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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Bruno Epolito (ranked 6057 p4p, 5350 weight class) and Khabib Nurmagomedov (ranked 483 p4p, 446 weight class). Nurmagomedov has chosen Face the Pain as his entrance music. Bruno Epolito looks tired to me. Hopefully he has got enough gas left in the tank to put in a good performance.
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| 173 cm
26
153
2 - 4 - 0 |
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178 cm
24
154
2 - 4 - 0 |
BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin |
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Decent wrestler
Brawler
Knockout power |
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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 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Bruno Epolito!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Khabib Nurmagomedov!
The judges for this bout are David Hoff, Michael Johnstone and Winston Alpacca.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nurmagomedov with a poor takedown
and Epolito counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Epolito lunges at Nurmagomedov with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Nurmagomedov's hand.
Epolito lands with a thumping leg kick.
Nurmagomedov shoots in for a double leg but Epolito sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Epolito displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Nurmagomedov.
Bruno Epolito has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Epolito did well to prevent Nurmagomedov getting side control.
Nurmagomedov lands with a punch from half guard.
Nurmagomedov is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
Epolito is pulling down on Nurmagomedov's head. It's preventing any offense from Nurmagomedov, at least for the moment.
Epolito is trying to control the position from the bottom.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov controls from within his opponent's guard.
Nurmagomedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Epolito is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Epolito working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov scoring with punches to the head and body.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nurmagomedov throws a big elbow that misses.
Nurmagomedov sitting in guard here, content to control.
Nurmagomedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Epolito is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
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.
Epolito can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Nurmagomedov controls the pace.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Epolito lands a leg kick that knocks Nurmagomedov off balance momentarily.
Nurmagomedov shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Epolito pinned against the cage. Epolito gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Bruno Epolito is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Nurmagomedov shoots in for a double leg but Epolito sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Epolito throws a big counter combination but Nurmagomedov scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Epolito dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Nurmagomedov fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Nurmagomedov takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Nurmagomedov is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Epolito's half guard.
Epolito is looking to get back to is feet but Nurmagomedov passes into side control.
Epolito is breathing heavily.
Epolito tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Nurmagomedov content just to control the position here.
Nurmagomedov trying to control but Epolito is having none of it.
Nurmagomedov thowing shots but they're missing.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Nurmagomedov is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Epolito is surviving well by controlling Nurmagomedov's body position as best he can.
Nurmagomedov controlling from the full mount.
Epolito manages to work a leg through to get back to half guard here. Good work there by Epolito, under a barage of strikes from Nurmagomedov.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Epolito is staying active underneath Nurmagomedov, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
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 Bruno Epolito will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Epolito lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
A nice leg kick from Epolito, right into the meat of the thigh.
Epolito definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Nurmagomedov takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Epolito connects with the punch.
Nurmagomedov looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Epolito is fending him off so far but Nurmagomedov persists. Nope, Epolito circles away and we're back to standing.
Bruno Epolito is winning the standup battle so far.
Good exchange - Epolito coming out on top.
Nurmagomedov showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Epolito.
A shot to the liver by Epolito. Beautiful body shot.
Nurmagomedov shoots in but Epolito avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Bruno Epolito has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Epolito lands with a thumping leg kick.
Nice sprawl there from Epolito as Nurmagomedov shoots in.
Epolito fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Nurmagomedov.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown but Epolito shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's one minute gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Nurmagomedov.
Epolito scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Nurmagomedov doesn't seem bothered though.
A solid leg kick lands there for Epolito.
A lazy left from Epolito finds it's target.
Nice cross by Epolito.
Epolito lands with a nice combination. Nurmagomedov backs away looking to recover.
Epolito is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Nurmagomedov can do to turn this around?
Nurmagomedov shoots in but Epolito avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Epolito lands a jab.
Epolito dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Nurmagomedov. That did some damage!
A slapping body kick lands there for Epolito.
Nurmagomedov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Epolito counters with a stiff right hand.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nurmagomedov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Nurmagomedov misses with a takedown attempt - Epolito sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Epolito scores with the left hand. Nurmagomedov knows he should have avoided that one.
Epolito with the inside leg kick.
Epolito lands a head kick. Nurmagomedov smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Epolito feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Nurmagomedovs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Nurmagomedov dives in and grabs Epolito's left leg, looking for a takedown. Epolito pushes down on Nurmagomedov's head and hops out.
Nurmagomedov tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Epolito feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Nurmagomedovs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Epolito dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Nurmagomedov. That did some damage!
Nurmagomedov on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Nurmagomedov shoots in but Epolito avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Epolito connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Epolito throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Nurmagomedov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Nurmagomedov takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Nurmagomedov misses with a takedown
and Epolito counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Epolito moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Nurmagomedov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Epolito lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Nurmagomedov takes a kick to the side of the head.
Epolito with the inside leg kick.
Nurmagomedov shoots in but no luck this time.
Epolito throws a head kick that Nurmagomedov semi-blocks.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Nurmagomedov.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Epolito lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Epolito throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Epolito lands with a cross.
Nurmagomedov changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Epolito tries to avoid it but Nurmagomedov manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Epolito to the ground. Epolito escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Epolito thumps Nurmagomedov with a low kick.
Epolito connects with a leg kick.
Nurmagomedov walks into a straight right hand from Epolito.
Epolito stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Epolito wants it to stay on the feet.
Nurmagomedov takes a kick to the side of the head.
Nice takedown defense from Epolito. No joy for Nurmagomedov on that attempt.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nurmagomedov takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Epolito stuffs the takedown attempt from Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov gets slowly back to his feet.
Nurmagomedov closes the distance and clinches up with Epolito, looking for a takedown. Nurmagomedov pushes Epolito against the cage but Epolito circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Bruno Epolito dominated that second 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. And we move into the final round!
Epolito stuffs the takedown attempt from Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov gets slowly back to his feet.
Epolito connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Nurmagomedov is defended easily by Epolito.
A jab from Epolito does it's job there.
Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown but Epolito saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Bruno Epolito has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Nurmagomedov's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Epolito slaps away a takedown attempt from Nurmagomedov, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Epolito seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Epolito goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Nurmagomedov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Epolito bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Epolito scores with a body shot.
Epolito lands a jab.
Nurmagomedov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Epolito is looking to counter punch.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Nurmagomedov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Nurmagomedov with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Epolito to score with a decent uppercut.
Nurmagomedov shoots in but no luck this time.
Epolito scores with a three punch combo!
Epolito with the inside leg kick.
Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Epolito but Epolito pushes him off and we're back to square one.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov takes a kick to the side of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nurmagomedov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Epolito can pounce on him.
Epolito works Nurmagomedov's body with a nice hook.
Nurmagomedov darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Nurmagomedov wants to take a breather but Epolito is having none of it.
Epolito has his hands clasped together around Nurmagomedov's back. He's all about the action.
Epolito avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Nurmagomedov.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov is looking for a kimura here.
Nurmagomedov is thwarting Epolito's attempts to control the position.
Nurmagomedov is keen to just control but Epolito is a slippery customer.
Nurmagomedov is looking for a kimura here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nurmagomedov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Epolito's head.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Nurmagomedov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Nurmagomedov shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Epolito is trying to defend but Nurmagomedov finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Epolito is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Bruno Epolito is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Nurmagomedov is working for a kimura but Epolito is defending it quite comfortably.
And that's the end of the fight!
Bruno Epolito showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Epolito, 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 David Hoff scores the fight 30:26
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 30:26
Judge Winston Alpacca scores the fight 30:26
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Bruno Epolito!
Bruno Epolito seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
In defeat, Khabib Nurmagomedov stepped up to the mic, saying 'I never fight for the money, but every person is different'.
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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
52% |
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