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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Blaze Cunningham (ranked 3803 p4p, 3882 weight class) and Dillon Russo (ranked 336 p4p, 341 weight class). Blaze Cunningham could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Dillon Russo's chin.
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| 183 cm
26
167
2 - 2 - 0 |
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178 cm
25
162
1 - 0 - 0 |
BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Good chin |
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Good wrestler
Basic striking
Determined |
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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 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Blaze Cunningham!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Dillon Russo!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Columbo Gatti and Lou da Vinci.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cunningham slaps away a takedown attempt from Russo, before circling back to the center of the mat.
We've been hearing reports that Cunningham has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Blaze Cunningham seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cunningham lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Russo tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Cunningham defends well and Russo ends up having to push Cunningham into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Cunningham misses with a body kick.
Russo tries to counter with a clinch but Cunningham shakes him off and moves away.
Cunningham pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Cunningham throws a series of punches but Russo avoids them all with ease.
Russo dives in for a single leg takedown but Cunningham sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Blaze Cunningham has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dillon Russo.
Cunningham lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
It looks like Dillon Russo has been cut.
Russo closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cunningham slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Russo trying to control but Cunningham is working from the bottom.
Cunningham on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Cunningham tries to get out of the position.
Russo scoring with punches to the head and body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Cunningham being controlled here, momentarily.
Cunningham managing to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cunningham looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Russo sitting in guard here, content to control.
Cunningham keeping moving, preventing Russo from controlling successfully.
Cunningham pushes Russo off and gets back to his feet.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Cunningham.
Cunningham throws a right hand that Russo ducks under and follows up with a left that Russo also avoids with ease.
Cunningham throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Russo doesn't manage to clinch there - Cunningham circles away.
Russo pushes Cunningham up against the cage in a clinch.
Cunningham pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Russo closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Cunningham is trying to break the clinch but Russo has him pressed against the cage.
Cunningham tries to circle away but Russo has him pinned against the cage.
Cunningham breaks from the clinch.
Cunningham tries a head kick but it misses.
Russo blocks a head kick by Cunningham.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cunningham plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Russo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cunningham moves away.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Russo has Cunningham up against the cage in a clinch.
Russo stalling against the cage.
Cunningham is trying to break the clinch but Russo has him pressed against the cage.
Cunningham wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Russo tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Cunningham's elbow.
Cunningham breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A jab from Russo misses.
Russo shoots in and drives through. Cunningham sprawls well.
Cunningham is looking for a counter combo.
Cunningham moves forwards but Russo connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Russo takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Russo is looking to clinch but Cunningham is avoiding it.
Cunningham steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Russo.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Russo is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Cunningham's half guard.
Russo really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Cunningham. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Cunningham is not content to let Russo control the position.
Russo working over Cunningham with some ground and pound. Cunningham looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Cunningham wants to get back to full guard.
Russo lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Still in half guard, Russo seems content to control.
Russo scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Russo is keen to just control but Cunningham is a slippery customer.
Cunningham tries to roll over but Russo keeps him under control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Blaze Cunningham dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Dillon Russo's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!
Russo closes this distance looking for a takedown but Cunningham circles away.
Russo throws a right hand that Cunningham ducks under and follows up with a left that Cunningham also avoids with ease.
Russo looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Blaze Cunningham is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Russo throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Cunningham.
Blaze Cunningham is winning the standup battle so far.
Russo wants to clinch.
Cunningham misses with a two punch combination.
Cunningham throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Russo throws a right and a left that Cunningham avoids nicely.
Cunningham seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Russo shoots in but no luck this time.
Blaze Cunningham has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dillon Russo.
Russo throws a right hand that Cunningham ducks under and follows up with a left that Cunningham also avoids with ease.
Russo swings and misses with a hook to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Cunningham throws a head kick that Russo semi-blocks.
Horrible takedown attempt by Russo or perhaps it was just good defense by Cunningham, which made it look bad.
Russo throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Russo with a poor takedown
and Cunningham counters with a two punch combo.
Cunningham pushes Russo away with a front kick.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Russo.
As Russo looks to move away, Cunningham throws a big counter combo but Russo just gets out of the way.
Cunningham throws a head kick but Russo moves out of range.
Russo unleashes a big counter combination but Cunningham bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Cunningham throws a nice inside leg kick.
Cunningham stuffs the takedown attempt from Russo. Russo gets slowly back to his feet.
Cunningham appears to be looking for a big counter.
Russo just misses with a punch to the body.
Nice jab there from Russo.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russo scores with a crisp jab that stopped Cunningham in his tracks.
Cunningham is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Russo can do to turn this around?
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cunningham turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Russo gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Cunningham counters with a one-two to the body.
Russo is rocked!
Some wild striking there from Cunningham.
Cunningham misses with a wild combination.
Cunningham circles away from the clinch attempt.
Russo avoids a punch combination nicely.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Russo is defended easily by Cunningham.
Cunningham is looking for a counter combo.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cunningham with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Nice defenses there by Cunningham.
Cunningham scores with a kick to the midsection.
Cunningham bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
A nice combination there by Cunningham.
Russo is still on wobbly legs! Can Cunningham finish him?
Cunningham throws a sloppy head kick and Russo moves out of range easily.
Russo seems to have recovered his senses.
Cunningham tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cunningham throws a left and a right that both miss
and Russo counters with a single leg into guard. Cunningham didn't expect that.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Russo sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Russo trying to control but Cunningham is working from the bottom.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Russo working his ground and pound in the gym. So far it seems to be working well.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cunningham pulls Russo in close to prevent any damage.
Russo wants to pass the guard but Cunningham is keeping the position.
Russo looking to sit in guard and control but Cunningham gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Cunningham stands up from Russo's guard - Cunningham perhaps looking for a knockout.
Russo looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Cunningham is fending him off so far but Russo persists. Nope, Cunningham circles away and we're back to standing.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Blaze Cunningham dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Dillon Russo's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!
Cunningham lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Russo avoids a punch combination nicely.
Russo moves out of range as Cunningham throws a body kick.
Cunningham swinging wildly here.
Russo is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Cunningham with a body shot.
Russo tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Cunningham swivels and escapes.
Cunningham lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Russo circles away quickly and effectively.
Russo tries to score a power double leg takedown but Cunningham sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Russo somewhat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Russo showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Cunningham.
Cunningham gets tackled into the cage by Russo. Russo maintains the clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Russo is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Cunningham pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Blaze Cunningham has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dillon Russo.
Russo breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Russo shoots in for a takedown but Cunningham shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Cunningham throws a nice looking combination but Russo bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Russo let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Cunningham throws a sloppy head kick and Russo moves out of range easily.
Cunningham misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
And Russo tries to counter it with a takedown but Cunningham pushes his down on his head and steps out.
A swing and a miss from Russo.
Russo scores with a jab.
Russo tries to clinch up but Cunningham circles away and keeps his distance.
Cunningham throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Russo looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Cunningham is fending him off so far but Russo persists. Nope, Cunningham circles away and we're back to standing.
Russo dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russo closes the distance and pushes Cunningham back into the cage.
Russo breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Cunningham throws a head kick but Russo moves out of range.
Cunningham avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
As Russo looks to move away, Cunningham throws a big counter combo but Russo just gets out of the way.
Cunningham tries to bum rush Russo with a series of wild strikes but Russo uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cunningham delivers a nice body kick.
Cunningham throws a sloppy head kick
and Russo counters with a left and a right that stings Cunningham.
Russo throws a lazy right hand but Cunningham sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A big left from Russo misses.
Russo shoots in looking for a takedown but Cunningham manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Russo's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Russo doesn't manage to clinch there - Cunningham circles away.
Good leg kick by Cunningham.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cunningham dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Russo. That did some damage!
Russo throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Cunningham was covering up waiting for the punch and Russo finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Cunningham pushes Russo off and gets back to his feet.
A punch lands to the side of Cunningham 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Cunningham throws a series of punches but Russo moves out of range.
Cunningham sets himself, and Russo steps forward looking for the clinch! Cunningham avoids it this time.
Cunningham lands a leg kick that knocks Russo off balance momentarily.
Russo fails with the takedown.
Cunningham seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Russo fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cunningham swinging wildly here.
Russo throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Cunningham tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Russo is in Cunningham's guard.
Russo trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Cunningham manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Cunningham wanted to stand there but Russo had control of the position.
Cunningham is fighting to break Russo's control of his arms but Russo is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Dillon Russo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Blaze Cunningham is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Cunningham gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
And that's the end of the fight!
Blaze Cunningham showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Cunningham, 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 Jonathan Paton scores the fight 30:27
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 30:27
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Blaze Cunningham!
An out of breath Blaze Cunningham thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
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
54% |
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