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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Karl Rutten (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hiro Saku (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Saku has chosen Spartan X as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 185 cm
19
190 lbs
4 - 0 - 0 |
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190 cm
24
196 lbs
5 - 1 - 0 |
BJJ White Belt
Great low kicks
Very strong |
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BJJ White Belt
Dangerous knees
Granite chin |
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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
4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Karl Rutten!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Hiro Saku!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Tatsuya Matsuyama.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A looping hook to the body misses from Rutten. Saku does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rutten misses with a head kick.
Saku swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rutten moves out of range of the leg kick from Saku.
A slapping body kick lands there for Saku.
Saku looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Rutten takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Saku goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Rutten scores with a jab to the body.
Saku blocks a head kick by Rutten.
Rutten looks to score with a jab to the body but Saku is just out of range.
Saku blocks a head kick by Rutten.
Saku connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Rutten looks to score with a jab to the body but Saku is just out of range.
Rutten moves out of range of the leg kick from Saku.
Saku throws a head kick that misses
and Rutten counters with a head kick.
Rutten checks a low kick from Saku.
Saku throws a leg kick but Rutten sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Saku scores with a push kick.
Rutten takes a kick to the side of the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rutten scores with a nice right hand.
Rutten looks to throw a body kick
and Saku counters with a nice low kick that buckles Rutten's knee momentarily.
A solid leg kick lands there for Saku.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Saku staying out of range there.
Saku turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Rutten uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Rutten on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Rutten is breathing heavily.
A good leg kick by Saku.
Saku gets a clinch.
Saku putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Rutten in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Saku creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Rutten's defenses.
Nice elbow from Saku.
Saku lands an elbow inside that Rutten shrugs off.
Saku lands a knee to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rutten takes an elbow to the forehead.
Saku putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Rutten in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Saku lands an elbow that stopped Rutten in his tracks for a moment.
Saku lands a knee to the body.
Saku comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Rutten takes a knee to the side of the body.
Saku utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Saku with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Rutten letting Saku take a breather here.
Knees in the clinch landing for Saku.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saku is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Rutten takes an elbow to the forehead.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Saku is controlling him.
Nice elbow from Saku.
Saku utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Saku putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Rutten in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Saku lands an elbow that stopped Rutten in his tracks for a moment.
Saku connects with a knee to the head.
Rutten takes an elbow to the temple.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Saku.
Saku lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Saku with a knee to the head.
Saku lands an elbow that stopped Rutten in his tracks for a moment.
Rutten tries to circle away but Saku has him pinned against the ropes.
Rutten wants to break free but Saku has control.
Rutten is trying to break free.
Saku lands an elbow that stopped Rutten in his tracks for a moment.
Rutten takes a knee to the side of the body.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saku unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Saku misses with a knee to the head.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Saku has him pressed against the ropes.
Saku lands a knee to the body.
Rutten takes an elbow to the temple.
Nice elbow from Saku.
Saku lands an elbow just above Rutten 's eye.
Rutten takes a knee to the side of the body.
Saku lands an elbow inside that Rutten shrugs off.
Rutten tries to circle away but Saku has him pinned against the ropes.
Rutten takes an elbow to the forehead.
Saku gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Saku lands a nice knee to the body.
Rutten is trying to break free.
Saku connects with a knee to the head.
Stalling in the clinch from Saku.
Saku scores a nice knee to the body.
Saku has Rutten pushed against the ropes.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Saku has him pressed against the ropes.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saku lands an elbow that stopped Rutten in his tracks for a moment.
Saku looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Rutten blocks an elbow strike from Saku.
Rutten is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Saku lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Saku lands an elbow that stopped Rutten in his tracks for a moment.
Saku is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Rutten is defending well for now.
Saku pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the ropes.
Saku lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Rutten takes an elbow to the temple.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Saku is controlling him.
Saku tries to land knees in the clinch but Rutten avoids the damage to the body.
Rutten avoids a wild elbow strike from Saku.
A frustrated look appears on Rutten's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Rutten trying to control the position but instead, Saku has worked for underhooks and has pushed Rutten into the ropes.
Saku lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Rutten takes a knee to the side of the body.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Rutten tries to break free but Saku pushes him back against the ropes.
Saku misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Rutten.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Saku using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Saku lands an elbow inside.
Saku lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Saku keeps control of Rutten as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rutten avoids the elbow strike from Saku, against the ropes.
Saku creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Saku working Rutten over with knees to the body.
Rutten letting Saku take a breather here.
Saku tries a knee to the head but Rutten blocks it.
Knees to the body from Saku.
Saku just leaning against Rutten, taking a breather.
Saku pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the ropes.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Saku stalling in the clinch.
Saku misses with an elbow strike.
Rutten managing to block the knees to the body from Saku.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch but Saku keeps him there for the moment.
Knees to the body from Saku.
Saku misses with an elbow over the top.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Saku with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Rutten avoids a wild elbow strike from Saku.
A frustrated look appears on Rutten's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Rutten wants to break the clinch but can't.
Rutten is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Saku tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Rutten avoids it.
Rutten can't break the clinch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Saku as Rutten tries to tie him up.
Saku misses with an elbow over the top.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Rutten dodges an elbow strike from Saku.
Rutten breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Jab from Rutten.
Rutten steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Saku. That one must have hurt.
A solid body kick from Saku.
A lazy body kick from Rutten
and Saku counters with a good, hard body kick but Rutten shrugs it off.
Saku is looking to slow Rutten down with leg kicks.
Saku closes the distance and clinches.
Saku putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Rutten in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Saku lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Rutten will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Saku holding his opponent close, against the ropes.
Saku scores with a knee to the head.
Saku comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Saku lands a nice elbow.
Rutten wants to break free but Saku has control.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Saku obliges.
Rutten managing to block the knees to the body from Saku.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Rutten wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Saku creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Rutten's defenses.
Saku missing with knees to the body.
Saku lands an elbow inside.
Saku landing knees to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saku lands a nice elbow.
Saku crunches a lovely knee into Rutten's ribcage.
Rutten takes a knee to the side of the body.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Knees to the body from Saku.
Saku is struggling to control the position.
Saku lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Saku's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Saku lands an elbow inside.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Saku lands a good knee to the midsection. Rutten won't want to take too many of those.
Saku is struggling to control the position.
Saku lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Saku.
Rutten tries to circle away but Saku has him pinned against the ropes.
Saku leaning his opponent against the ropes.
Saku gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Saku lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Rutten takes an elbow to the temple.
Saku holding his opponent close, against the ropes.
Saku is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Rutten is defending well for now.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch but Saku keeps him there for the moment.
Saku creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Rutten is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Saku is keeping busy.
Saku crunches a lovely knee into Rutten's ribcage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Hiro Saku dominated that round.
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.
Saku looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Rutten tries to bum rush Saku with a series of wild strikes but Saku uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Saku wants to land a leg kick but Rutten is out of range.
Rutten misses with a jab, cross combination.
Saku looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Saku misses with a kick to the body.
Rutten moves out of range of the body kick.
Saku tries to land a body kick
and Rutten counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Saku takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Rutten chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Saku can pounce on him.
Saku keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Rutten throws a lazy right hand but Saku sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Saku misses with a head kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saku pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Saku clinches with his opponent.
Saku scores a nice knee to the body.
Saku lands an elbow inside that Rutten shrugs off.
Rutten on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Saku has Rutten pressed against the ropes, preventing Rutten from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Saku has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Rutten avoiding damage as Saku throws knees to the body.
Rutten blocks an elbow strike from Saku.
Saku is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Rutten can't break the clinch.
Saku lands a damaging elbow.
Saku trying to land knees to the body.
Rutten working hard to break the clinch.
Rutten managing to block the knees to the body from Saku.
Saku lands a damaging elbow.
Saku prevents Rutten from breaking the clinch.
Saku pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the ropes.
Rutten looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Hiro Saku seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Saku throws an elbow but it misses.
Rutten tries to break the clinch but Saku is controlling the position.
Saku lands an elbow that stopped Rutten in his tracks for a moment.
Saku manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Saku prevents Rutten from breaking the clinch.
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.
Saku keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rutten's efforts to push away.
With the fighters up against the ropes, Saku throws an elbow but misses.
Saku throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Saku tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Rutten avoids it.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Rutten blocks the elbow strike.
Saku misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Rutten.
Rutten is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Rutten wants to break the clinch but can't.
Saku prevents Rutten from breaking the clinch.
Saku lands an elbow that stopped Rutten in his tracks for a moment.
Saku lands an elbow just above Rutten 's eye.
Rutten avoiding damage as Saku throws knees to the body.
Saku lands a nice elbow.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Saku lands an elbow just above Rutten 's eye.
Rutten is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saku scores a nice knee to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Saku gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Saku is pushing Rutten up against the ropes, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Saku landing knees to the head.
Saku misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Rutten.
Saku lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Saku creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Rutten's defenses.
Saku gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Saku lands an elbow inside that Rutten shrugs off.
Saku landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Saku has him pressed against the ropes.
Rutten is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Rutten tries to stall but Saku uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Saku pushes off an throws an elbow but Rutten leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the ropes.
Saku taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Saku receives a warning from the referee for stalling.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rutten managing to block the knees to the body from Saku.
Saku lands an elbow inside.
Rutten avoids the elbow strike from Saku, against the ropes.
Saku missing with knees to the body.
Saku misses with an elbow over the top.
Rutten tries to break the clinch but Saku is controlling the position.
Rutten avoids a wild elbow strike from Saku.
Rutten tries to break free but Saku pushes him back against the ropes.
Rutten takes an elbow to the temple.
A bit of stalling here from Saku.
Rutten breaks the clinch.
Karl Rutten seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rutten moves out of range as Saku throws a body kick.
Saku goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Rutten jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Saku ducks under a wild hook from Rutten.
Rutten buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Rutten misses with an uppercut. Saku saw that one coming.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Rutten swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rutten looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Hiro Saku seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Rutten is looking to land body kicks.
Saku lands with a kick to the ribs.
Saku avoids a punch combination nicely.
Rutten jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
A nice leg kick lands there from Saku.
A slapping body kick lands there for Rutten.
Rutten throws a hook but Saku avoids it easily.
Rutten fakes the leg kick and cracks Saku in the body.
Saku throws a quick inside leg kick.
Saku takes one to the chin there.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rutten. Saku does a little dance to reset his feet.
A slapping leg kick lands for Saku.
Saku finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Rutten looks to score with a jab to the body but Saku is just out of range.
Rutten blocks a head kick by Saku.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Rutten fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Saku finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Saku tries to land a leg kick but Rutten saw it coming and moves away.
Saku has closed the distance and engaged Rutten in a clinch.
Rutten managing to block the knees to the body from Saku.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Saku is controlling him.
Rutten trying to control the position but instead, Saku has worked for underhooks and has pushed Rutten into the ropes.
Saku stalling the fight.
Rutten takes an elbow to the forehead.
Saku holding his opponent close, against the ropes.
Rutten is trying to break free.
Saku pushes off an throws an elbow but Rutten leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the ropes.
Saku keeps control of Rutten as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rutten manages to break the clinch.
Rutten misses with a looping right.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Saku feints and then cracks Rutten's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Rutten down.
Saku gets off balance looking for a body kick
enabling Rutten to counter with a crisp jab.
Rutten loads up on a big right hand but Saku slips the punch.
Rutten ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Saku moves away.
Saku ducks under a wild hook from Rutten.
Saku throws a head kick that misses.
Rutten throws a hook to the side of Saku's head but Saku sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Saku has taken the fight to the clinch.
Rutten is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Saku scores a nice knee to the body.
Rutten takes a knee to the side of the body.
Saku pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the ropes.
Saku lands an elbow inside that Rutten shrugs off.
Rutten takes an elbow to the temple.
Rutten dodges an elbow strike from Saku.
Saku landing knees to the head.
Rutten avoids a wild elbow strike from Saku.
Saku lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Saku creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Rutten's defenses.
Saku controlling the action here for a moment.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Rutten looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Saku lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Saku landing knees to the body.
Rutten blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Saku comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Rutten working hard to break the clinch.
Rutten wants to break the clinch but can't.
Rutten managing to block the knees to the body from Saku.
Rutten is trying to force a seperation but Saku has the dominant position.
With the fighters up against the ropes, Saku throws an elbow but misses.
Saku just leaning against Rutten, taking a breather.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Saku is controlling him.
Saku gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Rutten wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Saku has him pressed against the ropes.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Saku lands a damaging elbow.
A knee to the head by Saku.
Saku throws a knee to the head but misses.
Saku's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Rutten wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Saku is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Rutten is defending well for now.
Saku tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Saku dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the ropes.
Rutten can't break the clinch.
Saku pushes off an throws an elbow but Rutten leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the ropes.
Saku keeps control of Rutten as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Saku keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rutten's efforts to push away.
Saku throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Saku is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Hiro Saku showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Rutten dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Saku throws a body kick that misses.
Saku misses with a kick to the body
and Rutten counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Saku throws a lazy body kick
and Saku takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Saku goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
A big right from Rutten misses.
Rutten with a hook.
The fighters circle momentarily. Rutten darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Saku ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Saku misses with a body kick.
A good leg kick by Rutten.
A slow jab from Rutten misses its intended target.
Rutten scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Saku throws a quick inside leg kick.
Rutten swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Saku moves into the clinch.
Saku takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Rutten avoiding damage as Saku throws knees to the body.
Rutten wants to break free but Saku has control.
Saku tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice elbow from Saku.
Saku has Rutten pressed against the ropes.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Saku controlling the action here for a moment.
Rutten avoids a wild elbow strike from Saku.
Rutten wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Rutten trying to stall but Saku improves his position.
Saku putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Rutten in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Rutten blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Rutten takes an elbow to the temple.
Saku lands a damaging elbow.
Saku scores with a knee to the head.
Rutten wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Knees to the body from Saku.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Saku.
Saku lands an elbow inside that Rutten shrugs off.
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.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Saku lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Rutten is trying to maintain a safe position but Saku gets an underhook and turns Rutten into the ropes.
Saku tries to land knees in the clinch but Rutten avoids the damage to the body.
With the fighters up against the ropes, Saku throws an elbow but misses.
Saku throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Saku misses with an elbow over the top.
Saku lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Saku pushes off an throws an elbow but Rutten leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the ropes.
Saku controlling the action here for a moment.
Saku keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rutten's efforts to push away.
Saku throws an elbow that misses.
Rutten is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Saku lands an elbow inside.
Rutten looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Rutten tries to break free but Saku pushes him back against the ropes.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saku lands an elbow just above Rutten 's eye.
Saku tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Rutten avoids it.
Saku pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the ropes.
Rutten tries to break free but Saku pushes him back against the ropes.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch but Saku keeps him there for the moment.
Rutten takes a knee right on the jaw!
Rutten avoids a wild elbow strike from Saku.
Saku unloads a knee to the mid-section. Rutten lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Saku holding his opponent close, against the ropes.
Rutten is pushing Saku up against the ropes, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Saku looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Rutten avoiding damage as Saku throws knees to the body.
Rutten blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Saku landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Rutten is looking to break free of the clinch but Saku has double underhooks.
Saku lands a damaging elbow.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saku pushes off an throws an elbow but Rutten leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the ropes.
Saku misses with an elbow over the top.
Saku lands a good knee to the midsection. Rutten won't want to take too many of those.
Rutten takes a knee right on the jaw!
Saku is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Rutten wants to get back to striking at distance but Saku won't allow it.
Saku pushes off an throws an elbow but Rutten leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the ropes.
Saku with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Saku keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rutten's efforts to push away.
Saku connects with a nasty looking knee right to Rutten's face.
Rutten wants to break the clinch but can't.
Rutten blocks an elbow strike from Saku.
Saku lands an elbow just above Rutten 's eye.
Saku lands a good knee to the midsection. Rutten won't want to take too many of those.
Saku's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Saku throws an elbow that misses.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Saku pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the ropes.
Rutten on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Rutten is looking to control Saku's arms but Saku gets an underhook and turns him. Now Rutten has his back to the ropes.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Rutten tries to break the clinch but Saku is controlling the position.
Rutten avoids a wild elbow strike from Saku.
Rutten takes an elbow to the forehead.
Saku missing with knees to the body.
Rutten takes a knee to the side of the body.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Saku has him pressed against the ropes.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Saku keeps control of Rutten as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rutten dodges an elbow strike from Saku.
Rutten looking to stall.
Rutten tries to break free but Saku pushes him back against the ropes.
Saku landing some nice looking knees to the body.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Saku misses with a knee to the head.
Saku dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the ropes.
Rutten wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Rutten on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Saku lands a nice elbow.
Rutten wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Saku.
Rutten wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Saku has him pressed against the ropes.
Saku keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rutten's efforts to push away.
Saku pushes off an throws an elbow but Rutten leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the ropes.
Saku trying to land knees to the body.
Saku lands a good knee to the midsection. Rutten won't want to take too many of those.
Saku gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Saku lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Saku landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Saku lands an elbow that stopped Rutten in his tracks for a moment.
Saku lands a damaging elbow.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Rutten is trying to break free.
A frustrated look appears on Rutten's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Saku lands a damaging elbow.
Saku gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Saku lands an elbow inside.
Saku connects with a nasty looking knee right to Rutten's face.
Nice elbow from Saku.
Rutten wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Stalling in the clinch from Saku.
Rutten takes a knee right on the jaw!
The referee is keeping an eye on Saku - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Rutten can't break the clinch.
Saku lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Saku lands an elbow that stopped Rutten in his tracks for a moment.
Saku lands a nice elbow.
Rutten tries to circle away but Saku has him pinned against the ropes.
Rutten working hard to break the clinch.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Saku has him pressed against the ropes.
Rutten tries to circle away but Saku has him pinned against the ropes.
Rutten blocks an elbow strike.
Rutten looking to slow down the pace here.
Saku using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Rutten has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Saku connects with a knee to the head.
Saku looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Saku keeps control of Rutten as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Saku misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Rutten.
Saku has Rutten pressed against the ropes, preventing Rutten from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Rutten blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Saku misses with an elbow strike.
Saku missing with knees to the body.
Saku is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Rutten is defending well for now.
Saku tries to land knees in the clinch but Rutten avoids the damage to the body.
Saku gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Saku misses with an elbow over the top.
Saku has Rutten pressed against the ropes, preventing Rutten from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Rutten is looking to break free of the clinch but Saku has double underhooks.
Rutten is looking to control Saku's arms but Saku gets an underhook and turns him. Now Rutten has his back to the ropes.
Saku lands an elbow inside that Rutten shrugs off.
Saku connects with a knee to the head.
Rutten blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Rutten managing to block the knees to the body from Saku.
Saku utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Rutten wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Saku has him pressed against the ropes.
Rutten avoids the elbow strike from Saku, against the ropes.
Rutten wants to break the clinch but can't.
Rutten dodges an elbow strike from Saku.
Saku missing with knees to the body.
A knee to the head by Saku.
Saku is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Rutten is defending well for now.
Rutten blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Saku looking to throw knees to the head but Rutten is blocking nicely.
Rutten tries to break the clinch but Saku is controlling the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Hiro Saku really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Saku misses with a kick to the body.
Rutten ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Saku takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Rutten connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Saku takes a swing at Rutten's ribcage but misses.
Rutten avoids the head kick by Saku.
Saku connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Saku tries to land a front kick but Rutten steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Rutten tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Rutten scores with a shot to the body.
Saku staying out of range there.
Rutten throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Saku stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Rutten throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Rutten lands with a kick to the ribs.
Rutten misses the shot to the body.
Rutten lands a body shot.
Rutten lands a two punch combo.
Saku is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Saku wants to clinch up but Rutten keeps it at a distance.
Rutten misses with a wild body shot.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A slapping leg kick lands for Saku.
Some bone on bone action there as Rutten checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
A thudding body kick lands there by Saku!
Rutten tries to bum rush Saku with a series of wild strikes but Saku uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Rutten tests Saku's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Saku uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rutten.
Rutten ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Saku moves away.
Saku lands with a kick to the temple. Rutten shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Saku ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Saku ducks under a wild hook from Rutten.
A big right from Rutten misses.
Saku takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Rutten throws a leg kick that is checked
and Saku counters with a nice low kick that buckles Rutten's knee momentarily.
Rutten throws a hook but Saku avoids it easily.
Rutten dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Rutten tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Rutten throws a jab when Saku was well out of range.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saku closes the distance and pushes Rutten back into the ropes.
Saku misses with an elbow strike.
Saku taking a breather.
Saku lands a nice elbow.
Rutten looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Saku is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Rutten is keeping busy.
Saku is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Saku keeps control of Rutten as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rutten can't break the clinch.
Saku pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the ropes.
Saku misses with an elbow strike.
Rutten managing to block the knees to the body from Saku.
Saku trying to stall but Rutten improves his position.
Rutten looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Rutten is looking to break free of the clinch but Saku has double underhooks.
Rutten tries to break free but Saku pushes him back against the ropes.
Saku using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rutten takes an elbow to the forehead.
Saku misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Rutten.
Rutten dodges an elbow strike from Saku.
Rutten tries to circle away but Saku has him pinned against the ropes.
Rutten looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Saku leaning his opponent against the ropes.
Rutten wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Saku has him pressed against the ropes.
Rutten is looking to control Saku's arms but Saku gets an underhook and turns him. Now Rutten has his back to the ropes.
Rutten blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Rutten avoids a wild elbow strike from Saku.
Saku throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Rutten blocks it with crossed arms.
Rutten can't break the clinch.
Saku lands a good knee to the midsection. Rutten won't want to take too many of those.
Rutten is looking to control Saku's arms but Saku gets an underhook and turns him. Now Rutten has his back to the ropes.
Saku slows down the pace here.
Saku is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Rutten is defending well for now.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Rutten wants to get back to striking at distance but Saku won't allow it.
Rutten takes an elbow to the forehead.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch but Saku keeps him there for the moment.
Saku lands a nice knee to the body.
The referee calls for Saku to work.
Saku utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Rutten wants to break free but Saku has control.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch but Saku keeps him there for the moment.
Saku keeps control of Rutten as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rutten is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Saku working Rutten over with knees to the body.
Saku lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Saku utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Knees to the body from Saku.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Saku lands a knee to the body.
Saku lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Saku lands a nice knee to the body.
Rutten blocks an elbow strike.
Rutten avoiding damage as Saku throws knees to the body.
Saku creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Rutten's defenses.
Saku misses with an elbow strike.
Saku comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Saku creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Rutten looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Rutten is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Saku lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Saku scores a nice knee to the body.
With the two fighters working up against the ropes, Saku just misses with a elbow thrown towards Rutten's brow.
Saku with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Rutten wants to break free but Saku has control.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Saku.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Saku tries to land knees in the clinch but Rutten avoids the damage to the body.
Saku is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Rutten on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Rutten is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Rutten is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Saku is keeping busy.
Saku landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Saku lands an elbow inside that Rutten shrugs off.
Rutten looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Rutten wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Saku has him pressed against the ropes.
Rutten on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Saku lands a nice knee to the body.
Saku lands an elbow inside that Rutten shrugs off.
Saku lands a nice elbow.
Saku misses with an elbow over the top.
Saku gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Saku lands an elbow inside that Rutten shrugs off.
Saku lands an elbow inside.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Saku tries to land knees in the clinch but Rutten avoids the damage to the body.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Saku has him pressed against the ropes.
Knees to the body from Saku.
Saku has Rutten pressed against the ropes, preventing Rutten from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Saku lands a damaging elbow.
Rutten wants to break the clinch but can't.
Saku keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rutten's efforts to push away.
Saku is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Rutten is defending well for now.
Saku taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Saku has him pressed against the ropes.
Rutten wants to break free but Saku has control.
Saku looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Saku comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Saku looking to throw knees to the head but Rutten is blocking nicely.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch but Saku keeps him there for the moment.
Saku keeps control of Rutten as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rutten tries to break the clinch but Saku is controlling the position.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Rutten is trying to break free.
Rutten managing to block the knees to the body from Saku.
Saku throws an elbow that misses.
Saku misses with an elbow over the top.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Rutten avoids the elbow strike from Saku, against the ropes.
Rutten wants to get back to striking at distance but Saku won't allow it.
Saku lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Rutten takes an elbow to the forehead.
Saku keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rutten's efforts to push away.
Rutten being controlled against the ropes.
Knees in the clinch landing for Saku.
Rutten blocks an elbow strike.
A frustrated look appears on Rutten's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Rutten tries to circle away but Saku has him pinned against the ropes.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters up against the ropes, Saku throws an elbow but misses.
Nice elbow from Saku.
Saku trying to land knees to the body.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Saku as Rutten tries to tie him up.
Saku being controlled against the ropes.
Saku has Rutten pressed against the ropes, preventing Rutten from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Rutten working hard to break the clinch.
Saku creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Rutten's defenses.
Saku is pushing Rutten up against the ropes, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Rutten blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Saku looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Saku lands a good knee to the midsection. Rutten won't want to take too many of those.
Saku misses with a knee strike.
Rutten is trying to break free.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Hiro Saku dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Rutten's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. And we move into the final round!
Rutten moves out of range as Saku throws a body kick.
Rutten throws a solid leg kick but Saku takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Rutten.
Rutten loads up on a big right hand but Saku slips the punch.
Rutten goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Saku thuds a left hand into Rutten's body.
Rutten scores with a jab to the jaw.
A telegraphed right hand from Rutten misses the target.
Rutten lands with a slapping head kick.
Rutten misses with a body shot.
Rutten throws a sloppy head kick and Saku moves out of range easily.
Saku keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Rutten throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Saku throws a leg kick
and Rutten counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rutten throws an overhand right that lands on Saku's shoulder, as Saku tries to avoid the shot.
A nice leg kick lands there from Saku.
Saku avoids the body shot from Rutten.
Saku dodges the punch combination from Rutten.
Rutten misses with a hook to the body
and Saku counters with a low kick, right behind Rutten 's knee.
Saku throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Rutten throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Saku tries to clinch but Rutten moves out of range.
Saku ducks under a wild hook from Rutten.
Rutten paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Saku turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Saku steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Rutten.
Rutten throws the left hand but Saku avoids the punch easily.
Saku looks for the body kick but Rutten saw that one coming.
Saku throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Saku misses with a low kick.
Saku throws a leg kick but Rutten moved away.
Saku avoids the body shot from Rutten.
Saku throws a half hearted mid kick.
Rutten throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Rutten throws a jab but it's blocked by Saku.
A low kick from Saku misses
and Rutten counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Saku throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Rutten moves out of range of the body kick from Saku.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rutten takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
A thudding body kick lands there by Saku!
Saku tries a low kick but Rutten avoids it.
Rutten fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Saku throws a sloppy head kick
and Rutten counters with a good low kick that Saku was not able to check.
Saku takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Saku throws a head kick but Rutten moves out of range.
Saku takes a jab right on the kisser.
Rutten swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Saku scores with a kick to the body.
Saku scores with a push kick.
Saku needs to keep his hands up - Rutten had a free shot at his head there.
Rutten throws a head kick that misses.
Saku clinches up against the ropes.
Saku gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Saku looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch but Saku keeps him there for the moment.
Saku landing knees to the head.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saku lands a nice knee to the body.
Saku unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Saku connects with a nasty looking knee right to Rutten's face.
Rutten wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Saku has him pressed against the ropes.
Saku is struggling to control the position.
A knee to the head by Saku.
Rutten is rocked!
Rutten takes an elbow to the forehead.
Rutten tries to circle away but Saku has him pinned against the ropes.
Saku with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Saku lands a nice elbow.
Oh Rutten is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Saku trying to land knees to the body.
Rutten seems to have got his legs back now.
Saku lands a good knee to the midsection. Rutten won't want to take too many of those.
Saku lands an elbow inside.
Saku lands an elbow inside.
Rutten takes an elbow to the temple.
Rutten blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Rutten avoids a wild elbow strike from Saku.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rutten avoiding damage as Saku throws knees to the body.
Saku has Rutten pressed against the ropes, preventing Rutten from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Rutten takes an elbow to the temple.
Rutten breaks from the clinch.
A slapping body kick lands there for Saku.
Saku misses with a low kick.
Saku throws a nice inside leg kick.
Saku uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rutten.
Rutten throws an overhand right that lands on Saku's shoulder, as Saku tries to avoid the shot.
Saku throws and low kick but Rutten moves out of range easily.
Saku just misses with a punch to the body.
Saku looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Saku misses with a kick to the body
and Rutten cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Saku wants to land a leg kick but Rutten is out of range.
Saku has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Rutten misses with a wild body shot.
Rutten loads up on a big right hand but Saku slips the punch.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Saku - that will leave a mark!
Rutten throws a body kick that misses.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Rutten moves out of range of the body kick from Saku.
Saku drives through and clinches with Rutten against the ropes.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Saku lands an elbow inside that Rutten shrugs off.
Rutten on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Rutten blocks an elbow strike from Saku.
Saku taking a breather.
Saku comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Saku taking a breather.
Rutten escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A telegraphed right hand from Rutten misses the target.
Saku motions for Rutten to come forward. Saku throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Saku scores with a push kick.
Rutten pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Saku clinches with his opponent.
Rutten is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Saku is keeping busy.
Rutten blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Saku gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Saku prevents Rutten from breaking the clinch.
Saku creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Rutten avoids the elbow strike from Saku, against the ropes.
Rutten is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Rutten takes an elbow to the temple.
Saku has Rutten pressed against the ropes, preventing Rutten from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Rutten blocks an elbow strike from Saku.
Saku lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Saku lands a nice knee to the body.
Saku displaying some good clinch control by pressing Rutten up against the ropes.
Rutten takes an elbow to the forehead.
Saku trying to land knees to the body.
Saku pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the ropes.
Saku lands an elbow just above Rutten 's eye.
Saku comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Rutten avoids a wild elbow strike from Saku.
Saku is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Rutten is defending well for now.
Rutten is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Saku throws a knee to the head but misses.
Saku lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Rutten taking a breather.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Saku lands a good knee to the midsection. Rutten won't want to take too many of those.
Rutten avoiding damage as Saku throws knees to the body.
Saku throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Rutten blocks it with crossed arms.
Rutten takes a knee to the side of the body.
Rutten on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Saku lands an elbow that stopped Rutten in his tracks for a moment.
Saku looking to throw knees to the head but Rutten is blocking nicely.
Rutten blocks the elbow strike.
Saku comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Rutten is trying to break the clinch but Saku has him pressed against the ropes.
Saku with an attempt at a knee that misses.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
A knee to the head by Saku.
Rutten wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Rutten being controlled against the ropes.
Rutten looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Saku pushes off an throws an elbow but Rutten leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the ropes.
Rutten blocks the elbow strike.
Rutten on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Saku prevents Rutten from breaking the clinch.
Saku throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Saku lands an elbow inside.
Saku throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Saku gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Saku lands a damaging elbow.
Rutten working hard to break the clinch.
Saku missing with knees to the body.
Rutten stalling in the clinch but Saku improves position.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Rutten has had enough of the clinch but Saku keeps him there for the moment.
Rutten wants to get back to striking at distance but Saku won't allow it.
Rutten working hard to break the clinch.
Rutten looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Karl Rutten has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rutten looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
With the fighters up against the ropes, Saku throws an elbow but misses.
Saku throws an elbow but it misses.
Saku lands a nice elbow.
Saku lands an elbow inside that Rutten shrugs off.
Saku unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Rutten tries to break the clinch but Saku is controlling the position.
Saku keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rutten's efforts to push away.
Saku lands a good knee to the midsection. Rutten won't want to take too many of those.
Saku lands an elbow that stopped Rutten in his tracks for a moment.
Saku prevents Rutten from breaking the clinch.
Saku keeps control of Rutten as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Rutten swings away with an uppercut that misses.
And that's the end of the fight!
Hiro Saku comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Saku has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Sosuke Kotani scores the fight for Hiro Saku!
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight for Hiro Saku!
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight for Hiro Saku!
Hiro Saku wins by unanimous decision!
Hiro Saku is the new middleweight champion!
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pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
100% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
