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GAMMA#1106 Benjamin v Kruth PBP Commentary |
Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Ricardo Desceosarrafo (ranked 1194 p4p, 1352 weight class) and Zabit Magomedov (ranked 156 p4p, 181 weight class). Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!
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| 177 cm
27
185
9 - 4 - 0 |
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179 cm
37
175
20 - 18 - 1 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin |
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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 9 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ricardo Desceosarrafo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 18 - 1, fighting out of London, Zabit Magomedov!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Frank Antenori and Don Winkell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Magomedov slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Magomedov throws a right hand that misses
and Desceosarrafo counters with a stiff right hand.
Magomedov lands a leg kick that knocks Desceosarrafo off balance momentarily.
Desceosarrafo stalks Magomedov and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Magomedov's face. Magomedov staggers backwards, shaken.
Desceosarrafo tries to clinch up.
Magomedov throws out a loose jab but Desceosarrafo uses good head movement to avoid it.
Nice jab there from Desceosarrafo.
Desceosarrafo throws a series of punches but Magomedov moves out of range.
Magomedov goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Magomedov slips a jab and a cross from Desceosarrafo.
Magomedov tries to score with a low kick but Desceosarrafo moves his leg out of the way.
Desceosarrafo swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Magomedov tries to work over Desceosarrafo's front leg with a kick but Desceosarrafo checks it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sloppy strikes from Desceosarrafo. Those never looked like landing.
Magomedov throws a big counter head kick but Desceosarrafo avoids it with no problem.
Desceosarrafo looks to land a combination but Magomedov avoids it well.
Sloppy strikes from Desceosarrafo. Those never looked like landing.
Desceosarrafo doesn't manage to clinch there - Magomedov circles away.
Desceosarrafo misses with a few strikes there.
Magomedov 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.
Magomedov misses with a low kick.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Desceosarrafo slips under a jab.
Desceosarrafo throws a series of punches but Magomedov moves out of range.
Desceosarrafo fails with an attempt to clinch.
Ricardo Desceosarrafo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Magomedov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Magomedov misses with a head kick.
Desceosarrafo throws a lazy right hand but Magomedov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Magomedov throws a quick inside leg kick.
Desceosarrafo tries to clinch but Magomedov moves out of range.
A punch combination from Desceosarrafo misses.
Desceosarrafo swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
enabling Magomedov to counter with a crisp jab.
Desceosarrafo looks to land a combination but Magomedov avoids it well.
Desceosarrafo closes the distance and clinches.
Magomedov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Desceosarrafo backwards.
Desceosarrafo manages to break the clinch.
Magomedov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Magomedov throws a big shot that misses.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
No joy there for Magomedov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
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 Magomedov misses its intended target.
Desceosarrafo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Magomedov.
Good shot there by Magomedov.
Desceosarrafo ducks under a wild hook from Magomedov.
A little feinted left hand from Desceosarrafo on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Desceosarrafo looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
It seemed like Magomedov was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Desceosarrafo lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Desceosarrafo.
Desceosarrafo moves away from the strike by Magomedov.
Desceosarrafo has closed the distance and engaged Magomedov in a clinch.
Magomedov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Desceosarrafo backwards.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Magomedov.
A head punch on the inside from Magomedov fails to land.
Desceosarrafo throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Magomedovs head.
Magomedov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Desceosarrafo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Desceosarrafo takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Desceosarrafo misses with a wild combination.
Desceosarrafo moves into the clinch.
Magomedov throws a head punch that misses.
Magomedov tries a body shot but Desceosarrafo blocks it.
Desceosarrafo fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A body shot lands from Magomedov.
Desceosarrafo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Magomedov misses with a hook.
Good exchange - Magomedov coming out on top.
Desceosarrafo throws a nice looking combination but Magomedov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Desceosarrafo misses with a jab, cross combination.
Magomedov was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Desceosarrafo takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
A looping hook to the body misses from Magomedov. Desceosarrafo does a little dance to reset his feet.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Magomedov scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Desceosarrafo doesn't manage to clinch there - Magomedov circles away.
Magomedov now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Desceosarrafo tries to bum rush Magomedov with a series of wild strikes but Magomedov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
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!
Magomedov lands a jab to the nose.
Magomedov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Desceosarrafo manages to avoid it.
Desceosarrafo throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Magomedov counters with a thumping low kick.
Magomedov punishes Desceosarrafo's body with a nice straight punch.
Magomedov misses with an attempted mid kick.
Magomedov misses with a body shot.
Desceosarrafo walks into a jab.
The fight stays on the outside here - Desceosarrafo looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Desceosarrafo tries to clinch but Magomedov moves out of range.
Magomedov throws out a counter right but Desceosarrafo avoids it with no problem.
Magomedov throws the left hand but Desceosarrafo avoids the punch easily.
Magomedov throws a nice looking combination but Desceosarrafo bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Desceosarrafo appears to be looking for a big counter.
Desceosarrafo tries to clinch but Magomedov moves out of range.
Magomedov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Zabit Magomedov will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
Desceosarrafo moves out of range of the body kick.
Desceosarrafo tries to clinch but Magomedov is having none of it.
Magomedov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Sloppy strikes from Desceosarrafo. Those never looked like landing.
Magomedov shapes to counter with a head kick.
Desceosarrafo gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Magomedov lands with a light punch inside.
Desceosarrafo escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Desceosarrafo takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Magomedov throws a sloppy head kick and Desceosarrafo moves out of range easily.
Desceosarrafo cracks Magomedov with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Desceosarrafo misses with a lunging right hand
and Magomedov counters with a slapping leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Magomedov misses with an uppercut.
Desceosarrafo throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Desceosarrafo has managed to clinch.
A nice left hand lands by Magomedov.
Magomedov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Desceosarrafo has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A short left from Desceosarrafo.
Desceosarrafo breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Desceosarrafo throws a series of punches but Magomedov moves out of range.
Desceosarrafo tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Magomedov counters with a stiff right hand.
Desceosarrafo rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Magomedov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Desceosarrafo looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Desceosarrafo swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Magomedov counters with a solid body kick.
Desceosarrafo looks to land a combination but Magomedov avoids it well.
Jab, jab by Magomedov - just one landing.
Magomedov connects with a body shot that sends Desceosarrafo's belly button to the back.
Magomedov scores with a punch to the head.
Magomedov fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Desceosarrafo checks it well.
No joy there for Desceosarrafo, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Desceosarrafo throws a poor cross that misses
and Magomedov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Magomedov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Magomedov just misses with a punch to the body.
Magomedov swats away the attempt to clinch by Desceosarrafo.
Desceosarrafo connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Magomedov momentarily.
Desceosarrafo throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Desceosarrafo swings for the body but Magomedov moves out of range.
Magomedov throws out a counter right but Desceosarrafo avoids it with no problem.
Desceosarrafo throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Magomedov misses with a low kick.
Desceosarrafo swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Magomedov loads up on a big right hand but Desceosarrafo slips the punch.
Magomedov gets tackled into the cage by Desceosarrafo. Desceosarrafo maintains the clinch.
Magomedov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Desceosarrafo's elbow.
Desceosarrafo prevents a body shot from Magomedov.
Magomedov swings wildly with an uppercut but Desceosarrafo uses good head movement to avoid it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Magomedov keeps control of Desceosarrafo as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Desceosarrafo pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Desceosarrafo moves out of range of the strikes.
Magomedov looks to score with a jab to the body but Desceosarrafo is just out of range.
Magomedov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A head kick misses from Magomedov.
Magomedov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Magomedov throws a fast counter high kick but Desceosarrafo manages to duck under it in time.
Desceosarrafo doesn't manage to clinch there - Magomedov circles away.
Magomedov only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Zabit Magomedov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A jab from Magomedov misses.
Magomedov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Desceosarrafo dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Desceosarrafo tries to clinch
and Magomedov counters with a straight right hand.
Desceosarrafo misses with a series of wild punches.
A little jabbing left from Magomedov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Magomedov. Desceosarrafo does a little dance to reset his feet.
Desceosarrafo rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Magomedov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
A little jabbing left from Magomedov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Magomedov moves into range and connects with a jab.
Desceosarrafo misses with a two punch combination.
Desceosarrafo moves away from the strike by Magomedov.
As Magomedov looks to move away, Desceosarrafo throws a big counter combo but Magomedov just gets out of the way.
Nice uppercut lands for Magomedov. That snapped Desceosarrafo's head back.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Desceosarrafo misses with a few strikes there.
Ricardo Desceosarrafo is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A cross from Magomedov lands.
A lazy left from Desceosarrafo finds it's target.
Desceosarrafo fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Magomedov, pushing him back against the cage.
Magomedov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Desceosarrafo fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Magomedov tries a body shot but Desceosarrafo blocks it.
Magomedov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Magomedov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Zabit Magomedov 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. This is the final round!
Desceosarrafo tries to close the distance and clinch but Magomedov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Desceosarrafo misses with a wild combination.
Magomedov misses with a body shot.
Magomedov slips a jab and a cross from Desceosarrafo.
Magomedov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Magomedov looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Magomedov misses with a head kick.
Desceosarrafo wants to clinch up but Magomedov keeps it at a distance.
Desceosarrafo pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Magomedov back to the cage. Desceosarrafo follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Magomedov throws a head kick but Desceosarrafo moves out of range.
Desceosarrafo tries to clinch up but Magomedov circles away and keeps his distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Magomedov throws a sloppy head kick and Desceosarrafo moves out of range easily.
Magomedov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Magomedov connects with a solid leg kick.
Desceosarrafo fails with an attempt to clinch.
Desceosarrafo tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Magomedov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Magomedov misses with a hook
and Desceosarrafo counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Magomedov connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Desceosarrafo's hands.
Magomedov scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Magomedov throws a head kick that misses.
Desceosarrafo appears to be looking for a big counter.
Desceosarrafo throws an ugly left hook that misses
letting Magomedov counter with a right hand.
Magomedov tries a head kick but it misses.
Desceosarrafo misses with a double jab.
Magomedov now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Desceosarrafo avoids the body shot from Magomedov.
Magomedov throws a head kick that misses.
Desceosarrafo tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Magomedov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Magomedov throws a body shot but no joy.
Magomedov tries a head kick but it misses.
Zabit Magomedov 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.
Magomedov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Desceosarrafo gets a clinch.
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!
Desceosarrafo wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Desceosarrafo's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Magomedov moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Magomedov dodges the punch combination from Desceosarrafo.
Desceosarrafo connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Magomedov's hands.
Magomedov circles away from the clinch attempt
and Magomedov counters with a nice body kick.
No joy there for Desceosarrafo, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Desceosarrafo fails to land with a series of punches.
Desceosarrafo checks a low kick from Magomedov.
Magomedov buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Desceosarrafo looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
A big left from Desceosarrafo misses.
Magomedov swats away the attempt to clinch by Desceosarrafo.
Desceosarrafo moves out of range of the body kick.
Magomedov throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Desceosarrafo tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Magomedov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Desceosarrafo tries to clinch up but Magomedov circles away and keeps his distance.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Magomedov! But no joy.
Desceosarrafo gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Magomedov slips a jab and a cross from Desceosarrafo.
Desceosarrafo pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Magomedov back to the cage. Desceosarrafo follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Desceosarrafo waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Magomedov.
Desceosarrafo keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Magomedov.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Magomedov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Desceosarrafo looks to land a combination but Magomedov avoids it well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Magomedov throws a shot to the body.
Magomedov scores with a sloppy right hand. Desceosarrafo should have avoided that one.
Desceosarrafo is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Sloppy strikes from Desceosarrafo. Those never looked like landing.
Magomedov is looking to score with low kicks.
Desceosarrafo tries to clinch but Magomedov is having none of it.
Magomedov bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Magomedov connects with a body shot.
A slow jab from Magomedov misses its intended target.
Desceosarrafo will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Ricardo Desceosarrafo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Magomedov keeps the fight on the outside.
It seemed like Magomedov was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
And that's the end of the fight!
Zabit Magomedov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Magomedov 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 27:30
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 27:30
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 27:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Zabit Magomedov!
Zabit Magomedov decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
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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
70% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Marski Martola (ranked 1070 p4p, 719 weight class) and Mamed Khalidovic (ranked 114 p4p, 82 weight class). Khalidovic has chosen Зима-мама 25/17 as his entrance music. Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!
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| 178 cm
31
165
17 - 11 - 2 |
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183 cm
34
156
24 - 14 - 2 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin |
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Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Powerful |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 11 - 2, fighting out of Amsterdam, Marski Martola!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 14 - 2, fighting out of Sydney, Mamed Khalidovic!
The judges for this bout are Percy O'Donnell, Timothy Bukovac and Don Winkell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Martola checks a low kick from Khalidovic.
We've been hearing reports that Martola has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Martola goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Martola throws a shot to the body.
Martola bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Martola tries a head kick but it misses.
Khalidovic swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Martola just misses with a punch to the body.
Khalidovic chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Martola moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Khalidovic swings widly with a right hand
so Martola counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Khalidovic has his hands on Martola's head, controlling the position.
Martola tries to free his leg and advance position but Khalidovic is retaining full guard.
Martola trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Martola content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Khalidovic had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Martola defends it easily.
Khalidovic bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Martola's guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Khalidovic controlling from the top position.
Martola looking to hit a scissor sweep but Khalidovic is one step ahead there.
Martola had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Khalidovic defends it easily.
Khalidovic avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Khalidovic pushes down on Martola's leg and manages to get into half guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Khalidovic is looking to take a break and control but Martola is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Martola is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Khalidovic pulls his head out easily.
Martola looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Khalidovic controlling the action here.
Martola is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Khalidovic's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Khalidovic's back!
Khalidovic trying to control the action but Martola just sinks the hooks in.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Martola is working the ground and pound here and the referee is taking a close look at Khalidovic. He must escape soon or this one will be stopped.
Martola controlling well, preventing Khalidovic from escaping the position.
Martola lands a punch that was close to the back of the head but the ref thinks it's OK.
Khalidovic is trying to stand back up.
Martola scores with punches and elbows.
Martola scores with punches to the body.
Khalidovic is really stuck here.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Martola punches Khalidovic on the ear.
Khalidovic tries to break free.
Martola is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Khalidovic knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Khalidovic for a finish.
Martola trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Khalidovic doesn't escape.
Khalidovic trying to get back to his feet but Martola is in full control for now.
Martola is looking to control Khalidovic but Khalidovic is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Martola sinks in the hooks and is looking for the choke. He's got it! Khalidovic taps out!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Marski Martola!
An out of breath Marski Martola thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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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
36% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tom Dancer (ranked 1570 p4p, 436 weight class) and Keith Rodgers (ranked 188 p4p, 51 weight class). Tom Dancer is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.
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| 188 cm
33
190
11 - 14 - 1 |
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184 cm
40
185
25 - 11 - 1 |
Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very quick |
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Excellent grappler
Excellent 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 11 - 14 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Tom Dancer!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 11 - 1, fighting out of London, Keith Rodgers !
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Timothy Bukovac and Jack Bonds.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rodgers takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Rodgers fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Dancer manages to avoid it.
Rodgers avoids the head kick by Dancer.
Dancer throws a sloppy head kick and Rodgers moves out of range easily.
Rodgers scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Dancer doesn't seem bothered though.
Dancer looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Dancer throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Rodgers makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Dancer avoids the body shot from Rodgers .
Rodgers keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Rodgers 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.
Dancer lands a big head kick that sends Rodgers tumbling to the mat! Dancer takes a step backwards and waves Rodgers back to his feet - he wants the finish!
 Rodgers is rocked!
 It looks like Keith Rodgers has been cut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Dancer takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Rodgers uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Dancer.
Rodgers looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
A solid leg kick lands there for Dancer.
Rodgers is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Dancer rather than just go for the knockout.
Rodgers ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Rodgers misses with a body kick.
Dancer gets caught flat footed, as Rodgers shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Rodgers is standing up over Dancer. Dancer looks to escape but Rodgers dives into side control.
Dancer is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Rodgers has just dragged him back down to the mat.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Rodgers tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Dancer tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Dancer tries to reverse the position but Rodgers maintains control.
Rodgers wants to get back to his feet but Dancer is holding on tight.
Dancer is trying desperately to improve position.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Rodgers wants to stand but Dancer is holding on to him, trying to stop him posturing up.
Rodgers is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
You get the feeling that Dancer really doesn't like being in this position too much.
Rodgers is trying to stand up but he's being controlled by his opponent.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dancer is looking to improve his position but Rodgers isn't that keen on the idea.
Dancer is trying to stand but he's not in a good position to be doing that! Rodgers has taken his back!
Dancer rolls, trying to escape but Rodgers keeps control of the position.
Dancer is trying to stand back up.
Rodgers wants to stand back up.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Dancer trying to get back to his feet but Rodgers is in full control for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Dancer tries to roll but Rodgers sticks to his back.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Keith Rodgers will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Keith Rodgers 's cut.
That's time! Dancer's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Dancer gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Rodgers wants to stand but Dancer has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Dancer is looking to stand back up but Rodgers counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Dancer.
Dancer pushes Rodgers off and gets back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dancer connects with a solid leg kick.
Rodgers lands with a good body shot.
Dancer connects with a high kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Dancer scores with a head kick. Rodgers tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Dancer pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Tom Dancer is winning the standup battle so far.
That's one minute gone in the round.
An inside leg kick from Rodgers misses.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Dancer throws a jab but it's blocked by Rodgers .
Rodgers clinches with his opponent.
Dancer lands a right hand.
Rodgers jumps guard but Dancer stands there with Rodgers around his waist. Rodgers gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Dancer misses with a punch on the inside.
Rodgers is working Dancer over against the cage.
Dancer can't find room to land a body shot as Rodgers controls the action.
A nice right hand lands inside from Dancer.
Dancer stops a takedown attempt from Rodgers .
A head punch blocked on the inside by Dancer.
Rodgers is trying to pull guard but Dancer turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Tom Dancer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Keith Rodgers .
Rodgers wants a takedown.
Rodgers has clasped his hands together around Dancer's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Dancer is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Rodgers asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Rodgers wants to stand but Dancer is controlling his arm.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Dancer is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Rodgers tries to stand but Dancer is controlling his head.
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.
Rodgers prevents Dancer from escaping the position.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers wants to stand but Dancer is controlling his arm.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Dancer lands a high kick!
Rodgers fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Dancer looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Dancer tries a head kick but it misses.
Rodgers scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Rodgers lands a nice shot to the body.
Rodgers lands a nice leg kick that just misses Dancer's sensitive parts.
Dancer fails in his attempt to clinch.
Rodgers ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Dancer pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Rodgers finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Dancer misses with a straight right.
Rodgers throws a low kick but Dancer avoids it.
Rodgers scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Dancer connects with a high kick.
A head kick misses from Dancer.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Dancer at a distance.
Rodgers cracks Dancer with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Rodgers tries a head kick but it misses.
Rodgers fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Dancer keeps the fight on the outside.
Dancer misses with a hook
and Rodgers counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Dancer scores with a nice right hand.
Rodgers cracks Dancer with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Rodgers throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Nice body kick from Dancer.
Rodgers throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Dancer takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Dancer blocks a jab.
Rodgers scores with a jab to the jaw.
Rodgers throws a good cross that connects.
Rodgers throws a quick inside leg kick.
Dancer throws a sloppy head kick and Rodgers moves out of range easily.
A head kick misses from Dancer.
Rodgers feints a counter leg kick.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Keith Rodgers will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Keith Rodgers 's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!
Rodgers missing with a left hand there. Dancer was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Dancer tries to clinch up.
Rodgers lands with a cross.
Rodgers blocks a head kick by Dancer.
Dancer 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.
A head kick misses from Dancer.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Rodgers . Dancer shrugs it off though.
Dancer throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Rodgers 's head.
Rodgers misses with a looping left.
Dancer clinches with his opponent.
Rodgers scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A head punch on the inside from Dancer fails to land.
Rodgers tries to pull guard but Dancer forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Dancer lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rodgers backwards.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Good body shot from Dancer.
Rodgers decides to pull guard.
Dancer showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Dancer stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rodgers swivels though and keeps the full guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Dancer looking to sit in guard and control but Rodgers gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Dancer wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Rodgers manages to pass to side control.
Dancer manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Rodgers keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
A head kick by Dancer misses
and Rodgers counters with a good low kick that Dancer was not able to check.
Rodgers moves out of range as Dancer throws a body kick.
Rodgers takes a swing at Dancer's ribcage but misses.
Dancer misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rodgers . Dancer does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rodgers has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Dancer finds it's way round the side to connect with Rodgers 's head.
Rodgers clinches.
I was talking to Dancer's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Rodgers misses with the head strike.
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!
Rodgers breaks from the clinch.
A jab from Dancer misses.
Dancer takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Rodgers tests Dancer's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Dancer waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Rodgers .
Rodgers is looking to clinch.
Good leg kick by Rodgers .
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers lands with a good body shot.
Rodgers slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Rodgers connects with a jab.
Dancer misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Dancer chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Rodgers can pounce on him.
Rodgers shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Dancer but Dancer pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Dancer pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Tom Dancer seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rodgers works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Rodgers is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Dancer.
Dancer moves out of range of the strikes.
Dancer appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Rodgers works the jab nicely.
Rodgers misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Tom Dancer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Keith Rodgers .
Dancer throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Dancer throws a head kick that misses.
Rodgers throws out a counter right but Dancer avoids it with no problem.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Dancer throws a hook but Rodgers avoids it easily.
A head kick misses from Dancer.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers connects with a body shot that sends Dancer's belly button to the back.
Tom Dancer is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Dancer doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
A shot to the liver by Rodgers . Beautiful body shot.
Rodgers ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Rodgers throws a jab when Dancer was well out of range.
Rodgers scores with a shot to the body.
Dancer throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rodgers swinging wildly here.
Nice defenses there by Rodgers .
Dancer takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Rodgers misses with a body shot.
Rodgers keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Rodgers throws a jab when Dancer was well out of range.
Rodgers lands with a thumping leg kick.
Dancer throws a head kick that misses
and Rodgers counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Dancer wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Rodgers manages to pass to side control.
And that's the end of the fight!
Tom Dancer showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Rodgers 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 28:29
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 28:29
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Keith Rodgers !
Keith Rodgers decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.
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| 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
66% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Liwa Kursiwa (ranked 860 p4p, 280 weight class) and Draco Leonidas (ranked 81 p4p, 28 weight class). On his way into the cage it seems that Liwa Kursiwa has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Liwa Kursiwa seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?
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| 165 cm
30
145
13 - 10 - 0 |
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170 cm
28
147
13 - 5 - 1 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine |
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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 featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 10 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Liwa Kursiwa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 5 - 1, fighting out of London, Draco Leonidas!
The judges for this bout are Percy O'Donnell, Timothy Bukovac and Jack Bonds.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kursiwa shoots in looking for a takedown. Leonidas tries to sprawl out of it but Kursiwa keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Leonidas manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Leonidas looks to land a body kick but Kursiwa moved away.
Kursiwa takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Kursiwa walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Leonidas lands a really nice looking cross but Kursiwa seems unphased.
Leonidas misses with a looping left.
Leonidas lands a nice hook to Kursiwa's body. Kursiwa takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kursiwa lands with a nice body kick.
Kursiwa shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Leonidas as he jumps to the side.
Kursiwa shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Liwa Kursiwa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kursiwa avoids the body shot from Leonidas.
Kursiwa attempts a counter takedown but Leonidas avoids it well and moves away.
Leonidas punishes Kursiwa's body with a nice straight punch.
Kursiwa misses with a kick to the body.
Leonidas throws out a counter right but Kursiwa avoids it with no problem.
Leonidas lands with a right hand.
Kursiwa looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Leonidas throws out a loose jab but Kursiwa uses good head movement to avoid it.
Nice uppercut there from Leonidas.
Leonidas checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Kursiwa misses with a hook. Leonidas ducked under it nicely.
Leonidas replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Kursiwa blocks it well.
Leonidas connects with an inside leg kick.
Leonidas fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Leonidas stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kursiwa chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Leonidas can pounce on him.
Leonidas looks to land a body kick but Kursiwa moved away.
Leonidas scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
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!
Kursiwa swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Leonidas looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Kursiwa instigates a clinch.
Leonidas is working Kursiwa over against the cage.
Kursiwa goes for a takedown attempt but Leonidas pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Kursiwa throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Leonidas has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Leonidas lands the left hand.
Leonidas misses with a kick to the body.
Leonidas moves out of range of the body kick.
Leonidas misses the shot to the body.
Kursiwa attempts a counter takedown but Leonidas avoids it well and moves away.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kursiwa avoids a kick to the body.
Leonidas cracks Kursiwa with an open hand slap.
Leonidas changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Kursiwa throws a right hand that misses
enabling Leonidas to counter with a crisp jab.
Kursiwa takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Kursiwa falls off balance throwing a combination
and Leonidas counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Kursiwa checks a leg kick.
Kursiwa wants to clinch.
Kursiwa misses with a takedown attempt - Leonidas sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Leonidas throws a body shot but no joy.
Leonidas throws a body shot but no joy.
Leonidas throws a leg kick but Kursiwa sees it coming and moves out of range.
Kursiwa looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Leonidas is fending him off so far but Kursiwa persists. Nope, Leonidas circles away and we're back to standing.
Kursiwa moves out of range as Leonidas throws a body kick.
Kursiwa gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Leonidas blocks a head kick by Kursiwa.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kursiwa misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Draco Leonidas seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Leonidas misses with an uppercut.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Draco Leonidas dominated that round.
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.
Leonidas misses the shot to the body.
Leonidas looks to land a right hand but Kursiwa moved out of range.
Leonidas misses with a wild body shot.
Leonidas moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Kursiwa tries for a takedown but Leonidas sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Leonidas misses with a low kick.
Nice cross by Leonidas.
Kursiwa throws a leg kick but Leonidas sees it coming and checks it nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Kursiwa.
Kursiwa closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Leonidas's guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Leonidas trying to control the position.
Kursiwa in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Kursiwa trying to control the position from guard on top but Leonidas is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Leonidas is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Kursiwa drops back looking for a leg! Leonidas is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Leonidas manages to kick Kursiwa off! Kursiwa jumps back into Leonidas's guard.
Kursiwa sitting in guard here, content to control.
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.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Leonidas is looking for a triangle but Kursiwa pushes his legs off easily.
Leonidas has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Leonidas controls Kursiwa momentarily but Kursiwa frees himself.
Kursiwa is pushing down on Leonidas's leg trying to pass to half guard. Leonidas is fighting to maintain full guard but Kursiwa has managed to sneak the leg through.
Kursiwa thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Leonidas actively working from the bottom here.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leonidas tries to get to full guard but Kursiwa has control of the leg.
Leonidas is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Kursiwa pulls his head out easily.
Kursiwa thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Kursiwa controlling the action here.
Leonidas is refusing to be controlled, as Kursiwa sits in half guard.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Leonidas with a jab.
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.
Kursiwa fails with the takedown.
Leonidas follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Liwa Kursiwa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kursiwa steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Leonidas. That one must have hurt.
Kursiwa fails with the takedown
and Leonidas counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kursiwa falls off balance throwing a combination
and Leonidas counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Leonidas defending well as Kursiwa loads up on a big left hand.
Kursiwa avoids the body shot from Leonidas.
Leonidas missing with a left hand there. Kursiwa was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Draco Leonidas showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!
Leonidas missing with a left hand there. Kursiwa was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Leonidas throws a half hearted mid kick.
Kursiwa misses with a takedown attempt
and Leonidas counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Leonidas just misses with a punch to the body.
Liwa Kursiwa is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kursiwa is trying hard to land a takedown here. Leonidas sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Leonidas punishes Kursiwa's body with a nice straight punch.
Leonidas throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kursiwa staying out of range there.
As Leonidas looks to move away, Kursiwa throws a big counter combo but Leonidas just gets out of the way.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kursiwa has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Kursiwa there as he acknowledges the shot.
Kursiwa steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Leonidas.
Kursiwa takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Kursiwa throws an overhand right that lands on Leonidas's shoulder, as Leonidas tries to avoid the shot.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Leonidas just misses with a punch to the body.
No joy there for Kursiwa, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Leonidas lands with a straight right. Kursiwa didn't see that one coming.
Leonidas lands a jab-cross combination.
Kursiwa moves out of range of the body kick.
Kursiwa looks to score with a jab to the body but Leonidas is just out of range.
Kursiwa throws a push kick but Leonidas slaps the foot to one side.
Leonidas throws a predictable looking body shot
letting Kursiwa counter with a right hand.
Kursiwa misses with an uppercut
and Leonidas counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Leonidas's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Leonidas duly obliges.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Kursiwa.
Leonidas doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Leonidas fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kursiwa manages to avoid it.
Kursiwa takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Draco Leonidas seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kursiwa shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Leonidas manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Leonidas pulls Kursiwa in close to prevent any damage.
Leonidas is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Kursiwa missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Draco Leonidas is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leonidas is looking for a triangle but Kursiwa pushes his legs off easily.
Kursiwa lands a couple of digs.
Kursiwa trying to control but Leonidas is working from the bottom.
Kursiwa showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Leonidas trying to keep a closed guard but Kursiwa is proving a slippery customer.
Kursiwa makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Leonidas trying to control the position here.
Kursiwa missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Leonidas holds on and takes a little breather.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Kursiwa tries to land a front kick but Leonidas steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Kursiwa tries to bum rush Leonidas with a series of wild strikes but Leonidas uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Kursiwa throws a right and a left that Leonidas avoids nicely.
No luck for Kursiwa with that takedown attempt.
And that's the end of the fight!
Draco Leonidas comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Leonidas 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 27:30
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 27:30
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 27:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Draco Leonidas!
Draco Leonidas seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
38% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ledley King (ranked 1275 p4p, 935 weight class) and Mandlenkosi Thulani (ranked 24 p4p, 63 weight class). Thulani is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Zara - Sojaboy. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!
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| 195 cm
35
255
15 - 13 - 0 |
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206 cm
34
282
21 - 19 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
KO power |
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Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Powerful |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Ledley King!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 21 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Mandlenkosi Thulani!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Percy O'Donnell and Jack Bonds.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A jab from King misses.
Thulani displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as King throws out the jab.
Thulani doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
King drives through and clinches with Thulani against the cage.
Thulani is trying to break the clinch but King has him pressed against the cage.
King is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Thulani wants to break free but King has control.
King swings wildly with an uppercut but Thulani uses good head movement to avoid it.
King fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from King fails to land.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thulani tries to circle away but King has him pinned against the cage.
King misses with the head strike.
A quick uppercut on the inside from King.
King wants a takedown but no success here.
Thulani lands a right hand.
King struggles to land a body shot inside as Thulani controls his hands.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Thulani blocks an uppercut.
King makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
King lands a left hand that snaps the head of Thulani backwards.
Thulani working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
King tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A frustrated look appears on Thulani's face as he tries to break the clinch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, King creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
King misses with some punches.
Thulani blocking some punches.
Thulani lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
King blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Thulani lands an uppercut.
Thulani fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
We've been hearing reports that King has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
King fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Thulani has a couple of punches blocked by King.
Thulani misses with a hook to the ribs.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
King keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Thulani's efforts to push away.
King lands a left hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
King misses with a short punch on the inside.
King fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Thulani is trying to break free.
Thulani is trying to break the clinch but King has him pressed against the cage.
Thulani blocking some punches.
King working some nice short punches in the clinch.
King lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
King working aggressively here.
King tries for a takedown. No joy.
King lands a hook that snaps the head of Thulani backwards.
Thulani makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by King.
Thulani misses with a shot to the kidneys.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thulani digs a right hand underneath King's ribcage. King let out a lung full of air as it connected.
King lands a left hand that snaps the head of Thulani backwards.
Thulani blocking some punches.
King swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Thulani tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
King lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Thulani has a couple of punches blocked by King.
Thulani tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Thulani blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
King keeps control of Thulani as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Thulani looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Thulani wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Thulani manages to break the clinch.
Ledley King seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
King connects with a right hand. Thulani shakes it off.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thulani uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by King.
Mandlenkosi Thulani is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Thulani just misses with a punch to the body.
King takes a swing at Thulani's ribcage but misses.
Nice defenses there by Thulani.
King throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Thulani scores with a jab to the body.
King looks to land a left hand but Thulani moved out of range nicely.
A telegraphed right hand from King misses the target.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
King moves into the clinch successfully.
Thulani has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
King can't find room to land a body shot as Thulani controls the action.
King stalling the fight.
A short uppercut from King.
King has Thulani pressed against the cage, preventing Thulani from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Ledley King dominated that round.
That's time! King's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
King takes a shot to the body in his stride.
King swinging wildly here.
A jab from Thulani misses.
King throws a hook but Thulani avoids it easily.
Thulani lands with a hook. King tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
King fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
King is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Thulani's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
King uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Thulani.
Thulani scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. King doesn't seem bothered though.
King pushes Thulani up against the cage in a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thulani escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
King moves away from the strike by Thulani.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
A big right from Thulani misses.
Thulani takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Thulani ducks under a wild hook from King.
Thulani looks like he wants to counter punch here.
That's one minute gone in the round.
King defending well as Thulani loads up on a big left hand.
Thulani moves out of range of the strikes.
Thulani uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Thulani misses with a looping right.
King misses with a wild combination.
Thulani lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Thulani ducks down and throws a hook to the body but King moves away.
Thulani misses with an uppercut. King saw that one coming.
Thulani walks into a straight right hand from King.
Thulani avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
King takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
King connects with a single shot there.
King works the jab nicely.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Thulani scores with a jab to the jaw.
King tries to bum rush Thulani with a series of wild strikes but Thulani uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Thulani checks a leg kick.
Thulani now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Nice uppercut lands for King. That snapped Thulani's head back.
Thulani throws a shot from downtown. King moves away and avoids it.
King misses with a combination
and Thulani counters with a straight right hand.
A jab from King misses.
A jab from King misses.
King throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
King keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Thulani.
King misses with a wild combination.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - King throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Thulani is clearly trying to counter these attacks from King with a body shot.
King walks into a jab.
King tests Thulani's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Thulani throws a body punch but King moves out of range.
King closes the distance and clinches.
Thulani is trying to break the clinch but King has him pressed against the cage.
King keeps control of Thulani as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Thulani breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Thulani throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
King throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Thulani sees it coming and avoids it easily.
King throws a body shot but no joy.
A telegraphed right hand from King misses the target.
King missing with a left hand there. Thulani was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thulani tests King's chin there with a solid looking shot.
King looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Thulani moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Thulani wants to get back to his feet but King is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
King in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Thulani is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Thulani is just content to waste time from the top position. King takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
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 Ledley King will probably get the nod.
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!
King lands with a hook. Thulani tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Thulani throws a shot from downtown. King moves away and avoids it.
King misses with an uppercut. Thulani saw that one coming.
Thulani scores with a hook to the body. King takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
King falls off balance throwing a combination
and Thulani cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
King is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Thulani can do to turn this around?
King misses with a shot to the body
and Thulani counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Thulani slips a straight right by King.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thulani throws a series of punches but King moves out of range.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Thulani working hard to break the clinch.
Thulani tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Thulani breaks the clinch.
Thulani takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
A jab from Thulani misses.
A swing and a miss from King.
King digs a good body shot into Thulani's ribs.
Thulani takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
King ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Thulani swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Thulani uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by King.
Thulani ducks under a wild hook from King.
King connects with a jab.
King misses with an uppercut. Thulani saw that one coming.
King tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
King swings widly with a right hand
letting Thulani counter with a right hand.
Mandlenkosi Thulani has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thulani misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from King.
Thulani throws the left hand but King avoids the punch easily.
Thulani uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by King.
King misses with a hook. Thulani ducked under it nicely.
King on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Thulani throws a shot from downtown. King moves away and avoids it.
King looks to land a left hand but Thulani moved out of range nicely.
Thulani tries to keep at a distance but King has taken the fight into the clinch.
Thulani goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Thulani breaks from the clinch.
Thulani keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
King tries to close the distance and clinch but Thulani swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
It seemed like Thulani was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thulani looks to land a right hand but King moved out of range.
King scores with a hook to the body. Thulani takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
King scores with a jab to the head.
Thulani fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. King looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
The fighters circling - Thulani throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
King moves into range and connects with a jab.
King shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Thulani as he jumps to the side.
Ledley King is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
A big right from King misses.
Thulani looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
King swings for the body but Thulani moves out of range.
King looks to land a right hand but Thulani moved out of range.
King cracks Thulani with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
King throws a poor cross that misses
and Thulani counters with a nice uppercut.
King tries to clinch up but Thulani circles away and keeps his distance.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A punch lands to the side of King 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Thulani looks to score with a jab to the body but King is just out of range.
Thulani steps to the side to avoid the strikes from King.
That kick from King tenderised Thulani's leg. Thulani is trying to keep his angry face on.
Thulani throws a predictable looking body shot
and King counters with a nice body shot.
Thulani takes a swing at King's ribcage but misses.
Thulani with a nice cross.
Thulani misses with a telegraphed body shot
and King counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
King connects with a crisp jab.
Thulani swings and misses with a hook to the body.
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 Ledley King.
Well King has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 29:29
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 30:27
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Ledley King!
After the fight, Ledley King was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.
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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
58% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Thufir Hawat (ranked 763 p4p, 282 weight class) and Tam Yu Tai (ranked 102 p4p, 43 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Yu Tai's choice of entrance music: Invincible Pole Fighter. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!
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| 185 cm
33
178
25 - 25 - 0 |
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182 cm
33
176
30 - 9 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Granite chin |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
Heavy handed |
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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 25 - 25 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Thufir Hawat!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 9 - 0, fighting out of London, Tam Yu Tai!
The judges for this bout are Percy O'Donnell, Timothy Bukovac and Don Winkell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hawat misses with a body shot
and Yu Tai counters with a body kick.
Yu Tai misses with a kick to the body
and Hawat counters with a straight right hand.
Yu Tai uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hawat.
Hawat throws a head kick but Yu Tai moves out of range.
Yu Tai feints a counter leg kick.
Hawat throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Yu Tai throws a big counter head kick but Hawat avoids it with no problem.
Yu Tai connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Hawat's hands.
 It looks like Thufir Hawat has been cut.
Yu Tai misses with a wild body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A head kick misses from Hawat.
A low kick from Yu Tai is predictable there
and Hawat counters with a straight right hand.
Hawat has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Yu Tai.
Yu Tai misses with a hook. Hawat ducked under it nicely.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Yu Tai scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Hawat has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Animal Fight Club in the buildup to the fight.
Hawat throws a sloppy head kick and Yu Tai moves out of range easily.
Yu Tai looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Yu Tai 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.
Yu Tai getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
An inside leg kick lands from Yu Tai.
Yu Tai misses with a low kick.
Hawat is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Hawat doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Yu Tai fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Hawat checks it well.
A counter left hand to the body from Hawat misses its target.
Good exchange - Yu Tai coming out on top.
Yu Tai slips under a jab.
Yu Tai lands a jab to the head.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hawat swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Yu Tai counters with a straight right hand.
Yu Tai getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Yu Tai has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Hawat finds it's way round the side to connect with Yu Tai's head.
Hawat misses with a right hand
and Yu Tai counters with a body kick.
Yu Tai jabs at Hawat's body.
Hawat doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Yu Tai lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
A head kick by Hawat misses
and Yu Tai counters with a thumping low kick.
Hawat takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yu Tai throws a leg kick but Hawat checks it.
Hawat with a jab.
Hawat tries a head kick but it misses.
Hawat throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Yu Tai, as that shot connected.
Hawat needs to keep his hands up - Yu Tai had a free shot at his head there.
Yu Tai scores with a nice body kick.
Hawat is breathing heavily.
Hawat takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
 Hawat is rocked!
Yu Tai instigates a clinch.
Yu Tai presses Hawat against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yu Tai digs a right hand into Hawat's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Hawat's gas tank.
A short left from Yu Tai.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A left hand lands to the body for Yu Tai.
Hawat tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Yu Tai lands a left hand.
Hawat takes a shot to the head.
Oh Hawat is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Yu Tai dips a shoulder and cracks Hawat with a mighty uppercut! Hawat falls back against the cage and Yu Tai unloads with a barrage of strikes! Hawat is completely out with his eyes open, only supported by the cage! Save him ref! Eventually the ref decides to do his job and jumps in - Yu Tai screams abuse at the incompetent official before going over to celebrate with his corner. Brutal stuff!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:34 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Tam Yu Tai!
An out of breath Tam Yu Tai thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
51% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Iov Kuzmin (ranked 1366 p4p, 725 weight class) and Kollaa River (ranked 180 p4p, 86 weight class). Kuzmin comes to the cage accompanied by La Caution - Thé à la Menthe. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!
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| 188 cm
25
225
11 - 4 - 0 |
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185 cm
44
205
35 - 21 - 2 |
Great wrestler
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine |
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Excellent grappler
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin |
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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 11 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Iov Kuzmin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 35 - 21 - 2, fighting out of Los Angeles, Kollaa River!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Percy O'Donnell and Timothy Bukovac.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kuzmin dodges the punch combination from River.
River bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
River pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
River misses the shot to the body.
River throws a jab but it's blocked by Kuzmin.
River looks to land a left hand but Kuzmin moved out of range nicely.
Kuzmin is looking to counter punch.
Kuzmin moves out of range as River strikes.
River throws a big shot that misses.
Kuzmin looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Kuzmin tests River's chin there with a solid looking shot.
River takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
River has taken the fight to the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuzmin breaks the clinch.
Kuzmin uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from River.
Kuzmin throws a shot from downtown. River moves away and avoids it.
River misses with a takedown attempt - Kuzmin sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Kuzmin scores with the left hand. River knows he should have avoided that one.
That's one minute gone in the round.
River doesn't manage to clinch there - Kuzmin circles away.
River looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kuzmin is fending him off so far but River persists. Nope, Kuzmin circles away and we're back to standing.
River moves out of range as Kuzmin strikes.
River is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
River slips a straight right by Kuzmin.
Kuzmin lands a jab to the head.
River fails in his attempt to clinch.
River misses with a right hand
and Kuzmin connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
River misses with an uppercut
and Kuzmin connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Iov Kuzmin is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
River ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kuzmin moves away.
Kuzmin throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
River wants to counter the offense by Kuzmin and move into the clinch position.
Kuzmin throws a lazy right hand but River sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kuzmin looks to land a right hand but River moved out of range.
River moves away from the strike by Kuzmin.
River blocks a jab.
Kuzmin looks to land a right hand but River moved out of range.
We've been informed that River 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.
A jab from Kuzmin misses.
Kuzmin ducks under a wild hook from River.
Kuzmin bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of River's head.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuzmin moves out of range of the strikes.
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!
River looks to land a combination but Kuzmin avoids it well.
Kuzmin keeps the fight on the outside.
River moves in looking to clinch but Kuzmin pushes him off.
River tries for a takedown but Kuzmin sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Kuzmin appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Iov Kuzmin has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kollaa River.
River takes a body punch but keeps moving.
River fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Kuzmin thuds a left hand into River's body.
River just misses with a punch to the body.
Kuzmin scores with a decent looking hook.
River keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kuzmin.
A decent looking cross lands there for Kuzmin.
Kuzmin connects with a nice looking jab.
River scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kuzmin doesn't seem bothered though.
River jabbing away but nothing is landing.
River slips under a jab from Kuzmin.
Kuzmin is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Kuzmin scores with a nice right hand.
Kuzmin is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuzmin steps to the side to avoid the strikes from River.
River walks into a straight right hand from Kuzmin.
River uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kuzmin.
River misses with a looping left.
River blocks a jab.
River staying out of range there.
River steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Kuzmin.
River tries to clinch
and Kuzmin counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Kuzmin misses with a wild body shot.
Kuzmin throws a body shot but no joy.
Kuzmin lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
River looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
River fails with an attempt to clinch.
River swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Kuzmin connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
River misses with a series of wild punches.
River looks to land a left hand but Kuzmin moved out of range nicely.
Kuzmin throws the left hand but River avoids the punch easily.
River tries to counter with a clinch but Kuzmin shakes him off and moves away.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
River throws a body punch but Kuzmin moves out of range.
Kuzmin throws an overhand right that lands on River's shoulder, as River tries to avoid the shot.
River is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
River bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kuzmin misses the shot to the body.
River misses with an uppercut.
River tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kuzmin swivels and escapes.
Kuzmin swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kuzmin jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A big left from Kuzmin misses.
Kuzmin scores with a nice right hand.
Kuzmin cracks River with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Kuzmin connects with the punch.
Kuzmin avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kuzmin looks to land a right hand but River moved out of range.
River tries to clinch up.
Kuzmin fakes high and swings low for a body shot but River manages to avoid it.
River misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kuzmin.
Kuzmin fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kuzmin throws out a powerful jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Iov Kuzmin dominated that round.
That's time! Kuzmin's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Kuzmin changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Kuzmin loads up on a big right hand but River slips the punch.
River moves away from the strike by Kuzmin.
Kuzmin is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by River.
River gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
A big right from River misses.
Kuzmin cracks a nice hook into River's ribs.
Kuzmin showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from River.
Kuzmin swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kuzmin is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that River can do to turn this around?
River lands a jab to the nose.
River swings and misses with a hook to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
River misses with a body shot
and Kuzmin cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kuzmin blocks a jab.
Kuzmin throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
River takes a swing at Kuzmin's ribcage but misses.
River keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kuzmin.
River misses with a few strikes there.
That's one minute gone in the round.
River throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Kuzmin counters with a right hand to the body.
River looks to land a left hand but Kuzmin moved out of range nicely.
Kuzmin lands a glancing blow to the side of River's head.
River tries to close the distance and clinch but Kuzmin swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
River throws a sloppy body shot
enabling Kuzmin to counter with a crisp jab.
River misses with an uppercut. Kuzmin saw that one coming.
A decent looking cross lands there for Kuzmin.
A swing and a miss from Kuzmin.
River misses with a lunging right hand
and River takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
River looks to throw the jab but Kuzmin is out of range.
Kuzmin misses with a straight right.
River lands with a straight right. Kuzmin didn't see that one coming.
Kuzmin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
River lands a glancing blow to the side of Kuzmin's head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
River takes one to the side of the head.
A slow jab from River misses its intended target.
River missing with a left hand there. Kuzmin was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuzmin lands with a good body shot.
Kuzmin ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kuzmin misses with a looping left.
Kuzmin with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Kuzmin lands a really nice looking cross but River seems unphased.
River has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Kuzmin uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from River.
Kuzmin misses with a wild body shot.
Kuzmin looks to land a left hand but River moved out of range nicely.
Kuzmin smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
River is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
River tries to clinch there but Kuzmin circles away.
A slow jab from River misses its intended target.
River with a nice cross.
River misses with a hook
and Kuzmin counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
River throws a shot from downtown. Kuzmin moves away and avoids it.
River misses the shot to the body.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
River tries to clinch up
letting Kuzmin counter with a right hand.
Kuzmin digs a good hook to River's body.
Kuzmin lands with an overhand left.
Kuzmin slips under a jab from River.
Kuzmin misses with an uppercut.
River keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kuzmin.
River throws a series of punches but Kuzmin avoids them all with ease.
Kuzmin throws a body shot but no joy.
River throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kuzmin ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kuzmin fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
River uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kuzmin.
River tries to clinch there but Kuzmin circles away.
Kuzmin throwing a counter right hand but River manages to avoid it.
River blocks a jab.
River throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuzmin just misses with a punch to the body.
Kuzmin waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract River.
River changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
River closes the distance and clinches.
River keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kuzmin's efforts to push away.
River lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
River misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kuzmin is trying to break free.
Kuzmin's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Kuzmin misses with a looping right.
River slips under a jab.
Kuzmin lands a slapping body shot.
River throws a right hand that misses
and Kuzmin counters with a nice uppercut.
River forces Kuzmin back against the cage and clinches.
Kuzmin blocking some punches.
Kuzmin looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Iov Kuzmin dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!
Kuzmin missing with a left hand there. River was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kuzmin slips a jab and a cross from River.
Kuzmin appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Kuzmin looks to land a right hand but River moved out of range.
River throws a nice looking combination but Kuzmin bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kuzmin misses the jab.
River ducks right into an uppercut from Kuzmin.
River tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kuzmin was well out of range. Poor timing from River.
River swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kuzmin was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Kuzmin lands an overhand right.
Kuzmin steps to the side to avoid the strikes from River.
Kuzmin looks to land a left hand but River moved out of range nicely.
Kuzmin throws the left hand but River avoids the punch easily.
Iov Kuzmin is winning the standup battle so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuzmin digs a good body shot into River's ribs.
River waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kuzmin.
Jab by Kuzmin.
Kuzmin takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
River misses with a straight left.
Kuzmin appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuzmin misses with a hook. River ducked under it nicely.
River takes a swing at Kuzmin's ribcage but misses.
River rushes Kuzmin and presses him up against the cage.
Kuzmin's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
River tries for a takedown but Kuzmin sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Kuzmin scores with a punch to the head.
Nice defenses there by River.
Kuzmin scores with a shot to the body.
Kuzmin misses the shot to the body.
Kuzmin throws a jab when River was well out of range.
Kuzmin lands a body shot.
River lands with a nice body punch.
Kuzmin uses good head movement to avoid the hook from River.
River lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
River lunges at Kuzmin with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Kuzmin's hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kuzmin swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kuzmin slips a jab from River.
Kollaa River has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuzmin lands a head shot.
Kuzmin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as River throws out the jab.
Kuzmin scores with a punch to the head.
Kuzmin connects with a body shot.
Kuzmin cracks River with an open hand slap.
River takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kuzmin jabs at River's body.
A slow jab from Kuzmin misses its intended target.
River throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Kuzmin counters with a nice uppercut.
Kuzmin throws a jab when River was well out of range.
River bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Kuzmin slips under a jab from River.
River takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Kuzmin connects with a looping right hand.
River on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
River misses with a double jab.
River takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kuzmin jabbing away but nothing is landing.
River misses with a hook.
Kuzmin scores with the left hand. River knows he should have avoided that one.
River fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Kuzmin looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
River takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
River tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Kuzmin manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
River lands a nice shot to the body.
River misses with a body shot.
Kuzmin dips to his left and cracks River with an uppercut!
River punishes Kuzmin's body with a nice straight punch.
Kuzmin misses with a hook. River ducked under it nicely.
River wants to clinch up but Kuzmin keeps it at a distance.
A swing and a miss from Kuzmin.
Kuzmin throws a body shot but no joy.
River takes a swing at Kuzmin's ribcage but misses.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kuzmin slips a jab from River.
River misses with the combination.
It looked like Kuzmin wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Kuzmin looks to throw the jab but River is out of range.
River misses with a looping left.
River with a body punch. A glancing blow.
River takes one to the side of the head.
River slips under a jab from Kuzmin.
Kuzmin lands a nice shot to the body.
River throws out a loose jab but Kuzmin uses good head movement to avoid it.
It looked like Kuzmin wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
River misses with a shot to the body
and Kuzmin cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
River bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Kuzmin.
Kuzmin slips under a jab.
Kuzmin moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
And that's the end of the fight!
Iov Kuzmin showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kuzmin, 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:27
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 30:27
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Iov Kuzmin!
Iov Kuzmin bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
77% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Svend Thorsby (ranked 530 p4p, 406 weight class) and Henry Dustfinger (ranked 10 p4p, 29 weight class). Dustfinger is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by The Bull Rider- Johnny Cash. Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Henry Dustfinger enters the cage!
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| 209 cm
34
260
24 - 18 - 1 |
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201 cm
30
268
24 - 12 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
KO power |
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Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Heavy handed |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 24 - 18 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Svend Thorsby!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Henry Dustfinger!
The judges for this bout are Percy O'Donnell, Timothy Bukovac and Jack Bonds.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Thorsby keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A big right from Dustfinger misses.
Thorsby swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Dustfinger misses with a wild body shot.
Dustfinger 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.
Dustfinger throws a jab when Thorsby was well out of range.
Henry Dustfinger seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A swing and a miss from Dustfinger.
Dustfinger looks to land a left hand but Thorsby moved out of range nicely.
Dustfinger throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Thorsby scores with a shot to the body.
Dustfinger has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
It looks like Henry Dustfinger has been cut.
Dustfinger falls off balance throwing a combination
and Thorsby counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Thorsby scores with a punch to the head.
Dustfinger's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Thorsby connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Dustfinger scrambles back to his feet.
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 big right from Dustfinger misses.
Thorsby looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Thorsby drops Dustfinger with a hook right on the temple. He thinks about going to the ground but Dustfinger looks back up at him and smiles so Thorsby waves him back to his feet - he obviously thinks he can knock him out after that shot landed.
Dustfinger is rocked!
Thorsby lands hard precision jab right on the jaw that stiffens Dustfinger up and sends him tumbling to the mat! The ref grabs Thorsby from behind before he can pounce. Some folks in the crowd didn't like that stoppage, but I saw Dustfinger's eyes roll way back in his head, he was done.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Svend Thorsby!
Svend Thorsby seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
The defeated Henry Dustfinger had this to say: 'Awww Hell!'.
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| S |
C
A |
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
94% |
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Co-main event
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Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jesse Custer (ranked 478 p4p, 228 weight class) and Buster Glover (ranked 62 p4p, 26 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
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| 180 cm
36
188
28 - 16 - 1 |
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185 cm
32
190
24 - 12 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Very quick |
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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 middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 28 - 16 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jesse Custer!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 12 - 0, fighting out of New York, Buster Glover!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Frank Antenori and Percy O'Donnell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Glover misses with an uppercut. Custer saw that one coming.
Custer lands with a thumping leg kick.
Custer checks a leg kick.
Glover cracks a nice hook into Custer's ribs.
Glover misses with a left hand
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Glover throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Custer sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Glover throws a hook to the side of Custer's head but Custer sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Glover lands a nice shot that snaps Custer's head back.
It looks like Jesse Custer has been cut.
A nice leg kick lands there from Glover.
Custer darts in looking for a takedown but Glover gets double underhooks and turns Custer into the cage.
Custer wants a takedown.
A short uppercut from Glover.
Glover lands a shoulder strike.
Custer taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Glover presses Custer against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Custer is breathing heavily.
Glover misses with a punch to the body.
Glover has a couple of punches blocked by Custer.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A short uppercut from Glover.
Glover can't find room to land a body shot as Custer controls the action.
A short right from Glover.
Glover gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Custer.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jesse Custer. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Glover swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Custer breaks the clinch.
Glover fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Custer is out of range.
Custer takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Custer shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Glover fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Custer has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Custer tries a head kick but it misses.
Glover throws a nice inside leg kick.
Custer walks straight into a right hand from Glover - that's dropped him! Glover jumps into mount and starts pounding away - can he finish?! More strikes go undefended and the referee has to dive in to save Custer from any more punishment! Custer complains about the stoppage but falls over as he tries to stand back up, so it was clearly a good stoppage.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Buster Glover!
Buster Glover 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
57% |
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Main event
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Luuk Benjamin (ranked 9 p4p, 82 weight class) and Jorgen Kruth (ranked 2 p4p, 8 weight class). Kruth has chosen Black Hole Sun- Soundgarden as his entrance music. Jorgen Kruth is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.
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| 177 cm
29
150
23 - 8 - 0 |
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176 cm
31
148
22 - 6 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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BJJ Red Belt
Excellent MT
Fast |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Luuk Benjamin!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jorgen Kruth!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Frank Antenori and Percy O'Donnell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Benjamin circles away from the clinch attempt.
Benjamin looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Benjamin looks to throw the jab but Kruth is out of range.
Kruth lands the left hand.
Jorgen Kruth seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kruth throws a looping overhand right but Benjamin ducks down to avoid it.
Kruth looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Benjamin is fending him off so far but Kruth persists. Nope, Benjamin circles away and we're back to standing.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Benjamin - that will leave a mark!
We've been told by Benjamin's head coaches at Bushido Martial Arts that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Kruth shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Benjamin sprawls well. Benjamin wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kruth gets slowly back to his feet.
Benjamin thinks about countering with a body kick.
Good leg kick by Benjamin.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kruth takes one to the side of the head.
It looks like Jorgen Kruth has been cut.
Horrible takedown attempt by Kruth or perhaps it was just good defense by Benjamin, which made it look bad.
Luuk Benjamin has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jorgen Kruth.
Kruth tries to score a power double leg takedown but Benjamin sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Kruth somewhat.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kruth closes this distance looking for a takedown but Benjamin circles away.
It looked like Benjamin was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Kruth.
Kruth shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Benjamin as he jumps to the side.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kruth.
Benjamin gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Kruth.
Benjamin throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Nice shot lands for Benjamin.
Kruth fails with a takedown attempt.
Benjamin scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Kruth gets a takedown into half guard.
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.
Benjamin pushes Kruth off but Kruth dives into side control.
My spies in MMAH League and Warrior Nation inform me that Kruth has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Benjamin wants to get back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kruth wants to control for a moment but Benjamin uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
Benjamin kicks Kruth off and gets back to his feet.
Kruth tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Benjamin swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Benjamin swats away the attempt to clinch by Kruth.
Kruth with a lazy takedown attempt
and Benjamin connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Benjamin tests Kruth's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Kruth shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Benjamin sprawls well. Benjamin wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kruth gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kruth doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Benjamin cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Benjamin thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Kruth if he has to take too many more of those.
Kruth misses with a takedown attempt
and Benjamin cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kruth has his takedown stuffed
and Benjamin counters with a nice leg kick.
Kruth looks winded!
Benjamin throws a body punch but Kruth moves out of range.
Benjamin looks to throw the jab but Kruth is out of range.
Benjamin lands with a straight right. Kruth didn't see that one coming.
Kruth is rocked!
Kruth has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Benjamin.
Benjamin throws a body punch but Kruth moves out of range.
Kruth changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Benjamin tries to avoid it but Kruth manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Benjamin to the ground. Benjamin escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Kruth will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kruth misses with a right hand
and Benjamin counters with a thumping low kick.
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!
Benjamin with a nice cross.
Benjamin lands with a nice body kick.
Jab, jab by Benjamin - just one landing.
Kruth shoots and misses
and Benjamin counters with a nice right hand that sends Kruth toppling to the canvas! Kruth scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Benjamin finish him?!
Kruth is still on wobbly legs! Can Benjamin finish him?
That has opened up Jorgen Kruth's cut even more.
Kruth misses with a takedown attempt
and Benjamin counters with a massive hook, right on the button! He's out cold! Damn, that was naaaaaasty! Hopefully he'll be OK.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:27 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Luuk Benjamin!
Luuk Benjamin retains his featherweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Luuk Benjamin 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
50% |
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