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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Graham Wellington (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and King Dela Cruz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Wellington comes to the cage accompanied by Suffragrette City. I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!
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190 cm
26
218 lbs
26 - 6 - 0 |
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194 cm
24
215 lbs
15 - 7 - 0 |
Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Very quick |
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Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world! Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner. With a record of
26 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Graham Wellington! And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner. With a record of
15 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, King Dela Cruz! The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Shirou Masuda and Hirohito Nitta.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway! Dela Cruz shoots in and gets a takedown into Wellington's guard. Dela Cruz forces his way into half guard. Dela Cruz takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position. Wellington moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard. Dela Cruz throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Wellington works some decent striking defense from the bottom. Wellington 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. Dela Cruz postures up and lands a big shot to Wellington's brow. Dela Cruz working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Wellington's head. Dela Cruz works a leg free and moves into half guard. Wellington wants to get back to full guard. Wellington has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Dela Cruz is working away from the top position though. Wellington wants to get back to full guard.
That's one minute gone in the round. Dela Cruz throwing shots but Wellington is blocking nicely. Dela Cruz with a momentary lay and pray from half guard. Dela Cruz wants to take a breather but Wellington is having none of it. Dela Cruz lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt. Wellington on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Wellington tries to get out of the position. Wellington blocking the ground and pound attempt from Dela Cruz. Dela Cruz trying to control the action but Wellington is working from the bottom. Wellington is looking for a sweep. Dela Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
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. Dela Cruz is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position. Dela Cruz seems to be looking for submissions.
Wellington is trying to control but can't.
Dela Cruz scoring with strikes to the body and head. Dela Cruz is looking to take a break and control but Wellington is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. Wellington trying to control here.
Dela Cruz passes the guard and advances to mount! Dela Cruz looking to control but Wellington is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz goes for an armbar but Wellington turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Wellington. Wellington wanted to stand there but Dela Cruz had control of the position. The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work. Dela Cruz seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now. Wellington tries to stand but Dela Cruz is controlling from the bottom.
That's four minutes gone in the round. The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena. Dela Cruz wants to sweep here but Wellington controlling him for the moment.
That's five minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz has a closed guard, preventing Wellington from standing up.
Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up. Wellington just misses with a punch to the body.
Dela Cruz shoots in but Wellington avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's six minutes gone in the round. The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight. Dela Cruz shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Wellington defends it nicely. Wellington swings for the body but Dela Cruz moves out of range.
That's seven minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz feints and as Wellington raises his hands in defense, Dela Cruz changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard. Dela Cruz controls the pace of the fight for a moment. Dela Cruz wants to control from the top but Wellington keeps moving. Wellington looking to sweep here. No luck so far. Wellington keeping moving, preventing Dela Cruz from controlling successfully. Dela Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Wellington swivels though and keeps the full guard. Dela Cruz content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots. Wellington working a defensive guard here.
That's eight minutes gone in the round. Wellington looking to hit a scissor sweep but Dela Cruz is one step ahead there. Dela Cruz postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect. Dela Cruz has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan. Dela Cruz working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage. Wellington is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent. Wellington working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Dela Cruz. Wellington lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Dela Cruz! Dela Cruz is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
That's nine minutes gone in the round. Wellington content just to control the position here. Wellington can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Dela Cruz is looking to escape. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
King Dela Cruz dominated that round. Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
Dela Cruz misses with a hook
and Wellington counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw. Dela Cruz keeps the fight on the outside. Dela Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Wellington.
Dela Cruz has a takedown stuffed. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Wellington ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Dela Cruz moves away. Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
That's one minute gone in the round. Dela Cruz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Decent striking displayed by Dela Cruz there. Dela Cruz digs a good hook to Wellington's body.
Dela Cruz with a lazy takedown attempt and Wellington connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz looks to land a left hand but Wellington moved out of range nicely. Wellington jabs Dela Cruz right on the nose. Dela Cruz blinks but takes it well. Wellington takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily. Dela Cruz throws a body punch but Wellington moves out of range. Dela Cruz misses with a hook
and Wellington counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily. Graham Wellington has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of King Dela Cruz. Dela Cruz misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Wellington.
Dela Cruz lands a body shot.
Dela Cruz looks to score with a jab to the body but Wellington is just out of range.
That's four minutes gone in the round. The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena. Dela Cruz is trying hard to land a takedown here. Wellington sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet. Dela Cruz shoots for a takedown but Wellington saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily. King Dela Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout. Dela Cruz manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Wellington on his heels. He'll look to pass Wellington's guard now, I'm sure. Wellington is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Dela Cruz trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat. Dela Cruz looking to pass the guard.
That's five minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent. Wellington being controlled here, momentarily. King Dela Cruz has got the better of the ground game so far. It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground. Wellington leaves Dela Cruz with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt. Wellington misses with a wild body shot.
That's six 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. Wellington missing with a left hand there. Dela Cruz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one. Wellington looks to score with a combo but nothing lands. Wellington stuffs the takedown attempt from Dela Cruz. Dela Cruz gets slowly back to his feet.
That's seven minutes gone in the round. Wellington misses with a body shot.
Dela Cruz fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Wellington avoids it really well and circles away. Dela Cruz tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Wellington swivels and escapes.
That's eight minutes gone in the round. The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight. Wellington leaves Dela Cruz with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt. Graham Wellington is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs. A head kick misses from Wellington. Wellington is looking to clinch.
That's nine minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Wellington finds it's way round the side to connect with Dela Cruz's head. Wellington leaves Dela Cruz with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt. Dela Cruz scores with a body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close second round but I would say that Graham Wellington will probably get the nod. That's time! Wellington's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Dela Cruz has his takedown stuffed and Wellington counters with a lovely shot to the body. Dela Cruz misses with a wild body shot. Wellington throws out a token jab with nothing on it. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Dela Cruz scores a takedown into full mount!
That's one minute gone in the round. Dela Cruz postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Wellington looks a forlorn figure.
Wellington knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Dela Cruz on the ground. Wellington tries to get back to half guard but can't. Dela Cruz lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Wellington is looking to get to half guard. A nice elbow there by Dela Cruz. Dela Cruz in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Dela Cruz throws some wild stikes that Wellington manages to avoid easily.
Dela Cruz throws some wild stikes that Wellington manages to avoid easily.
Dela Cruz lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
That's two minutes gone in the round. The crowd are loving this. Great action here. Wellington tries to hold on but Dela Cruz pushes him away. Dela Cruz tries to control but Wellington wriggling away. Wellington is looking to get to half guard. Dela Cruz goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Wellington is on top in guard.
Wellington wants to stand but Dela Cruz is controlling his posture from full guard. A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Dela Cruz holds on and takes a little breather.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Wellington has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Dela Cruz is proving hard to escape from.
That's four 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. The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up. Dela Cruz swings widly with a right hand
and Wellington counters with a head kick. Dela Cruz closes this distance looking for a takedown but Wellington circles away. Dela Cruz misses with a shot to the body and Wellington counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters. Dela Cruz swings for the body but Wellington moves out of range.
That's five minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Wellington as he avoids it easily. Graham Wellington has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of King Dela Cruz. Wellington throws a sloppy body shot
and Dela Cruz counters with a shoot takedown. Wellington fights it but they end up in guard. Dela Cruz trying to control but Wellington is working from the bottom. Dela Cruzis looking to pass into half guard but Wellington pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Wellington is in guard. Wellington trying to stand up but can't free himself from Dela Cruz's guard.
That's six minutes gone in the round. Wellington wants to stand and escape but instead Dela Cruz has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard. Dela Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Wellington swivels though and keeps the full guard. Dela Cruz postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect. Dela Cruz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Wellington is keeping the position for now.
That's seven minutes gone in the round. Wellington is trying to control the position but Dela Cruz postures up. Dela Cruz thows a big elbow that misses. Wellington preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage. Dela Cruz is fighting to break Wellington's control of his arms but Wellington is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment. The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work. Dela Cruz with a flurry of punches that miss. Both fighters are breathing heavily. Wellington working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Dela Cruz. Dela Cruz in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time. Wellington looking to control.
Wellington working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Dela Cruz. Dela Cruz scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
That's eight 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. Wellington keeping full guard, as Dela Cruz tries to pass. Dela Cruz works a leg free and moves into half guard. Dela Cruz thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas. Wellington on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound. Dela Cruz missing with some ground and pound from the half guard. Dela Cruz throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man. Dela Cruz moves nicely into side control. Wellington takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Dela Cruz in side control, throwing shots but Wellington defends.
That's nine minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz tries to score with some ground and pound. Wellington controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage. Dela Cruz wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Wellington, who protects the arm well. Dela Cruz tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it. Dela Cruz scores with punches from side control. The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing. Wellington is not content to let Dela Cruz control the position. Dela Cruz tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Dela Cruz has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought! And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
King Dela Cruz really dominated that round. That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
Wellington ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Dela Cruz moves away. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Wellington is looking to clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round. Wellington ducks under a wild hook from Dela Cruz. Wellington looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it. Dela Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown but Wellington sprawls well. He's pushed Dela Cruz's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily. Dela Cruz misses with an uppercut
enabling Wellington to counter with a crisp jab.
That's two minutes gone in the round. A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd. Wellington darts in trying to clinch and Dela Cruz counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Wellington's guard now. Dela Cruz thows a big elbow that misses. Dela Cruz lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard. Wellington utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound. Dela Cruz working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect. Wellington has his hands on Dela Cruz's head, controlling the position. Dela Cruz wants to pass the guard but Wellington is keeping the position. A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Dela Cruz accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand. Dela Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Wellington swivels though and keeps the full guard. Dela Cruz controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling. Dela Cruz is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
That's four minutes gone in the round. The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action. Dela Cruz lands a couple of elbows. Dela Cruz trying to control but Wellington is working from the bottom. Dela Cruz advances position into side control! Wellington tries to buck Dela Cruz off but Dela Cruz is having none of it. The ground and pound from Dela Cruz seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent. Dela Cruz tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it. Dela Cruz creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Wellington sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike. It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
That's five minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Wellington down.
Dela Cruz is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Wellington has escaped the position, nice work there. Wellington tries to bench press Dela Cruz off him but Dela Cruz keeps the position. Dela Cruz sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Wellington is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Wellington avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Dela Cruz. Dela Cruz working the ground and pound.
That's six minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz landing with strikes to the head and body from side control. Wellington can't do much from the bottom here. Dela Cruz tries to score with some ground and pound. Wellington controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage. Wellington dodges the ground and pound from Dela Cruz. Check out the look on Dela Cruz's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Dela Cruz tries to move to mount but Wellington blocks the move with his legs. Wellington tries to buck Dela Cruz off but Dela Cruz is having none of it. Wellington parries the strikes from Dela Cruz easily there. Dela Cruz is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Wellington to escape.
Wellington prevents Dela Cruz from improving position.
That's seven minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz wants to control but Wellington is keeping him busy. Dela Cruz thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead. Dela Cruz wants to lay and pray for a moment but Wellington keeps working. Dela Cruz working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Wellington taking a bit of punishment here - Dela Cruz scoring with strikes. Dela Cruz thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
That's eight minutes gone in the round. Wellington is trying to buck Dela Cruz off. Dela Cruz working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Dela Cruz sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Wellington is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Dela Cruz working the ground and pound from side control. Sloppy strikes there by Dela Cruz. Dela Cruz looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything. Wellington taking a bit of punishment here - Dela Cruz scoring with strikes.
That's nine minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz tries for a kimura but Wellington is defending well. Wellington is trying to control Dela Cruz's posture but Dela Cruz avoids it. Wellington tries to buck Dela Cruz off but Dela Cruz is having none of it. Wellington struggling a bit here. Wellington is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Dela Cruz off and has taken his back! And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
King Dela Cruz dominated that fourth 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. And we move into the final round!
Dela Cruz misses with a hook to the body
and Wellington counters with a left and a right that stings Dela Cruz. Dela Cruz misses with a left hand and Wellington counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena. Dela Cruz closes this distance looking for a takedown but Wellington circles away. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Dela Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes. Horrible takedown by Dela Cruz or perhaps it was just good defense by Wellington which made him look bad.
That's one minute gone in the round. Dela Cruz shoots in for a takedown but Wellington shows good takedown defense. Graham Wellington has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of King Dela Cruz. Dela Cruz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Wellington jabs Dela Cruz right on the nose. Dela Cruz blinks but takes it well.
That's two minutes gone in the round. The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena. Dela Cruz shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Wellington as he avoids it easily. Dela Cruz tries to score a power double leg takedown but Wellington sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Dela Cruz somewhat. Dela Cruz shoots in for a takedown but Wellington shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz misses with a lunging right hand
and Wellington counters with a lovely straight right hand! Dela Cruz misses with a takedown attempt - Wellington sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses. Dela Cruz fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's four 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. Dela Cruz shoots in and drives through. Wellington sprawls well. Wellington misses with a jab, cross combination.
Graham Wellington is winning the standup battle so far. Dela Cruz misses the body punch and Wellington counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
That's five minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz staying out of range there. Wellington looks to score with a jab to the body but Dela Cruz is just out of range. Wellington keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Wellington cracks Dela Cruz with an open hand slap. Wellington misses with a lunging right hand
and Dela Cruz makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
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. Wellington tries to clinch up but Dela Cruz circles away and keeps his distance. Wellington lunges at Dela Cruz with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Dela Cruz's hand. Wellington throws a jab when Dela Cruz was well out of range. Wellington misses with a two punch combination.
King Dela Cruz is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
That's seven minutes gone in the round. Dela Cruz shoots in for a double leg but Wellington sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy. Dela Cruz throws a sloppy body shot
and Dela Cruz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles. Nice jab there from Wellington. Dela Cruz jabs Wellington right on the nose. Wellington blinks but takes it well.
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. Wellington doesn't manage to clinch there - Dela Cruz circles away.
Wellington has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Wellington there as he acknowledges the shot. Dela Cruz connects with a body shot that sends Wellington's belly button to the back. Dela Cruz is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Wellington rather than just go for the knockout. Wellington lands with a straight right. Dela Cruz didn't see that one coming. Wellington pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Graham Wellington has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's nine minutes gone in the round. Wellington tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion. Dela Cruz avoids the head kick by Wellington.
Dela Cruz fakes a jab and then connects with a hook. Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out! Wellington scores with a push kick.
And that's the end of the fight! Graham Wellington showed his dominance in that final round. I think Dela Cruz has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 for King Dela Cruz! Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight for King Dela Cruz! Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight for King Dela Cruz!
King Dela Cruz wins by unanimous decision! King Dela Cruz is the new light heavyweight 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
35% |
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