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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Naoyuki Nakano (ranked 713 p4p, 1065 weight class) and Ernest Graves (ranked 89 p4p, 139 weight class). Naoyuki Nakano could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Ernest Graves's chin.
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| 172 cm
32
155
18 - 12 - 1 |
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172 cm
32
160
22 - 22 - 1 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
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 18 - 12 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Naoyuki Nakano!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 22 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Ernest Graves!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, James Glass and Paul Tew.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nakano gets caught flat footed, as Graves shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Nakano pulls Graves in close to prevent any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nakano's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Graves landing some decent shots from guard.
Graves wants to control from the top but Nakano keeps moving.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Graves accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nakano working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Graves.
Graves looking to pass the guard.
Graves scoring with punches to the head and body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Graves wants to pass the guard but Nakano is keeping the position.
Graves postures up in Nakano's guard and throws a big left but Nakano blocks it.
Graves postures up and lands a big shot to Nakano's brow.
Graves passes Nakano's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Graves missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Graves not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Graves trying to control from half guard but Nakano is working away.
Graves lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Graves throws a strike but Nakano avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Graves working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Graves trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Graves passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Graves trying to control the position but Nakano is working away.
Graves working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Graves throwing strikes but Nakano manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!
Graves felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Nakano is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Graves manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Graves wants to improve his position but Nakano is controlling well.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nakano controlling the action here.
Graves tries to roll over but Nakano keeps him under control.
Graves looking for submissions off his back.
Nakano perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Nakano looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Still in half guard, Nakano seems content to control.
Graves has a hand on Nakano's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Nakano takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Nakano trying to control but Graves is having none of it.
Graves tries to reverse the position but Nakano maintains control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Graves bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Graves stands and throws Nakano's legs to the side, diving into side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Ernest Graves dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Nakano wants to land a leg kick but Graves is out of range.
Graves with a poor takedown
and Nakano counters with an outside leg kick.
Nice sprawl there from Nakano as Graves shoots in.
Graves shoots for a takedown but Nakano saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Naoyuki Nakano has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ernest Graves.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Graves.
Graves takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Graves has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Nakano.
Graves shoots in looking for a takedown but Nakano manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Graves's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Nakano looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Graves stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Nakano.
Graves shoots in but no luck this time.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Nakano throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nakano lands with a thumping leg kick.
Nakano motions for Graves to come forward. Nakano throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Nakano fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Graves.
Graves shoots in and drives through. Nakano sprawls well.
Nakano feints and then cracks Graves's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Graves down.
Graves checks a leg kick.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Nakano scores with a leg kick.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Nakano scores with a kick to the body.
Graves checks the leg kick.
Nakano goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Nakano tries to land a leg kick but Graves saw it coming and moves away.
Nakano looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Nakano throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Nakano wants to slow Graves down by chopping away at his legs.
Nakano misses with a body kick.
Nakano throws a low kick, looking for Graves's leg but Graves calmly moves out of range.
Graves keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Graves has a takedown stuffed.
Nakano will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Graves! But no joy.
Graves fails with the takedown
and Nakano counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
A nice leg kick from Nakano, right into the meat of the thigh.
Nakano thumps Graves with a low kick.
Graves with a hook.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Graves goes for a double leg but Nakano avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Nakano continues to drive forward.
Nakano scoring well with a low kick there.
Ernest Graves seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nakano throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Graves's head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Graves fails with the takedown.
Graves shoots for a takedown but Nakano saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Nakano looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Graves is breathing heavily.
Graves looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Nakano is fending him off so far but Graves persists. Nope, Nakano circles away and we're back to standing.
No luck for Graves with that takedown attempt.
Graves shoots in and drives through. Nakano sprawls well.
Nakano throws a quick counter head kick but Graves was just out of range.
Nakano thuds a left hand into Graves's body.
Nakano throws a front kick that sends Graves stumbling back into the cage.
Nakano looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Nakano fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Nakano connects with a high kick.
Graves fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Graves takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nakano fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Graves has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Nakano uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Graves is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Nakano's half guard.
Graves thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Nakano's head.
Ernest Graves has got the better of the ground game so far.
Graves is trying to control the action in half guard but Nakano is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Graves tries to pass the half guard into mount. Nakano knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Nakano is looking to control Graves's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Nakano avoid being mounted?
Graves with the ground and pound but Nakano uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Graves is fighting to break Nakano's control of his arms but Nakano is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Nakano keeping full guard, as Graves tries to pass.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Graves is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Nakano is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Graves can do to turn this around?
Nakano is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Nakano swings away with an uppercut that misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nakano breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Nakano is looking to wear down Graves with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Graves shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Nakano dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Graves. That did some damage!
Nice shot by Nakano.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Graves.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Naoyuki Nakano dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!
Nakano swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Graves looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Graves misses with a takedown attempt - Nakano sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Nakano bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Nakano is looking to chop away at Graves's legs.
Nakano connects with a body shot.
Graves dives in and scores a takedown into Nakano's guard.
Nakano wriggles free and stands up.
Graves's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Graves fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Graves shoots in for a double leg but Nakano sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Naoyuki Nakano has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ernest Graves.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Graves takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Graves takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Nakano fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Graves has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Nakano.
That kick from Nakano tenderised Graves's leg. Graves is trying to keep his angry face on.
Nakano throws out a leg kick but Graves moves out of range and Nakano only half commits.
Graves dives in and grabs Nakano's left leg, looking for a takedown. Nakano pushes down on Graves's head and hops out.
Nakano is looking to counter with a body kick.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Nakano connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Nakano fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Graves.
Nakano lands a nice looking kick to the body. Graves takes a step back to recover.
Graves on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Nakano. Nakano obviously looking to wear him down.
Nakano scoring well with a low kick there.
Graves misses with a body punch
and Nakano counters with an inside leg kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Nakano.
Nakano goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Graves fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Nakano avoids it really well and circles away.
Nakano throws a low kick but Graves avoids it.
Graves shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Nakano sprawls well. Nakano wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Graves gets slowly back to his feet.
Graves darts in looking for a takedown but Nakano gets double underhooks and turns Graves into the cage.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Graves changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Nakano tries to avoid it but Graves manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Nakano to the ground. Nakano escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Naoyuki Nakano is winning the standup battle so far.
Graves takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Nakano connects with an inside leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nakano stuffs the takedown.
A slapping leg kick lands for Nakano.
Nakano connects with a solid leg kick.
Some wild striking there from Nakano.
Nakano throws a leg kick which misses Graves's front leg but catches the back leg as Graves tries to avoid it.
Graves shoots in but no luck this time.
Nakano throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Nakano buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Nakano lands a nice looking kick to the body. Graves takes a step back to recover.
Graves has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Nakano finds it's way round the side to connect with Graves's head.
Graves misses with a takedown attempt - Nakano sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Graves misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Graves has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Nakano.
Graves will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Nakano lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Graves misses with a takedown
and Nakano counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Graves has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Nakano.
Nakano is looking to slow Graves down with leg kicks.
Nakano lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Nakano lands a leg kick that knocks Graves off balance momentarily.
Nakano turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Nakano throws a good cross that connects.
Graves shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Nakano sprawls well. Nakano wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Graves gets slowly back to his feet.
Graves throws a right and a left that Nakano avoids nicely.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nakano pushes Graves away with a front kick.
Nakano lands with a kick to the ribs.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A thudding body kick lands there by Nakano!
Nakano swings away with a leg kick that misses.
An inside leg kick lands from Nakano.
Graves misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Nakano thinks about countering with a body kick.
Nakano scores with a jab to the head.
Graves shoots for a double leg takedown but Nakano sprawls well. He's pushed Graves's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Nakano lands a leg kick that knocks Graves off balance momentarily.
A nice inside leg kick there by Nakano. That's going to slow Graves down.
Nakano throws a chopping leg kick but Graves manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Nakano with a nice calf kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Nakano.
Graves shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Nakano counters with a good low kick that Graves was not able to check.
And that's the end of the fight!
Naoyuki Nakano showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Nakano has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 James Atkins scores the fight 29:27
Judge James Glass scores the fight 29:27
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 29:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Naoyuki Nakano!
Naoyuki Nakano managed to slip a mention for his sponsors, Urban Fighter, into his post fight interview.
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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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