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The Island Season 6, 135 lbs, Round 3 PBP Commentary |
Co-main event
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Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Rei Higuchi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Desmond Fairbanks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 163 cm
26
139 lbs
11 - 6 - 0 |
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173 cm
20
142 lbs
8 - 2 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Basic striking
Very quick |
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BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
11 - 6 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Rei Higuchi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Desmond Fairbanks!
The judges for this bout are David Hoff, Daniel Franklin and Michael Johnstone.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Higuchi looks for a takedown but Fairbanks sprawls well.
Jab, jab by Fairbanks - just one landing.
Higuchi closes the distance and clinches up with Fairbanks, looking for a takedown. Higuchi pushes Fairbanks against the cage but Fairbanks circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Fairbanks's coach down at Next Gen MMA (Only Elite coaches) was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Fairbanks's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Higuchi is defended easily by Fairbanks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rei Higuchi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Higuchi shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Fairbanks but Fairbanks pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Excellent takedown into side control there by Higuchi.
Fairbanks tries to improve position but can't.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Higuchi is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Fairbanks knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Fairbanks tries to buck Higuchi off but Higuchi is having none of it.
Higuchi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Fairbanks keeps working.
Fairbanks is looking to reverse the position.
Fairbanks keeps trying to improve his position.
Fairbanks manages to get back to half guard.
Higuchi is trying to work for a kimura but Fairbanks is defending well.
We've been hearing that Higuchi has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Higuchi is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Fairbanks has managed to free his arm - good work.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fairbanks tries to roll over but Higuchi keeps him under control.
Higuchi is keen to just control but Fairbanks is a slippery customer.
Fairbanks tries to roll over but Higuchi keeps him under control.
Higuchi is trying to control the action in half guard but Fairbanks is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Higuchi takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Fairbanks works his way to full guard. Good work.
Higuchi loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Fairbanks looking for a sweep. Not yet Fairbanks, not yet.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higuchi wants to control from the top but Fairbanks keeps moving.
Fairbanks can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Higuchi controls the pace.
Fairbanks wants to sweep here but Higuchi controlling him for the moment.
Higuchi is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Higuchi tries to free his leg and advance position but Fairbanks is retaining full guard.
Fairbanks looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Fairbanks uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Higuchi.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Higuchi throws out a loose jab but Fairbanks uses good head movement to avoid it.
Higuchi darts in looking for a takedown but Fairbanks gets double underhooks and turns Higuchi into the cage.
Fairbanks catches Higuchi with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
It looks like Rei Higuchi has been cut.
Fairbanks ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Higuchi takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Higuchi shoots in but no luck this time.
Fairbanks throws out a counter right but Higuchi avoids it with no problem.
Fairbanks defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Higuchi.
Higuchi dives in for a single leg takedown but Fairbanks sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Fairbanks! But no joy.
Fairbanks lands a head shot.
Fairbanks uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Higuchi.
Nice uppercut there from Fairbanks.
A jab from Fairbanks does it's job there.
Higuchi is rocked!
Fairbanks finds Higuchi's off switch, with a big overhand right that connects perfectly to the side of the head! Higuchi flops back against the cage, eyes gazing into the distance. Fairbanks lands an unnecessary shot before the referee has time to step in and end the fight. Brutal stuff but I'm sure Higuchi will be OK.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Desmond Fairbanks!
Our winner, Desmond Fairbanks, 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 |
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
35% |
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Main event
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Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Rod Stiffington Jr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Scott Kannberg (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kannberg has chosen Pavement: 'Date with IKEA' as his entrance music. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!
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| 162 cm
26
140 lbs
9 - 0 - 0 |
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167 cm
20
141 lbs
6 - 2 - 1 |
Powerful takedowns
Counter fighter
Cardio machine |
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Powerful takedowns
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
9 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Rod Stiffington Jr!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
6 - 2 - 1, fighting out of The Island, Scott Kannberg!
The judges for this bout are Winston Alpacca, Bart Greer and Santiago Holmes.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kannberg throws a right and a left that Stiffington Jr avoids nicely.
Stiffington Jr moves out of range of the strikes.
Kannberg throws a right hand that Stiffington Jr ducks under and follows up with a left that Stiffington Jr also avoids with ease.
Stiffington Jr tries to counter with a takedown but Kannberg is quick to defend against it.
Stiffington Jr misses with a body shot.
Stiffington Jr shoots in and bounces Kannberg off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Kannberg manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.
Stiffington Jr taking a breather.
A head punch on the inside from Kannberg fails to land.
Kannberg misses with the head strike.
Kannberg working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kannberg prevents a body shot from Stiffington Jr.
Kannberg is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Stiffington Jr is defending well for now.
Stiffington Jr pulls guard successfully.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Stiffington Jr being controlled here, momentarily.
Stiffington Jr keeping moving, preventing Kannberg from controlling successfully.
Kannberg looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Kannberg working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Stiffington Jr's head.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kannberg accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Stiffington Jr manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Kannberg manages to get himself to full guard.
Stiffington Jr postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Kannberg manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Stiffington Jr manages to get himself to full guard.
Kannberg preventing the sweep.
Stiffington Jr has control of Kannberg's left arm, preventing Kannberg from doing any damage.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stiffington Jr working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Kannberg.
Kannberg wanted to stand there but Stiffington Jr had control of the position.
Kannberg pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Stiffington Jr is keeping the position for now.
Stiffington Jr wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Kannberg must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Kannberg lands a couple of digs.
Kannberg slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Stiffington Jr is on top in guard.
Kannberg avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stiffington Jr working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Kannberg's head.
Stiffington Jr looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Kannberg working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Stiffington Jr.
Stiffington Jr landing some decent shots from guard.
Kannberg looking for a sweep. Not yet Kannberg, not yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Stiffington Jr wants to pass the guard but Kannberg is keeping the position.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Stiffington Jr's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Kannberg looking for a sweep. Not yet Kannberg, not yet.
Stiffington Jr loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stiffington Jr in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Kannberg looking to hit a scissor sweep but Stiffington Jr is one step ahead there.
Kannberg looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Stiffington Jr throwing strikes but missing.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Stiffington Jr accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Scott Kannberg will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Kannberg lands a nice shot that snaps Stiffington Jr's head back.
Stiffington Jr misses with a low kick.
Kannberg shoots in and gets a takedown into Stiffington Jr's guard.
Kannberg wants to control from the top but Stiffington Jr keeps moving.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Stiffington Jr holds on and takes a little breather.
Kannberg slips nicely into half guard.
Ground and pound from Kannberg.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stiffington Jr is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Stiffington Jr is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kannberg landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Stiffington Jr is doing well to control the position and prevent Kannberg from advancing to side control.
Stiffington Jr trying to hold on to Kannberg's head to control him but Kannberg postures up.
Kannberg looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Stiffington Jr with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Kannberg thows a huge punch but Stiffington Jr dodges it nicely.
Kannberg not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Stiffington Jr is not content to let Kannberg control the position.
Stiffington Jr is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kannberg is trying to control the action in half guard but Stiffington Jr is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Stiffington Jr is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Kannberg wants to stand up but Stiffington Jr has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Kannberg looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Kannberg trying to control the action but Stiffington Jr is working from the bottom.
Kannberg throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Stiffington Jr tries to roll over but Kannberg keeps him under control.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kannberg sitting and controlling from the half guard.
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Kannberg goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Stiffington Jr avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kannberg lands with a slapping head kick.
Stiffington Jr throws a leg kick but Kannberg moved away.
Stiffington Jr misses the jab.
Stiffington Jr misses with a hook
letting Kannberg counter with a right hand.
Kannberg tries to close the distance and clinch but Stiffington Jr swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kannberg uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Stiffington Jr.
Kannberg appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Stiffington Jr throws a solid leg kick but Kannberg takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Stiffington Jr.
Stiffington Jr throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stiffington Jr shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Stiffington Jr avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Stiffington Jr tries to counter with a takedown but Kannberg is quick to defend against it.
Kannberg throws a shot from downtown. Stiffington Jr moves away and avoids it.
Kannberg darts in and clinches Stiffington Jr up against the cage.
Stiffington Jr fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kannberg throws a punch but it's blocked by Stiffington Jr.
Kannberg breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kannberg misses with a head kick.
Scott Kannberg is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Stiffington Jr swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Kannberg lands an overhand right.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Stiffington Jr throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Kannberg stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Stiffington Jr throws a low kick, looking for Kannberg's leg but Kannberg calmly moves out of range.
Kannberg has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kannberg throws a right and a left that both miss.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Scott Kannberg 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. This is the final round!
Kannberg misses with a hook. Stiffington Jr ducked under it nicely.
Stiffington Jr attempts a counter takedown but Kannberg avoids it well and moves away.
Stiffington Jr misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Kannberg counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Stiffington Jr throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Stiffington Jr is looking to score with low kicks.
Stiffington Jr with a poor takedown
and Kannberg counters by moving into the clinch.
Kannberg breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Stiffington Jr is looking to wear down Kannberg with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Stiffington Jr fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kannberg manages to avoid it.
Stiffington Jr gets tackled into the cage by Kannberg. Kannberg maintains the clinch.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kannberg tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kannberg has Stiffington Jr pressed against the cage.
Kannberg misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kannberg tries a knee to the head but Stiffington Jr blocks it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kannberg lands a shoulder strike.
Stiffington Jr is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Kannberg manages to break the clinch.
Stiffington Jr looks to land a left hand but Kannberg moved out of range nicely.
Kannberg is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kannberg throws a wild body kick that Stiffington Jr sees coming a mile off.
Kannberg gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Kannberg tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kannberg swings wildly with an uppercut but Stiffington Jr uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kannberg struggles to land a body shot inside as Stiffington Jr controls his hands.
The referee calls for Kannberg to work.
Rod Stiffington Jr has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Scott Kannberg is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Stiffington Jr is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Kannberg misses with a hook from the clinch.
Stiffington Jr jumps guard but Kannberg stands there with Stiffington Jr around his waist. Stiffington Jr gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Kannberg doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kannberg wants the takedown. Stiffington Jr is fighting it off but Kannberg persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Stiffington Jr's guard against the cage.
Scott Kannberg has got the better of the ground game so far.
Stiffington Jr can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Kannberg controls the pace.
Stiffington Jr is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Kannberg got a little sloppy there for a moment and Stiffington Jr has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Kannberg has managed to get both his arms back between Stiffington Jr's legs - danger averted.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stiffington Jr trying to keep a closed guard but Kannberg is proving a slippery customer.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Stiffington Jr is pulling down on Kannberg's head to control his posture.
Stiffington Jr tries to land a sweep but no joy.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Stiffington Jr is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Stiffington Jr takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Kannberg has taken the fight to the clinch.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kannberg has clasped his hands together around Stiffington Jr's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Stiffington Jr gets back to half guard.
Kannberg is keen to just control but Stiffington Jr is a slippery customer.
Stiffington Jr manages to get to full guard.
Kannberg stopping the sweep attempt from Stiffington Jr.
Kannberg is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Kannberg in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Stiffington Jr has his foot on Kannberg's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kannberg works his way back into a safe position though.
Stiffington Jr is looking for a triangle but Kannberg pushes his legs off easily.
And that's the end of the fight!
Scott Kannberg comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Kannberg 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Winston Alpacca scores the fight for Scott Kannberg!
Judge Bart Greer scores the fight for Scott Kannberg!
Judge Santiago Holmes scores the fight for Scott Kannberg!
Scott Kannberg wins by unanimous decision!
Scott Kannberg 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
38% |
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