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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Yoshiteru Goto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rainer Varvaskoukku (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Goto kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Japanese Boy. Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!
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173 cm
29
146 lbs
18 - 9 - 1 |
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164 cm
30
147 lbs
22 - 10 - 2 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world! Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner. With a record of
18 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Hilo, Yoshiteru Goto! And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner. With a record of
22 - 10 - 2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Rainer Varvaskoukku! The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Jack Bonds and Timothy Bukovac.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway! The fight stays on the outside here - Goto looks like he's thinking about clinching though. Varvaskoukku steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Goto. A swing and a miss from Goto. Varvaskoukku has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout. Varvaskoukku tests Goto's chin there with a solid looking shot. Varvaskoukku dips to his left and cracks Goto with an uppercut! Varvaskoukku scores with a jab to the body. Goto throws a head kick but Varvaskoukku moves out of range.
A big left from Goto misses. Goto throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle. Varvaskoukku lets loose with a powerful body kick. Goto will feel that in the morning. Goto tries to close the distance and clinch but Varvaskoukku swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away. Varvaskoukku feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Gotos jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist! Goto fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Varvaskoukku. Varvaskoukku closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Goto's guard. Varvaskoukku postures up in Goto's guard and throws a big left but Goto blocks it. Varvaskoukku trying to control but Goto is working from the bottom.
That's one minute gone in the round. Varvaskoukku trying to move into half guard but instead Goto has managed to sweep! Varvaskoukku had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Goto defends it easily. Goto is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position. Varvaskoukku looking for a guillotine here but Goto defends easily.
Varvaskoukku keeping moving, preventing Goto from controlling successfully. Goto controlling from the top position.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Goto sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Varvaskoukku's guard. Varvaskoukku is looking for a sweep. Goto is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position. Goto controlling the action here. Varvaskoukku wants to improve his position but Goto is controlling well.
Varvaskoukku is looking to get back to full guard here but Goto has managed to pass to side control instead. Varvaskoukku is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Goto is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
That's three minutes gone in the round. Varvaskoukku is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Varvaskoukku sneaks a leg under to get to half guard. Varvaskoukku wants to improve his position but Goto is controlling well.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult. Varvaskoukku manages to get to full guard.
Varvaskoukku working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Goto doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Goto manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem. Varvaskoukku has his foot on Goto's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Goto works his way back into a safe position though. Goto tries to free his leg and advance position but Varvaskoukku is retaining full guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Varvaskoukku is pulling down on Goto's head to control his posture. Goto pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Varvaskoukku is keeping the position for now. Goto preventing the sweep. Goto tries to free his leg and advance position but Varvaskoukku is retaining full guard. The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work. Varvaskoukku looking to sweep here. No luck so far. Goto is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control. Varvaskoukku 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. As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action. Goto sitting in guard, not really doing much. We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
We're going to have a standup here because Yoshiteru Goto wasn't active enough for the referee's liking. Goto scores with a leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rainer Varvaskoukku dominated that round. The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Goto takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Varvaskoukku misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Goto.
Goto throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
The fight stays on the outside here - Goto looks like he's thinking about clinching though. Goto takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily. Varvaskoukku scores with a slapping inside leg kick. Varvaskoukku takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Varvaskoukku slips a jab from Goto. Varvaskoukku shoots in for a takedown but Goto shows good takedown defense. Varvaskoukku misses with a jab to the body
and Goto counters with a good low kick that Varvaskoukku was not able to check. A nice combination there by Goto.
It looks like Rainer Varvaskoukku has been cut. This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff! Varvaskoukku lands a jab to the nose. Goto keeps the fight on the outside. Varvaskoukku jabs Goto right on the nose. Goto blinks but takes it well. Goto misses with a low kick.
That's one minute gone in the round. Nice defenses there by Varvaskoukku. Goto keeps the fight on the outside. The fight stays on the outside here - Goto looks like he's thinking about clinching though. Varvaskoukku fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Goto looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath. Jab from Goto. Varvaskoukku closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage. Goto lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Varvaskoukku backwards. Varvaskoukku lands with a right to the head. Varvaskoukku blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A short left from Varvaskoukku. Varvaskoukku misses with a knee to the head. Varvaskoukku tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Goto just stands there and leans against the cage. Varvaskoukku misses with a short punch on the inside. A head punch blocked on the inside by Goto. Stalling in the clinch from Goto.
Goto working aggressively here.
Goto lands with a left to the head.
That's two minutes gone in the round. This has been an exciting period of action! Varvaskoukku lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Goto backwards. Varvaskoukku throws a head punch that misses. Goto misses with the head strike.
Varvaskoukku lands a hook to the side of the head. Varvaskoukku tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Goto's elbow. Varvaskoukku tries a knee to the head but Goto blocks it.
A short left from Goto. Varvaskoukku tries to pull guard but Goto forces him back to his feet, against the cage. Yoshiteru Goto has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rainer Varvaskoukku. Varvaskoukku jumps guard but Goto turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing. Goto lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage. Varvaskoukku goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Goto blocks a punch to the side of the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Goto. Varvaskoukku tries to throw a body punch but Goto avoids it by throwing Varvaskoukku back against the cage. Come on Goto - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Goto looking to slow down the pace here. Goto has a couple of punches blocked by Varvaskoukku.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Goto fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Varvaskoukku doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Varvaskoukku misses with a body punch.
Goto working some nice short punches in the clinch. Varvaskoukku lands an uppercut. Goto misses with a short punch on the inside. Goto goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Varvaskoukku misses with a punch to the body.
Goto scores with a shot to the side of Varvaskoukku's head. Varvaskoukku is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Goto to keep the fight standing. Varvaskoukku blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A short left from Varvaskoukku. Goto fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Varvaskoukku has a couple of punches blocked by Goto.
Varvaskoukku doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Goto misses with a short punch on the inside. Goto is stalling here.
Goto taking a breather. Goto can't find room to land a body shot as Varvaskoukku controls the action.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Goto lands an uppercut. The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here. Varvaskoukku can't break the clinch.
Goto scores with an uppercut up the middle. Goto is trying to maintain a safe position but Varvaskoukku gets an underhook and turns Goto into the cage. Varvaskoukku scores with a nice hook to the head. Varvaskoukku blocking some punches.
Goto blocking some punches.
Goto misses with the head strike.
A short right from Goto on the inside. Still in the clinch, Goto scores with a nice short uppercut. Goto misses with the head strike.
Varvaskoukku throws a knee to the head but misses.
A shot in the inside from Goto. Goto prevents a body shot from Varvaskoukku. The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action! Goto'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. Varvaskoukku tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage. Goto lands a nice shot to the body. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Yoshiteru Goto dominated that second round. The cut man is working on Rainer Varvaskoukku's cut. The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Goto swats away the attempt to clinch by Varvaskoukku. Goto takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily. Goto takes a jab right on the kisser.
A jab from Varvaskoukku finds it's way through Goto's defenses. Goto lands a head kick. Varvaskoukku smiles back at him and beckons him forward. Varvaskoukku tries to clinch up but Goto circles away and keeps his distance. Varvaskoukku wants to clinch up but Goto keeps it at a distance. Varvaskoukku lands a nice shot to the body.
Varvaskoukku clinches. I was talking to Goto's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight. Yoshiteru Goto has scored more points in the clinch so far. Varvaskoukku misses with a hook from the clinch. Varvaskoukku tries to land knees in the clinch but Goto avoids the damage to the body. Goto swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Varvaskoukku lands a left hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here. Goto gets through Varvaskoukku's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head. Both guys are working to get underhooks. A short right from Varvaskoukku.
That's one minute gone in the round. Goto struggles to land a body shot inside as Varvaskoukku controls his hands.
Varvaskoukku blocking some punches.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows. Varvaskoukku misses with a punch to the body.
Varvaskoukku is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Goto is defending well. Varvaskoukku gets through Goto's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head. Varvaskoukku lands a right hand. Goto swings wildly with an uppercut but Varvaskoukku uses good head movement to avoid it. Goto slowing the pace effectively. Goto gets a warning from the ref for wasting time. Goto scores with a nice hook to the head. Goto blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Goto keeps control of Varvaskoukku as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks. Goto looking to slow down the pace here.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Goto fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Goto lands with a good tight uppercut to the head. Varvaskoukku breaks from the clinch.
Goto throws a head kick but Varvaskoukku moves out of range.
Varvaskoukku misses with a body kick. The crowd are loving this. Great action here. Goto tries to land a front kick but Varvaskoukku steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed. Yoshiteru Goto is winning the standup battle so far. Goto throws a body kick that misses and Varvaskoukku counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Varvaskoukku. Goto has Varvaskoukku pulled in close to control his posture. Varvaskoukku is looking to work some ground and pound but Goto has wrist control. Goto is pulling down on Varvaskoukku's head to control his posture. Varvaskoukku trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Varvaskoukku throwing strikes from guard but Goto blocks nicely. Varvaskoukku loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry. Goto seems keen to control Varvaskoukku's posture. Varvaskoukku tries to free his leg and advance position but Goto is retaining full guard. The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet. Varvaskoukku throws a big right hand that misses. Varvaskoukku trying to move into half guard but instead Goto has managed to sweep! Goto trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. Varvaskoukku looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Goto puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard. Goto controlling the pace. Varvaskoukku looking for submissions off his back.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Varvaskoukku is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. Varvaskoukku is pressing down on Goto's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it. Goto preventing the sweep. Goto pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Varvaskoukku is keeping the position for now. Varvaskoukku manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so! The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action! Goto bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done! And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rainer Varvaskoukku really dominated that round. The cut man is working on Rainer Varvaskoukku's cut. The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Goto rushes Varvaskoukku and presses him up against the cage. Varvaskoukku has a couple of punches blocked by Goto.
Goto blocks an elbow strike from Varvaskoukku.
Goto softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage. Goto throws a punch but it's blocked by Varvaskoukku. A head punch on the inside from Varvaskoukku fails to land. Varvaskoukku works on Goto's body with a couple of short punches. Varvaskoukku trying to control the position but instead, Goto has worked for underhooks and has pushed Varvaskoukku into the cage. Varvaskoukku tries to throw a body punch but Goto avoids it by throwing Varvaskoukku back against the cage. Varvaskoukku breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. Goto tries to clinch up and Varvaskoukku counters with a nice double leg into guard. Goto keeping moving, preventing Varvaskoukku from controlling successfully. The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
That's one minute gone in the round. Varvaskoukku throws a big right hand that misses. Goto keeping moving, preventing Varvaskoukku from controlling successfully. Varvaskoukku throwing strikes but missing. Varvaskoukku trying to control the position from guard on top but Goto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up. Varvaskoukku working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage. Varvaskoukku postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect. Varvaskoukku works a leg free and moves into half guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Goto is trying is best to control the position here. Goto is looking to improve his position.
Varvaskoukku lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears. Rainer Varvaskoukku has got the better of the ground game so far. Varvaskoukku working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that. Varvaskoukku throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man. Varvaskoukku seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Goto does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back. The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here. Varvaskoukku working Goto over with strikes. Varvaskoukku is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard. Goto trying to control the position.
Goto is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Varvaskoukku trying to control the position from guard on top but Goto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. Varvaskoukku tries to free his leg and advance position but Goto is retaining full guard. Varvaskoukku wants to control from the top but Goto keeps moving. Varvaskoukku stopping the sweep attempt from Goto. Varvaskoukku has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground. Varvaskoukku changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Goto looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better. Goto tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Varvaskoukku wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control. Goto sneaks back into half guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Varvaskoukku wants to pass the guard but Goto is defending well. Varvaskoukku throwing shots but Goto is blocking nicely. Varvaskoukku thows a huge punch but Goto dodges it nicely.
Goto is trying to get back to full guard. Goto is working hard here to advance position. Varvaskoukku wants to lay and pray for a moment but Goto keeps working. As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action. Goto regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Varvaskoukku. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rainer Varvaskoukku dominated that fourth round. The cut man is working on Rainer Varvaskoukku's cut. The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!
Decent striking displayed by Goto there. Goto avoids the body shot from Varvaskoukku.
Goto tries to clinch but Varvaskoukku moves out of range. Varvaskoukku walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Goto checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side. Varvaskoukku is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Goto rather than just go for the knockout. Goto tries to clinch up. Varvaskoukku moves in looking to clinch but Goto pushes him off. Goto scores with a jab to the head.
Varvaskoukku scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business. Goto takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Goto slips under a jab. Goto tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him. Goto avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Goto misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Varvaskoukku on the wrong end of a nice jab. Yoshiteru Goto is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
That's one minute gone in the round. Goto slaps away a takedown attempt from Varvaskoukku, before circling back to the center of the mat. Goto gets in close and instigates a clinch. An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Varvaskoukku. Goto stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body. Goto digs a right hand into Varvaskoukku's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Varvaskoukku's gas tank. Goto keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Varvaskoukku's efforts to push away. Varvaskoukku lands with a good tight uppercut to the head. Varvaskoukku has a couple of punches blocked by Goto.
Varvaskoukku stalling the fight.
Varvaskoukku lands a body shot in the clinch.
Goto lands with a short head shot on the inside. Goto misses with a short punch on the inside. Goto misses with a punch on the inside.
Goto misses with some punches.
Yoshiteru Goto has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round. The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so! Goto scores with a nice hook to the head. Goto is trying to maintain a safe position but Varvaskoukku gets an underhook and turns Goto into the cage. Goto has a couple of punches blocked by Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku lands with a good tight uppercut to the head. A nice right hand lands inside from Varvaskoukku. A hook to the body from Goto.
Varvaskoukku working aggressively here.
A short left from Goto. Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Varvaskoukku obliges. Varvaskoukku lands with a short head shot on the inside. A head punch on the inside from Goto fails to land. Varvaskoukku tries to land knees in the clinch but Goto avoids the damage to the body. Goto lands a body punch in the clinch. Varvaskoukku will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Goto up against the cage. Varvaskoukku misses with a hook to the ribs.
Varvaskoukku lands a body shot.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Goto fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Nice body punch from Goto. A nice left hand lands by Goto.
Varvaskoukku blocking some punches.
Varvaskoukku tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Goto avoids it. Varvaskoukku with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Varvaskoukku blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Varvaskoukku blocks an uppercut.
Goto has a couple of punches blocked by Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Goto walks away with a smile on his face. Varvaskoukku gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head. Varvaskoukku chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Goto can pounce on him.
Goto throws a lazy right hand but Varvaskoukku sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily. Varvaskoukku scores with a nice strike. Varvaskoukku closes the distance and pushes Goto back into the cage. Varvaskoukku lands with a short shot to the head. Goto is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Varvaskoukku tries to pull guard but Goto holds him up against the cage and eventually Varvaskoukku drops back down to his feet.
Yoshiteru Goto has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rainer Varvaskoukku. Varvaskoukku doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Goto blocks a body shot from Varvaskoukku. Goto lands a hook to the side of the head. The crowd are loving this. Great action here. Varvaskoukku tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked. Varvaskoukku prevents a body shot from Goto. Goto fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Varvaskoukku misses with a hook to the ribs.
Goto blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Varvaskoukku jumps guard but Goto stands there with Varvaskoukku around his waist. Varvaskoukku gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Varvaskoukku jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Goto walks away with a smile on his face. Varvaskoukku gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head. The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action! Goto lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range. Varvaskoukku blocks a low kick nicely. Goto throws a head kick but Varvaskoukku moves out of range.
Varvaskoukku fails with an attempt to clinch.
And that's the end of the fight! That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Yoshiteru Goto. I think Varvaskoukku 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 47:48 Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 47:48 Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 47:48
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rainer Varvaskoukku! Rainer Varvaskoukku retains his featherweight title! Our winner, Rainer Varvaskoukku, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.
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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
100% |
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