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RFL 12 PBP Commentary |
Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Tommy Gavin (ranked 2589 p4p, 2534 weight class) and Ricardo Esponosa (ranked 242 p4p, 234 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.
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| 180 cm
29
158
4 - 4 - 0 |
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181 cm
28
163
9 - 10 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank |
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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 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Tommy Gavin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 10 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ricardo Esponosa!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Trevor Gratis and Steve Smith.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Good leg kick by Gavin.
The fighters circle momentarily. Gavin darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Gavin throws a low kick but Esponosa avoids it.
Gavin throws out a powerful jab.
Gavin lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Gavin throws a leg kick but Esponosa sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Nice straight punches there by Gavin. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Gavin.
Gavin defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Esponosa.
A low kick lands for Gavin.
Gavin fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Esponosa has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Esponosa fails with the takedown.
Esponosa moves to clinch but Gavin breaks away
and Gavin counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Esponosa closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
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!
Gavin is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Esponosa trying to control the action but Gavin is working from the bottom.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Gavin tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Esponosa wants to control but Gavin is keeping him busy.
Esponosa is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Esponosa moves into full mount!
Gavin tries to lock up and control but Esponosa gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Esponosa prevents Gavin from getting the reversal.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gavin wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
Gavin is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Gavin prevents Esponosa from getting a body triangle.
Gavin rolls, trying to escape but Esponosa keeps control of the position.
Gavin is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Esponosa gets his way!
Gavin is trying to break free.
Esponosa trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Gavin doesn't escape.
Gavin tries to roll but Esponosa sticks to his back.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Esponosa has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
Esponosa controlling well, preventing Gavin from escaping the position.
Gavin defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Esponosa's arms.
Gavin wants to escape the position.
Gavin is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Esponosa gets his way!
Esponosa is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Gavin is defending well though. Esponosa let's go of the attempt for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Esponosa trying to control.
Esponosa is looking for the choke from the back position but Gavin is controlling his hands well.
Gavin is in bad spot here.
Gavin trying to control the position but Esponosa manages to sink in the hooks.
Esponosa is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Gavin knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Gavin for a finish.
Gavin looking very determined here, making life difficult for Esponosa.
Esponosa has the hooks in. Gavin is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Gavin is working hard here to advance position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Ricardo Esponosa will probably get the nod.
That's time! Gavin's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
A jab from Gavin finds it's way through Esponosa's defenses.
Tommy Gavin has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Gavin connects with a single shot there.
Esponosa takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
A thudding body kick lands there by Gavin!
Esponosa tries for a takedown but Gavin sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Esponosa feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Gavin looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Gavin is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Gavin looking to hit a scissor sweep but Esponosa is one step ahead there.
Gavin working a defensive guard here.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Gavin is really struggling to control Esponosa but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Gavin working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Esponosa has passed into half guard!
Gavin tries to roll over but Esponosa keeps him under control.
Esponosa trying to control from half guard but Gavin is working away.
Esponosa is working for a submission of some sort.
Gavin wants to control the action here but instead Esponosa manages to pass to full mount!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Esponosa takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Gavin tries to hold on but Esponosa pushes him away.
Gavin tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Gavin tries to lock up and control but Esponosa gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Esponosa looking to secure an arm triangle but Gavin defends it well.
Gavin is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gavin is looking to get to half guard.
Esponosa looking for a guillotine from mount but Gavin is having none of it.
Esponosa tries to control but Gavin wriggling away.
Esponosa has hold of Gavin's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Gavin manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Gavin is desperately trying to improve his position but Esponosa has a good base and remains in mount.
Gavin is trying to reverse the position but instead Esponosa has taken his back - oops!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gavin tries to escape the position.
Esponosa is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Gavin is defending well though. Esponosa let's go of the attempt for now.
Esponosa scores with a nice shot to the head of his opponent. Gavin is looking for a way out.
Gavin tries to escape the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gavin prevents Esponosa from getting a body triangle.
Gavin tries to break free.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Ricardo Esponosa showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Gavin's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. And we move into the final round!
Gavin throws a shot to the body.
Gavin throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Gavin thuds a left hand into Esponosa's body.
A big left from Gavin misses.
Esponosa feints the counter takedown.
Gavin smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Esponosa wants to clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Gavin. Esponosa does a little dance to reset his feet.
Esponosa drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Gavin defends it well.
Gavin scores with a decent looking hook.
It looks like Gavin has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
Gavin with a nice calf kick.
A left lands for Gavin.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Esponosa shoots in looking for a takedown. Gavin tries to sprawl out of it but Esponosa keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Gavin manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Gavin throws an off balance right hand
so Esponosa counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Esponosa stopping the sweep attempt from Gavin.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Gavin has his foot on Esponosa's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Esponosa works his way back into a safe position though.
Esponosa forces his way into half guard.
Gavin is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Esponosa wants to lay and pray for a moment but Gavin keeps working.
Gavin is looking to improve his position.
Esponosa trying to control from half guard but Gavin is working away.
Gavin wants to control but Esponosa is keeping busy and won't allow it.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Gavin is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Esponosa tries to pass the half guard into mount. Gavin knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Gavin is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Gavin tries to roll over but Esponosa keeps him under control.
Esponosa is looking for a kimura but Gavin is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Esponosa to get the leverage.
Well, if Esponosa is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Esponosa wants to take a breather but Gavin is having none of it.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gavin throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tommy Gavin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gavin stalks Esponosa and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Esponosa's face. Esponosa staggers backwards, shaken.
Esponosa throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Gavin tries to sprawl but Esponosa drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Esponosa trying to pass the guard but Gavin defending well.
Gavin is looking to get back to full guard here but Esponosa has managed to pass to side control instead.
Esponosa slows the pace down.
Gavin can't do much from the bottom here.
Gavin looking for a sweep but Esponosa has passed into full mount! Oh no!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Esponosa has hold of Gavin's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Gavin manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Gavin is in all sorts of trouble here.
Gavin is trying to reverse the position but instead Esponosa has taken his back - oops!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gavin can't escape the position.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Esponosa has good solid back control here.
Esponosa is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Gavin is defending well though. Esponosa let's go of the attempt for now.
Ricardo Esponosa is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Gavin is trying to break free.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Ricardo Esponosa.
I've got Esponosa 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 Robert Douchet scores the fight 27:30
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 28:29
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 27:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ricardo Esponosa!
Ricardo Esponosa 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 |
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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
38% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Dominik Dlask (ranked 3253 p4p, 3288 weight class) and Topf Deckel (ranked 287 p4p, 288 weight class). Topf Deckel has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?
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| 170 cm
30
163
11 - 18 - 1 |
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172 cm
27
166
7 - 13 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Excellent MT
Very quick |
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BJJ Red Belt
Decent boxing
Good gas tank |
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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 11 - 18 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Dominik Dlask!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Topf Deckel!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Alec Ball and Yves DeLean.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dlask bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Deckel's head backwards.
Deckel shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Deckel is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Dlask is trying to get back to full guard.
Dlask tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Dlask tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Deckel is trying to work for a kimura but Dlask is defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Deckel is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Dlask tries to get to full guard but Deckel has control of the leg.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Deckel wants to work for an arm triangle but Dlask is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Deckel is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Dlask is looking to improve his position.
Deckel is working for a submission of some sort.
Dlask wants to get back to full guard.
Dlask slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Deckel stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Dlask swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Deckel is fighting to break Dlask's control of his arms but Dlask is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Deckel pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Dlask is keeping the position for now.
Dlask looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Dlask wants to control position but Deckel is using a can opener to pass guard... He's turned it into a full on guillotine from mount now! Big trouble for Dlask here! He's turning a lovely shade of purple and yep! He's tapping out! I would say world class Jiu Jitsu but is it really? It was nice but let's not get silly about it.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:34 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Topf Deckel!
After winning the bout, Topf Deckel thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.
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C
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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
35% |
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Undercard bout
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Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Haisam Moghadam (ranked 1753 p4p, 2682 weight class) and Mursk Ispa (ranked 244 p4p, 359 weight class). Mursk Ispa has the eye of the tiger tonight.
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| 181 cm
30
180
8 - 5 - 0 |
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178 cm
28
174
3 - 1 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
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 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Haisam Moghadam!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Mursk Ispa!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Gregory Folan and Alec Ball.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Moghadam clinches.
Ispa scores with a hook to the body.
Moghadam fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Ispa lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Moghadam backwards.
Ispa swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Ispa lands with a left to the head.
Ispa swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Moghadam tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ispa's elbow.
A head punch on the inside from Ispa fails to land.
Ispa jumps guard and drags Moghadam to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Moghadam has a momentary lapse of concentration, allowing Ispa to throw up a leg and lock on what appears to be a pretty tight triangle! Moghadam is fighting it off but it's all too little too late - Ispa pulls down on the head and he's put Moghadam to sleep! This one is all over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Mursk Ispa!
After winning the bout, Mursk Ispa thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
100% |
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Co-main event
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Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Torbjørn Knudsvig (ranked 2479 p4p, 2798 weight class) and Panagiotis Nikolau (ranked 283 p4p, 317 weight class). Torbjørn Knudsvig had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business
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| 193 cm
30
240
6 - 5 - 0 |
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190 cm
30
228
13 - 13 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Very quick |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Torbjørn Knudsvig!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Panagiotis Nikolau!
The judges for this bout are Trevor Gratis, Elvis Blanc and Gregory Folan.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nikolau misses with a hook. Knudsvig ducked under it nicely.
Nikolau connects with a jab.
Nikolau lets loose with a powerful body kick. Knudsvig will feel that in the morning.
Knudsvig takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Knudsvig gets tackled into the cage by Nikolau. Nikolau maintains the clinch.
Knudsvig tries a body shot but Nikolau blocks it.
Knudsvig tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Nikolau stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Knudsvig misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Nikolau works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Knudsvig is breathing heavily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Knudsvig misses with a punch on the inside.
Nikolau lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Nikolau scores with an uppercut up the middle.
I was talking to Knudsvig's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Nikolau misses with some punches.
Knudsvig blocks a body shot from Nikolau.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nikolau gets through Knudsvig's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Knudsvig misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Nikolau struggles to land a body shot inside as Knudsvig controls his hands.
Nikolau tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Knudsvig's elbow.
A head punch on the inside from Knudsvig fails to land.
Nikolau lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Nikolau misses with some punches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Nikolau.
Nikolau has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Knudsvig seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Nikolau can turn it around.
Nikolau lands a nice uppercut.
Nikolau tries a body shot but Knudsvig blocks it.
A head punch on the inside from Nikolau fails to land.
Nikolau misses with a hook to the ribs.
Knudsvig lands an uppercut.
A short right from Knudsvig on the inside.
Nikolau blocks an uppercut.
Knudsvig tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Knudsvig misses with a short punch on the inside.
Nikolau misses with some punches.
Knudsvig scores with a nice hook to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Nikolau fails to land.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nikolau misses with a hook from the clinch.
Nikolau blocking some punches.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Knudsvig fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Knudsvig tries a body shot but Nikolau blocks it.
Nikolau blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Knudsvig has a couple of punches blocked by Nikolau.
Nikolau misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Nikolau can't find room to land a body shot as Knudsvig controls the action.
Knudsvig doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Nikolau prevents a body shot from Knudsvig.
Knudsvig tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Nikolau tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Knudsvig throws a head punch that misses.
Knudsvig has a couple of punches blocked by Nikolau.
Nikolau lands a body shot.
Nikolau tries a body shot but Knudsvig blocks it.
Nikolau blocks a body shot from Knudsvig.
A short right from Nikolau.
Nikolau misses with some punches.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nikolau digs a right hand into Knudsvig's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Knudsvig's gas tank.
Nikolau blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Nikolau throws a punch but it's blocked by Knudsvig.
Knudsvig throws a punch but it's blocked by Nikolau.
Knudsvig misses with a hook to the ribs.
Knudsvig misses with a punch on the inside.
Knudsvig misses with the head strike.
Nikolau lands with a left to the head.
Knudsvig tries to throw a body punch but Nikolau avoids it by throwing Knudsvig back against the cage.
Nikolau digs a right hand underneath Knudsvig's ribcage. Knudsvig let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Nikolau misses with a punch on the inside.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Nikolau.
Nikolau goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Nikolau.
A short right from Nikolau.
Nikolau misses with the head strike.
Nikolau blocks an uppercut.
Knudsvig swings wildly with an uppercut but Nikolau uses good head movement to avoid it.
Knudsvig can't find room to land a body shot as Nikolau controls the action.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Nikolau.
Knudsvig throws a head punch that misses.
Knudsvig swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Knudsvig throws a head punch that misses.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nikolau swings wildly with an uppercut but Knudsvig uses good head movement to avoid it.
Knudsvig struggles to land a body shot inside as Nikolau controls his hands.
Nikolau fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Knudsvig throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Nikolaus head.
Nikolau misses with a punch to the body.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Nikolau.
Nikolau blocks an uppercut.
Nikolau misses with a punch on the inside.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Nikolau prevents a body shot from Knudsvig.
Nikolau blocks a body shot from Knudsvig.
Knudsvig struggles to land a body shot inside as Nikolau controls his hands.
Knudsvig misses with a punch on the inside.
Knudsvig lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Nikolau backwards.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Panagiotis Nikolau 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.
Knudsvig avoids the body shot from Nikolau.
Knudsvig moves into range and clinches up with Nikolau.
Nikolau fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Nikolau misses with the head strike.
Nikolau misses with a punch on the inside.
Nikolau blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Knudsvig lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Nikolau backwards.
Knudsvig swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Knudsvig lands an uppercut.
Knudsvig scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Knudsvig.
Nikolau tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nikolau lands with a right to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Knudsvig fails to land.
Knudsvig blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Nikolau misses with a short punch on the inside.
Knudsvig misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Nikolau.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Knudsvig misses with a hook from the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Knudsvig.
Knudsvig misses with a punch to the body.
Nikolau blocks an uppercut.
Knudsvig lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Nikolau backwards.
Nikolau tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Knudsvig's elbow.
Nikolau lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Knudsvig lands a left hand that snaps the head of Nikolau backwards.
A short left from Nikolau.
Nikolau tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Nikolau blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Nikolau.
Knudsvig tries a body shot but Nikolau blocks it.
A right handed body shot lands from Knudsvig.
Nikolau is leaning against Knudsvig and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Knudsvig lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Nikolau backwards.
Knudsvig goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Panagiotis Nikolau seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Nikolau lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Knudsvig.
Nikolau lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Knudsvig misses with a hook to the ribs.
A short body shot lands from Nikolau as the two fighters clinch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Knudsvig tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Nikolau fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Nikolau scores with a shot to the side of Knudsvig's head.
Knudsvig misses with a punch to the body.
A short right from Nikolau on the inside.
Knudsvig tries to throw a body punch but Nikolau avoids it by throwing Knudsvig back against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Knudsvig fails to land.
Nikolau scores with a shot to the side of Knudsvig's head.
Nikolau throws a head punch that misses.
Knudsvig misses with a punch on the inside.
Nikolau lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Knudsvig backwards.
Nikolau tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Knudsvig swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Nikolau is working Knudsvig over against the cage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nikolau gets through Knudsvig's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Knudsvig scores with a shot to the side of Nikolau's head.
Nikolau lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Knudsvig backwards.
Nikolau throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Knudsvigs head.
Knudsvig misses with a short punch on the inside.
Nikolau blocking some punches.
Nikolau misses with some punches.
Nikolau lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Knudsvig takes a shot to the head.
Nikolau lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Knudsvig.
Nikolau on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Nikolau fails to land.
Knudsvig can't find room to land a body shot as Nikolau controls the action.
Nikolau struggles to land a body shot inside as Knudsvig controls his hands.
Knudsvig takes a shot to the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nikolau scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Nikolau creates a bit of space for himself and rocks Knudsvig with a big uppercut! Knudsvig tries to clinch up but Nikolau pushes him back against the cage and lands another monster strike that crumples Knudsvig to the mat! Knudsvig covers up and Nikolau unloads with more strikes until the referee steps in to end the bout!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Panagiotis Nikolau!
A victorious Panagiotis Nikolau thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
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
64% |
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Main event
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Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Raphael Azevedo Souza (ranked 1134 p4p, 2137 weight class) and Vadius Highwind (ranked 157 p4p, 282 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.
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| 191 cm
36
212
15 - 5 - 0 |
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186 cm
30
201
16 - 15 - 0 |
BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine |
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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 light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Raphael Azevedo Souza!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Vadius Highwind!
The judges for this bout are Yves DeLean, William Peck and Elvis Blanc.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Highwind moves out of range as Azevedo Souza strikes.
Jab by Azevedo Souza.
Highwind closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Highwind tries to throw a body punch but Azevedo Souza avoids it by throwing Highwind back against the cage.
Highwind tries to throw a body punch but Azevedo Souza avoids it by throwing Highwind back against the cage.
Highwind lands with a light punch inside.
Azevedo Souza lands an uppercut.
I was talking to Azevedo Souza's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Azevedo Souza throws a punch but it's blocked by Highwind.
Azevedo Souza misses with a punch to the body.
Nice body punch from Highwind.
Azevedo Souza blocks an uppercut.
Azevedo Souza working aggressively here.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Azevedo Souza misses with a body punch.
A nice left hand lands by Azevedo Souza.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Highwind.
Highwind blocking some punches.
A short uppercut from Highwind.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Highwind goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Highwind tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Azevedo Souza's elbow.
Highwind's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Azevedo Souza misses with a body shot
and Azevedo Souza takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Highwind avoids the body shot from Azevedo Souza.
Azevedo Souza takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Highwind's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Azevedo Souza connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Highwind scrambles back to his feet.
Azevedo Souza tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Highwind was well out of range. Poor timing from Azevedo Souza.
Highwind swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Highwind throws a right hand that misses
and Azevedo Souza counters with a stiff right hand.
Highwind closes the distance and clinches.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Good body shot from Highwind.
Highwind has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Azevedo Souza seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Highwind can turn it around.
Azevedo Souza lands a hook to the side of the head.
Highwind unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Azevedo Souza is breathing heavily.
Azevedo Souza misses with a punch to the body.
Highwind crunches a lovely knee into Azevedo Souza's ribcage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A head punch on the inside from Azevedo Souza fails to land.
Highwind lands an uppercut.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Azevedo Souza fails to land.
Highwind pushes Azevedo Souza back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Highwind missing with knees to the body.
Azevedo Souza blocks a body shot from Highwind.
Highwind pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Azevedo Souza waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Highwind.
Highwind is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Azevedo Souza with a body shot.
Highwind closes the distance and clinches.
Highwind scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Highwind misses with a punch on the inside.
Nice body punch from Highwind.
Azevedo Souza lands a body punch.
Highwind lands a right hand that snaps the head of Azevedo Souza backwards.
Azevedo Souza works on Highwind's body with a couple of short punches.
Azevedo Souza blocking some punches.
Azevedo Souza lands a body punch in the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Azevedo Souza fails to land.
Azevedo Souza misses with a punch to the body.
Highwind misses with some punches.
Azevedo Souza tries to throw a body punch but Highwind avoids it by throwing Azevedo Souza back against the cage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Highwind misses with a hook to the ribs.
Highwind lands a nice shot to the body.
Highwind escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Highwind moves forwards but Azevedo Souza connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Azevedo Souza lands a lovely overhand right.
A swing and a miss from Azevedo Souza.
Highwind lands a nice looking body shot.
Azevedo Souza tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Highwind was well out of range. Poor timing from Azevedo Souza.
Azevedo Souza misses with a body shot.
Azevedo Souza fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Highwind manages to avoid it.
Highwind throws out a counter right but Azevedo Souza avoids it with no problem.
Azevedo Souza throws a looping overhand right but Highwind ducks down to avoid it.
A little jabbing left from Highwind on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Azevedo Souza's jab looks to have found its range, popping Highwind under the eye.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Azevedo Souza scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Azevedo Souza throws a body punch but Highwind moves out of range.
And Highwind responds with a good body kick, but Azevedo Souza manages to step out the way in time.
Highwind uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Azevedo Souza.
Highwind lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Highwind takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
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!
Azevedo Souza loads up on a big right hand but Highwind slips the punch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Azevedo Souza. Highwind does a little dance to reset his feet.
A countering left hand to the body from Highwind misses.
Azevedo Souza throws a predictable looking body shot
and Azevedo Souza takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Highwind has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Azevedo Souza finds it's way round the side to connect with Highwind's head.
Azevedo Souza throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Highwind appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Highwind moves away from the strike by Azevedo Souza.
Highwind looks like he wants to counter punch here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but I would say that Raphael Azevedo Souza will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
Azevedo Souza keeps the fight on the outside.
Azevedo Souza misses with a looping right.
Highwind looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Highwind tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Azevedo Souza paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Azevedo Souza smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Azevedo Souza misses the shot to the body.
Highwind doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Highwind fails with an attempt to clinch.
Azevedo Souza misses with a wild body shot.
Azevedo Souza throws a poor cross that misses
and Highwind makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Azevedo Souza really felt that one!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Azevedo Souza lands with a nice body punch.
Azevedo Souza misses with a hook to the body
enabling Highwind to counter with a crisp jab.
Azevedo Souza rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Highwind counters with a right hand to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Azevedo Souza swings for the body but Highwind moves out of range.
Jab, jab by Azevedo Souza - just one landing.
Azevedo Souza throws a hook to the side of Highwind's head but Highwind sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Azevedo Souza misses with an uppercut. Highwind saw that one coming.
Highwind throws out a counter right but Azevedo Souza avoids it with no problem.
Highwind misses with a hook
and Azevedo Souza counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
 Highwind is rocked!
Highwind ducks into an uppercut from Azevedo Souza and that's knocked him out cold! This one is all over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:36 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Raphael Azevedo Souza!
Raphael Azevedo Souza 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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C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
55% |
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