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BC FIGHT NIGHT 7 PBP Commentary |
Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Sim Lee (ranked 4394 p4p, 4455 weight class) and Viktor Mertel Ll (ranked 451 p4p, 456 weight class). Sim Lee has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?
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| 187 cm
18
175
1 - 0 - 0 |
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190 cm
18
177
0 - 0 - 0 |
Good takedowns
Brawler
Likes comics |
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BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Very confident |
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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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Sim Lee!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Viktor Mertel Ll!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Shigeki Fujiwara.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lee tries for a takedown but Mertel Ll circles away easily
and Mertel Ll counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Lee is looking to clinch.
It seemed like Mertel Ll was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Lee looking to score a takedown here. Mertel Ll is defending well but Lee drives through and ends up in Mertel Ll's guard.
Mertel Ll looking to control.
Mertel Ll is looking for a triangle but Lee pushes his legs off easily.
Lee thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Mertel Ll is trying to control the position but Lee postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lee won't allow Mertel Ll to sweep him here.
Mertel Ll really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Lee. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Lee keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Mertel Ll's head.
Lee drops back looking for a submission - "I'm sorry sir, but I'm gunna break your leg" says Lee as he cranks on the unfortunate limb! Mertel Ll screams and taps out before any major damage is done! Don't mess with Lee! Nice submission victory there!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kneebar). Sim Lee!
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| S |
C
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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
64% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Joel Joyce (ranked 4541 p4p, 4538 weight class) and Amit Francor (ranked 256 p4p, 255 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 173 cm
23
135
1 - 1 - 0 |
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165 cm
23
135
0 - 0 - 0 |
BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Likes comics |
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BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Joel Joyce!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Amit Francor!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Shigeki Sano and Taro Takaoka.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Francor lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Horrible takedown attempt by Joyce or perhaps it was just good defense by Francor, which made it look bad.
Francor throws a head kick but Joyce moves out of range.
Francor closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Joyce did well to prevent Francor getting side control.
Joyce pushes Francor off and gets back to his feet.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Francor gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Francor jumps guard but Joyce turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Francor is working for takedown but Joyce is calmly controlling the position for now.
Joyce has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Francor avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Joyce wants a takedown but no success here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Joel Joyce. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Francor slows down the pace here.
Francor escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Joyce shoots and misses
and Francor counters with a straight right hand.
Francor closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Joyce quickly recovers to half guard.
Joyce is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Francor's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Francor's back!
A lull in the action here.
Francor tries to escape but Joyce has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Francor trying to control the position but Joyce manages to sink in the hooks.
Joyce tries to get the hooks in deep but Francor pushed the leg off.
Joyce is not going to allow Francor to sit and survive in this position.
Francor looks winded!
I would not like to be Francor right now.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Francor covering up well and avoiding damage.
Joyce is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Joyce has the rear naked choke here! This is very bad for Francor! Can he survive? No! He's out! Joyce gets to his feet and celebrates with his cornermen. He looks absolutely delighted. In the post fight interviews he takes time to thank his parents and everyone who has believed in him from the start. How sweet.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Joel Joyce!
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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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Undercard bout
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DeAndre Ward really struggled with his weight cut for this fight. After coming in at 143.4, he had two hours to cut the additional weight. He was unable to do so and as a result, his fight with Blake Melendez was cancelled. |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Sampson Simpson (ranked 3928 p4p, 4423 weight class) and Boba Tee (ranked 279 p4p, 298 weight class). This should be fireworks!
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| 178 cm
23
149
1 - 0 - 0 |
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170 cm
22
145
1 - 0 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Very strong |
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Decent wrestler
Brawler
Determined |
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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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Sampson Simpson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Boba Tee!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Hirohito Nitta and Sosuke Kotani.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Simpson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tee looking to score a takedown here. Simpson is defending well but Tee drives through and ends up in Simpson's guard.
Tee throwing strikes but missing.
Simpson is trying to control the position but Tee postures up.
Tee connects with a couple of short punches.
Tee wants to pass the guard but Simpson is keeping the position.
Tee has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Simpson looking for a sweep. Not yet Simpson, not yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Simpson looking to control.
Tee won't allow Simpson to get back to his feet.
Tee is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tee wants to stand but Simpson is controlling his posture from full guard.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Tee takes the fight into the clinch.
Tee gets underhooks to prevent Simpson's takedown attempt.
Tee stops a takedown attempt from Simpson.
Tee gets control of Simpson's arms and successfully pulls guard. Tee will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Simpson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Simpson postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Tee looking to hit a scissor sweep but Simpson is one step ahead there.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Tee holds on and takes a little breather.
Simpson with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Tee bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Simpson's guard.
Tee preventing the sweep.
Simpson keeping full guard, as Tee tries to pass.
Tee is looking to work some ground and pound but Simpson has wrist control.
Tee drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Tee jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tee throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Simpson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simpson is controlling Tee's posture.
Simpson controls Tee momentarily but Tee frees himself.
Tee controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Simpson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Tee is one step ahead there.
Simpson trying to control the position here.
Tee stopping the sweep attempt from Simpson.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Tee wants to stand but Simpson has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Simpson closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Tee to the mat! Tee manages to get full guard.
Simpson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Tee is controlling Simpson's posture.
Simpson keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Tee's head.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Tee seems keen to control Simpson's posture.
Simpson with a flurry of punches that miss.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Boba Tee dominated that round.
That's time! Simpson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Simpson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Simpson seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Tee doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Simpson counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Tee thinking.
Tee has closed the distance and engaged Simpson in a clinch.
Tee can't break the clinch.
Tee jumps into guard, dragging Simpson to the mat.
Simpson in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Simpson postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Simpson connects with a couple of short punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Simpson landing some decent shots from guard.
Tee looking to hit a scissor sweep but Simpson is one step ahead there.
Simpson connects with a couple of short punches.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Simpson throws a big elbow that misses.
Simpson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Tee trying to control the position.
Simpson throwing strikes but missing.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Tee can do anything to dispel that myth.
Simpson wants to control from the top but Tee keeps moving.
Simpson stands over his opponent and dives in with a flying punch! Tee throws up his legs and catches Simpson in a triangle! Oh this looks tight! Simpson tries to escape but he's forced to tap! Wow, fantastic work there by Tee! That came out of nowhere!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:51 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Boba Tee!
Sampson Simpson was interviewed post fight and said 'I can't believe it!'.
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B |
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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
29% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Mikuru Asakura (ranked 3589 p4p, 4664 weight class) and Nathan Lee (ranked 264 p4p, 310 weight class). Nathan Lee is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.
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| 178 cm
25
150
1 - 0 - 0 |
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180 cm
25
145
0 - 2 - 0 |
BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
KO power |
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BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful |
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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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Mikuru Asakura!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Nathan Lee!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Taro Takaoka and Ren Mimura.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Asakura lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Asakura moves out of range of the strikes.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Asakura.
Lee feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Asakuras jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Asakura shoots in but Lee avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Asakura thumps Lee with a low kick.
A swing and a miss from Lee.
A swing and a miss from Lee.
A little feinted left hand from Asakura on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Lee throws a hook to the side of Asakura's head but Asakura sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Asakura takes the fight into the clinch.
Asakura's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Asakura avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Lee missing with a left hand there. Asakura was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
As Lee looks to move away, Asakura throws a big counter combo but Lee just gets out of the way.
Lee is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Asakura.
Lee takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Asakura lands a head kick. Lee smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Lee moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Asakura gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Asakura breaks the clinch.
Asakura on the wrong end of a nice hook.
 Asakura is rocked!
Lee loads up on a big right hand but Asakura slips the punch.
Oh Asakura is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Asakura moves out of range of the strikes.
Lee closes the distance and lands a vicious right hand that drops Asakura! Lee dives in looking to finish! Asakura is still trying to defend himself but he's taking too many shots and the referee has no choice but to stop the fight!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:24 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Nathan Lee!
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
73% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Diego Lopes (ranked 4028 p4p, 3785 weight class) and Kai Chen (ranked 286 p4p, 274 weight class). Lopes comes into the arena with Por Mi Mexico Remix blaring out of the sound system. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Kai Chen was going to win. Let's see if he was right.
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| 180 cm
26
150
1 - 3 - 0 |
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172 cm
17
150
1 - 1 - 0 |
BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Good chin |
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BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
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 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Diego Lopes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Kai Chen!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Sosuke Kotani.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lopes takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Lopes doesn't manage to clinch there - Chen circles away.
Chen doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Chen shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Lopes napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Lopes is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Lopes is refusing to be controlled, as Chen sits in half guard.
Chen wants to work for an arm triangle but Lopes is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Lopes is staying active underneath Chen, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Chen seems to be looking for submissions.
Lopes looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Chen looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chen seems to be working for a kimura but Lopes defends the submission attempt.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Still in half guard, Chen seems content to control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Chen uses his free foot to push down on Lopes's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Lopes.
Lopes is trying to escape the mount but Chen keeps good control and instead manages to take Lopes's back.
Lopes prevents Chen from getting a body triangle.
Lopes looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Chen working for a choke but Lopes is defending well.
Chen is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Lopes has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lopes prevents Chen from getting a body triangle.
Chen working for the choke.
Chen tightening his grip on Lopes, looking for the choke.
Chen is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Lopes defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lopes is trying to break free.
Chen has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Lopes has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Chen is not going to allow Lopes to sit and survive in this position.
Chen is trying to control but Lopes is trying to escape here - he's now mounted.
Chen takes Lopes's back. Could be looking for a rear naked choke here - either way, Lopes is in trouble.
Chen is persistently looking for the submission but Lopes is defending it well.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Chen is hanging on to Lopes's back as he tries to escape.
Lopes showing good submission defense here.
Lopes defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Chen is working for a rear naked choke. Lopes is not defending it well and Chen has tightened it up quickly! This could be all over! Lopes refuses to tap and goes to sleep, forcing the referee to intervene. A little trickle of blood came out of Lopes's nose as his head slumped to the floor. That is naaaasty!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Kai Chen!
Kai Chen tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.
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C
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B |
G |
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G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
30% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Sabir Raeav (ranked 2714 p4p, 4513 weight class) and Joe Denver (ranked 315 p4p, 448 weight class). On his way into the cage it seems that Sabir Raeav has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Sabir Raeav seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?
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| 191 cm
25
195
2 - 0 - 0 |
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184 cm
26
190
1 - 2 - 0 |
Good takedowns
Brawler
Self confident |
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Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
Tends to cut |
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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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Sabir Raeav!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Joe Denver!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Shigeki Sano and Hirohito Nitta.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Raeav misses with a head kick.
Raeav fails with the takedown
and Denver counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Raeav is working for takedown but Denver is calmly controlling the position for now.
Denver has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Raeav regains guard immediately.
Denver passes into half guard.
Denver thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Denver passes the guard and advances to mount!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Raeav tries to reverse the position but Denver maintains control.
Denver wants to control the pace but Raeav is squirming around nicely.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Denver working the ground and pound effectively.
Denver scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Denver working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Denver wants to finish this one by submission but Raeav is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Denver.
Raeav sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Denver is keen to just control but Raeav is a slippery customer.
Denver with the ground and pound but Raeav uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Denver postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Denver looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Denver's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Denver controls from within his opponent's guard.
Raeav has a closed guard, preventing Denver from standing up.
Denver with a flurry of punches that miss.
Denver trying to control but Raeav is working from the bottom.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Raeav managing to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Denver trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Denver trying to control but Raeav is working from the bottom.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Raeav swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Denver shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Raeav is trying to defend but Denver finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Raeav is not content to let Denver control the position.
Raeav gets full guard.
Denver looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Raeav has his hands on Denver's head, controlling the position.
Denver wants to pass the guard but Raeav is keeping the position.
Denver working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Raeav lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Raeav accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Raeav controlling from the top position.
Raeav trying to control but Denver is working from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Joe Denver dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!
Raeav dives in for a single leg takedown but Denver sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Denver tries for a takedown but Raeav manages to get underhooks.
Denver gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Raeav is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Denver's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Denver's back!
Raeav biding his time, controlling Denver.
Raeav looking to break Denver's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Denver remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Raeav will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Raeav working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Denver is holding onto Raeav's left hand, preventing any choke attempts.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Raeav gets his hands free as Denver looks to control.
Denver staying busy and making it hard for Raeav to control.
Denver breaks Raeav's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Denver won't allow Raeav to sweep him here.
Denver has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Raeav preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Raeav is looking for a triangle but Denver pushes his legs off easily.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Raeav keeping moving, preventing Denver from controlling successfully.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Denver cracks Raeav with a solid left hand.
Denver is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Raeav controls Denver momentarily but Denver frees himself.
Denver connects with a couple of short punches.
Raeav seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Denver postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Denver looking to pass the guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Denver is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Raeav with a lazy takedown attempt
and Denver counters with a series of strikes that really hurt Raeav! The ref looks into his eyes and sees nobody home - he's called the fight! This one is all over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:19 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Joe Denver!
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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
30% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Santa Cruz (ranked 2553 p4p, 3914 weight class) and Yusuf Sapi (ranked 301 p4p, 414 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 180 cm
25
180
3 - 0 - 0 |
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180 cm
25
169
1 - 1 - 0 |
BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Cuts easily |
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Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Determined |
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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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Santa Cruz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Yusuf Sapi!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Hirohito Nitta and Yukihiro Shimada.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A big left from Cruz misses.
Sapi on the wrong end of a nice hook.
A combination from Sapi does no damage.
Cruz misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Sapi counters with a nice uppercut.
Sapi takes one on the button.
Sapi just misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz sizes up Sapi with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Cruz uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Sapi has time to react.
Sapi fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Cruz, pushing him back against the cage.
Sapi's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Good standup being displayed there by Cruz as he connects with a hook.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Sapi bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sapi takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Sapi showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Cruz.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Cruz!
That's one minute gone in the round.
Cruz lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Cruz moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Cruz throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Sapi on the side of the head.
Cruz misses the jab.
Sapi scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
 It looks like Santa Cruz has been cut.
Sapi swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Cruz moves out of range of the strikes.
It looked like Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
A telegraphed right hand from Cruz misses the target.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sapi digs a good body shot into Cruz's ribs.
Cruz tries to bum rush Sapi with a series of wild strikes but Sapi uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Sapi instigates a clinch.
Sapi manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Sapi tries to throw a body punch but Cruz avoids it by throwing Sapi back against the cage.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sapi escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
The fighters circling - Cruz throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Cruz scores with a punch to the head.
Sapi ducks under a wild hook from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a left hand
and Sapi holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Sapi dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Cruz wants to break the clinch but can't.
Sapi keeps control of Cruz as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Sapi is struggling to control the position.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Sapi misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cruz is trying to break the clinch but Sapi is controlling him.
Sapi stalling the fight.
Sapi drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Sapi slowing the pace effectively.
Sapi has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Cruz seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Sapi can turn it around.
That's four 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.
Sapi stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Sapi controlling the action here for a moment.
Sapi continues to stall. The referee tells him to work or he's going to break them up.
Cruz wants to get back to striking at distance but Sapi won't allow it.
Sapi tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cruz is trying to break free.
Sapi wants a takedown but no success here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Santa Cruz dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Santa Cruz's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Cruz loads up on a big right hand but Sapi slips the punch.
Cruz looks to land a left hand but Sapi moved out of range nicely.
Nice body punch from Cruz.
Sapi looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Cruz is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Donk. Cruz catches Sapi right on the button with a cross.
Cruz connects with a nice looking jab.
Sapi scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Cruz bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Cruz throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Sapi counters by moving into the clinch.
Cruz tries to break free but Sapi pushes him back against the cage.
Sapi has Cruz pressed against the cage, preventing Cruz from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Sapi breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Santa Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz's jab looks to have found its range, popping Sapi under the eye.
Cruz misses with a lunging right hand
and Sapi counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Sapi throws out a loose jab but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sapi dodges the punch combination from Cruz.
Cruz with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Sapi misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Sapi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz misses with a wild body shot.
Sapi takes one to the chin there.
Cruz throws a looping overhand right but Sapi ducks down to avoid it.
Cruz throws a hook to the side of Sapi's head but Sapi sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sapi staying out of range there.
Cruz misses with a left hand
and Sapi counters with a stiff right hand.
Cruz rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Cruz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Santa Cruz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Cruz bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Sapi's head.
Cruz scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A big right from Cruz misses.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sapi can do to turn this around?
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sapi pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Sapi works Cruz's body with a nice hook.
Cruz looks to score with a jab to the body but Sapi is just out of range.
Cruz throws a right and a left that Sapi avoids nicely.
Sapi steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Cruz.
Santa Cruz is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Sapi keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Cruz misses the shot to the body.
Sapi drops his hands momentarily and Cruz takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Cruz connects with the punch.
Sapi uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Cruz.
Cruz throws a poor cross that misses
and Sapi counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cruz moves out of range as Sapi strikes.
Sapi's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Cruz connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Sapi scrambles back to his feet.
Cruz scores with a jab. Sapi acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Sapi drops his hands momentarily and Cruz takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Cruz connects with a body shot.
Jab, jab by Cruz - just one landing.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz misses with a straight right.
Santa Cruz is winning the standup battle so far.
A slow jab from Cruz misses its intended target.
As Cruz backs off Sapi throws a huge counter combo but Cruz manages to avoid it all.
Sapi shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Sapi wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Sapi is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Cruz.
Cruz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sapi sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cruz listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Cruz lunges at Sapi with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Sapi's hand.
Sapi shoots in and drives through. Cruz sprawls well.
Cruz cracks Sapi with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Sapi with a body punch. A glancing blow.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cruz jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
 Sapi is rocked!
Sloppy strikes from Cruz. Those never looked like landing.
A little jabbing left from Sapi on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Sapi fails with an attempt to clinch.
Sapi throws a body shot but no joy.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cruz throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Sapi on the side of the head.
Sapi looks to land a combination but Cruz avoids it well.
Cruz misses the shot to the body.
Sapi moves out of range as Cruz strikes.
Sapi is looking for the big counter here.
Sapi has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Cruz swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Sapi counters with a nice body shot.
Cruz looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
A little jabbing left from Sapi on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Cruz connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Sapi momentarily.
Sapi on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Sapi uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Cruz.
Sapi blocks a jab.
Nice body punch from Cruz.
Cruz swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Sapi is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Cruz with a body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sapi swings for the body but Cruz moves out of range.
A swing and a miss from Cruz.
Cruz lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Sapi backs up against the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Santa Cruz dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Santa Cruz's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!
Cruz catches Sapi with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
A jab from Cruz misses.
Cruz misses with an uppercut. Sapi saw that one coming.
Cruz fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Sapi is looking for the big counter here.
Sapi slips under a jab from Cruz.
Cruz with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Sapi uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cruz.
Cruz lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Good work by Cruz as he checks the leg kick.
Cruz is looking for a counter combo.
Cruz connects with a right hand. Sapi shakes it off.
Sapi is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Cruz rather than just go for the knockout.
Sapi looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz lands with an uppercut that bounces Sapi off the cage and back into range.
Cruz throws the left hand but Sapi avoids the punch easily.
Cruz throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Sapi uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Cruz.
Sapi looks to land a combination but Cruz avoids it well.
Cruz was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sapi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cruz's jab looks to have found its range, popping Sapi under the eye.
Sapi gets a clinch.
Sapi dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Sapi manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Cruz managing to block the knees to the body from Sapi.
Cruz wants to break free but Sapi has control.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sapi is struggling to control the position.
Sapi displaying some good clinch control by pressing Cruz up against the cage.
Cruz is trying to push Sapi away but Sapi has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Sapi stalling against the cage.
Cruz wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Sapi has him pressed against the cage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Sapi keeps control of Cruz as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Sapi is pushing Cruz up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
A frustrated look appears on Cruz's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Sapi breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Cruz misses with a hook to the body
and Sapi counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Sapi.
The referee is keeping an eye on Sapi - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Sapi gets control of Cruz's arms and successfully pulls guard. Sapi will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Sapi looking for a sweep. Not yet Sapi, not yet.
Yusuf Sapi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cruz wants to stand and escape but instead Sapi has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Cruz manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Sapi manages to get himself to full guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sapi is trying to keep Cruz in close.
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 Santa Cruz.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Cruz, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 30:27
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Santa Cruz!
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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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Co-main event
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Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Decebal Cretu (ranked 3403 p4p, 3021 weight class) and Hrvoje Vinkovic (ranked 337 p4p, 297 weight class). Hrvoje Vinkovic has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?
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| 178 cm
17
160
3 - 0 - 0 |
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177 cm
19
170
2 - 0 - 0 |
BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Cardio machine |
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Good wrestler
Basic striking
Heavy handed |
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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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Decebal Cretu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Hrvoje Vinkovic!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Hirohito Nitta and Kenichi Hosakawa.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cretu gets caught napping as Vinkovic dives in and scores a takedown. Cretu manages to retain guard.
Cretu tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Vinkovic throwing strikes but missing.
Cretu seems keen to control Vinkovic's posture.
Vinkovic sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Cretu's guard.
Vinkovic wants to free his trapped foot but Cretu is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Cretu knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Vinkovic on the ground.
Cretu is looking to improve his position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vinkovic is looking to take a break and control but Cretu is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Cretu avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Vinkovic.
Vinkovic is taking a breather. Cretu says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Vinkovic missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Vinkovic tries to pass the half guard into mount. Cretu knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Vinkovic thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cretu's head.
Vinkovic thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cretu's head.
Cretu is trying to control but can't.
Vinkovic trying to control the pace.
Cretu definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Vinkovic thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cretu's head.
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.
Vinkovic content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Vinkovic throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Vinkovic wants to free his trapped foot but Cretu is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Vinkovic stalling away here and it's allowed Cretu to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Cretu keeping moving, preventing Vinkovic from controlling successfully.
Vinkovic won't allow Cretu to sweep him here.
Cretu can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Vinkovic controls the pace.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Cretu looks to score with a jab to the body but Vinkovic is just out of range.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cretu moves into range and connects with a jab.
Cretu keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Vinkovic.
Cretu takes one to the chin there.
Decebal Cretu is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Cretu keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Vinkovic.
Cretu dives in and grabs Vinkovic's left leg, looking for a takedown. Vinkovic pushes down on Cretu's head and hops out.
Vinkovic with the counter takedown but Cretu avoids it easily.
Cretu throws a sloppy body shot
and Vinkovic counters with a straight right hand.
Cretu ducks right into an uppercut from Vinkovic.
Vinkovic uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Cretu has time to react.
Vinkovic's jab looks to have found its range, popping Cretu under the eye.
Vinkovic takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Nice jab there from Cretu.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Vinkovic bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Vinkovic wants to counter the offense by Cretu and move into the clinch position.
Vinkovic misses with a looping right.
Cretu takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cretu fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Vinkovic manages to avoid it.
It seemed like Vinkovic was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
A slow jab from Vinkovic misses its intended target.
Vinkovic misses with an uppercut.
Vinkovic slips under a jab.
A slow jab from Cretu misses its intended target.
Cretu slips under a jab from Vinkovic.
Hrvoje Vinkovic seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Vinkovic throws a hook but Cretu blocks it.
Vinkovic takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Vinkovic misses with a hook. Cretu ducked under it nicely.
Vinkovic throws an overhand right that lands on Cretu's shoulder, as Cretu tries to avoid the shot.
Cretu is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Vinkovic is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cretu.
Vinkovic throws a hook but Cretu blocks it.
Vinkovic misses with an uppercut. Cretu saw that one coming.
Vinkovic throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Hrvoje Vinkovic dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Cretu lands with an uppercut that bounces Vinkovic off the cage and back into range.
Cretu bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Some wild striking there from Cretu.
Cretu scores with a crisp jab that stopped Vinkovic in his tracks.
Vinkovic throws a poor cross that misses
enabling Cretu to counter with a crisp jab.
Vinkovic swings widly with a right hand
and Vinkovic takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cretu misses with a straight left.
Vinkovic is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cretu.
Cretu was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vinkovic takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Jab by Vinkovic.
Cretu gets caught flat footed, as Vinkovic shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Vinkovic missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Cretu being controlled here, momentarily.
Vinkovic slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Cretu on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Cretu tries to get out of the position.
Cretu is not content to let Vinkovic control the position.
Vinkovic has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Cretu regains half guard, as Vinkovic was trying to land strikes.
Vinkovic thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Vinkovic sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Cretu defending well though.
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.
Vinkovic is taking a breather. Cretu says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Vinkovic throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Vinkovic is looking to advance position but Cretu won't allow it.
Vinkovic is looking to stall here but Cretu recovers full guard.
Vinkovic showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Vinkovic passes into half guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vinkovic lands with a punch from half guard.
Cretu blocking the ground and pound attempt from Vinkovic.
Vinkovic throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Vinkovic sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Vinkovic has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Cretu blocking the ground and pound attempt from Vinkovic.
Vinkovic looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Vinkovic moves into full mount! Cretu won't be happy about that!
Vinkovic misses with a head shot.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vinkovic trying to control but Cretu is having none of it.
Vinkovic postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Cretu looks a forlorn figure.
Vinkovic lands a couple of good shots and Cretu has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
Vinkovic thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.
Vinkovic keeps control of the position easily here as Cretu tries to buck him off.
Cretu rolls, trying to escape but Vinkovic keeps control of the position.
Vinkovic is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Cretu is defending well though. Vinkovic let's go of the attempt for now.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Hrvoje Vinkovic showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!
Cretu misses with a body shot.
Vinkovic throws a jab but it's blocked by Cretu.
Cretu throwing a counter right hand but Vinkovic manages to avoid it.
Cretu throws a big shot that misses.
Vinkovic takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A swing and a miss from Cretu.
Vinkovic steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Cretu.
Cretu takes a swing at Vinkovic's ribcage but misses.
Vinkovic might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Vinkovic throws an overhand right that lands on Cretu's shoulder, as Cretu tries to avoid the shot.
Cretu is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Vinkovic connects with a single shot there.
Cretu misses with an uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vinkovic connects with a good right hand that stumbles Cretu. Cretu circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Vinkovic looks to throw the jab but Cretu is out of range.
Cretu jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cretu has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Vinkovic finds it's way round the side to connect with Cretu's head.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Vinkovic ducks under a wild hook from Cretu.
Cretu looks to throw the jab but Vinkovic is out of range.
Vinkovic looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Vinkovic is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cretu.
Vinkovic lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Vinkovic throws a shot from downtown. Cretu moves away and avoids it.
Cretu was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Cretu throws a hook but Vinkovic avoids it easily.
Good shot there by Vinkovic.
Cretu lands a jab to Vinkovic's midsection.
Cretu takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Vinkovic.
Vinkovic looks to clinch
and Cretu counters with a stiff right hand.
No joy there for Cretu, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Vinkovic darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Vinkovic throwing shots but Cretu is blocking nicely.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cretu is staying active underneath Vinkovic, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Vinkovic looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Cretu is defending against the submission attempts here by Vinkovic.
Vinkovic missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Vinkovic throws a strike but Cretu avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vinkovic pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cretu is keeping the position for now.
Vinkovic pushing down on Cretu's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Vinkovic controlling the action here.
Vinkovic frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Vinkovic trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Vinkovic controlling the position easily from mount.
Decebal Cretu has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vinkovic sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Vinkovic thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Vinkovic throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Cretu prevents any damage by holding on tight.
Vinkovic throws some wild stikes that Cretu manages to avoid easily.
Vinkovic throws some wild stikes that Cretu manages to avoid easily.
Hrvoje Vinkovic is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Cretu is in all sorts of trouble here.
And that's the end of the fight!
Hrvoje Vinkovic comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Vinkovic has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 27:30
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 27:30
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 27:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Hrvoje Vinkovic!
A very excited looking Hrvoje Vinkovic made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
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C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
42% |
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Main event
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Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Mason Barbosa (ranked 1164 p4p, 2680 weight class) and Mbuti Bayaka (ranked 122 p4p, 268 weight class). The key to victory for Mason Barbosa has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.
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| 182 cm
26
163
4 - 1 - 0 |
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163 cm
24
163
5 - 1 - 0 |
BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong |
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Good wrestler
Basic striking
Powerful |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Mason Barbosa!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Mbuti Bayaka!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Ren Mimura and Shirou Masuda.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bayaka fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Barbosa, pushing him back against the cage.
Barbosa tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Bayaka's elbow.
Barbosa wants to get back to striking at distance but Bayaka won't allow it.
Bayaka has Barbosa pressed against the cage, preventing Barbosa from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Barbosa is trying to break free.
Bayaka misses with a body punch.
Bayaka lands with a light punch inside.
Barbosa blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Bayaka lands a hook to the side of the head.
Bayaka working aggressively here.
Bayaka lands with a short shot to the head.
Bayaka tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Bayaka tries a body shot but Barbosa blocks it.
Bayaka prevents Barbosa from breaking the clinch.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Bayaka has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Barbosa tries to break the clinch but Bayaka is controlling the position.
A head punch on the inside from Bayaka fails to land.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bayaka doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Bayaka.
Bayaka swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Barbosa has had enough of the clinch but Bayaka keeps him there for the moment.
Barbosa blocks the elbow strike.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Bayaka.
Barbosa blocks an uppercut.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Bayaka lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Barbosa.
Barbosa prevents a body shot from Bayaka.
Barbosa breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Barbosa bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Bayaka with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Barbosa to score with a decent uppercut.
Bayaka tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Mason Barbosa is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bayaka is looking to clinch.
Barbosa throws a series of punches but Bayaka moves out of range.
Bayaka tries to close the distance and clinch up but Barbosa swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Bayaka takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Bayaka tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Barbosa manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Bayaka moves away from the strike by Barbosa.
Barbosa loads up on a big right hand but Bayaka slips the punch.
Bayaka clinches.
Barbosa wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Barbosa has had enough of the clinch but Bayaka keeps him there for the moment.
Bayaka misses with a hook from the clinch.
Barbosa looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Bayaka misses with a short punch on the inside.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bayaka gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Bayaka lands a couple of digs.
Bayaka with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Bayaka keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Barbosa's head.
Barbosa knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Bayaka on the ground.
Bayaka throwing strikes but missing.
Bayaka throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Barbosa works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Bayaka working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Barbosa looking to control.
Bayaka is looking to work some ground and pound but Barbosa has wrist control.
Barbosa will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Barbosa is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Bayaka is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Bayaka throws a big elbow that misses.
Bayaka scoring with some ground and pound.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bayaka in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Bayaka distracts Barbosa with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Bayaka with a flurry of punches that miss.
Bayaka landing with the ground and pound.
Bayaka is working Barbosa over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Bayaka looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Bayaka lands a couple of digs.
Bayaka is in close to Barbosa's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Barbosa is rocked!
Barbosa keeping moving, preventing Bayaka from controlling successfully.
Oh Barbosa is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Bayaka keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Barbosa's head.
Barbosa looking for a sweep. Not yet Barbosa, not yet.
Bayaka arches his back and unloads with a massive left and a right! Barbosa's eyes roll back into his head, he's out cold! The ref dives in to stop the fight - wow, they were hard shots!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Mbuti Bayaka!
Mbuti Bayaka is the new lightweight champion!
Our winner, Mbuti Bayaka, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.
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C
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G |
S |
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B |
G |
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C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
41% |
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