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TBD Tokyo PBP Commentary |
Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Howlin Wolf (ranked 740 p4p, 1765 weight class) and Like Boss (ranked 92 p4p, 201 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 190 cm
36
287
23 - 13 - 0 |
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198 cm
33
265
20 - 16 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Granite chin |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Howlin Wolf!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Like Boss!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Kenichi Hosakawa.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Boss fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Wolf manages to avoid it.
Wolf drops down looking for a counter takedown but Boss sprawls and moves away.
Boss looks to land a right hand but Wolf moved out of range.
Wolf appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Wolf on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Boss. Boss obviously looking to wear him down.
Boss sizes up Wolf with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
A bone on bone clash there as Wolf blocks the leg kick.
Wolf checks a low kick from Boss.
Boss scores with a shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Boss throws a body punch but Wolf moves out of range.
Boss misses with a hook.
Wolf changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Boss looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Wolf half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Boss throws a body punch but Wolf moves out of range.
Boss has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Wolf is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Wolf defending well as Boss loads up on a big left hand.
Wolf staying out of range there.
Wolf on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Boss. Boss obviously looking to wear him down.
Wolf ducks under a wild hook from Boss.
Wolf tries to counter with a takedown but Boss is quick to defend against it.
The fighters circling - Boss throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Wolf feinted with a counter takedown.
Wolf slips a jab from Boss.
Wolf bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Wolf attempts a counter takedown but Boss avoids it well and moves away.
Wolf moves away from the strike by Boss.
Wolf changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boss lands with a nice body punch.
Boss works the jab nicely.
Boss throws a leg kick but Wolf moved away.
Boss throws a sloppy head kick and Wolf moves out of range easily.
Wolf half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Boss swings away with a body shot that misses
and Wolf counters with a nice double leg into side control. Boss won't be happy with that.
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!
Wolf has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Boss throws a leg kick that is checked
and Wolf counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Boss wants to sweep but no luck.
Boss is pulling down on Wolf's head to control his posture.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wolf decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Boss, up you get!
Boss ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Wolf moves away.
A cross from Boss lands.
Wolf keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Boss.
Wolf drops down looking for a counter takedown but Boss sprawls and moves away.
Wolf slips a jab from Boss.
Boss throws a head kick that misses.
Wolf half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Boss misses with a left hand
and Wolf counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Wolf prevents Boss from improving his position.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Boss trying to hold on to Wolf's head to control him but Wolf postures up.
Boss is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Wolf stands up out of the half guard.
Wolf avoids the body shot from Boss.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Like Boss dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
Wolf slips a jab from Boss.
Wolf appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Boss throws a leg kick
and Wolf counters with a nice double leg into side control. Boss won't be happy with that.
Wolf decides to stand up, so the ref orders Boss to his feet.
Boss connects with a solid leg kick.
Boss misses with a leg kick
and Wolf counters with a shoot takedown. Boss fights it but they end up in guard.
Wolf stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Boss jabs Wolf right on the nose. Wolf blinks but takes it well.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Boss misses with an uppercut
and Wolf counters with a shoot takedown. Boss fights it but they end up in guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Boss managing to control the position.
Wolf gets to his feet. Boss looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
A big right from Boss misses.
Boss swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Wolf tries to counter with a takedown but Boss is quick to defend against it.
Boss cracks Wolf with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Boss throws a body kick that misses
and Wolf counters with a single leg into guard. Boss didn't expect that.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wolf stands and steps away. Boss gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Wolf avoids the body shot from Boss.
Boss throws a leg kick that is checked
and Wolf counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Wolf decides to stand up.
Like Boss is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Wolf takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
A big right from Boss misses.
Boss misses with a combination
and Wolf counters with a takedown into side control.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wolf decides to take the fight back to the feet.
A big right from Boss misses.
Wolf drops down looking for a counter takedown but Boss sprawls and moves away.
Wolf avoids the body shot from Boss.
Wolf drops down looking for a counter takedown but Boss sprawls and moves away.
Boss throws a leg kick that is checked
and Wolf counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Boss!
Boss tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Wolf stands up.
Wolf takes a head kick and keeps coming.
 It looks like Howlin Wolf has been cut.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Boss swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Wolf feinted with a counter takedown.
Boss throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Wolf attempts a counter takedown but Boss avoids it well and moves away.
Boss takes a swing at Wolf's ribcage but misses.
Boss finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
A low kick from Boss is predictable there
and Wolf counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Boss is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Wolf presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Wolf is looking for a takedown.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Howlin Wolf dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Howlin Wolf's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!
Boss ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Boss misses with a shot to the body
and Wolf decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Boss's guard.
Boss seems keen to control Wolf's posture.
Wolf stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Boss misses the shot to the body.
Like Boss seems to be getting the better of the standup.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wolf takes one to the side of the head.
Boss throws a body kick that misses
and Wolf counters with a nice double leg into side control. Boss won't be happy with that.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Wolf stands up and beckons Boss to his feet.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Boss looks for the body kick but Wolf saw that one coming.
Wolf drops down looking for a counter takedown but Boss sprawls and moves away.
Boss tests Wolf's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Boss swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Wolf appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Boss misses the jab.
A head kick misses from Boss.
Wolf appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Boss misses with an uppercut
and Wolf counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Boss is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Wolf dives into side control.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Boss wants to control but Wolf postures up.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wolf decides to take the fight back to the feet.
A nice inside leg kick there by Boss. That's going to slow Wolf down.
Boss connects with a body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Boss throws a leg kick
and Wolf counters with a single leg into guard. Boss didn't expect that.
Boss is controlling Wolf's posture.
Boss tries to land a sweep but no joy.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boss wants to control but Wolf passes easily into half guard.
Boss is holding on to half guard well.
Wolf decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.
Boss misses with a hook to the body
and Wolf counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Wolf.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wolf decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Boss misses with a body shot.
Wolf attempts a counter takedown but Boss avoids it well and moves away.
Wolf ducks under a wild hook from Boss.
Wolf half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Boss lands with a nice body punch.
A low kick from Boss is predictable there
and Wolf counters with a takedown into side control.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Boss struggling a bit here.
Wolf decides to take the fight back to the feet.
And that's the end of the fight!
Howlin Wolf showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Wolf has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 29:28
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 29:28
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Howlin Wolf!
Howlin Wolf 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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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
55% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Joao Cajo Branca (ranked 850 p4p, 1165 weight class) and Keone Kapisi (ranked 103 p4p, 143 weight class). Branca comes to the cage accompanied by original score medley. Keone Kapisi acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.
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| 194 cm
26
267
13 - 9 - 0 |
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190 cm
31
280
12 - 15 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Joao Cajo Branca!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 15 - 0, fighting out of London, Keone Kapisi!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Hirohito Nitta and Kenichi Hosakawa.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kapisi misses with a hook.
It looked like Branca was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Kapisi.
Branca blocks a jab.
Good exchange - Branca coming out on top.
Kapisi needs to keep his hands up - Branca had a free shot at his head there.
Kapisi lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
It looks like Joao Cajo Branca has been cut.
Branca throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Kapisi clinches up with Branca and pushes him back against the cage.
Kapisi misses with a punch on the inside.
Branca avoiding damage as Kapisi throws knees to the body.
Kapisi lands an elbow just above Branca 's eye.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kapisi lands a nice elbow.
Joao Cajo Branca's cut is getting worse.
Kapisi blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Branca has a couple of punches blocked by Kapisi.
I was talking to Branca's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Branca lands a left hand.
Kapisi softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Kapisi misses with some punches.
A knee to the head by Kapisi.
Kapisi makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Joao Cajo Branca's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Branca breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kapisi throws a combination that misses
and Branca counters with a good low kick that Kapisi was not able to check.
That's one minute gone in the round.
That kick from Branca tenderised Kapisi's leg. Kapisi is trying to keep his angry face on.
Kapisi misses with a looping left.
Kapisi turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Branca scores with a sloppy right hand. Kapisi should have avoided that one.
Kapisi throws the left hand but Branca avoids the punch easily.
Kapisi misses with a right hand
and Branca counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Branca throws a lazy right hand but Kapisi sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Branca lands with a right hand.
Kapisi walks into a straight right hand from Branca.
A low kick from Kapisi is predictable there
and Branca finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
A good leg kick by Kapisi.
Kapisi misses with a hook to the body
and Branca counters with a right hand to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kapisi throws a series of punches but Branca avoids them all with ease.
Kapisi looks winded!
Kapisi tried to score with a low kick but Branca checks it.
As Kapisi tries to get set, Branca tries to push him back and clinch up but Kapisi manages to avoid the attempt.
Branca darts in and clinches Kapisi up against the cage.
Branca lands a right hand that snaps the head of Kapisi backwards.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Branca lands a nice uppercut.
Kapisi is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
A short left from Branca.
Kapisi swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A right hand to the body from Branca.
Kapisi blocks a body shot from Branca.
Good body shot from Branca.
Kapisi swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Branca misses with a punch to the body.
Branca breaks from the clinch.
Kapisi lands with a thumping leg kick.
Kapisi swings widly with a right hand
and Branca counters with a left and a right that stings Kapisi.
Keone Kapisi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kapisi lands a really nice looking cross but Branca seems unphased.
Kapisi uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Branca.
An inside leg kick lands from Branca.
Kapisi throws a body punch but Branca moves out of range.
A jab from Kapisi misses.
Kapisi throws a body punch but Branca moves out of range.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kapisi swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kapisi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Branca moves away.
Branca throwing a counter right hand but Kapisi manages to avoid it.
Kapisi tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Branca manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Kapisi misses with an uppercut. Branca saw that one coming.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Kapisi!
Branca scores with a jab to the body.
Kapisi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Branca.
Branca uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kapisi.
Branca throws a leg kick which misses Kapisi's front leg but catches the back leg as Kapisi tries to avoid it.
Kapisi swings widly with a right hand
and Branca counters with an outside leg kick.
Branca throws a nice outside leg kick.
Kapisi throws an off balance right hand
and Branca counters with a nice body kick.
Branca's jab looks to have found its range, popping Kapisi under the eye.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Branca dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Kapisi. That did some damage!
Branca lands a nice shot that snaps Kapisi's head back.
Branca drops Kapisi with a straight right hand, right on the button! Branca follows him down to the mat and pounds him out with hammerfists until the referee jumps in to end the fight!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Joao Cajo Branca!
Joao Cajo Branca was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.
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C
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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
73% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tank Ispa (ranked 627 p4p, 218 weight class) and Tomomi Tsuruta (ranked 94 p4p, 38 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 190 cm
33
216
27 - 14 - 2 |
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192 cm
34
209
26 - 14 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 27 - 14 - 2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Tank Ispa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 14 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Tomomi Tsuruta!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Shimada, Yuuki Gou and Shirou Masuda.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ispa slips a straight right by Tsuruta.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Ispa avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Ispa throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tsuruta misses the shot to the body.
Tsuruta lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Ispa throws a lazy right hand but Tsuruta sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
We've been hearing reports that Ispa has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Ispa lands a leg kick that knocks Tsuruta off balance momentarily.
Ispa avoids the body shot from Tsuruta.
Ispa moves away from the strike by Tsuruta.
Ispa with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Tsuruta moves away from the strike by Ispa.
Ispa shoots for a takedown but Tsuruta saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Tsuruta ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Ispa shoots in looking for a takedown but Tsuruta manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Ispa's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Ispa slips a straight right by Tsuruta.
Tsuruta avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Tsuruta swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ispa feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Ispa scores with a decent looking hook.
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!
A slow jab from Tsuruta misses its intended target.
Tsuruta misses with a wild body shot.
Tsuruta throws a hook but Ispa blocks it.
Ispa changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A swing and a miss from Ispa.
Ispa tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Tsuruta is able to avoid easily.
Ispa throws a hook but Tsuruta avoids it easily.
Tsuruta throws a lazy right hand but Ispa sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ispa misses with an uppercut.
Ispa takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Ispa does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
It seemed like Tsuruta was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Ispa misses with a kick to the body.
Tsuruta looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Ispa shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Tsuruta is trying to defend but Ispa finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Tsuruta trying to hold on to Ispa's head to control him but Ispa postures up.
Tsuruta is defending against the submission attempts here by Ispa.
Ispa wants to work for an arm triangle but Tsuruta is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
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.
Ispa is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Tsuruta wants to get back to full guard.
Ispa is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Tsuruta is just riding it out for now. Ispa eventually gives up the hold.
Tsuruta is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tsuruta makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Tsuruta.
Tsuruta lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.
Tsuruta engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ispa has an active guard here but Tsuruta has managed to pass into half guard.
Ispa is looking for a sweep. Tsuruta is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ispa wants to control but Tsuruta is keeping busy.
Tsuruta controlling the action here.
Let's hope that Tsuruta has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Ispa is looking to control Tsuruta's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Ispa avoid being mounted?
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Tsuruta takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Ispa wants to control but Tsuruta is keeping busy.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Tomomi Tsuruta dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Ispa changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Tsuruta tries to avoid it but Ispa manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Tsuruta to the ground. Tsuruta escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Ispa avoids the body shot from Tsuruta.
Ispa slips under a jab from Tsuruta.
Ispa fails in his attempt to clinch.
Tsuruta scores with a hook to the body. Ispa takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Ispa ducks under a wild hook from Tsuruta.
Tsuruta misses the shot to the body.
Tsuruta misses with a wild body shot.
Ispa swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Tsuruta misses with a shot to the body
and Ispa makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Ispa is looking to clinch.
Ispa fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Ispa swings away with a leg kick that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tsuruta swings for the body but Ispa moves out of range.
Tsuruta throws a big shot that misses.
As Tsuruta backs away, Ispa returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Ispa scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
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!
Tsuruta is trying to maintain the position but Ispa is very close to passing his half guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Ispa is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Tsuruta reverses the position - he's now on top in Ispa's guard.
Tsuruta gets to his feet - Ispa follows without any prompting.
Tsuruta swings for the body but Ispa moves out of range.
Tsuruta throws a hook but Ispa blocks it.
Ispa tries a low kick but Tsuruta avoids it.
Nice shot by Tsuruta.
Tsuruta swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ispa throws a leg kick
and Tsuruta cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Ispa throws a leg kick that misses.
Ispa just misses with a punch to the body.
Tsuruta throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ispa tries to land a leg kick but Tsuruta saw it coming and moves away.
Tsuruta takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Tomomi Tsuruta is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ispa connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Ispa misses the jab.
Tsuruta has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Ispa pushes Tsuruta up against the cage in a clinch.
Ispa lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tsuruta.
Tsuruta lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A short body shot lands from Ispa as the two fighters clinch.
Tsuruta blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Ispa throws an elbow that misses.
Tsuruta lands a shoulder strike.
Tsuruta softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Tsuruta pushes Ispa back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Ispa tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Tsuruta breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ispa is looking to slow Tsuruta down with leg kicks.
Tsuruta looks to land a left hand but Ispa moved out of range nicely.
Tsuruta throws a looping overhand right but Ispa ducks down to avoid it.
Ispa chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Ispa scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tsuruta misses with an uppercut.
Ispa misses with a low kick.
Tsuruta throws an overhand right that lands on Ispa's shoulder, as Ispa tries to avoid the shot.
Ispa attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Ispa on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Ispa takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Ispa shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Tsuruta swats away the attempt to clinch by Ispa.
Tsuruta swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ispa lands a lovely overhand right.
Ispa buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Ispa scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tsuruta. Ispa does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ispa throws a low kick but it's checked well by Tsuruta.
Ispa throws a nice inside leg kick.
Tsuruta takes a swing at Ispa's ribcage but misses.
Tsuruta misses the shot to the body.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tsuruta throws a body shot but no joy.
Ispa misses with a body punch
and Tsuruta counters with a lovely shot to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ispa throws a push kick but Tsuruta slaps the foot to one side.
Tsuruta misses with a wild body shot.
Ispa explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Ispa moves into the clinch.
Ispa stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Ispa prevents Tsuruta from breaking the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tsuruta.
Tsuruta manages to break the clinch.
Ispa throws a body punch but Tsuruta moves out of range.
Ispa throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Tsuruta's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
An inside leg kick from Ispa misses.
Tsuruta dodges the punch combination from Ispa.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ispa.
Ispa doesn't manage to clinch there - Tsuruta circles away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Tomomi Tsuruta will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!
Tsuruta getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Tsuruta throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Tsuruta throws a body punch but Ispa moves out of range.
Ispa is looking to counter the offense by Tsuruta and move into the clinch.
Tsuruta tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ispa was well out of range. Poor timing from Tsuruta.
Ispa attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Tsuruta looks like he wants to counter punch here.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tsuruta. Ispa does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ispa half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Ispa lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Tsuruta throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ispa scores with a leg kick.
Ispa ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tsuruta. Ispa does a little dance to reset his feet.
Tsuruta throws a series of punches but Ispa avoids them all with ease.
Tomomi Tsuruta seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Tsuruta has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Ispa.
Ispa connects with an inside leg kick.
Ispa looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Ispa takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tsuruta throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tsuruta lands a jab.
Tsuruta changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
A nice leg kick lands there from Ispa.
Tsuruta moves out of range of the body kick.
Tsuruta throws a body punch but Ispa moves out of range.
Tsuruta throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ispa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tsuruta throws a body shot but no joy.
Ispa staying out of range there.
Ispa with a nice calf kick.
Tsuruta throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Ispa stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Tsuruta looks to score with a jab to the body but Ispa is just out of range.
Tsuruta lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Ispa backs up against the cage.
Tsuruta circles away from the clinch attempt.
Tsuruta takes a swing at Ispa's ribcage but misses.
Ispa half committed to a counter leg kick.
Ispa drives through with a takedown into Tsuruta's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Tsuruta has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Ispa is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ispa lands with a left to the head.
Ispa misses with an elbow over the top.
Tsuruta is looking to break free of the clinch but Ispa has double underhooks.
Still in the clinch, Ispa scores with a nice short uppercut.
Ispa is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Tsuruta blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tsuruta breaks from the clinch.
Ispa takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Tsuruta jabbing away but nothing is landing.
It appears Ispa was looking to counter with a kick there.
Tsuruta throws a body shot but no joy.
Ispa feints and as Tsuruta raises his hands in defense, Ispa changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Ispa drops back, looking for a kneebar! Tsuruta looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Tsuruta looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Tsuruta!
Ispa is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
Ispa struggling a bit here.
Ispa manages to work his way to half guard, despite Tsuruta's best efforts.
Tomomi Tsuruta is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Tsuruta trying to control the pace.
Tsuruta prevents Ispa from improving his position.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Tank Ispa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Tomomi Tsuruta has got the better of the ground game so far.
Tsuruta takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Ispa won't allow Tsuruta to pass to mount.
Ispa tries to roll over but Tsuruta keeps him under control.
Ispa is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Tsuruta pulls his head out easily.
Still in half guard, Tsuruta seems content to control.
And that's the end of the fight!
Tomomi Tsuruta comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Tsuruta 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 Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 28:29
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 28:29
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 27:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tomomi Tsuruta!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Tomomi Tsuruta waved his t-shirt featuring 160Q Energy for $150's logo in front of the cameras.
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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
55% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Nuri Jafar (ranked 1409 p4p, 628 weight class) and Mike McLaughlin (ranked 153 p4p, 83 weight class). On his way into the cage it seems that Nuri Jafar has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Nuri Jafar seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?
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| 175 cm
34
145
32 - 23 - 0 |
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178 cm
38
148
30 - 13 - 2 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Very quick |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 32 - 23 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nuri Jafar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 13 - 2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mike McLaughlin!
The judges for this bout are Hirohito Nitta, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Shigeki Sano.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McLaughlin uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Jafar.
Jafar on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Jafar lands with a hook. McLaughlin tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Jafar throws a lazy right hand but McLaughlin sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from McLaughlin! But no joy.
Jafar swings for the body but McLaughlin moves out of range.
Jafar lands a jab to the nose.
McLaughlin keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Jafar looks to score with a jab to the body but McLaughlin is just out of range.
Jafar tries to clinch up.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
We've been informed that McLaughlin has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McLaughlin blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
McLaughlin misses with a hook from the clinch.
Jafar swings away with an uppercut that misses.
I was talking to Jafar's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
A short right from McLaughlin.
Jafar tries to work over McLaughlin's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Jafar lands with a short head shot on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Jafar.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Jafar blocks a body shot from McLaughlin.
McLaughlin has a couple of punches blocked by Jafar.
Jafar fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Jafar lands with a light punch inside.
McLaughlin lands a hook to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Jafar.
McLaughlin tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
McLaughlin misses with the head strike.
Jafar goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for McLaughlin.
McLaughlin fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Jafar lands with a short shot to the head.
McLaughlin misses with a short punch on the inside.
A shot in the inside from McLaughlin.
Jafar lands a shot to the body.
Jafar misses with a hook to the ribs.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Jafar.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, McLaughlin creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Jafar lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of McLaughlin backwards.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
McLaughlin blocks an uppercut.
A head punch on the inside from Jafar fails to land.
McLaughlin blocks an uppercut.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jafar working aggressively here.
Jafar misses with a shot to the kidneys.
McLaughlin struggles to land a body shot inside as Jafar controls his hands.
McLaughlin lands with a right to the head.
Jafar digs a right hand underneath McLaughlin's ribcage. McLaughlin let out a lung full of air as it connected.
McLaughlin tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Jafar misses with some punches.
McLaughlin tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
McLaughlin lands an uppercut.
McLaughlin working aggressively here.
Jafar blocks a body shot from McLaughlin.
McLaughlin misses with a hook to the ribs.
McLaughlin tries to work over Jafar's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A head punch on the inside from McLaughlin fails to land.
McLaughlin makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
McLaughlin blocking some punches.
Jafar misses with some punches.
A head punch on the inside from Jafar fails to land.
Jafar working aggressively here.
McLaughlin swings away with an uppercut that misses.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Jafar.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jafar misses with a punch on the inside.
McLaughlin misses with some punches.
Still in the clinch, Jafar scores with a nice short uppercut.
Jafar fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
McLaughlin scores with a nice hook to the head.
Jafar swings wildly with an uppercut but McLaughlin uses good head movement to avoid it.
McLaughlin makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Jafar blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
McLaughlin working aggressively here.
McLaughlin misses with a hook from the clinch.
Jafar misses with a punch to the body.
Jafar lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
McLaughlin working aggressively here.
McLaughlin has a couple of punches blocked by Jafar.
McLaughlin scores with a shoulder strike.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, McLaughlin creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
McLaughlin blocks a punch to the side of the head.
McLaughlin cracks Jafar with a nice body shot.
Jafar has a couple of punches blocked by McLaughlin.
A left hand lands to the body for McLaughlin.
Jafar blocks a punch to the side of the head.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
McLaughlin throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Jafars head.
Jafar tries a body shot but McLaughlin blocks it.
Jafar softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
McLaughlin throws a punch but it's blocked by Jafar.
McLaughlin blocks a body shot from Jafar.
Jafar gets through McLaughlin's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
McLaughlin lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Jafar backwards.
McLaughlin blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Jafar gets through McLaughlin's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
McLaughlin lands a hook that snaps the head of Jafar backwards.
McLaughlin misses with a short punch on the inside.
Jafar doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
McLaughlin lands a shoulder strike.
McLaughlin misses with a short punch on the inside.
A quick uppercut on the inside from McLaughlin.
Jafar tried to land a shot to the body but connects with McLaughlin's elbow.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
McLaughlin blocks an uppercut.
McLaughlin tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A nice right hand lands inside from McLaughlin.
McLaughlin fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
McLaughlin lands with a short punch from the clinch.
 Jafar is rocked!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Mike McLaughlin dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Jafar moves into the clinch successfully.
McLaughlin fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Jafar.
Jafar swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A head punch on the inside from McLaughlin fails to land.
McLaughlin misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Jafar throws a head punch that misses.
Jafar tries a body shot but McLaughlin blocks it.
Jafar throws a punch but it's blocked by McLaughlin.
McLaughlin doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
McLaughlin misses with a short punch on the inside.
McLaughlin misses with a short punch on the inside.
McLaughlin misses with a hook from the clinch.
McLaughlin misses with the head strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jafar blocking some punches.
McLaughlin misses with a hook from the clinch.
Jafar digs a right hand underneath McLaughlin's ribcage. McLaughlin let out a lung full of air as it connected.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for McLaughlin.
McLaughlin doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
McLaughlin tries to throw a body punch but Jafar avoids it by throwing McLaughlin back against the cage.
Jafar scores with an uppercut up the middle.
That's one minute gone in the round.
McLaughlin throws a head punch that misses.
Jafar misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Jafar swings away with an uppercut that misses.
McLaughlin takes a shot to the head.
McLaughlin lands an uppercut.
Jafar throws a punch but it's blocked by McLaughlin.
Jafar scores with an uppercut up the middle.
McLaughlin takes a shot to the head.
McLaughlin pushes Jafar back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Jafar swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Jafar.
Jafar swings wildly with an uppercut but McLaughlin uses good head movement to avoid it.
Jafar misses with a hook from the clinch.
McLaughlin misses with a hook from the clinch.
Jafar blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
McLaughlin lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Jafar or not.
McLaughlin manages to break the clinch.
Jafar scores with a sloppy right hand. McLaughlin should have avoided that one.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McLaughlin slips a straight right by Jafar.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
McLaughlin misses the jab.
Jafar fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches McLaughlin on the side of the head.
McLaughlin throws a body shot but no joy.
A little feinted left hand from Jafar on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
McLaughlin just misses with a punch to the body.
McLaughlin changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Nuri Jafar seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McLaughlin throws a shot to the body.
McLaughlin comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
McLaughlin takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Jafar swings and misses with a hook to the body.
McLaughlin looks to score with a jab to the body but Jafar is just out of range.
McLaughlin connects with a jab.
McLaughlin scores with a nice right hand.
McLaughlin uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Jafar.
McLaughlin throws out a counter right but Jafar avoids it with no problem.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jafar moves away from the strike by McLaughlin.
Jafar tries to clinch up.
McLaughlin is looking to clinch but Jafar is avoiding it.
Jafar tries to counter by clinching up but McLaughlin breaks away and moves out of range.
Jafar throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Jafar gets a clinch.
Jafar tries to work over McLaughlin's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
McLaughlin doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
McLaughlin fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
McLaughlin swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Jafar tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Jafar.
Jafar blocks a punch to the side of the head.
McLaughlin misses with the head strike.
Jafar lands a shot to the body.
McLaughlin makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
McLaughlin swings wildly with an uppercut but Jafar uses good head movement to avoid it.
McLaughlin breaks from the clinch.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
McLaughlin takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
McLaughlin just misses with a punch to the body.
Jafar comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Jafar misses with a hook to the body
and McLaughlin counters with a stiff right hand.
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!
Jafar lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Jafar tries to clinch up
and McLaughlin counters with a straight right hand.
Jafar misses with a hook. McLaughlin ducked under it nicely.
McLaughlin throws out a counter right but Jafar avoids it with no problem.
Jafar misses with a looping right.
It seemed like McLaughlin was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
McLaughlin gets in close and instigates a clinch.
McLaughlin scores with a hook to the body.
McLaughlin blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
McLaughlin lands a nice shot to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Mike McLaughlin will probably get the nod - 10:9.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!
Jafar tries to clinch but McLaughlin moves away
and McLaughlin counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Jafar ducks down and throws a hook to the body but McLaughlin moves away.
Jafar throws an uppercut from half a mile away. McLaughlin sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Jafar keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from McLaughlin.
A slow jab from McLaughlin misses its intended target.
McLaughlin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
McLaughlin keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Jafar throws out a loose jab but McLaughlin uses good head movement to avoid it.
Jafar fakes high and swings low for a body shot but McLaughlin manages to avoid it.
McLaughlin only half commits to the counter leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jafar fakes high and swings low for a body shot but McLaughlin manages to avoid it.
Jafar's corner calls for a 1-2. Jafar obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
McLaughlin scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Jafar throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Jafar misses with a lunging right hand
and McLaughlin counters with a stiff right hand.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Jafar misses with a looping right.
Jafar shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts McLaughlin as he jumps to the side.
A little jabbing left from McLaughlin on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Jafar changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. McLaughlin tries to avoid it but Jafar manages to keep hold of a leg and drag McLaughlin to the ground. McLaughlin escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
McLaughlin swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
McLaughlin connects with a body shot that sends Jafar's belly button to the back.
Jafar throws a predictable looking body shot
and McLaughlin counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Oh Jafar is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Jafar uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by McLaughlin.
Mike McLaughlin seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Jafar scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Jafar seems to have got his legs back now.
Jafar fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Jafar will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nuri Jafar. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jafar throws an ugly left hook that misses
and McLaughlin counters with a stiff right hand.
Jafar tries to close the distance and clinch but McLaughlin swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Jafar misses with a jab to the body
and McLaughlin connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Nuri Jafar has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A shot to the liver by Jafar. Beautiful body shot.
Jafar drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Jafar is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, McLaughlin has escaped the position, nice work there.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Jafar misses with the ground and pound.
Jafar decides to stand back up. Jafar steps back and let's McLaughlin get back to his feet.
Jafar connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
McLaughlin stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and McLaughlin wants it to stay on the feet.
The fighters circling - McLaughlin throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Jafar misses the jab.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jafar misses with a body shot.
Jafar lands with a good body shot.
McLaughlin throws a body shot but no joy.
A jab from Jafar misses.
Jafar shoots and misses
and McLaughlin counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
McLaughlin keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
McLaughlin is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Jafar with a body shot.
Jafar misses with a looping right.
A nice side step and McLaughlin releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
McLaughlin misses the shot to the body.
Jafar lands with a cross.
A decent looking cross lands there for Jafar.
McLaughlin misses with an uppercut
and Jafar counters with a lovely straight right hand!
McLaughlin throws a quick inside leg kick.
Jafar fails to land the takedown.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jafar looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
McLaughlin has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Jafar off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
This has been an exciting period of action!
McLaughlin lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Jafar at a distance.
McLaughlin ducks under a wild hook from Jafar.
McLaughlin walks into a straight right hand from Jafar.
Jafar misses with a straight right.
Jafar connects with a crisp jab.
McLaughlin slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Mike McLaughlin.
Well McLaughlin 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 Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 27:30
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 27:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mike McLaughlin!
Mike McLaughlin was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.
Nuri Jafar was interviewed post fight and said 'He did not follow the script'.
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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
73% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Thierry Paulin (ranked 536 p4p, 55 weight class) and Pauke Murhapuro (ranked 71 p4p, 8 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
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| 195 cm
33
240
26 - 20 - 0 |
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192 cm
27
226
15 - 9 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Excellent grappler
World class MT
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 26 - 20 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Thierry Paulin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 9 - 0, fighting out of New York, Pauke Murhapuro!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Shigeki Fujiwara and Yuuki Gou.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Paulin throws a body shot but no joy.
Paulin misses with a hook.
Paulin is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Murhapuro.
Murhapuro slips a jab from Paulin.
Murhapuro is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Murhapuro blocks a head kick by Paulin.
Murhapuro thinks about the counter body kick.
Paulin has been working on his boxing with his coaches at House of 1000 Corpses in the buildup to the fight.
Paulin scores with a kick to the midsection.
Paulin takes a swing at Murhapuro's ribcage but misses.
Murhapuro moves into range and clinches up with Paulin.
Murhapuro has a couple of punches blocked by Paulin.
A short right from Murhapuro.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Paulin scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Murhapuro drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Murhapuro misses with the head strike.
Paulin just leaning against Murhapuro, taking a breather.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Murhapuro manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Paulin not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Murhapuro is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Paulin wants to get up but he can't break Murhapuro's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Paulin has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Paulin stopping the sweep attempt from Murhapuro.
Murhapuro had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Paulin defends it easily.
Murhapuro looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Murhapuro is looking to cinch up a triangle. Paulin throws the leg off to one side though and gets in tight to Murhapuro's body to avoid the submission. Murhapuro has instead reached around Paulin's neck and now has a guillotine! Oh, this is biiiig trouble! Murhapuro arches his back and squeezes and forces the tap from his hapless opponent.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Pauke Murhapuro!
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
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B |
G |
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G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
44% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between CJ Johnson (ranked 1237 p4p, 1696 weight class) and Jackson Portis (ranked 179 p4p, 240 weight class). Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!
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| 183 cm
31
176
14 - 10 - 0 |
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185 cm
35
180
18 - 11 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 10 - 0, fighting out of London, CJ Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Jackson Portis!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Yuuki Gou and Kenichi Hosakawa.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Johnson misses with a left hand
and Portis counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Johnson throws a series of punches but Portis moves out of range.
Johnson scores with a sloppy right hand. Portis should have avoided that one.
Portis throws a hook but Johnson avoids it easily.
Good exchange - Johnson coming out on top.
Portis missing with a left hand there. Johnson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Johnson slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Johnson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Portis.
Portis throws out a counter right but Johnson avoids it with no problem.
Johnson fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Johnson misses with a looping right.
Portis swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Johnson connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Portis momentarily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johnson looks to throw the jab but Portis is out of range.
A combination from Johnson does no damage.
Portis looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Johnson missing with a left hand there. Portis was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson misses with a wild body shot.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Johnson.
Johnson scores with a nice head shot.
Nice body punch from Johnson.
Portis shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Johnson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Portis unleashes a big counter combination but Johnson bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Johnson throws the left hand but Portis avoids the punch easily.
Portis avoids the body shot from Johnson.
Portis closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Portis misses with a lunging right hand
and Johnson counters with a nice uppercut.
Johnson looks to land a right hand but Portis moved out of range.
Portis looks like he wants to counter punch here.
CJ Johnson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Portis steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Johnson.
Portis keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Johnson.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Johnson throws a lazy right hand but Portis sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Portis swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Portis avoids the body shot from Johnson.
Portis swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Johnson throws an off balance right hand
and Portis counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Johnson throws a poor cross that misses
and Portis counters with a crisp right hand that drops Johnson! Portis lets Johnson back up to his feet, looking for a finish!
Johnson is rocked!
Johnson is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
The fighters circling - Johnson throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
It seemed like Portis was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Oh Johnson is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Portis lands with a massive overhand right! Stick a fork in Johnson - he's out cold! Ermm... I think I just mixed my metaphors but yeah... That was a nice KO! Big win for Portis!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:25 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Jackson Portis!
A victorious Jackson Portis thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
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B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
68% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Biff Raper (ranked 235 p4p, 417 weight class) and Mark Kerr (ranked 40 p4p, 60 weight class). Biff Raper is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.
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| 193 cm
30
248
24 - 11 - 0 |
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185 cm
36
262
32 - 21 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 24 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Biff Raper!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 32 - 21 - 0, fighting out of London, Mark Kerr!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Sosuke Kotani and Yuuki Gou.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kerr thows a left - swing and a miss!
Raper has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Memento Mori in the buildup to the fight.
Raper throws a leg kick
and Kerr counters with a one-two to the body.
Raper thows a left - swing and a miss!
Raper fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Raper lands a really nice looking cross but Kerr seems unphased.
Raper swings for the body but Kerr moves out of range.
Nice cross by Kerr.
Kerr takes a kick to the side of the head.
Raper changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kerr lands with a straight right. Raper didn't see that one coming.
Raper loads up on a big right hand but Kerr slips the punch.
Raper misses with a few strikes there.
Raper with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Kerr to score with a decent uppercut.
Kerr connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Danga de danga de dang - Kerr scores with a four punch combination!
That's one minute gone in the round.
Raper missing with a left hand there. Kerr was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Raper misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Kerr takes one on the button.
Raper lands a big head kick that sends Kerr tumbling to the mat! Raper takes a step backwards and waves Kerr back to his feet - he wants the finish!
 It looks like Mark Kerr has been cut.
Kerr ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kerr steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Raper.
Raper is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kerr.
Kerr throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Raper throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
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!
Raper shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Raper throws a low kick, looking for Kerr's leg but Kerr calmly moves out of range.
Raper goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Raper digs a good hook to Kerr's body.
Kerr misses with a wild combination.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Raper throws a hook to the side of Kerr's head but Kerr sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A nice side step and Kerr releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Raper throws a lazy uppercut
and Kerr counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Raper throws a lazy uppercut
and Kerr counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Raper fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kerr manages to avoid it.
Kerr lands a right hook to the body.
Kerr swinging wildly here.
Raper misses with a left hand
letting Kerr counter with a right hand.
Raper lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Raper misses the jab.
Raper listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Raper swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kerr has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kerr moves out of range of the strikes.
Raper lands a leg kick that knocks Kerr off balance momentarily.
Raper lands an overhand right.
Kerr closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
A combination from Raper does no damage.
Raper fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Kerr has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Kerr avoids the body shot from Raper.
Raper cracks Kerr with an open hand slap.
Nice straight punches there by Raper. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Raper.
Raper swings for the body but Kerr moves out of range.
Raper attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Kerr looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
A nice inside leg kick there by Raper. That's going to slow Kerr down.
Kerr throws a big shot that misses.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kerr swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Raper fires out a quick counter leg kick but Kerr just manages to avoid it.
Kerr throws a shot from downtown. Raper moves away and avoids it.
Kerr is trying hard to land a takedown here. Raper sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
A big left from Raper misses.
Raper smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
A low kick from Raper misses
and Kerr counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kerr misses with a straight left.
Good standup being displayed there by Kerr as he connects with a hook.
Biff Raper seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kerr tries to clinch there but Raper circles away.
Raper with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A shot to the liver by Kerr. Beautiful body shot.
Raper swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kerr throws a looping overhand right but Raper ducks down to avoid it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Biff Raper dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Mark Kerr's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Raper throws a lazy uppercut
and Kerr counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kerr pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Raper tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Raper looks to score with a jab to the body but Kerr is just out of range.
Biff Raper is winning the standup battle so far.
Kerr clinches.
Kerr lands with a short shot to the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kerr.
Kerr gets through Raper's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Raper lands with a light punch inside.
Raper working aggressively here.
Kerr is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Raper gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kerr blocks an uppercut.
Kerr scores with a shoulder strike.
Raper doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Raper lands with a short head shot on the inside.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kerr wants a takedown.
Kerr misses with a body punch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kerr blocks an uppercut.
Kerr misses with some punches.
Raper misses with a punch on the inside.
Raper misses with the head strike.
Kerr is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Raper is defending well.
Biff Raper has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mark Kerr.
Kerr tries for a takedown but Raper manages to get underhooks.
Raper lands a hook to the side of the head.
Raper lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kerr backwards.
Kerr prevents a body shot from Raper.
Kerr blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Raper gets underhooks to prevent Kerr's takedown attempt.
Raper lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Kerr misses with the head strike.
Kerr can't find room to land a body shot as Raper controls the action.
Kerr wants a takedown but no success here.
Raper is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kerr can do to turn this around?
Kerr misses with some punches.
A short right from Raper on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kerr.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Raper.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kerr lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Raper backwards.
Kerr lands a nice shot to the body.
Biff Raper has scored more points in the clinch so far.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Raper stops a takedown attempt from Kerr.
Kerr drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Raper misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Raper blocks a body shot from Kerr.
Kerr prevents a body shot from Raper.
A short right from Raper.
Kerr scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kerr lands a body shot in the clinch.
A short left from Kerr.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Kerr creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Raper misses with a short punch on the inside.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Raper throws a punch but it's blocked by Kerr.
Raper misses with a punch on the inside.
Nice body punch from Raper.
Raper escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Raper staying out of range there.
Good leg kick by Raper.
Raper staying out of range there.
Some wild striking there from Kerr.
Kerr shoots in and gets a takedown into Raper's guard.
Kerr trying to move into half guard but instead Raper has managed to sweep!
Raper is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Raper wants to pass the guard but Kerr is keeping the position.
Raper content to stall in guard here.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kerr looking to hit a scissor sweep but Raper is one step ahead there.
Kerr is trying to keep Raper in close.
Kerr is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Raper is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Kerr looking for a sweep. Not yet Kerr, not yet.
Raper not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close second round but I would say that Biff Raper will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Mark Kerr's cut.
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!
Raper takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Kerr avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kerr just misses with a punch to the body.
A head kick misses from Raper.
Raper throws a jab when Kerr was well out of range.
Raper avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kerr moves out of range of the strikes.
Nice uppercut there from Raper.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice jab there from Raper.
Kerr's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Raper connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Kerr scrambles back to his feet.
Kerr has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Raper.
Raper looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Raper staying out of range there.
Raper swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Kerr counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kerr rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Raper counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Kerr's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Raper throws a shot from downtown. Kerr moves away and avoids it.
Raper scores with a nice strike.
A jab from Kerr finds it's way through Raper's defenses.
A chopping leg kick lands by Raper.
Nice shot by Raper.
Kerr dodges the punch combination from Raper.
Kerr drops his hands momentarily and Raper takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Mark Kerr has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Biff Raper is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Kerr checks a leg kick.
Raper takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Raper tries a head kick but it misses.
Raper throws a head kick that misses.
Raper's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Raper duly obliges.
Kerr throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kerr misses the shot to the body.
Kerr pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kerr misses with a few strikes there.
Raper dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kerr misses with an uppercut. Raper saw that one coming.
A quick step to the side and Raper tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Raper throws a head kick that half lands.
Kerr throws a body shot but no joy.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Raper swats away the attempt to clinch by Kerr.
Kerr walks into a jab.
Jab by Kerr.
Kerr on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Kerr scores with a hook.
Raper misses with a right hand
and Kerr counters with a nice body shot.
Kerr drops Raper with a nice combination! Kerr dives into Raper's guard, looking to finish!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kerr trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kerr accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Kerr scoring with some ground and pound.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kerr throws a big elbow that misses.
Kerr missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Kerr throws a strike but Raper rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Kerr working a defensive guard here.
Raper looking to sit in guard and control but Kerr gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Kerr throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Raper works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Raper trying to control the position.
Kerr trying to control the position from guard on top but Raper is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kerr throws a big right hand that misses.
And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Biff Raper.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Raper, 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 Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 30:27
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 29:28
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Biff Raper!
During a confident post fight interview, Biff Raper thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
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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
69% |
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Co-main event
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Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Albert Pulkkinen (ranked 180 p4p, 189 weight class) and Iain Tower (ranked 32 p4p, 33 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Tower's choice of entrance music: Kanye - Power. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!
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| 209 cm
35
235
18 - 5 - 0 |
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210 cm
34
275
37 - 10 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Albert Pulkkinen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 37 - 10 - 0, fighting out of New York, Iain Tower!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Shigeki Fujiwara and Shirou Masuda.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tower with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Pulkkinen to score with a decent uppercut.
It looks like Iain Tower has been cut.
Pulkkinen ducks under a wild hook from Tower.
Tower throws a leg kick that is checked
enabling Pulkkinen to counter with a crisp jab.
Pulkkinen has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Psycho’s Elites in the buildup to the fight.
A bone on bone clash there as Tower blocks the leg kick.
A jab from Tower misses.
Jab from Tower.
It looks like Albert Pulkkinen has been cut.
Tower takes a jab right on the kisser.
Tower misses with a wild body shot.
Pulkkinen misses with a left hand
and Tower counters with a nice uppercut.
Tower is looking to score with low kicks.
Pulkkinen tried to counter with a leg kick but Tower avoided it.
Tower loads up on a big right hand but Pulkkinen slips the punch.
Tower uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Pulkkinen has time to react.
Decent striking displayed by Pulkkinen there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Pulkkinen throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Tower rattles Pulkkinen with a well-timed uppercut counter. - Pulkkinen tries to back away and recover but his hands are down low and he gets tagged again, sending him stumbling down to the canvas. Tower dives in after him and quickly finishes the job with a trio of brutal punches, leaving Pulkkinen stiff and motionless on the mat!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Iain Tower!
Iain Tower tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.
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C
A |
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
68% |
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Main event
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Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rick Piano (ranked 2 p4p, 31 weight class) and Kvame Zulu (ranked 1 p4p, 5 weight class). Piano kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Rick Piano Man. Zulu comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Big Badaboom kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Kvame Zulu has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?
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| 190 cm
33
275
39 - 12 - 0 |
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205 cm
35
265
36 - 12 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 39 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Rick Piano !
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 36 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Kvame Zulu!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Hirohito Nitta and Shigeki Fujiwara.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zulu swings for the body but Piano moves out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Piano misses the target.
Zulu's jab looks to have found its range, popping Piano under the eye.
The fighters circling - Zulu throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Piano throws a counter high kick but Zulu was just alert enough to avoid it.
Zulu rushes Piano and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Zulu scores with a nice hook to the head.
Piano blocking some punches.
Piano tries to land a knee to the head but Zulu blocks with his arms.
Piano lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Zulu backwards.
Piano pushes off an throws an elbow but Zulu leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Piano escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Zulu throws a hook but Piano avoids it easily.
Piano ducks under a wild hook from Zulu.
And Piano counters with a quick kick to the body but Zulu blocks it.
A lazy body kick from Piano
and Zulu counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Zulu steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Piano . That one must have hurt.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Piano checks a leg kick.
Piano swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Zulu moves in looking to clinch but Piano pushes him off.
Zulu just misses with a punch to the body.
Piano loads up on a big right hand but Zulu slips the punch.
A lazy left from Zulu finds it's target.
Zulu throws a left and a right that both miss
and Piano counters with a low kick, right behind Zulu 's knee.
The fighters circling - Zulu throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Piano looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
Zulu with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Piano throws a head kick that misses.
Zulu lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Nice jab there from Zulu.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zulu misses with an uppercut.
Piano seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Zulu wants to clinch
and Piano cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
It looks like Kvame Zulu has been cut.
Zulu throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Piano stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Zulu has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zulu darts in and clinches Piano up against the cage.
Zulu tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Piano 's elbow.
Piano breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Zulu throws a hook but Piano blocks it.
Kvame Zulu seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zulu misses with a body shot.
Zulu throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Piano counters with a straight right hand.
Piano looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Piano is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Zulu.
Piano takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Zulu scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
A looping hook to the body misses from Zulu. Piano does a little dance to reset his feet.
Piano throws a quick counter kick to the body but Zulu avoids it.
Zulu fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Piano is out of range.
Zulu rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
letting Piano counter with a right hand.
Zulu cracks a nice hook into Piano 's ribs.
Zulu moves into the clinch.
Our sources have told us that Piano has been working on his elbows in the gym.
Piano misses with a short punch on the inside.
Zulu has Piano pressed against the cage, preventing Piano from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Piano lands a body shot in the clinch.
Piano blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Piano breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Zulu lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Piano lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A slapping leg kick lands for Piano .
Zulu connects with a body shot that sends Piano 's belly button to the back.
Zulu is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
A slapping leg kick lands for Piano .
Zulu misses with a combination
and Piano counters with a stiff right hand.
That has opened up Kvame Zulu's cut even more.
Zulu lands with an overhand left.
Zulu misses with a body shot.
A quick step to the side and Piano tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Piano takes a shot to the body in his stride.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Kvame Zulu dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kvame Zulu's cut.
That's time! Piano 's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Zulu misses the jab.
Zulu misses with a hook
and Piano counters with a nice leg kick.
Zulu works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Zulu has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Zulu looks to throw the jab but Piano is out of range.
Piano thinks about countering with a body kick.
A shot to the body from Zulu misses
and Piano counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Piano slips a jab from Zulu.
Zulu throws a body shot but no joy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A thudding body kick lands there by Piano !
Zulu throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Piano counters with a right, left combo that wobbles Zulu badly! Piano follows up with a massive right hook, straight to the bridge of the nose that knocks Zulu out cold! Oh wow, what a finish! Very reminiscent of Koscheck vs Yoshida as Piano finished him against the cage.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:52 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Rick Piano !
Rick Piano retains his heavyweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Rick Piano thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
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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
41% |
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