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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Cai Jia (ranked 2529 p4p, 3419 weight class) and Spas Spasov (ranked 305 p4p, 394 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 172 cm
32
168
13 - 5 - 0 |
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180 cm
30
159
18 - 17 - 2 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Cai Jia!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 17 - 2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Spas Spasov!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Taro Takaoka and Hirohito Nitta.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jia shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Spasov as he jumps to the side.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Jia tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Spasov swivels and escapes.
Spasov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Jia was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Jia definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Jia looks to score with a jab to the body but Spasov is just out of range.
Spasov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Jia manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Jia showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Spasov.
Spasov shoots in looking for a takedown. Jia tries to sprawl out of it but Spasov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Jia manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Nice sprawl there from Spasov as Jia shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Cai Jia. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Spasov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Jia.
Spasov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Spasov shoots in looking for a takedown but Jia manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Spasov's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Jia shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Spasov but Spasov pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Spasov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Spasov pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Jia back to the cage. Spasov follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Jia fails with a takedown attempt.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Spasov falls off balance throwing a combination
and Jia counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Jia tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Spasov defends well and Jia ends up having to push Spasov into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Jia slips a jab and a cross from Spasov.
Jia shoots in but Spasov avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Jia dodges the punch combination from Spasov.
Spasov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Spasov lands a jab-cross combination.
Jia slips a jab and a cross from Spasov.
Spasov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Spasov tries to clinch up but Jia circles away and keeps his distance.
Jia shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Spasov as he jumps to the side.
Spasov rushes Jia and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jia blocks a body shot from Spasov.
Jia breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A combination from Spasov does no damage.
Jia fails to land the takedown.
Spasov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Spasov fails to land with a series of punches.
Spasov fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Spasov fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Jia on the side of the head.
Spasov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Jia's waist but Jia gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Spasov off to one side.
Spasov leaves Jia with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Spasov throws a counter combo.
Spasov wants to clinch up but Jia keeps it at a distance.
Jia looks for a takedown but Spasov sprawls well.
Jia misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jia dodges the punch combination from Spasov.
Jia misses with a two punch combination.
Spasov throws a series of strikes that have Jia backpedaling.
Jia takes a swing at Spasov's ribcage but misses.
Jia shoots for a double leg takedown but Spasov sprawls well. He's pushed Jia's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Jia is breathing heavily.
Spasov shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Jia with a poor takedown
and Spasov counters with a one-two to the body.
Jia avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Spasov clinches up with Jia and pushes him back against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Spasov.
Spasov has Jia pressed against the cage, preventing Jia from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Spasov lands a body punch in the clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Spasov scores with a shoulder strike.
Spasov tries to work over Jia's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Spasov lands a body shot in the clinch.
Spasov struggles to land a body shot inside as Jia controls his hands.
Spasov breaks from the clinch.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jia shoots in and drives through. Spasov sprawls well.
Spasov fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Jia to the ground. Spasov is now in Jia's guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Spasov decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Jia, up you get!
A right-left combo lands from Spasov.
Spasov throws a right and a left that Jia avoids nicely.
Jia tries to score a power double leg takedown but Spasov sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Jia somewhat.
Nice takedown defense from Jia. No joy for Spasov on that attempt.
Jia just misses with a punch to the body.
Jia keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Jia swats away the attempt to clinch by Spasov.
Jia keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Jia shoots in looking for a takedown. Spasov tries to sprawl out of it but Jia keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Spasov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Spas Spasov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!
Jia looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Spasov has closed the distance and engaged Jia in a clinch.
Nice body punch from Spasov - that landed with a thud.
Spasov tries to work over Jia's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Spasov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Jia is trying to break free.
Spasov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Spasov misses with a punch to the body.
Jia is trying to break the clinch but Spasov is controlling him.
Spasov tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Spasov is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Spasov swings wildly with an uppercut but Jia uses good head movement to avoid it.
Spasov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Spasov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Jia as he avoids it easily.
Spasov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Jia has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Spasov avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Cai Jia. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jia breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Spasov throws a combination that misses
and Jia counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Spasov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Jia paws at him with a jab and circles away.
An attempted straight right counter from Jia misses the target.
Jia misses with a body shot.
Spasov throws out a counter right but Jia avoids it with no problem.
Spasov goes for a double leg but Jia avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Jia continues to drive forward.
Horrible takedown attempt by Jia or perhaps it was just good defense by Spasov, which made it look bad.
Spas Spasov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Spasov listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Spasov is defended easily by Jia.
Danga de danga de dang - Spasov scores with a four punch combination!
Jia fails with a takedown attempt.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
No joy there for Spasov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Spasov throws a right and a left that Jia avoids nicely.
Jia throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Spasov's waist but Spasov gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Jia off to one side.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Spasov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Jia.
Spasov blocks a low kick nicely.
Spasov scores with a jab.
Jia avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Spasov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Spasov throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Jia closes the distance and clinches up with Spasov, looking for a takedown. Jia pushes Spasov against the cage but Spasov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Spasov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Spasov misses with a takedown
and Spasov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Spasov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
A little feinted left hand from Jia on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Spasov swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Spasov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Spasov does it's job there.
Spasov has a takedown stuffed.
Spasov slips under a jab.
Jia will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Spasov wants to clinch.
Spasov scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Jia closes the distance and clinches up with Spasov, looking for a takedown. Jia pushes Spasov against the cage but Spasov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Spasov throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Jia changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Spasov tries to avoid it but Jia manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Spasov to the ground. Spasov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Spasov shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Jia pinned against the cage. Jia gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jia darts in looking for a takedown but Spasov gets double underhooks and turns Jia into the cage.
As Jia backs off Spasov throws a huge counter combo but Jia manages to avoid it all.
Spasov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Jab by Spasov.
Spasov bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Spasov misses with a jab, cross combination.
Jia misses with a takedown attempt - Spasov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Jia displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Spasov.
Spasov goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Jia shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Spasov defends it nicely.
Spasov is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Spasov has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Spasov shoots in looking for a takedown. Jia tries to sprawl out of it but Spasov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Jia manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Spas Spasov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!
Spasov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Jia.
Jia feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Spasov shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Jia as he jumps to the side.
Spasov closes the distance and clinches up with Jia, looking for a takedown. Spasov pushes Jia against the cage but Jia circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Jia is looking to counter punch.
Spasov goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Spasov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Jia was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Jia shoots in for a takedown but Spasov shows good takedown defense.
Spasov tries to clinch but Jia moves out of range.
Spasov closes the distance and clinches up with Jia, looking for a takedown. Spasov pushes Jia against the cage but Jia circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Cai Jia has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Spas Spasov.
Jia shoots for a double leg takedown but Spasov sprawls well. He's pushed Jia's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Spasov with a lazy takedown attempt
and Jia counters by moving into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jia drops down looking for an ankle pick but Spasov pulls his leg out and moves away.
Jia misses with a takedown attempt - Spasov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Spasov has taken the fight to the clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Spasov misses with a punch to the body.
Spasov misses with a punch to the body.
Jia breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Jia circles away from the clinch attempt.
Spasov fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Jia avoids it really well and circles away.
Spasov fails to land with a series of punches.
Jia swats away the attempt to clinch by Spasov.
Nice sprawl there from Spasov as Jia shoots in.
Spasov closes the distance and clinches up with Jia, looking for a takedown. Spasov pushes Jia against the cage but Jia circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Spasov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Jia appears to be looking for a big counter.
Horrible takedown attempt by Jia or perhaps it was just good defense by Spasov, which made it look bad.
Jia looks for a takedown but Spasov sprawls well.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spasov misses with a few strikes there.
Spas Spasov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Nice takedown defense from Spasov. No joy for Jia on that attempt.
Spasov shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Jia but Jia pushes him off and we're back to square one.
A punch combination from Jia misses.
As Jia backs off Spasov throws a huge counter combo but Jia manages to avoid it all.
Spasov shoots in looking for a takedown but Jia manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Spasov's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Spasov throws a right hand that Jia ducks under and follows up with a left that Jia also avoids with ease.
Spasov lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Spasov throws a combination. Jia tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Jia keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Spasov shoots in looking for a takedown. Jia tries to sprawl out of it but Spasov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Jia manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Jia goes for a double leg but Spasov avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Spasov continues to drive forward.
Spasov is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Cai Jia has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Spas Spasov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spasov shoots in looking for a takedown. Jia tries to sprawl out of it but Spasov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Jia manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
A cross from Jia lands.
Spasov throws a series of punches but Jia avoids them all with ease.
Jia tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Spasov defends well and Jia ends up having to push Spasov into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Spasov shoots for a double leg takedown but Jia sprawls well. He's pushed Spasov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
An attempted straight right counter from Jia misses the target.
Jia looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Spasov is fending him off so far but Jia persists. Nope, Spasov circles away and we're back to standing.
Spasov slips under a jab from Jia.
Spasov goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Jia tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Spasov swivels and escapes.
Spasov misses with a takedown attempt - Jia sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Spasov lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
A punch combination from Spasov misses.
Jia fails to land the takedown.
Spasov throws a nice looking combination but Jia bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Jia. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Jia circles away from the clinch attempt.
Jia has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Spasov fails to land with a series of punches.
It looked like Jia wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Jia misses with a takedown attempt - Spasov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Jia gets caught napping as Spasov dives in and scores a takedown. Jia manages to retain guard.
Jia is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Spasov is controlling him.
Spasov gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
And that's the end of the fight!
Spas Spasov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Spasov 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 Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 27:30
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 27:30
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 27:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Spas Spasov!
After winning the bout, Spas Spasov 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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| 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
65% |
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