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KoF - Nakagawa x Bryant PBP Commentary |
Co-main event
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Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jason Hightower (ranked 1005 p4p, 943 weight class) and Akuma Manivong (ranked 134 p4p, 125 weight class). Hightower's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, The Power. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?
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| 207 cm
23
242
15 - 1 - 0 |
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193 cm
24
266
5 - 4 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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BJJ Brown Belt
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 15 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jason Hightower!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Akuma Manivong!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Lombardi, Jonathan Paton and Russell Pearce.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Manivong lands a glancing blow to the side of Hightower's head.
Manivong tries to clinch but Hightower moves away
and Hightower makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Manivong misses with a body shot.
Manivong jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Manivong connects with a leg kick.
Akuma Manivong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Manivong is looking to chop away at Hightower's legs.
Hightower is looking to counter with head kicks.
Hightower avoids the body shot from Manivong.
Hightower tests Manivong's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Hightower walks into a jab.
Manivong swings for the body but Hightower moves out of range.
Hightower appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Manivong lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Manivong pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Manivong has taken the fight to the clinch.
Hightower misses with a shot to the kidneys.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hightower.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hightower lands with a right to the head.
Hightower landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Manivong takes a shot to the head.
Manivong is trying to drag Hightower to the mat but Hightower just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Hightower lands a body punch in the clinch.
Manivong looks winded!
A head punch on the inside from Hightower fails to land.
Hightower throws a head punch that misses.
Hightower missing with knees to the body.
Hightower lands with a right to the head.
A right hook to the body lands for Manivong.
Manivong tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hightower's elbow.
Manivong blocking some punches.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hightower.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower blocks a body shot from Manivong.
A short right from Hightower.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A short body shot lands from Hightower as the two fighters clinch.
Hightower lands a body shot in the clinch.
Manivong breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hightower instigates a clinch.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hightower lands a right hand that snaps the head of Manivong backwards.
Manivong lands with a left to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Hightower fails to land.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Hightower is working Manivong over against the cage.
Hightower lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Manivong backwards.
Hightower scores with a shot to the side of Manivong's head.
Manivong fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hightower lands a nice knee to the body.
Hightower lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Hightower lands a nice uppercut.
Manivong takes a knee to the side of the body.
Hightower softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Hightower working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Knees to the body from Hightower.
Hightower lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hightower lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hightower with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Hightower lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
A short right from Hightower on the inside.
Good body shot from Hightower.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike.
Hightower throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Manivongs head.
Manivong being controlled against the cage.
Hightower lands a body shot.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike.
Hightower scores a nice knee to the body.
A nice left hand lands by Hightower.
Hightower is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Hightower is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Manivong is defending well for now.
Hightower lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Hightower lands with a light punch inside.
Hightower is pressed up against the cage. Manivong has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Hightower down to the mat. Hightower avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Hightower feints and then cracks Manivong's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Manivong down.
Manivong throws a body kick that misses
and Hightower counters with a nice uppercut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hightower thows a left - swing and a miss!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hightower with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Hightower connects with an inside leg kick.
Manivong rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Manivong swings widly with a right hand
and Hightower counters by clinching up.
Hightower works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Hightower makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Hightower lands a body shot.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Hightower misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hightower lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hightower pushes Manivong back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hightower lands a right hand.
Manivong struggles to land a body shot inside as Hightower controls his hands.
Hightower struggles to land a body shot inside as Manivong controls his hands.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hightower.
A right hand to the body from Hightower.
Hightower is working Manivong over against the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Jason Hightower dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Hightower lands a leg kick that knocks Manivong off balance momentarily.
Manivong takes a swing at Hightower's ribcage but misses.
Hightower throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Manivong scores with a nice body kick.
Manivong jabs Hightower right on the nose. Hightower blinks but takes it well.
Manivong moves into the clinch successfully.
Manivong blocks an uppercut.
Manivong is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Hightower gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
A body shot lands from Manivong.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hightower is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Manivong can do to turn this around?
Hightower scores with an uppercut up the middle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Manivong lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Hightower backwards.
Hightower lands with a light punch inside.
Manivong is breathing heavily.
Hightower putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Manivong in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A body shot lands from Hightower.
Hightower softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Manivong is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Hightower to keep the fight standing.
A right handed body shot lands from Hightower.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hightower scores with a hook to the body.
Hightower lands with a left to the head.
Hightower throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Hightower lands a hook that snaps the head of Manivong backwards.
Hightower lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hightower.
Hightower throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Hightower lands a hook that snaps the head of Manivong backwards.
Hightower lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
A short right from Hightower on the inside.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Hightower here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Hightower presses Manivong against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Hightower unloads a knee to the mid-section.
A shot in the inside from Hightower.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hightower lands a shot to the body.
Hightower lands a knee to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Hightower.
Hightower lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hightower scores with a shoulder strike.
Manivong prevents a body shot from Hightower.
A short right from Hightower on the inside.
Hightower lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Jason Hightower has scored more points in the clinch so far.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A short left from Hightower.
 Manivong is rocked!
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hightower.
Manivong is still on wobbly legs! Can Hightower finish him?
Hightower is working Manivong over against the cage.
Manivong seems to have recovered his senses.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hightower.
Hightower working the clinch nicely. Manivong is working for position but Hightower cracks him with a big knee to the head! Manivong crumples up against the cage and Hightower lands two more shots before the ref can save Manivong! This one is all over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:24 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Knee & Punches). Jason Hightower!
During a confident post fight interview, Jason Hightower 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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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
85% |
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Main event
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Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Shinnosuke Nakagawa (ranked 919 p4p, 2158 weight class) and Kobe Bryant (ranked 137 p4p, 311 weight class). Nakagawa's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Koto - CloZee. Shinnosuke Nakagawa has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?
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| 190 cm
24
198
8 - 4 - 0 |
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184 cm
24
195
7 - 8 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine |
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Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Shinnosuke Nakagawa!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Kobe Bryant!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Joseph Jones and John Kavanagh.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bryant misses with a series of wild punches.
Nakagawa looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Bryant is fending him off so far but Nakagawa persists. Nope, Bryant circles away and we're back to standing.
Bryant throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kobe Bryant seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Bryant looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Nakagawa changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Nakagawa takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Bryant lands with a nice combination. Nakagawa backs away looking to recover.
Bryant thuds his right hand into Nakagawa's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Nakagawa takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Bryant takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Bryant with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Bryant misses with a hook. Nakagawa ducked under it nicely.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Nakagawa throws a big shot that misses.
A punch combination from Bryant misses.
Nakagawa appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Bryant with a jab.
Bryant looks for the body kick but Nakagawa saw that one coming.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
A head punch on the inside from Nakagawa fails to land.
Nakagawa throws a punch but it's blocked by Bryant.
Nakagawa lands a body punch in the clinch.
Nakagawa fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Bryant can't break the clinch.
Nakagawa gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Nakagawa looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nakagawa is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Bryant has managed to free his arm - good work.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Nakagawa lands a nice short elbow.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nakagawa is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Nakagawa stalling away here and it's allowed Bryant to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Nakagawa won't allow Bryant to get back to his feet.
Nakagawa missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Nakagawa avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Bryant looking for a guillotine here but Nakagawa defends easily.
Nakagawa controls from within his opponent's guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nakagawa with a nice head shot there.
Nakagawa prevents Bryant from getting back to his feet.
Bryant has control of Nakagawa's left arm, preventing Nakagawa from doing any damage.
Bryant is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Nakagawa passes into half guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Nakagawa missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Bryant is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Nakagawa pulls his head out easily.
Bryant looks like he's trying to stand up.
Nakagawa throwing shots but Bryant is blocking nicely.
Bryant pushes Nakagawa off looking to stand but Nakagawa dives back in and keeps control.
Bryant won't allow Nakagawa to pass to mount.
Nakagawa is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Bryant kicks off Nakagawa and gets to his feet.
Bryant throws a body punch but Nakagawa moves out of range.
Nakagawa half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Kobe Bryant dominated that round.
That's time! Nakagawa's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
The fighters circling - Bryant throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Nakagawa moves in looking to clinch but Bryant pushes him off.
Bryant misses with a hook. Nakagawa ducked under it nicely.
Nakagawa shoots for a takedown but Bryant saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Nakagawa is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Nakagawa waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Bryant.
As Nakagawa backs off Bryant throws a huge counter combo but Nakagawa manages to avoid it all.
Bryant thumps Nakagawa with a low kick.
Bryant swings for the body but Nakagawa moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bryant dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Bryant throws a nice outside leg kick.
Bryant ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Nakagawa throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Nakagawa shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Bryant defends it nicely.
A decent looking cross lands there for Nakagawa.
Nakagawa misses with a hook
and Nakagawa takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Nakagawa with a poor takedown
and Bryant counters with a two punch combo.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shinnosuke Nakagawa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A combination from Bryant does no damage.
Bryant gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Bryant looking to control.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nakagawa wants to control from the top but Bryant keeps moving.
Bryant wants to stand and escape but Nakagawa is having none of it.
Nakagawa throws a strike but Bryant rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nakagawa looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Bryant gets to his feet - Nakagawa follows without any prompting.
Bryant tries to land a front kick but Nakagawa steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Nakagawa attempts a counter takedown but Bryant avoids it well and moves away.
Bryant throws a right hand that Nakagawa ducks under and follows up with a left that Nakagawa also avoids with ease.
Bryant scores with a jab to the body.
Bryant tries to land a front kick but Nakagawa steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nakagawa getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Nice defenses there by Nakagawa.
Bryant throws a body shot but no joy.
Bryant throws a head kick that misses.
Nakagawa uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Bryant.
Nakagawa uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Bryant.
Bryant lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Kobe Bryant seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Bryant on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Bryant takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Nakagawa misses with an uppercut.
Bryant throws a big counter head kick but Nakagawa avoids it with no problem.
Sloppy strikes from Bryant. Those never looked like landing.
Bryant has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nakagawa tests Bryant's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Bryant feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Nakagawas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Bryant tries to clinch there but Nakagawa circles away.
Nakagawa is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Nakagawa cracks Bryant with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Bryant thuds a left hand into Nakagawa's body.
Bryant takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Bryant ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Nakagawa moves away.
Bryant looks to score with a jab to the body but Nakagawa is just out of range.
Nakagawa avoids a kick to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Kobe Bryant showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Bryant lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Nakagawa rushes Bryant and presses him up against the cage.
Nakagawa throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Bryants head.
Bryant softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Bryant lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Bryant prevents the takedown attempt.
Nakagawa jumps guard.
Bryant wants to stand but Nakagawa is controlling his posture from full guard.
My spies in Puncher's Chance Collective inform me that Bryant has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Shinnosuke Nakagawa overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Nakagawa wants to sweep here but Bryant controlling him for the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bryant stands up from Nakagawa's guard - Bryant perhaps looking for a knockout.
Nakagawa shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Bryant defends it nicely.
Bryant is looking for the big counter here.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Nakagawa walks into a left hand.
Nakagawa moves in looking to clinch but Bryant pushes him off.
Bryant throws a body punch but Nakagawa moves out of range.
Nakagawa shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Bryant is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shinnosuke Nakagawa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nakagawa on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Bryant. Bryant obviously looking to wear him down.
Bryant ducks under a wild hook from Nakagawa.
Bryant looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Bryant's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Nakagawa connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Bryant scrambles back to his feet.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nakagawa has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Bryant.
Nakagawa misses with a left hand
and Bryant counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Bryant throws a right and a left that both miss.
Nakagawa feinted with a counter takedown.
Nakagawa connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Bryant fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Nakagawa manages to avoid it.
A nice leg kick lands there from Bryant.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nakagawa dives in and scores a takedown into Bryant's guard.
Bryant is looking for a triangle but Nakagawa pushes his legs off easily.
Nakagawa postures up and lands a big shot to Bryant's brow.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nakagawa wants to control from the top but Bryant keeps moving.
Nakagawa is working Bryant over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Bryant is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Nakagawa has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Nakagawa trying to control but Bryant is working from the bottom.
Nakagawa pushes down on Bryant's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Bryant avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Nakagawa.
Bryant wants to improve his position but Nakagawa is controlling well.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Nakagawa missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Bryant wants to get back to his feet.
Nakagawa trying to advance position but Bryant counters by regaining guard.
Nakagawa is pushing down on Bryant's leg trying to pass to half guard. Bryant is fighting to maintain full guard but Nakagawa has managed to sneak the leg through.
Bryant has hold of Nakagawa's hands but Nakagawa slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Nakagawa seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Bryant does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Bryant is pressing down on Nakagawa's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Nakagawa tries to free his leg and advance position but Bryant is retaining full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nakagawa stands up over Bryant, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close third round but Kobe Bryant just about did enough to take it.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Bryant lands a body shot.
Bryant lands with a nice body punch.
Nakagawa scores with a takedown into Bryant's guard.
Bryant is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Bryant is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Nakagawa dives into side control.
Nakagawa working the head and body with strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nakagawa controlling from side mount.
Bryant wants to get back to his feet.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Bryant wants to get back to his feet but Nakagawa is dominant here and he's now got Bryant's back!
Nakagawa tightening his grip on Bryant, looking for the choke.
Nakagawa scores with a nice shot to the head of his opponent. Bryant is looking for a way out.
Nakagawa throwing lazy shots from the back mount that aren't doing any damage.
Nakagawa lands with a big left hand that may well have hurt his opponent. Can Bryant hold on?!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bryant manages to reverse the position and now he's in Nakagawa's guard. Nice work there by Bryant.
Bryant wants to stand but Nakagawa has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Bryant wants to stand and escape but instead Nakagawa has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Nakagawa forces his way into half guard.
Bryant slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Bryant keeping moving, preventing Nakagawa from controlling successfully.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nakagawa working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Bryant has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Nakagawa is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Bryant.
Nakagawa working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Bryant is trying to improve his position.
Nakagawa working away.
Nakagawa working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Bryant wants to get back to his feet but Nakagawa drags him back down.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nakagawa wants to control but Bryant is keeping him busy.
Nakagawa tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Nakagawa has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Nakagawa prevents Bryant from escaping the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Nakagawa in side control lands a decent elbow.
Bryant looking for a sweep but Nakagawa has passed into full mount! Oh no!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Shinnosuke Nakagawa had his way with Kobe Bryant in that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!
Bryant throws a low kick but Nakagawa avoids it.
Nakagawa misses with an uppercut.
As Nakagawa backs off Bryant throws a huge counter combo but Nakagawa manages to avoid it all.
Bryant throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Bryant moves out of range as Nakagawa strikes.
Nakagawa takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Bryant tries to clinch but Nakagawa moves out of range.
Nakagawa showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Bryant.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bryant misses with a few strikes there.
No joy there for Bryant, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Nakagawa throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Bryant sees it coming and avoids it easily.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Bryant takes a jab right on the kisser.
Bryant tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Nakagawa is able to avoid easily.
Bryant on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Nakagawa fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Bryant swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Good work by Nakagawa as he checks the leg kick.
Nakagawa shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Bryant as he jumps to the side.
Nakagawa has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Shinnosuke Nakagawa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bryant scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Bryant misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Nakagawa.
A low kick lands for Bryant.
Bryant ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kobe Bryant is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nakagawa scores with the left hand. Bryant knows he should have avoided that one.
Bryant throws a sloppy head kick and Nakagawa moves out of range easily.
Nakagawa tries to counter with a takedown but Bryant is quick to defend against it.
Bryant misses with a jab, cross combination.
Nakagawa throws a hook to the side of Bryant's head but Bryant sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Nice jab there from Nakagawa.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nakagawa ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Danga de danga de dang - Bryant scores with a four punch combination!
Nakagawa fails in his attempt to clinch.
Bryant avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Bryant throws a head kick that misses.
Nakagawa appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Bryant scores with a head kick.
A combination from Bryant does no damage.
Nakagawa scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Nakagawa fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
No luck for Nakagawa with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shinnosuke Nakagawa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bryant steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Nakagawa.
Bryant throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Kobe Bryant is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
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!
Nakagawa takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Bryant closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Bryant is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Nakagawa rather than just go for the knockout.
Nakagawa closes the distance looking to clinch
and Bryant counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Bryant lands with a nice combination. Nakagawa backs away looking to recover.
Nakagawa closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Bryant quickly recovers to half guard.
And that's the end of the fight!
Kobe Bryant comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Bryant has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 46:49
Judge Joseph Jones scores the fight 46:49
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 46:49
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kobe Bryant!
Kobe Bryant is the new middleweight champion!
Kobe Bryant 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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| 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
51% |
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