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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Muxtar Narimanbekov (ranked 2085 p4p, 1492 weight class) and Benjamin Foster (ranked 236 p4p, 174 weight class). Narimanbekov kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Heiwa Sanka. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!
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| 197 cm
23
225
6 - 7 - 0 |
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195 cm
23
270
2 - 2 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
Basic striking
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Muxtar Narimanbekov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Benjamin Foster!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Shigeki Sano and Ren Mimura.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Foster has his takedown stuffed
and Foster takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
It looks like Benjamin Foster has been cut.
Narimanbekov works over Foster's head and body with a nice combination.
Narimanbekov throws a nice looking combination but Foster bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A head kick from Narimanbekov lands but Foster takes it in his stride.
Narimanbekov throws a good cross that connects.
Narimanbekov misses with a straight left.
Narimanbekov connects with a body shot that sends Foster's belly button to the back.
A solid body kick from Narimanbekov.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A combination from Narimanbekov does no damage.
Benjamin Foster seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Foster avoids the head kick by Narimanbekov.
It seemed like Foster was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Foster misses with a wild body shot.
An inside leg kick lands from Narimanbekov.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Foster misses with a left hand
and Narimanbekov counters with a nice uppercut.
Foster throws a body punch but Narimanbekov moves out of range.
Narimanbekov was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Foster has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Foster misses with an uppercut
and Narimanbekov counters with a nice uppercut.
That has opened up Benjamin Foster's cut even more.
Narimanbekov misses with a combination
and Foster counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Well, if Foster is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight� I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza� Yum. Can't wait.
Narimanbekov is staying active underneath Foster, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Foster is just content to waste time from the top position. Narimanbekov takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Foster landing some decent shots from guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Foster looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Narimanbekov trying to control the position here.
Foster is looking to work some ground and pound but Narimanbekov has wrist control.
Narimanbekov has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Foster loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Narimanbekov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Foster.
Foster content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Foster wants to control from the top but Narimanbekov keeps moving.
Narimanbekov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Foster.
Foster wants to pass the guard but Narimanbekov is keeping the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Foster is still trying to improve position.
Foster working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Foster throws a hook but Narimanbekov blocks it.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Jab from Foster.
Foster just misses with a punch to the body.
Muxtar Narimanbekov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Foster tries for a takedown but Narimanbekov circles away easily
and Narimanbekov counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Narimanbekov misses with a looping right.
Foster has Narimanbekov up against the cage in a clinch.
Foster blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Foster lands a body punch in the clinch.
Narimanbekov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Foster lands an uppercut.
Narimanbekov throws a head punch that misses.
Narimanbekov tries a body shot but Foster blocks it.
Foster misses with a body punch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Muxtar Narimanbekov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Benjamin Foster's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.
Narimanbekov throws a head kick that misses.
Narimanbekov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Foster takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Narimanbekov connects with a right hand. Foster shakes it off.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Narimanbekov here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Nice jab there from Narimanbekov.
A jab from Foster finds it's way through Narimanbekov's defenses.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Foster.
It looked like Narimanbekov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Foster swings widly with a right hand
and Narimanbekov counters with a nice low kick that buckles Foster's knee momentarily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Narimanbekov throws a head kick but Foster moves out of range.
Foster tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Narimanbekov was well out of range. Poor timing from Foster.
Narimanbekov's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Foster connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Narimanbekov scrambles back to his feet.
Narimanbekov connects with a nice looking jab.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Narimanbekov stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Narimanbekov wants it to stay on the feet.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Foster misses the body punch
and Narimanbekov counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Narimanbekov tries to bum rush Foster with a series of wild strikes but Foster uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Narimanbekov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Foster.
Muxtar Narimanbekov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Benjamin Foster.
Foster throws a hook to the side of Narimanbekov's head but Narimanbekov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A jab from Narimanbekov misses.
Muxtar Narimanbekov is winning the standup battle so far.
Narimanbekov lands a leg kick that knocks Foster off balance momentarily.
Narimanbekov misses with a wild body shot.
Narimanbekov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Foster.
Foster just misses with a punch to the body.
Foster looks to score with a jab to the body but Narimanbekov is just out of range.
Narimanbekov throws a big counter combination but Foster scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Narimanbekov looks to score with a jab to the body but Foster is just out of range.
Foster avoids the body shot from Narimanbekov.
Narimanbekov throws a nice outside leg kick.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Foster misses with the head strike.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Foster.
Narimanbekov lands a hook that snaps the head of Foster backwards.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Narimanbekov blocks an uppercut.
Foster blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Foster blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Narimanbekov lands an uppercut.
Foster blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Foster blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Narimanbekov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A hook to the body from Foster.
Narimanbekov throws a head punch that misses.
Foster scores with a hook to the body.
Foster lands a shoulder strike.
Narimanbekov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A hook to the body from Foster.
Foster is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Narimanbekov can't fight it off and eventually Foster manages to take the fight to the floor. Narimanbekov looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Foster looking to sit in guard and control but Narimanbekov gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Foster can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Narimanbekov controls the pace.
Foster working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Narimanbekov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Narimanbekov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Narimanbekov won't allow Foster to sweep him here.
Narimanbekov controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Foster lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Foster scoring with some ground and pound.
Foster is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Muxtar Narimanbekov dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Benjamin Foster's cut.
That's time! Narimanbekov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!
Foster scores with a nice right hand.
Narimanbekov stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Narimanbekov wants it to stay on the feet.
A low kick from Narimanbekov misses
and Foster counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Foster wants to free his trapped foot but Narimanbekov is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Foster is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Foster moves nicely into side control.
Foster tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Foster goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Narimanbekov rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Foster's guard! Nice work there by Narimanbekov!
Narimanbekov has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Foster has control of Narimanbekov's left arm, preventing Narimanbekov from doing any damage.
Foster 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.
Narimanbekov trying to control the position from guard on top but Foster is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Narimanbekov won't allow Foster to sweep him here.
Narimanbekov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Foster is keeping the position for now.
Foster wants to sweep but no luck.
Benjamin Foster has got the better of the ground game so far.
Foster trying to keep a closed guard but Narimanbekov is proving a slippery customer.
Foster can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Narimanbekov controls the pace.
Foster looking to hit a scissor sweep but Narimanbekov is one step ahead there.
Foster seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Narimanbekov is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Narimanbekov moves out of range of the strikes.
Narimanbekov throwing a counter right hand but Foster manages to avoid it.
Narimanbekov throws a quick inside leg kick.
Excellent takedown into side control there by Foster.
Foster trying to control the position but Narimanbekov is working away.
Foster is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Narimanbekov knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Foster wants to lay and pray for a moment but Narimanbekov keeps working.
Foster tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Muxtar Narimanbekov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Foster postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Benjamin Foster has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Foster cracks Narimanbekov with an elbow. That is naaassty.
And that's the end of the fight!
Benjamin Foster comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Narimanbekov 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 Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 29:28
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 29:28
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 29:28
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Muxtar Narimanbekov!
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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
41% |
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