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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Katashi Takehiko (ranked 1495 p4p, 636 weight class) and Borislav Marusic (ranked 115 p4p, 54 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.
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| 170 cm
22
145
4 - 0 - 1 |
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169 cm
22
145
4 - 0 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class MT
Cardio machine |
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Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Katashi Takehiko!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Borislav Marusic!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Shirou Masuda and Yuuki Gou.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Takehiko lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Marusic has a takedown stuffed.
Takehiko scores with a sloppy right hand. Marusic should have avoided that one.
Marusic misses with a hook.
Takehiko slaps away a takedown attempt from Marusic, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Takehiko circles away from the clinch attempt
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Takehiko throws out a powerful jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Takehiko swats away the attempt to clinch by Marusic.
Marusic's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Takehiko connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Marusic scrambles back to his feet.
Takehiko connects with a nice looking jab.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Marusic slips a straight right by Takehiko.
Marusic defending well as Takehiko loads up on a big left hand.
Takehiko looks to land a left hand but Marusic moved out of range nicely.
Marusic scores with a jab to the jaw.
Marusic takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Marusic moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Marusic slips under a jab from Takehiko.
Takehiko takes a swing at Marusic's ribcage but misses.
Marusic tests Takehiko's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Marusic walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Takehiko takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Marusic shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Takehiko pinned against the cage. Takehiko gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Katashi Takehiko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Borislav Marusic.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takehiko throws a hook to the side of Marusic's head but Marusic sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Marusic swinging wildly here.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Marusic shoots for a double leg takedown but Takehiko sprawls well. He's pushed Marusic's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Takehiko is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Takehiko scores with a sloppy right hand. Marusic should have avoided that one.
Marusic misses with a telegraphed body shot
letting Takehiko counter with a right hand.
It looks like Takehiko has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
Marusic throws out a loose jab but Takehiko uses good head movement to avoid it.
Takehiko throws a shot from downtown. Marusic moves away and avoids it.
Marusic looks to score with a jab to the body but Takehiko is just out of range.
Takehiko uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Marusic.
Takehiko was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Takehiko tests Marusic's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Takehiko throws a leg kick which misses Marusic's front leg but catches the back leg as Marusic tries to avoid it.
Takehiko fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Marusic is out of range.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A jab lands there for Takehiko.
Marusic swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Takehiko.
Takehiko lands a nice looking body shot.
Marusic throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Marusic is trying hard to land a takedown here. Takehiko sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Marusic shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Takehiko as he jumps to the side.
Marusic misses with a takedown
and Takehiko counters with a stiff right hand.
Borislav Marusic seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Marusic swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Takehiko scores with a hook.
Marusic looks to score with a jab to the body but Takehiko is just out of range.
A quick step to the side and Takehiko tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
No luck for Marusic with that takedown attempt.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takehiko misses with a hook
and Marusic counters with a nice uppercut.
Marusic tries to clinch but Takehiko moves out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Takehiko misses the target.
Marusic slips a jab from Takehiko.
Takehiko scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Takehiko throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Marusic tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Takehiko connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Marusic momentarily.
Takehiko uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Marusic.
Takehiko throws a big shot that misses.
Marusic swings for the body but Takehiko moves out of range.
Marusic works Takehiko's body with a nice hook.
Marusic avoids the body shot from Takehiko.
Takehiko misses with a right hand
and Marusic counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Marusic trying to control but Takehiko is working from the bottom.
Marusic passes Takehiko's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Katashi Takehiko dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Takehiko cracks Marusic with a right hand to the side of the head.
Takehiko fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Marusic manages to avoid it.
Marusic changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Marusic clinches up with Takehiko and pushes him back against the cage.
Takehiko escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Marusic walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Takehiko throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Marusic on the side of the head.
Marusic takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Takehiko catches Marusic with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Takehiko swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Takehiko throws a push kick but Marusic slaps the foot to one side.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A swing and a miss from Takehiko.
Good shot there by Takehiko.
Marusic looks for a takedown but Takehiko sprawls well.
Takehiko bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Marusic scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Marusic ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Takehiko takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Marusic shoots in but Takehiko avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Takehiko is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Marusic can do to turn this around?
Takehiko takes a swing at Marusic's ribcage but misses.
Marusic throws a hook to the side of Takehiko's head but Takehiko sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Katashi Takehiko is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Takehiko jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Takehiko tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Marusic was well out of range. Poor timing from Takehiko.
Takehiko digs a good body shot into Marusic's ribs.
Marusic thuds his right hand into Takehiko's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Marusic throws a lazy uppercut
and Takehiko counters with an outside leg kick.
Takehiko keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Marusic with a jab.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Marusic misses with a lunging right hand
and Takehiko cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Marusic darts in looking for a takedown but Takehiko gets double underhooks and turns Marusic into the cage.
Katashi Takehiko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Borislav Marusic.
Takehiko walks into a left hand.
Marusic takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Marusic fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Takehiko looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Takehiko misses with an uppercut.
A telegraphed right hand from Takehiko misses the target.
Marusic shoots and misses
and Marusic takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Marusic fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Takehiko avoids it really well and circles away.
Takehiko lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takehiko connects with a solid leg kick.
Takehiko misses with a straight right.
Marusic connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Marusic rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
letting Takehiko counter with a right hand.
Takehiko tests Marusic's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Marusic rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Takehiko cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Marusic looks to land a right hand but Takehiko moved out of range.
Takehiko throws a chopping leg kick but Marusic manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
A swing and a miss from Takehiko.
Marusic is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Takehiko with a body shot.
Katashi Takehiko is winning the standup battle so far.
Takehiko throws a hook but Marusic avoids it easily.
Takehiko takes a swing at Marusic's ribcage but misses.
Takehiko turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Marusic scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Takehiko doesn't seem bothered though.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Marusic throws a lazy uppercut
and Takehiko counters with a stiff right hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Marusic throws a right hand that Takehiko ducks under and follows up with a left that Takehiko also avoids with ease.
Takehiko throwing a counter right hand but Marusic manages to avoid it.
Takehiko keeps the fight on the outside.
Takehiko connects with a right hand. Marusic shakes it off.
Takehiko moves out of range as Marusic strikes.
A telegraphed right hand from Takehiko misses the target.
Takehiko swings for the body but Marusic moves out of range.
Marusic tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Good leg kick by Takehiko.
Takehiko thuds a left hand into Marusic's body.
Marusic checks a leg kick.
Takehiko misses the jab.
Marusic throws a lazy right hand but Takehiko sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Takehiko buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Takehiko bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Katashi Takehiko dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!
Takehiko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Marusic moves away.
Marusic wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Marusic scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Takehiko throws a hook but Marusic avoids it easily.
A countering left hand to the body from Marusic misses.
Marusic throws a poor cross that misses
and Takehiko counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Marusic throws a big shot that misses.
Marusic misses with an uppercut. Takehiko saw that one coming.
Takehiko ducks under a wild hook from Marusic.
Takehiko throws a nice outside leg kick.
Takehiko lands a leg kick that knocks Marusic off balance momentarily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Marusic throws a body shot but no joy.
Takehiko fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Marusic manages to avoid it.
Marusic on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
A telegraphed right hand from Takehiko misses the target.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Takehiko takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Marusic staying out of range there.
Takehiko looks to land a body kick but Marusic moved away.
Marusic has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Marusic thows a left - swing and a miss!
Takehiko was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Takehiko moves out of range of the strikes.
Takehiko throws a jab but it's blocked by Marusic.
Takehiko scores with a leg kick.
Takehiko throws a body shot but no joy.
Marusic lands a nice shot to the body.
Marusic tries to clinch but Takehiko is having none of it.
Takehiko is looking to counter punch.
Takehiko digs a good body shot into Marusic's ribs.
Marusic clinches up against the cage.
Marusic lands a left hand.
Marusic lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takehiko wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Marusic has him pressed against the cage.
Takehiko is trying to break the clinch but Marusic has him pressed against the cage.
Marusic lands a right hand.
Takehiko is looking to break free of the clinch but Marusic has double underhooks.
Marusic can't find room to land a body shot as Takehiko controls the action.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Takehiko manages to break the clinch.
Marusic displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Takehiko throws out the jab.
Takehiko just misses with a punch to the body.
Takehiko misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Marusic.
Takehiko punishes Marusic's body with a nice straight punch.
Marusic shoots in but no luck this time.
Marusic tries to clinch there but Takehiko circles away.
Marusic cracks a nice hook into Takehiko's ribs.
Marusic shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Takehiko as he avoids it easily.
Takehiko turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Takehiko.
Takehiko looks to land a left hand but Marusic moved out of range nicely.
Marusic misses with an uppercut. Takehiko saw that one coming.
Marusic's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Nice straight punches there by Takehiko. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Takehiko.
A swing and a miss from Marusic.
Takehiko looks to throw the jab but Marusic is out of range.
Marusic throws a body shot but no joy.
Takehiko cracks Marusic with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Marusic fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Takehiko manages to avoid it.
Takehiko scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Takehiko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Marusic moves away.
Marusic takes a swing at Takehiko's ribcage but misses.
Takehiko lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Marusic takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Marusic slips under a jab.
Nice defenses there by Takehiko.
Marusic swings for the body but Takehiko moves out of range.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Marusic takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Takehiko jabs Marusic to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Takehiko throws a big shot that misses.
A slow jab from Marusic misses its intended target.
It looked like Takehiko wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Marusic throws a body shot but no joy.
It looked like Takehiko wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Marusic lands a nice shot that snaps Takehiko's head back.
The fighters circling - Marusic throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Takehiko jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Marusic tries to clinch up but Takehiko circles away and keeps his distance.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Katashi Takehiko clearly takes 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.
Takehiko scores with a crisp jab that stopped Marusic in his tracks.
A big left from Takehiko misses.
Marusic rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Takehiko makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
A shot to the liver by Marusic. Beautiful body shot.
Marusic misses with a right hand
and Takehiko counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Marusic has Takehiko up against the cage in a clinch.
Marusic throws a punch but it's blocked by Takehiko.
Marusic fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A short left from Marusic.
Marusic lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Takehiko's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Takehiko cracks Marusic with an open hand slap.
Marusic tries to clinch up but Takehiko circles away and keeps his distance.
Takehiko misses with an uppercut. Marusic saw that one coming.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Marusic blocks a jab.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Marusic misses with a wild body shot.
Marusic throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Marusic misses with a hook. Takehiko ducked under it nicely.
Takehiko misses with a left hand
and Marusic counters with a takedown into side control.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Marusic working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Takehiko tries to improve position but can't.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Marusic taking a breather here.
Takehiko regains half guard, as Marusic was trying to land strikes.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Marusic is keen to just control but Takehiko is a slippery customer.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Marusic wants to free his trapped foot but Takehiko is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Marusic wants to take a breather but Takehiko is having none of it.
Marusic missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Marusic not doing much here.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Marusic drops an elbow to the side of Takehiko's head.
Takehiko keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Marusic is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Takehiko reverses the position - he's now on top in Marusic's guard.
Takehiko preventing the sweep.
Marusic has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Takehiko tries to stand but Marusic is controlling from the bottom.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Marusic wants to sweep but no luck.
Marusic is trying to control the position but Takehiko postures up.
Takehiko wanted to stand there but Marusic had control of the position.
Marusic is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Takehiko lands a nice hook to Marusic's body. Marusic takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Borislav Marusic dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Takehiko's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!
Good standup being displayed there by Marusic as he connects with a hook.
Borislav Marusic has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A shot to the body from Marusic misses
and Takehiko counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Takehiko connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
A telegraphed right hand from Marusic misses the target.
Marusic connects with a nice looking jab.
Marusic looks to score with a jab to the body but Takehiko is just out of range.
Takehiko throwing a counter right hand but Marusic manages to avoid it.
Takehiko misses the shot to the body.
A nice side step and Marusic releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Takehiko circles away from the clinch attempt.
Takehiko throws a looping overhand right but Marusic ducks down to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Takehiko connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Takehiko on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Marusic clinches with his opponent.
Takehiko wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Marusic has him pressed against the cage.
Marusic swings wildly with an uppercut but Takehiko uses good head movement to avoid it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A right hand to the body from Marusic.
Marusic lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Takehiko's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Takehiko looks to throw the jab but Marusic is out of range.
Takehiko misses with an uppercut.
Marusic looks to land a right hand but Takehiko moved out of range.
Jab by Marusic.
Marusic displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Takehiko throws out the jab.
Marusic throws a series of punches but Takehiko moves out of range.
A little feinted left hand from Takehiko on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Takehiko takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Takehiko thows a left - swing and a miss!
Marusic misses with a body shot
and Takehiko counters with a stiff right hand.
Marusic uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Takehiko.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Marusic dips to his left and cracks Takehiko with an uppercut!
Takehiko is rocked!
Takehiko lands with an overhand left.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A jab from Takehiko does it's job there.
A big right from Marusic misses.
A little feinted left hand from Takehiko on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
A big right from Marusic misses.
A swing and a miss from Takehiko.
A jab from Takehiko finds it's way through Marusic's defenses.
Marusic goes for a double leg but Takehiko avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Takehiko continues to drive forward.
Takehiko blocks a jab.
Takehiko was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
The fighters circling - Marusic throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Takehiko scores with a jab.
A telegraphed right hand from Marusic misses the target.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Marusic misses with a body shot.
Takehiko swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Marusic misses the jab.
Marusic misses with a body shot
and Takehiko counters with a nice body shot.
Takehiko lands with a thumping leg kick.
Takehiko jabs Marusic right on the nose. Marusic blinks but takes it well.
A big left from Takehiko misses.
Takehiko connects with a jab.
Takehiko takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Takehiko misses the body punch
and Marusic counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Jab by Takehiko.
Takehiko slips a jab from Marusic.
Marusic takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Marusic moves to clinch but Takehiko breaks away
and Takehiko connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Marusic is defended easily by Takehiko.
A good leg kick by Takehiko.
Takehiko lands with a thumping leg kick.
Marusic scores with a shot to the body.
Takehiko connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Marusic momentarily.
Marusic keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Takehiko.
Katashi Takehiko is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Marusic connects with a single shot there.
And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Katashi Takehiko.
I think Takehiko 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 49:46
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 49:46
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 49:46
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Katashi Takehiko!
Katashi Takehiko is the new bantamweight champion!
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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
62% |
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