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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Arthur Menezes (ranked 67 p4p, 126 weight class) and Michał Kowalkiewicz (ranked 9 p4p, 17 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
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| 180 cm
40
190
33 - 19 - 1 |
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195 cm
32
188
25 - 5 - 0 |
BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 33 - 19 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Arthur Menezes!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Michał Kowalkiewicz!
The judges for this bout are Hugh Johnson, Darius Henderson and Francis DeMontford.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Menezes.
Nice defenses there by Kowalkiewicz.
A little jabbing left from Kowalkiewicz on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Menezes throws a shot from downtown. Kowalkiewicz moves away and avoids it.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Kowalkiewicz! But no joy.
Menezes lands a nice looking body shot.
Menezes throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Kowalkiewicz tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Menezes is in Kowalkiewicz's guard.
Menezes content to stall in guard here.
Menezes is pushing down on Kowalkiewicz's leg trying to pass to half guard. Kowalkiewicz is fighting to maintain full guard but Menezes has managed to sneak the leg through.
Kowalkiewicz is doing well to control the position and prevent Menezes from advancing to side control.
Kowalkiewicz really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Menezes. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Menezes is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Kowalkiewicz is refusing to be controlled, as Menezes sits in half guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalkiewicz holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Menezes looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Menezes looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Kowalkiewicz slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Menezes trying to control the position from guard on top but Kowalkiewicz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've been hearing good reports from Menezes's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
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.
Menezes scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Menezes content to stall in guard here.
Kowalkiewicz is pulling down on Menezes's head to control his posture.
Menezes wants to control from the top but Kowalkiewicz keeps moving.
Kowalkiewicz pulls Menezes in to control the position.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Menezes fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kowalkiewicz manages to avoid it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kowalkiewicz lands with an overhand left.
Menezes avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A head kick from Kowalkiewicz lands but Menezes takes it in his stride.
Menezes throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A left lands for Kowalkiewicz.
Menezes moves into the clinch successfully.
Kowalkiewicz scores with a shoulder strike.
Menezes tries a body shot but Kowalkiewicz blocks it.
Kowalkiewicz working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Menezes slowing the pace effectively.
Kowalkiewicz blocking some punches.
Kowalkiewicz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kowalkiewicz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Menezes or not.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Menezes ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Menezes no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Menezes working for a triangle but Kowalkiewicz defends it easily.
Kowalkiewicz trying to control but Menezes is working from the bottom.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kowalkiewicz controlling from the top position.
Menezes escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Kowalkiewicz gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Kowalkiewicz sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Menezes is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Kowalkiewicz is aware though and is defending well.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kowalkiewicz trying to control but Menezes is working from the bottom.
Menezes is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Arthur Menezes dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Menezes scores with a decent looking hook.
Kowalkiewicz tries to close the distance and clinch but Menezes swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Menezes changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Menezes shoots in for a double leg but Kowalkiewicz sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
The fighters circling - Kowalkiewicz throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kowalkiewicz looks to land a combination but Menezes avoids it well.
Menezes throws a body shot but no joy.
And Kowalkiewicz responds with a good body kick, but Menezes manages to step out the way in time.
Menezes fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kowalkiewicz manages to avoid it.
Michał Kowalkiewicz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kowalkiewicz takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Menezes appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Menezes fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kowalkiewicz manages to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kowalkiewicz takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A big right from Menezes misses.
Kowalkiewicz throws a counter combo.
Kowalkiewicz is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Menezes ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Menezes throws a looping overhand right but Kowalkiewicz ducks down to avoid it.
Kowalkiewicz's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Menezes connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Kowalkiewicz scrambles back to his feet.
Nice uppercut there from Menezes.
Kowalkiewicz throws a nice head kick!
Menezes fails with an attempt to clinch.
Menezes throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Menezes lands an overhand right.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a straight left.
Menezes drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Kowalkiewicz throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
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!
Menezes misses the body punch
and Kowalkiewicz counters with a straight right hand.
Kowalkiewicz wants to clinch up but Menezes keeps it at a distance.
Menezes throws a hook but Kowalkiewicz blocks it.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Menezes throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kowalkiewicz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kowalkiewicz on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Kowalkiewicz moves into the clinch successfully.
A short uppercut from Kowalkiewicz.
Menezes drags the fight down to the ground.
Menezes escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Kowalkiewicz gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Menezes has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kowalkiewicz can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Menezes had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Kowalkiewicz defends it easily.
Kowalkiewicz tries to free his leg and advance position but Menezes is retaining full guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kowalkiewicz keeps trying to improve his position.
Kowalkiewicz tries to stand but Menezes is controlling from the bottom.
Menezes is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Menezes looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Menezes keeping moving, preventing Kowalkiewicz from controlling successfully.
Kowalkiewicz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Menezes swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kowalkiewicz controls from within his opponent's guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Kowalkiewicz is continuing to stall.
Kowalkiewicz trying to control the position from guard on top but Menezes is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kowalkiewicz not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Kowalkiewicz must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Menezes had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Kowalkiewicz defends it easily.
Menezes keeping moving, preventing Kowalkiewicz from controlling successfully.
Kowalkiewicz sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Menezes's guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close second round but I would say that Arthur Menezes will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Menezes tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Kowalkiewicz manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Kowalkiewicz takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Menezes fails to land the takedown.
Kowalkiewicz pushes Menezes up against the cage in a clinch.
Kowalkiewicz takes a shot to the head.
Menezes trying to control the position but instead, Kowalkiewicz has worked for underhooks and has pushed Menezes into the cage.
Kowalkiewicz looking to slow down the pace here.
Kowalkiewicz misses with the head strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Menezes is trying to pull guard but Kowalkiewicz has him pressed against the cage.
Menezes jumps guard but Kowalkiewicz turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arthur Menezes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Menezes fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Kowalkiewicz lands a hook that snaps the head of Menezes backwards.
Kowalkiewicz cracks Menezes with a nice body shot.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kowalkiewicz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Menezes tries to stall but Kowalkiewicz uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Kowalkiewicz gets through Menezes's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a body punch.
Menezes is trying to pull guard but Kowalkiewicz turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
A hook to the body from Kowalkiewicz.
Good body shot from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a punch to the body.
Kowalkiewicz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Menezes or not.
Kowalkiewicz lands a body punch.
Kowalkiewicz lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Kowalkiewicz scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Kowalkiewicz lands a body punch in the clinch.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a body punch.
Michał Kowalkiewicz seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Kowalkiewicz creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Kowalkiewicz works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A hook to the body from Kowalkiewicz.
Still in the clinch, Kowalkiewicz scores with a nice short uppercut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kowalkiewicz scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Menezes tries a body shot but Kowalkiewicz blocks it.
Kowalkiewicz pressing his opponent against the cage.
Kowalkiewicz lands with a light punch inside.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Good body shot from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Kowalkiewicz digs a right hand into Menezes's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Menezes's gas tank.
Menezes jumps guard but Kowalkiewicz turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Kowalkiewicz scores with a shoulder strike.
A hook to the body from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz cracks Menezes with a nice body shot.
A hook to the body from Kowalkiewicz.
Nice body punch from Kowalkiewicz - that landed with a thud.
A nice right hand lands inside from Kowalkiewicz.
A hook to the body from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Menezes or not.
Kowalkiewicz lands a body punch.
A short left from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Kowalkiewicz scores with a hook to the body.
Kowalkiewicz lands a shoulder strike.
Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand.
Kowalkiewicz has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Menezes seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Kowalkiewicz can turn it around.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Menezes misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kowalkiewicz stalls.
Menezes is trying to pull guard but Kowalkiewicz turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Kowalkiewicz gets through Menezes's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Menezes swings wildly with an uppercut but Kowalkiewicz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Menezes takes a shot to the head.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Menezes.
Kowalkiewicz lands a shot to the body.
Kowalkiewicz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A head kick misses from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz clinches up against the cage.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a body punch.
Kowalkiewicz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kowalkiewicz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A nice left hand lands by Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz scores with a shot to the side of Menezes's head.
A short right from Kowalkiewicz on the inside.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kowalkiewicz lands a nice shot to the body.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Kowalkiewicz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Menezes's elbow.
Kowalkiewicz struggles to land a body shot inside as Menezes controls his hands.
Kowalkiewicz lands a body shot.
A short uppercut from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz tries a body shot but Menezes blocks it.
Kowalkiewicz lands with a light punch inside.
Menezes jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kowalkiewicz walks away with a smile on his face. Menezes gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Kowalkiewicz loads up on a big right hand but Menezes slips the punch.
Menezes scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Kowalkiewicz staying out of range there.
Kowalkiewicz tries to counter with a clinch but Menezes shakes him off and moves away.
Kowalkiewicz rushes Menezes and presses him up against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Kowalkiewicz.
A short left from Menezes.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Menezes scores with a shot to the side of Kowalkiewicz's head.
Kowalkiewicz presses Menezes against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Kowalkiewicz lands a nice shot to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Michał Kowalkiewicz really dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!
Kowalkiewicz tries to close the distance and clinch but Menezes swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Menezes throws a jab when Kowalkiewicz was well out of range.
Menezes steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kowalkiewicz.
Menezes misses with a straight right.
Kowalkiewicz thinks about the counter body kick.
Kowalkiewicz on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Menezes looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Kowalkiewicz is controlling Menezes's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Menezes sitting and controlling from the half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kowalkiewicz keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Kowalkiewicz is looking for a sweep. Menezes is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Menezes is taking a breather. Kowalkiewicz says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Kowalkiewicz trying to control but Menezes postures up.
Menezes trying to control from half guard but Kowalkiewicz is working away.
Kowalkiewicz trying to hold on to Menezes's head to control him but Menezes postures up.
Kowalkiewicz is controlling Menezes's trapped leg to prevent Menezes from advancing to side control.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Menezes jabs Kowalkiewicz right on the nose. Kowalkiewicz blinks but takes it well.
That's two 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.
Menezes throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Kowalkiewicz keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Menezes ducks under a wild hook from Kowalkiewicz.
Menezes moves out of range as Kowalkiewicz strikes.
Kowalkiewicz might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Menezes tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kowalkiewicz was well out of range. Poor timing from Menezes.
Menezes throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Kowalkiewicz on the side of the head.
Menezes swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Menezes missing with a left hand there. Kowalkiewicz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kowalkiewicz throws a sloppy head kick and Menezes moves out of range easily.
Menezes changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Menezes throws a hook but Kowalkiewicz blocks it.
A little jabbing left from Kowalkiewicz on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Menezes rushes Kowalkiewicz and presses him up against the cage.
Kowalkiewicz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Menezes misses with a punch to the body.
Kowalkiewicz swings wildly with an uppercut but Menezes uses good head movement to avoid it.
Menezes tries to pull guard but Kowalkiewicz holds him up against the cage and eventually Menezes drops back down to his feet.
Kowalkiewicz gets through Menezes's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A nice right hand lands inside from Kowalkiewicz.
Menezes ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Menezes no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Menezes trying to control the position.
Kowalkiewicz looking to pass the guard.
Kowalkiewicz slips nicely into half guard.
Menezes tries to get to full guard but Kowalkiewicz has control of the leg.
Kowalkiewicz trying to control the action but Menezes is working from the bottom.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Menezes punching from the bottom.
Kowalkiewicz trying to control the pace.
Menezes trying to control from the bottom.
Menezes is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Kowalkiewicz pulls his head out easily.
Menezes is looking to control Kowalkiewicz's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Menezes avoid being mounted?
Still in half guard, Kowalkiewicz seems content to control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kowalkiewicz is trying to control the action in half guard but Menezes is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Menezes is looking for a sweep. Kowalkiewicz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Arthur Menezes had his way with Michał Kowalkiewicz in 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. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!
Menezes fails to land the takedown.
Menezes ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Kowalkiewicz swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Menezes.
Menezes jabs at Kowalkiewicz's body.
Menezes ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kowalkiewicz moves away.
Menezes backing away here, and Kowalkiewicz unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Menezes lands a jab.
A looping hook to the body misses from Menezes. Kowalkiewicz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Menezes shoots in for a takedown but Kowalkiewicz shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Kowalkiewicz is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Menezes with a body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Menezes ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Menezes looks to land a left hand but Kowalkiewicz moved out of range nicely.
Menezes shoots and misses
and Kowalkiewicz counters with a straight right hand.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arthur Menezes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Menezes tries to clinch but Kowalkiewicz is having none of it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Menezes cracks Kowalkiewicz with a good jab.
Kowalkiewicz avoids the body shot from Menezes.
Kowalkiewicz wants to clinch.
Menezes misses with a wild combination.
Kowalkiewicz tries a head kick but it misses.
Menezes tries to counter with a takedown but Kowalkiewicz is quick to defend against it.
Menezes tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Kowalkiewicz defends well and Menezes ends up having to push Kowalkiewicz into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Menezes breaks the clinch.
Menezes waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kowalkiewicz.
Menezes throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Kowalkiewicz was covering up waiting for the punch and Menezes finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Kowalkiewicz wants to get back to his feet but Menezes passes into half guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Menezes looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Menezes is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Kowalkiewicz sees it coming and defends easily.
Menezes trying to pass the guard but Kowalkiewicz defending well.
Kowalkiewicz wants to get back to full guard.
Kowalkiewicz is trying to maintain the position but Menezes is very close to passing his half guard.
Kowalkiewicz keeping hold of Menezes's head, controlling as best he can.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kowalkiewicz is staying active underneath Menezes, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Menezes not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Menezes takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Menezes is trying for a kimura here. Kowalkiewicz looks like he's in a lot of pain... and he's tapping out! Menezes wins by kimura!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:46 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Arthur Menezes!
Arthur Menezes retains his middleweight title!
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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
63% |
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