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GC 488: PBP Commentary |
Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tang Cao (ranked 3166 p4p, 1890 weight class) and Mousa Sissoko (ranked 428 p4p, 282 weight class). Cao kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Song of the Waking City - Jucifer. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 191 cm
29
209
5 - 3 - 0 |
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190 cm
32
205
10 - 5 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
World class boxer
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 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Tang Cao !
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mousa Sissoko!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Frank Dennis and George Francis.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sissoko throws a lazy right hand but Cao sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Sissoko walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Cao checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Cao looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Cao lands an overhand right.
A head kick misses from Cao .
Cao on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Sissoko throws a looping overhand right but Cao ducks down to avoid it.
Sissoko with a hook.
Sissoko swings for the body but Cao moves out of range.
Sissoko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cao moves away.
Sissoko connects with a crisp jab.
Sissoko slips a jab and a cross from Cao .
Sissoko connects with a looping right hand.
Sissoko fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Cao .
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cao stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Sissoko.
Cao throws a sloppy head kick and Sissoko moves out of range easily.
Sissoko on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Cao gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Sissoko.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sissoko swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cao swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Sissoko misses with an uppercut. Cao saw that one coming.
Cao looks to land a left hand but Sissoko moved out of range nicely.
Sissoko tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cao was well out of range. Poor timing from Sissoko.
A shot to the liver by Sissoko. Beautiful body shot.
A big left from Cao misses.
Sissoko fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Cao moves out of range of the strikes.
Sissoko lands with an overhand left.
We've been told by Cao 's head coaches at Roosters Coop that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Sissoko lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Sissoko throws a body punch but Cao moves out of range.
Cao dips to his left and cracks Sissoko with an uppercut!
A shot to the liver by Sissoko. Beautiful body shot.
Sissoko loads up on a big right hand but Cao slips the punch.
An attempted straight right counter from Cao misses the target.
Cao takes a swing at Sissoko's ribcage but misses.
Sissoko throws out a counter right but Cao avoids it with no problem.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cao swinging wildly here.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Good leg kick by Cao .
Sissoko tests Cao 's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Jab from Sissoko.
Cao slips a straight right by Sissoko.
Cao throws a right hand that Sissoko ducks under and follows up with a left that Sissoko also avoids with ease.
Sissoko scores with a jab to the head.
Sissoko blocks a jab.
Cao avoids the body shot from Sissoko.
Sissoko is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Cao had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Cao takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
A jab from Cao misses.
Sissoko throws out a powerful jab.
Sissoko connects with the punch.
 Cao is rocked!
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cao drops his hands momentarily. Sissoko doesn't need a second invitation, landing a shot to the temple. Cao staggers and falls to the mat and the ref dives in to save him from any more punishment. Cao doesn't seem happy with the stoppage but he was done.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:08 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Mousa Sissoko!
Mousa Sissoko decided to hype himself up post fight. It was going well but he went on about it a bit too long and the crowd turned on him a little.
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| S |
C
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G |
S |
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B |
G |
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C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
60% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Dimebag Abbot (ranked 4076 p4p, 6419 weight class) and William OConnor (ranked 456 p4p, 528 weight class). Abbot comes to the cage accompanied by Going The Distance. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 194 cm
29
201
9 - 9 - 0 |
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183 cm
33
190
9 - 18 - 1 |
Good wrestling
Excellent MT
KO power |
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BJJ Purple Belt
Good elbows
Powerful |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Dimebag Abbot!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 18 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, William OConnor!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Frank Dennis and Cecil Peabody.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Abbot looks to land a right hand but OConnor moved out of range.
OConnor moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Dimebag Abbot seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Abbot connects with a combination that backs up OConnor into the cage. Abbot lands a flurry of punches that gets past OConnor's guard. OConnor is down and the referee has seen enough. It is all over! Abbot bursts into tears - this win obviously means a huge amount to him.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:15 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Dimebag Abbot!
A pretty intense looking Dimebag Abbot took the opportunity post-fight to ask for a shot at the title.
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| S |
C
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B |
G |
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C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
100% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jaco Camden (ranked 2069 p4p, 2743 weight class) and Jason Mason (ranked 275 p4p, 348 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?
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| 185 cm
31
185
10 - 16 - 0 |
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185 cm
30
185
7 - 7 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Great elbows
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 middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Jaco Camden!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jason Mason!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Wesley Smith and Stewart Dunkirk.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mason avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Mason has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Mason shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Camden as he jumps to the side.
Camden is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Mason.
Camden blocks a jab.
Mason takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Mason is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Camden.
Nice straight punches there by Mason. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Mason.
Camden wants to clinch but Mason slips to the side
enabling Mason to counter with a crisp jab.
A solid leg kick lands there for Mason.
Mason throws a push kick but Camden slaps the foot to one side.
Mason buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Camden looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Camden slips under a jab from Mason.
Mason shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Camden defends it nicely.
Camden tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Mason manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Camden gets caught flat footed, as Mason shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Mason sitting in guard here, content to control.
Camden manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Mason throws a hook but Camden blocks it.
A punch lands to the side of Camden 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Camden scores with a sloppy right hand. Mason should have avoided that one.
Camden throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Jason Mason seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Camden scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mason misses with a looping right.
Mason ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Camden moves away.
Mason keeps the fight on the outside.
Mason scores with a spinning back kick!
A combination from Camden does no damage.
Camden takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A clash of legs there as Mason blocks the low kick.
Mason throws a right hand that misses
and Camden counters by moving into the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Camden.
Mason turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Mason manages to end up in side control.
Camden throws Mason to one side and escapes!
A good leg kick by Mason.
Camden moves out of range as Mason throws a body kick.
Camden jabs Mason right on the nose. Mason blinks but takes it well.
Mason throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Mason fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Camden manages to avoid it.
Camden tries to counter by clinching up but Mason breaks away and moves out of range.
Mason lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
The fight stays on the outside here - Camden looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Camden tries to close the distance and clinch up but Mason swats him away and circles back towards the center.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mason swings for the body but Camden moves out of range.
Camden blocks a leg kick.
Mason takes a swing at Camden's ribcage but misses.
Mason misses with a looping right.
Camden stuns Mason with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Mason throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Camden on the side of the head.
Mason tries to land a leg kick but Camden saw it coming and moves away.
Mason scores with a head kick. Camden tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Camden slips a jab from Mason.
Camden tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Mason manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Mason circles away from the clinch attempt.
Mason looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Mason lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Mason misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Camden.
Camden gets a clinch.
Mason misses with some punches.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mason has hold of one of Camden's legs. Camden is fighting the takedown attempt but Mason gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Camden is looking to stand up but Mason isn't so interested in that idea.
Camden seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Mason trying to move into half guard but instead Camden has managed to sweep!
Mason is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Camden wants to stand but Mason has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Mason is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Mason has a closed guard, preventing Camden from standing up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Jason Mason will probably get the nod.
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.
Camden keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Jason Mason seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Mason closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Camden to the mat! Camden manages to get full guard.
Mason controls from within his opponent's guard.
Camden wants to get back to his feet but Mason is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Mason is looking to pass into half guard but Camden pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Camden is in guard.
Camden tries to stand but Mason is controlling from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mason looking to hit a scissor sweep but Camden is one step ahead there.
Camden decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Camden throws a lazy right hand but Mason sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Camden bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Camden misses with a jab, cross combination.
Camden fails with an attempt to clinch.
Mason chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Mason connects with a body shot that sends Camden's belly button to the back.
Mason throws a body shot but no joy.
Jaco Camden is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Mason swings for the body but Camden moves out of range.
Mason cracks Camden with a right hand to the side of the head.
Mason swings for the body but Camden moves out of range.
Camden is looking to counter the offense by Mason and move into the clinch.
Mason throws a leg kick that is checked
and Camden counters with a leg kick.
Camden tries to clinch up but Mason circles away and keeps his distance.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A slow jab from Mason misses its intended target.
Jaco Camden is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Mason looks to score with a jab to the body but Camden is just out of range.
Mason throws a looping overhand right but Camden ducks down to avoid it.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Camden!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mason pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Camden tries to clinch but Mason is having none of it.
Mason swats away the attempt to clinch by Camden.
Mason tries a quick counter leg kick but Camden is wise to it.
Camden misses with a wild body shot.
Good work by Camden as he checks the leg kick.
Camden tries to clinch but Mason moves away
and Mason counters with a left to the body.
Camden ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Mason moves away.
Camden fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Mason, pushing him back against the cage.
Mason drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Camden goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee calls for Mason to work.
Mason lands a left hand.
Mason wants to take the fight to the mat but Camden manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Camden lands an uppercut.
Mason misses with a punch to the body.
Camden is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Mason is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Camden gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Jaco Camden has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jason Mason.
Camden blocks an uppercut.
Mason is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Mason tries to throw a body punch but Camden avoids it by throwing Mason back against the cage.
Mason avoiding damage as Camden throws knees to the body.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mason digs a right hand into Camden's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Camden's gas tank.
Mason misses with a hook from the clinch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Mason.
Mason has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Camden after a bit of a struggle.
Mason tries to stall but Camden uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Mason is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Mason swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Mason has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Camden avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Mason is looking for a takedown.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Mason.
Mason swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Mason has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Camden after a bit of a struggle.
Camden blocks a body shot from Mason.
Camden makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Jason Mason will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!
Camden checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Camden throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Mason.
Mason tries a quick counter leg kick but Camden is wise to it.
Camden tries to close the distance and clinch up but Mason swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Camden fails with an attempt to clinch.
Mason misses with a hook. Camden ducked under it nicely.
Camden moves away from the strike by Mason.
Mason changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Mason throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Camden takes the fight into the clinch.
Camden misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Mason.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mason misses with some punches.
Camden misses with some punches.
Mason swings wildly with an uppercut but Camden uses good head movement to avoid it.
Mason's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
That's one minute gone in the round.
Mason digs a right hand underneath Camden's ribcage. Camden let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Mason tries to stall but Camden uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Camden trying to land knees to the body.
Camden lands with a left to the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Mason.
Camden misses with a shot to the kidneys.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Mason.
Camden blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Mason doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Camden is pressed up against the cage. Mason has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Camden down to the mat. Camden avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Mason takes a swing at Camden's ribcage but misses.
Camden on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Mason is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Camden.
Mason scores with a sloppy right hand. Camden should have avoided that one.
Jason Mason is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Camden throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Mason.
Camden closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Camden lands with a right to the head.
Mason blocking some punches.
Camden lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
 It looks like Jason Mason has been cut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Mason managing to block the knees to the body from Camden.
Camden tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Mason avoids it.
Camden misses with a hook to the ribs.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mason breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Mason tries a low kick but Camden avoids it.
Camden swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Mason counters with a nice body shot.
Mason avoids a punch combination nicely.
A countering left hand to the body from Mason misses.
Mason dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Camden. That did some damage!
A low kick from Mason is predictable there
and Camden counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Camden.
Mason blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Camden misses with a body punch.
Camden creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Mason's defenses.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Camden misses with the head strike.
Mason managing to block the knees to the body from Camden.
Mason blocks an uppercut.
Camden has a couple of punches blocked by Mason.
Camden lands a body shot in the clinch.
Camden doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Camden misses with some punches.
And that's the end of the fight!
Jaco Camden showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Mason 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 28:29
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 28:29
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 28:29
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jason Mason!
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| S |
C
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G |
S |
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B |
G |
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C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
53% |
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Co-main event
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Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Edson Barboozer (ranked 5282 p4p, 22653 weight class) and John Johns (ranked 473 p4p, 500 weight class). Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!
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| 180 cm
38
168
9 - 8 - 0 |
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178 cm
29
155
4 - 10 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Very quick |
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BJJ Brown Belt
Decent knees
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Edson Barboozer!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, John Johns!
The judges for this bout are Robert Twigg, Chris Downing and Gwen Towbar.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barboozer throws a head kick but Johns moves out of range.
Barboozer pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Johns tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Barboozer uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Johns has time to react.
Barboozer scores with a nice head shot.
Johns lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Johns takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Barboozer tries a head kick but it misses.
A low kick lands for Barboozer.
Barboozer scores with a head kick. Johns tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Johns takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
 Johns is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Johns leaves his chin hanging out and Barboozer seizes the opportunity with an uppercut! Johns crumbles to the floor in a heap! The referee steps in and tends to the downed fighter! What a knockout!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Edson Barboozer!
A relieved looking Edson Barboozer thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
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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
100% |
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Main event
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Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Everett Covington (ranked 1283 p4p, 1330 weight class) and Matthew Fritz (ranked 182 p4p, 187 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 177 cm
31
169
11 - 3 - 0 |
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165 cm
31
155
13 - 5 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
Heavy handed |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Everett Covington!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Matthew Fritz!
The judges for this bout are Gwen Towbar, Alan Glass and Frank Dennis.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Covington misses with a hook
and Fritz counters with a slapping leg kick.
We've been informed that Fritz 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.
Fritz missing with a left hand there. Covington was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Covington half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
A chopping leg kick lands by Fritz.
The fighters circling - Fritz throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Fritz takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
A slow jab from Fritz misses its intended target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fritz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Fritz tests Covington's chin there with a solid looking shot.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Fritz throws a looping overhand right but Covington ducks down to avoid it.
Covington changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Covington walks into a jab.
Fritz lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Fritz throws a quick inside leg kick.
Fritz paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Matthew Fritz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Fritz swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Fritz throws a right and a left that Covington avoids nicely.
Fritz throws a right and a left that Covington avoids nicely.
Covington appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fritz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Covington sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Covington is looking to counter the offense by Fritz and move into the clinch.
Covington has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Fritz.
Covington shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Fritz as he avoids it easily.
Nice straight punches there by Fritz. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Fritz.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Covington bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Fritz tries to land a body kick
and Covington counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Covington prevents Fritz from improving his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Covington trying to pass the guard but Fritz defending well.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Covington throwing shots but Fritz is blocking nicely.
Fritz manages to get to full guard.
Covington throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Fritz works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Fritz preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Fritz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Covington is looking to work some ground and pound but Fritz has wrist control.
Covington pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Fritz is keeping the position for now.
Covington in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Covington 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.
Covington stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Fritz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fritz pulls Covington in to control the position.
Covington looking to pass the guard.
Fritz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Covington will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Covington trying to control the position from guard on top but Fritz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Covington throwing strikes from guard but Fritz blocks nicely.
Covington wants to control from the top but Fritz keeps moving.
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Covington darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Matthew Fritz dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Fritz misses with a looping right.
Fritz slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Covington displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Fritz throws out the jab.
Fritz rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Covington counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Covington is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Fritz is concentrating on defense, preventing Covington from advancing position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Covington working over Fritz with some ground and pound. Fritz looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Covington seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Fritz tries to roll over but Covington keeps him under control.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Covington tries to pass to full mount but Fritz defends it.
Covington thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Covington is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Covington wants to lay and pray for a moment but Fritz keeps working.
Covington is looking to stall here but Fritz recovers full guard.
Fritz is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Covington manages to get to full guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Covington throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Fritz escapes and throws Covington's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Fritz content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Fritz passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Covington!
Fritz is looking to work his way around to Covington's back. He needs to be careful though, as he's in danger of losing this dominant position.
Covington regains half guard.
Covington tries to get to full guard but Fritz has control of the leg.
Fritz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Covington throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Covington looking for submissions off his back.
Covington misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Fritz not doing much here.
Covington tries to get to full guard but Fritz has control of the leg.
Covington is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Fritz pulls his head out easily.
Covington strikes from the bottom but Fritz passes into mount!
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.
Fritz prevents Covington from getting the reversal.
Everett Covington overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Fritz can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Covington is looking to escape.
Covington is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Fritz wants to take Covington's back but he can't do it this time.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Covington is working to get back to half guard.
Covington throwing hammer fists to the chest of Fritz. What's that going to do exactly?
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Matthew Fritz showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Fritz scores with a jab. Covington acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Covington takes a kick to the side of the head.
Matthew Fritz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Fritz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Covington drops down looking for a counter takedown but Fritz sprawls and moves away.
Covington ducks under a wild hook from Fritz.
Covington defending well as Fritz loads up on a big left hand.
Covington changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fritz lands with a good body shot.
Nice defenses there by Covington.
Covington half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Fritz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Covington.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Covington misses with a takedown attempt
and Fritz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Fritz throws a poor cross that misses
and Covington counters with a takedown into side control.
Fritz bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Covington takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
A swing and a miss from Fritz.
Covington tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Fritz manages to circle out of the way.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Fritz tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Fritz.
Fritz looks to throw a body kick
and Covington counters with a single leg into guard. Fritz didn't expect that.
Covington in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Covington trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Fritz manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Covington thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Fritz must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Fritz trying to control the position from guard on top but Covington is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Covington had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Fritz defends it easily.
Fritz sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Covington 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.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Covington has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Fritz can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Covington is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Covington looking to hit a scissor sweep but Fritz is one step ahead there.
Covington escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Fritz gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Covington working for a triangle but Fritz defends it easily.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Covington can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Fritz controls the pace.
Covington thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Fritz wants to control from the top but Covington keeps moving.
Fritz slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Covington is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Covington looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Matthew Fritz really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Fritz scores with a spinning back kick!
Fritz lands with a shot to the body.
Fritz connects with a nice looking jab.
Fritz swings for the body but Covington moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fritz changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Fritz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Covington.
Covington moves out of range as Fritz strikes.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Covington is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Fritz lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Fritz wants to slow Covington down by chopping away at his legs.
Matthew Fritz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Fritz throws a head kick but Covington moves out of range.
Covington changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Covington on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Fritz throws the left hand but Covington avoids the punch easily.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fritz misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Covington.
Covington walks into a stiff left hand from Fritz.
Covington moves away from the strike by Fritz.
Covington wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
The fighters circling - Covington throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Fritz throws a nice outside leg kick.
Fritz looks to throw the jab but Covington is out of range.
Fritz digs a good hook to Covington's body.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Covington avoids the body shot from Fritz.
Covington ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Covington defending well as Fritz loads up on a big left hand.
Covington throws a hook but Fritz blocks it.
Fritz looks to land a right hand but Covington moved out of range.
Covington takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Covington misses with a takedown attempt
and Fritz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fritz misses with a straight right.
Covington feinted with a counter takedown.
Covington moves out of range as Fritz strikes.
Covington tries to counter by clinching up but Fritz breaks away and moves out of range.
A swing and a miss from Fritz.
Covington wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
A telegraphed right hand from Fritz misses the target.
As Fritz tries to get set, Covington tries to push him back and clinch up but Fritz manages to avoid the attempt.
Covington avoids the body shot from Fritz.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Fritz looks to throw the jab but Covington is out of range.
Covington drops down looking for a counter takedown but Fritz sprawls and moves away.
Fritz misses with an uppercut.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Matthew Fritz dominated that fourth round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!
A head kick misses from Fritz.
Fritz is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Covington.
Covington feinted with a counter takedown.
Fritz throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Fritz throws a body shot but no joy.
Jab, jab by Fritz - just one landing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fritz throws an overhand right that lands on Covington's shoulder, as Covington tries to avoid the shot.
Covington wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Covington walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Fritz looks to throw the jab but Covington is out of range.
Covington steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Fritz.
As Fritz tries to get set, Covington tries to push him back and clinch up but Fritz manages to avoid the attempt.
Fritz rushes Covington and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Covington tries to pull guard but Fritz won't allow it.
Fritz working aggressively here.
Fritz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Fritz throws a head kick but Covington moves out of range.
Covington blocks a jab.
Covington appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Covington tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Everett Covington has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Covington uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Fritz.
Fritz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Fritz! But no joy.
Fritz feints and then cracks Covington's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Covington down.
Fritz throws the left hand but Covington avoids the punch easily.
Covington changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Fritz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Covington.
Covington moves out of range as Fritz strikes.
Covington lands with a right hand.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Some bone on bone action there as Covington checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Covington throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Fritz's waist but Fritz gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Covington off to one side.
It seemed like Fritz was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Fritz misses with a hook.
Fritz lands a body shot.
Fritz loads up on a big right hand but Covington slips the punch.
Fritz throws a hook to the side of Covington's head but Covington sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Covington feinted with a counter takedown.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fritz cracks Covington with a good jab.
Matthew Fritz is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Fritz swings widly with a right hand
and Covington counters with a nice double leg into side control. Fritz won't be happy with that.
Covington trying to control the action but Fritz is working from the bottom.
Covington is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Fritz has escaped the position, nice work there.
Fritz tries to improve position but can't.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Covington goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Fritz has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Covington but great work by Fritz.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Covington looks to move to half guard but instead Fritz has passed into mount! Damn!
And that's the end of the fight!
Matthew Fritz comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Fritz has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 44:50
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 44:50
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 44:50
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Matthew Fritz!
Matthew Fritz is the new lightweight champion!
A relieved looking Matthew Fritz thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
The defeated Everett Covington had this to say: 'Aw crap!'.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
38% |
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