot.
Goudeau with the counter takedown but Barnes avoids it easily.
Barnes connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Goudeau's hands.
Goudeau 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.
Barnes moves out of range of the strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Goudeau avoids the head kick by Barnes.
Goudeau looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Barnes swings for the body but Goudeau moves out of range.
Barnes connects with a body shot.
A nice inside leg kick there by Barnes. That's going to slow Goudeau down.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Barnes shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Goudeau throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A quick step to the side and Barnes tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Barnes avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Barnes moves away from the strike by Goudeau.
Barnes with a body punch. A glancing blow.
No joy there for Barnes, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
And Goudeau tries to counter it with a takedown but Barnes pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Goudeau shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Barnes as he jumps to the side.
Barnes throws a lazy head kick
and Goudeau counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Barnes is refusing to be controlled, as Goudeau sits in half guard.
Goudeau is working for a kimura but Barnes is defending it quite comfortably.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barnes looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Goudeau is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Barnes is just riding it out for now. Goudeau eventually gives up the hold.
Barnes is trying to get back to full guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Goudeau is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Goudeau performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Goudeau is working for a submission of some sort.
Barnes is defending against the submission attempts here by Goudeau.
Goudeau seems like he's working for an arm triangle here. He's freed his trapped foot and he's rotating nicely. Barnes is in big trouble! He's tapping out! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Mark Goudeau!
An out of breath Mark Goudeau 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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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
35% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Kenji Kato (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Erkki Heimolainen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 176 cm
30
167 lbs
17 - 9 - 0 |
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180 cm
24
168 lbs
6 - 4 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Excellent grappler
World class boxer
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
17 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kenji Kato!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of London, Erkki Heimolainen!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Anni Minnemäki and Johanna Lukiainen.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Heimolainen on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Kato throws the left hand but Heimolainen avoids the punch easily.
Kato scores with a three punch combo!
Kato misses with an uppercut
and Kato takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Kato throws a nice head kick!
Heimolainen is rocked!
Heimolainen thows a left - swing and a miss!
Heimolainen is still on wobbly legs! Can Kato finish him?
Heimolainen keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Heimolainen misses with a wild combination.
Heimolainen staying out of range there.
Heimolainen swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Heimolainen seems to have recovered his senses.
Heimolainen throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Heimolainen throws a right and a left that Kato avoids nicely.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kato throws a nice looking combination but Heimolainen bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kato misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Heimolainen.
Kato throws a hook but Heimolainen avoids it easily.
Heimolainen lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Heimolainen lands with a nice combination. Kato backs away looking to recover.
Heimolainen throws a leg kick but Kato moved away.
Kato lands a jab.
Heimolainen takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kato showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Heimolainen.
Heimolainen throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Heimolainen tries to bum rush Kato with a series of wild strikes but Kato uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Kato tests Heimolainen's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Kato takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Kato slips a jab and a cross from Heimolainen.
Heimolainen throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kato.
Heimolainen dodges the punch combination from Kato.
Kato lands a big head kick that sends Heimolainen tumbling to the mat! Kato takes a step backwards and waves Heimolainen back to his feet - he wants the finish!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kato misses with a looping right.
Heimolainen tries to land a leg kick but Kato saw it coming and moves away.
Sloppy strikes from Heimolainen. Those never looked like landing.
A jab from Kato misses.
Kato dodges the punch combination from Heimolainen.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Heimolainen moves away from the strike by Kato.
Kato cracks Heimolainen with a right hand to the side of the head.
Heimolainen defending well as Kato loads up on a big left hand.
Heimolainen showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kato.
Despite the aggression on Heimolainen's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Kato tests Heimolainen's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Kato throws a poor cross that misses
and Heimolainen counters with a one-two to the body.
Kato showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Heimolainen.
Kato is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Kato throws a head kick but Heimolainen moves out of range.
It seemed like Heimolainen was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Heimolainen misses with a double jab
and Kato counters with a head kick that drops Heimolainen to the mat! Heimolainen scrambles across the canvas and gets back to his feet, still wobbly!
Kato misses the shot to the body.
A head kick misses from Kato.
Kato misses with a few strikes there.
Heimolainen lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kato throws a good cross that connects.
Kato throws a lazy uppercut
enabling Heimolainen to counter with a crisp jab.
Nice uppercut there from Kato.
Kato connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Heimolainen's hands.
Heimolainen moves out of range as Kato strikes.
Kato scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Heimolainen throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kato.
Kato ducks under a wild hook from Heimolainen.
Kato uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Heimolainen.
Heimolainen misses with a jab, cross combination.
Heimolainen fails to land with a series of punches.
Heimolainen slips a jab from Kato.
Heimolainen throws a series of strikes that have Kato backpedaling.
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!
Kato lands a head kick!
Kato throws a hook to the side of Heimolainen's head but Heimolainen sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kato scores with a decent looking hook.
Kato uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Heimolainen.
Kato misses with a double jab.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kato throws a right hand that misses
enabling Heimolainen to counter with a crisp jab.
Kato misses with a wild body shot.
Kato avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kato connects with a combination that backs up Heimolainen into the cage. Kato lands a flurry of punches that gets past Heimolainen's guard. Heimolainen is down and the referee has seen enough. It is all over! Kato bursts into tears - this win obviously means a huge amount to him.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:23 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Kenji Kato!
Our winner, Kenji Kato, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
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B |
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
77% |
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Co-main event
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Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Taisto Rahapussi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Johannes Maanpohja (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rahapussi's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Caged in A Rage . This should be a great matchup!
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| 178 cm
30
182 lbs
20 - 17 - 0 |
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171 cm
29
173 lbs
12 - 16 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
20 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Taisto Rahapussi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
12 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Johannes Maanpohja!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Roosa Järviläinen and Johanna Lukiainen.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A punch lands to the side of Maanpohja 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Maanpohja moves into the clinch.
Maanpohja looking to stall.
Rahapussi breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Maanpohja.
Horrible takedown attempt by Maanpohja or perhaps it was just good defense by Rahapussi, which made it look bad.
Rahapussi lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Rahapussi lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Maanpohja on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Rahapussi. Rahapussi obviously looking to wear him down.
Maanpohja moves into the clinch successfully.
Maanpohja lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Rahapussi controlling the action here for a moment.
Rahapussi escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Rahapussi lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Rahapussi scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Maanpohja tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Rahapussi manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Maanpohja misses with a takedown attempt - Rahapussi sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Taisto Rahapussi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Johannes Maanpohja.
Rahapussi lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Maanpohja dives in for a single leg takedown but Rahapussi sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Rahapussi pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Good exchange - Rahapussi coming out on top.
An inside leg kick from Rahapussi misses.
Rahapussi connects with an inside leg kick.
The fighters circle momentarily. Rahapussi darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maanpohja shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Rahapussi but Rahapussi pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Rahapussi scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Maanpohja tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Rahapussi swivels and escapes.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rahapussi scoring well with a low kick there.
Good leg kick by Rahapussi there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Rahapussi's corner calls for a 1-2. Rahapussi obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Maanpohja shoots in but no luck this time.
Maanpohja takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Rahapussi lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Taisto Rahapussi is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Maanpohja misses with a takedown attempt - Rahapussi sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Rahapussi swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Rahapussi moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Rahapussi throws a half hearted mid kick.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maanpohja closes this distance looking for a takedown but Rahapussi circles away.
Rahapussi feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Maanpohja fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Rahapussi avoids it really well and circles away.
Maanpohja misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Rahapussi cracks Maanpohja with a good jab.
Rahapussi fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Maanpohja has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Rahapussi throws a head kick but Maanpohja moves out of range.
Rahapussi pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Maanpohja shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Rahapussi's guard.
Rahapussi looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Rahapussi looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maanpohja distracts Rahapussi with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Rahapussi had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Maanpohja defends it easily.
Rahapussi working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Maanpohja doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Maanpohja manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Maanpohja must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Maanpohja wants to control from the top but Rahapussi keeps moving.
Maanpohja is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Rahapussi is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Maanpohja defends well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Taisto Rahapussi dominated that round.
That's time! Rahapussi's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Maanpohja will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Rahapussi throws a counter high kick but Maanpohja was just alert enough to avoid it.
Rahapussi throws a head kick that half lands.
Rahapussi misses with a body shot.
Rahapussi throws a wild body kick that Maanpohja sees coming a mile off.
Maanpohja drives through and clinches with Rahapussi against the cage.
Rahapussi is pressed up against the cage. Maanpohja has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Rahapussi down to the mat. Rahapussi avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Maanpohja tries to close the distance and clinch up but Rahapussi swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Maanpohja's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Maanpohja fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Taisto Rahapussi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Johannes Maanpohja.
A low kick from Rahapussi misses
and Maanpohja connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rahapussi cracks the inside of Maanpohja's front leg.
Maanpohja takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Maanpohja drops his hands momentarily and Rahapussi takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Taisto Rahapussi is winning the standup battle so far.
The fighters circle momentarily. Rahapussi darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
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!
Rahapussi will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Maanpohja drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Rahapussi defends it well.
Rahapussi gets caught flat footed, as Maanpohja shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Maanpohja trying to control but Rahapussi is working from the bottom.
Rahapussi had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Maanpohja defends it easily.
Maanpohja working some strikes from top position.
Rahapussi controls Maanpohja momentarily but Maanpohja frees himself.
Rahapussi keeping moving, preventing Maanpohja from controlling successfully.
Maanpohja got a little sloppy there for a moment and Rahapussi has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Maanpohja has managed to get both his arms back between Rahapussi's legs - danger averted.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Maanpohja got a little sloppy there for a moment and Rahapussi has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Maanpohja has managed to get both his arms back between Rahapussi's legs - danger averted.
We've been hearing good reports from Rahapussi's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Maanpohja cracks Rahapussi with a solid left hand.
Maanpohja trying to control but Rahapussi is working from the bottom.
Rahapussi looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Maanpohja works over Rahapussi with some ground and pound from guard.
Maanpohja trying to control the position from guard on top but Rahapussi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rahapussi working a defensive guard here.
Rahapussi is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Rahapussi working for a triangle but Maanpohja defends it easily.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rahapussi is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Maanpohja trying to control but Rahapussi is working from the bottom.
Rahapussi working a defensive guard here.
Rahapussi has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Maanpohja can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Rahapussi working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Maanpohja doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Maanpohja manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Maanpohja looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Maanpohja accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Maanpohja trying to control but Rahapussi is working from the bottom.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Maanpohja wants to clinch.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rahapussi misses with a wild body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Taisto Rahapussi dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!
Rahapussi throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Rahapussi stuffs the takedown.
Rahapussi looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Rahapussi swats away the attempt to clinch by Maanpohja.
Rahapussi is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Maanpohja can do to turn this around?
Maanpohja fails with the takedown
and Rahapussi counters with an inside leg kick.
The fighters circle momentarily. Rahapussi darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
A solid body kick from Rahapussi.
Rahapussi moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Maanpohja blocks a head kick by Rahapussi.
Maanpohja tries to clinch but Rahapussi moves out of range.
Maanpohja shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Rahapussi defends it nicely.
Taisto Rahapussi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Johannes Maanpohja.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Rahapussi throws a front kick that sends Maanpohja stumbling back into the cage.
Maanpohja will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Maanpohja shoots in but Rahapussi avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Maanpohja fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Johannes Maanpohja is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Maanpohja takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
A combination from Maanpohja does no damage.
Rahapussi feints and then cracks Maanpohja's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Maanpohja down.
Rahapussi goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Maanpohja tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rahapussi. Maanpohja does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rahapussi throws a leg kick but Maanpohja checks it.
Rahapussi goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rahapussi tries to score with a low kick but Maanpohja moves his leg out of the way.
Rahapussi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Maanpohja looks to clinch
and Rahapussi counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Rahapussi swats away the attempt to clinch by Maanpohja.
Rahapussi scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Maanpohja checks a low kick from Rahapussi.
Maanpohja shoots in for a takedown but Rahapussi shows good takedown defense.
Rahapussi swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Maanpohja on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Rahapussi. Rahapussi obviously looking to wear him down.
Maanpohja shoots for a double leg takedown but Rahapussi sprawls well. He's pushed Maanpohja's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Maanpohja shoots in and drives through. Rahapussi sprawls well.
Maanpohja tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Rahapussi defends well and Maanpohja ends up having to push Rahapussi into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Rahapussi. No joy for Maanpohja on that attempt.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rahapussi with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Rahapussi connects with a nice looking jab.
Maanpohja takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Rahapussi scores with a hook.
Johannes Maanpohja seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rahapussi scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Maanpohja moves in looking to clinch but Rahapussi pushes him off.
Rahapussi fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Nice sprawl there from Rahapussi as Maanpohja shoots in.
Rahapussi lands with a nice body kick.
Rahapussi throws a nice outside leg kick.
Rahapussi leaves Maanpohja with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Maanpohja gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Rahapussi counters with a lovely straight right hand!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rahapussi lands with a slapping head kick.
Maanpohja changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Rahapussi tries to avoid it but Maanpohja manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Rahapussi to the ground. Rahapussi escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Maanpohja takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Taisto Rahapussi is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Crunch! Rahapussi slams his shin into Maanpohja's torso.
Rahapussi looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Rahapussi fakes the leg kick and cracks Maanpohja in the body.
Rahapussi moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Rahapussi scores with a shot to the body.
Maanpohja on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Maanpohja tries to clinch up.
Rahapussi is looking to counter punch.
Horrible takedown attempt by Maanpohja or perhaps it was just good defense by Rahapussi, which made it look bad.
Rahapussi feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Maanpohja's calf.
And that's the end of the fight!
Taisto Rahapussi showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Rahapussi, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 30:26
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 30:26
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 30:26
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Taisto Rahapussi!
Taisto Rahapussi seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
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
49% |
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Main event
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Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Mika Saarenpaa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricky Ponting (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 183 cm
26
170 lbs
12 - 3 - 0 |
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170 cm
36
160 lbs
26 - 23 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible |
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Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
12 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mika Saarenpaa!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
26 - 23 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ricky Ponting!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Marco Blurström and Matti Vanhoillinen.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saarenpaa throws a nice outside leg kick.
Saarenpaa avoids a punch combination nicely.
Saarenpaa throws a nice inside leg kick.
Saarenpaa throws a leg kick but Ponting moved away.
Saarenpaa lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Ponting throws a right and a left that Saarenpaa avoids nicely.
A telegraphed right hand from Ponting misses the target.
Ponting is looking to score with low kicks.
Ponting scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Ricky Ponting seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ponting blocks the body kick.
Saarenpaa keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ponting.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A nice leg kick lands there from Saarenpaa.
Ponting shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Saarenpaa defends it nicely.
Ponting throws a sloppy head kick and Saarenpaa moves out of range easily.
Saarenpaa gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Ponting pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Saarenpaa is keeping the position for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Saarenpaa can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Ponting controls the pace.
Ponting being controlled here momentarily.
Saarenpaa preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Saarenpaa looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Ponting trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Saarenpaa will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Ponting trying to control but Saarenpaa is working from the bottom.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Ponting throws a big shot that misses.
Ponting shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Saarenpaa defends it nicely.
Saarenpaa throws a low kick but it's checked well by Ponting.
Good exchange - Saarenpaa coming out on top.
Ponting scores with a three punch combo!
Saarenpaa lands with a thumping leg kick.
Ponting lands with a nice body punch.
Ponting throws a chopping leg kick but Saarenpaa manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Ponting throws a good cross that connects.
Ponting paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa just misses with a punch to the body.
Ponting shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Saarenpaa as he avoids it easily.
Mika Saarenpaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Ponting.
Ponting throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Saarenpaa fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Ponting is out of range.
Saarenpaa lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ponting's sensitive parts.
Saarenpaa throws a series of punches but Ponting avoids them all with ease.
Saarenpaa stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Saarenpaa wants it to stay on the feet.
Ponting steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Saarenpaa. That one must have hurt.
Saarenpaa moves away from the strike by Ponting.
Saarenpaa is looking to counter punch.
Ponting misses with a wild combination.
Ponting pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ponting shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Saarenpaa pinned against the cage. Saarenpaa gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Saarenpaa ducks under a wild hook from Ponting.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa works over Ponting's head and body with a nice combination.
Ponting scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saarenpaa wants to land a leg kick but Ponting is out of range.
Ponting throws a sloppy head kick and Saarenpaa moves out of range easily.
A telegraphed right hand from Ponting misses the target.
Ponting misses with a few strikes there.
Saarenpaa avoids a punch combination nicely.
Ponting feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Saarenpaa tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Ponting trying to control the position from guard on top but Saarenpaa is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ponting throwing strikes from guard but Saarenpaa blocks nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Ricky Ponting dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Ponting misses with a hook. Saarenpaa ducked under it nicely.
It appears Saarenpaa was looking to counter with a kick there.
Saarenpaa tries to clinch but Ponting moves out of range.
Ponting's coach down at Nordic Top Team was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Ponting's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Saarenpaa bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Saarenpaa tries to sprawl but Ponting drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Ponting has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Saarenpaa wants to control but Ponting is keeping busy.
Ponting not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Saarenpaa blocking the ground and pound attempt from Ponting.
Ponting trying to control from half guard but Saarenpaa is working away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ponting thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Ponting is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarenpaa keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Ponting has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Ponting throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Ponting is trying to control the action in half guard but Saarenpaa is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Ponting throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Ponting throwing shots but Saarenpaa is blocking nicely.
Ponting wants to free his trapped foot but Saarenpaa is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Saarenpaa blocking the ground and pound attempt from Ponting.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Ponting dives in and grabs Saarenpaa's left leg, looking for a takedown. Saarenpaa pushes down on Ponting's head and hops out.
Saarenpaa lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Saarenpaa leaves Ponting with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ponting.
Ponting throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Saarenpaa sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Ponting tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Saarenpaa was well out of range. Poor timing from Ponting.
Ponting finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Saarenpaa misses with a wild combination.
Ponting drives through with a takedown into guard.
Ponting working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Ponting pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Saarenpaa is keeping the position for now.
Saarenpaa has momentary wrist control but Ponting slips an elbow through the middle.
Saarenpaa keeping moving, preventing Ponting from controlling successfully.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponting throwing strikes but missing.
Ponting throwing strikes but missing.
Ponting slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Ricky Ponting has got the better of the ground game so far.
Ponting drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Ponting jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Ponting changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Saarenpaa tries to avoid it but Ponting manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Saarenpaa to the ground. Saarenpaa escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Mika Saarenpaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Ponting.
Saarenpaa keeps Ponting at a distance using the push kick.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Saarenpaa uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Ponting has time to react.
Ponting throws a big shot that misses.
Saarenpaa misses with the combination.
Ponting misses with a head kick.
As Ponting tries to get set, Saarenpaa tries to push him back and clinch up but Ponting manages to avoid the attempt.
Ponting misses with a series of wild punches.
Mika Saarenpaa is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Saarenpaa connects with an inside leg kick.
Ponting connects with a looping right hand.
Mika Saarenpaa is winning the standup battle so far.
Ponting scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
A swing and a miss from Ponting.
Ponting's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ponting checks a leg kick.
Saarenpaa misses with a leg kick.
Ponting swings and misses with a hook to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Ricky Ponting showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Saarenpaa's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Saarenpaa dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Ponting. That did some damage!
A slow jab from Ponting misses its intended target.
Ponting throws a hook but Saarenpaa avoids it easily.
Saarenpaa connects with a leg kick. Ponting looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Saarenpaa with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Ponting to score with a decent uppercut.
Ponting scores with a body shot.
The fight stays on the outside here - Saarenpaa looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Ponting throws a shot from downtown. Saarenpaa moves away and avoids it.
Ponting checks the leg kick nicely there.
Saarenpaa bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ponting swinging wildly here.
As Ponting backs away, Saarenpaa returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
A jab from Ponting finds it's way through Saarenpaa's defenses.
Ponting pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarenpaa throws a looping overhand right but Ponting ducks down to avoid it.
Saarenpaa looking to land some kicks to the body here.
A swing and a miss from Ponting.
Saarenpaa swings for the body but Ponting moves out of range.
Ponting cracks Saarenpaa with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Good leg kick by Saarenpaa there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Ponting scores with a jab to the jaw.
Saarenpaa dodges the punch combination from Ponting.
Saarenpaa throws a counter high kick but Ponting was just alert enough to avoid it.
Ponting misses with a low kick.
Saarenpaa lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ponting's sensitive parts.
Ponting scores with a hook to the body. Saarenpaa takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Ponting 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.
Ponting tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Saarenpaa defends well and Ponting ends up having to push Saarenpaa into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Ponting throws a good cross that connects.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ponting lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A slapping leg kick lands for Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Ponting scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Ponting takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Ponting scores with a jab. Saarenpaa acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Saarenpaa lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Ponting bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ponting changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Saarenpaa tries to avoid it but Ponting manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Saarenpaa to the ground. Saarenpaa escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Saarenpaa throws a half hearted mid kick.
Saarenpaa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ponting.
Ponting only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Ponting connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Ponting shoots in for a takedown but Saarenpaa shows good takedown defense.
Mika Saarenpaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Ponting.
Ponting tests Saarenpaa's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Saarenpaa. Ponting shrugs it off though.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Saarenpaa goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Saarenpaa checks a leg kick.
Saarenpaa pivots, looking for a leg kick but Ponting is out of range and Saarenpaa settles back down.
Saarenpaa scores with a nice right hand.
Saarenpaa ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ponting moves away.
Ponting throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Saarenpaa appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Saarenpaa fails in his attempt to clinch.
Saarenpaa backing away here, and Ponting unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Ponting shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Good exchange - Ponting coming out on top.
Ponting throws a head kick that misses.
Ponting throws a leg kick
and Saarenpaa counters with a solid body kick.
Saarenpaa turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Saarenpaa throws a nice outside leg kick.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ponting misses the jab.
Saarenpaa throws a low kick but it's checked well by Ponting.
Ponting throws an off balance right hand
enabling Saarenpaa to counter with a crisp jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Saarenpaa attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Ponting swings for the body but Saarenpaa moves out of range.
Saarenpaa walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Ponting checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Ponting misses with an uppercut.
As Ponting backs away, Saarenpaa returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Saarenpaa walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Ponting checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Ponting throws the left hand but Saarenpaa avoids the punch easily.
A nice inside leg kick there by Saarenpaa. That's going to slow Ponting down.
Nice body kick from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa tries to clinch there but Ponting circles away.
Ponting fails with a takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close third round but Ricky Ponting just about did enough to take it.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
Ponting tests Saarenpaa's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Saarenpaa ducks under a wild hook from Ponting.
As Ponting backs away, Saarenpaa returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Saarenpaa throws a push kick but Ponting slaps the foot to one side.
Ponting shoots in for a takedown but Saarenpaa shows good takedown defense.
A counter left hand to the body from Saarenpaa misses its target.
Ponting wants to slow Saarenpaa down by chopping away at his legs.
Saarenpaa throwing a counter right hand but Ponting manages to avoid it.
Ponting misses with a head kick.
Ponting throws an overhand right that lands on Saarenpaa's shoulder, as Saarenpaa tries to avoid the shot.
Saarenpaa is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Saarenpaa tries to clinch up.
And Ponting tries to counter it with a takedown but Saarenpaa pushes his down on his head and steps out.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Saarenpaa. Ponting shrugs it off though.
Saarenpaa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ponting.
Ponting misses with a straight left.
Ponting misses with a takedown attempt - Saarenpaa sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarenpaa scores with a jab.
Saarenpaa scores with a jab to the body.
Ponting throws a hook but Saarenpaa blocks it.
Ponting looks to score with a jab to the body but Saarenpaa is just out of range.
A slapping leg kick lands for Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ponting.
Saarenpaa doesn't manage to clinch there - Ponting circles away.
Ponting looks to land a right hand but Saarenpaa moved out of range.
Saarenpaa moves forwards but Ponting connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Ponting lands with a straight right. Saarenpaa didn't see that one coming.
Saarenpaa checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Saarenpaa slips a jab from Ponting.
Saarenpaa moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Saarenpaa keeps Ponting at a distance using the push kick.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ponting tries to score with a low kick but Saarenpaa moves his leg out of the way.
A head kick misses from Saarenpaa.
Ponting misses with a body shot.
Ponting has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Saarenpaa.
Ponting takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saarenpaa uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Ponting.
Ponting throws a nice looking combination but Saarenpaa bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Good work by Ponting as he checks the leg kick.
Saarenpaa tries to clinch but Ponting is having none of it.
Jab by Ponting.
Saarenpaa misses with an attempted mid kick.
Ponting rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Saarenpaa moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Saarenpaa throws a big counter combination but Ponting scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Saarenpaa feints and then cracks Ponting's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Ponting down.
A punch lands to the side of Saarenpaa 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Ponting throws an overhand right that lands on Saarenpaa's shoulder, as Saarenpaa tries to avoid the shot.
Saarenpaa tries to close the distance and clinch but Ponting swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponting ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Saarenpaa blocks a low kick nicely.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ponting is defended easily by Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa thinks about countering with a body kick.
Mika Saarenpaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Ponting.
Ponting is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Saarenpaa's half guard.
Saarenpaa is controlling Ponting's trapped leg to prevent Ponting from advancing to side control.
Ponting looks to land a strike but Saarenpaa avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ponting throws a big right hand that misses.
Ponting looking to sit in guard and control but Saarenpaa gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Ponting has control of Saarenpaa's left arm, preventing Saarenpaa from doing any damage.
Saarenpaa got a little sloppy there for a moment and Ponting has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Saarenpaa has managed to get both his arms back between Ponting's legs - danger averted.
Saarenpaa wants to pass the guard but Ponting is keeping the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close fourth round but Ricky Ponting 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. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!
Ponting throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Ponting tries a head kick but it misses.
As Ponting tries to get set, Saarenpaa tries to push him back and clinch up but Ponting manages to avoid the attempt.
Saarenpaa will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Saarenpaa misses with a looping left.
Saarenpaa moves away from the strike by Ponting.
Saarenpaa smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Saarenpaa uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Ponting.
Saarenpaa tries to land a front kick but Ponting steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Ponting throws a shot from downtown. Saarenpaa moves away and avoids it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ponting avoids a kick to the body.
Ponting feints a counter leg kick.
Ponting throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Saarenpaa sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Ponting misses with a straight left.
Ponting throws a shot from downtown. Saarenpaa moves away and avoids it.
Ponting misses with an uppercut.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarenpaa moves out of range of the strikes.
Donk. Ponting catches Saarenpaa right on the button with a cross.
Ponting fails with a takedown attempt.
Ponting misses with a looping right.
Saarenpaa is looking to counter punch.
Ponting takes one on the button.
Ponting moves out of range of the body kick.
Saarenpaa pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ponting looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Ponting connects with a looping right hand.
Ponting fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Saarenpaa cracks the inside of Ponting's front leg.
Ponting misses with an uppercut
and Saarenpaa counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Saarenpaa drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Ponting misses with a combination
and Saarenpaa counters with a slapping leg kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ponting scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Saarenpaa ducks under a wild hook from Ponting.
Saarenpaa tries to close the distance and clinch but Ponting swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Ponting takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Ponting checks a leg kick.
Ponting throws an overhand right that lands on Saarenpaa's shoulder, as Saarenpaa tries to avoid the shot.
Saarenpaa throws a nice outside leg kick.
Ponting swings for the body but Saarenpaa moves out of range.
Ponting tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Ponting takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponting throws a series of punches but Saarenpaa moves out of range.
Saarenpaa lands with a shot to the body.
Ponting takes a swing at Saarenpaa's ribcage but misses.
Nice defenses there by Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa fires out a quick counter leg kick but Ponting just manages to avoid it.
Saarenpaa looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Mika Saarenpaa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ponting rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Saarenpaa moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Saarenpaa misses with a combination
enabling Ponting to counter with a crisp jab.
Ponting thows a left - swing and a miss!
Ponting misses with a hook. Saarenpaa ducked under it nicely.
Saarenpaa throws a body kick that misses.
Ponting digs a good body shot into Saarenpaa's ribs.
Ponting will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Saarenpaa feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Ponting shoots in looking for a takedown. Saarenpaa tries to sprawl out of it but Ponting keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Saarenpaa manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Mika Saarenpaa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Ponting.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Saarenpaa looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Ponting swinging wildly here.
Saarenpaa checks a leg kick nicely.
Saarenpaa throws a body shot but no joy.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Saarenpaa tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Ponting manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
A head kick misses from Ponting.
A slow jab from Ponting misses its intended target.
Ponting misses the shot to the body.
Ponting throws an off balance right hand
and Saarenpaa connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Ponting takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Ricky Ponting.
Well Ponting has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Arvi Lind scores the fight 45:50
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 45:50
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 45:50
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ricky Ponting!
Ricky Ponting is the new lightweight champion!
A relieved looking Ricky Ponting thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
57% |
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