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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Kazushi Sakuraba (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Suporn Red Gym (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sakuraba's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Lose yourself. Red Gym comes into a darkened arena with his song building. It's a long road kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!
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| 185 cm
27
199 lbs
17 - 1 - 2 |
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178 cm
32
189 lbs
27 - 18 - 1 |
Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank |
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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
17 - 1 - 2, fighting out of Sydney, Kazushi Sakuraba!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
27 - 18 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Suporn Red Gym!
The judges for this bout are Darius Henderson, Francis DeMontford and John Mangel.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Red Gym blocks a jab.
Red Gym shoots in for a takedown but Sakuraba shows good takedown defense.
Sakuraba thows a left - swing and a miss!
Sakuraba lands with a kick to the ribs.
Red Gym's coach down at Build Up Crossfit was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Red Gym's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Sakuraba takes a swing at Red Gym's ribcage but misses.
Sakuraba throws an overhand right that lands on Red Gym's shoulder, as Red Gym tries to avoid the shot.
A nice leg kick lands there from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba looks to land a combination but Red Gym avoids it well.
Sakuraba throws a body punch but Red Gym moves out of range.
Red Gym moves out of range as Sakuraba throws a body kick.
Sakuraba misses with a straight right.
A good leg kick by Sakuraba.
Red Gym tries to keep at a distance but Sakuraba has taken the fight into the clinch.
Our sources have told us that Sakuraba has been working on his elbows in the gym.
Sakuraba tries a body shot but Red Gym blocks it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakuraba is working Red Gym over against the cage.
Sakuraba throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Red Gyms head.
A right hook to the body lands for Sakuraba.
Sakuraba digs a right hand underneath Red Gym's ribcage. Red Gym let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Sakuraba lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Red Gym backwards.
Sakuraba scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Sakuraba lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
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!
Sakuraba makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Sakuraba lands an elbow just above Red Gym 's eye.
It looks like Suporn Red Gym has been cut.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Sakuraba.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Sakuraba creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Sakuraba creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Red Gym's defenses.
Sakuraba lands an uppercut.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Red Gym blocking some punches.
Sakuraba lands a left hand.
Sakuraba comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Sakuraba misses with some punches.
Sakuraba lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Sakuraba lands with a left to the head.
Red Gym takes an elbow to the temple.
Sakuraba lands a nice elbow.
Red Gym is rocked!
Sakuraba misses with some punches.
Sakuraba lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
A right handed body shot lands from Sakuraba.
Red Gym takes an elbow to the forehead.
Sakuraba swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Sakuraba misses with some punches.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Red Gym is looking for a takedown.
Sakuraba cracks Red Gym with a nice body shot.
Red Gym blocks an elbow strike from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba lands a hook to the side of the head.
Sakuraba prevents a takedown attempt there.
Kazushi Sakuraba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Suporn Red Gym.
Sakuraba lands an elbow that stopped Red Gym in his tracks for a moment.
Sakuraba tries to work over Red Gym's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Red Gym has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Sakuraba after a bit of a struggle.
Sakuraba lands a left hand.
Nice elbow from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Sakuraba lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Sakuraba comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba misses with a hook to the ribs.
Sakuraba prevents the takedown attempt.
Sakuraba lands an elbow just above Red Gym 's eye.
Red Gym is still on wobbly legs! Can Sakuraba finish him?
Red Gym blocks the elbow strike.
Red Gym seems to have recovered his senses.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakuraba scores with a shot to the side of Red Gym's head.
Sakuraba lands an uppercut.
Red Gym blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Sakuraba misses with the head strike.
Red Gym goes for a takedown in the clinch but Sakuraba prevents it.
Sakuraba lands an elbow just above Red Gym 's eye.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Sakuraba tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A short uppercut from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Kazushi Sakuraba dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Suporn Red Gym's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
A slapping leg kick lands for Sakuraba.
Red Gym avoids the body shot from Sakuraba.
Red Gym shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Sakuraba keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Red Gym working Sakuraba over with strikes.
Sakuraba is pressing down on Red Gym's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Red Gym throws a strike but Sakuraba rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Sakuraba stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Red Gym swivels though and keeps the full guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Red Gym wants to sweep but no luck.
Red Gym looking to control.
Sakuraba works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Red Gym is trying to control but Sakuraba passes into side control!
Red Gym can't do much from the bottom here.
Sakuraba controlling from side mount.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Red Gym tries to improve position but can't.
Sakuraba trying to control the action but Red Gym is working from the bottom.
Red Gym struggling a bit here.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Red Gym knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Red Gym tries to improve position but can't.
Sakuraba staying calm.
That's four 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.
Red Gym tries to bench press Sakuraba off him but Sakuraba keeps the position.
Sakuraba tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Red Gym gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Sakuraba is trying to control the action in half guard but Red Gym is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Suporn Red Gym will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Suporn Red Gym's cut.
That's time! Sakuraba's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Sakuraba fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Red Gym fails with a takedown attempt.
Sakuraba pushes Red Gym away with a front kick.
Sakuraba looks to land a left hand but Red Gym moved out of range nicely.
Sakuraba bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Red Gym's head backwards.
Sakuraba throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Oooooh!!! Sakuraba has knocked Red Gym down with a huge combo! Sakuraba steps away and waves a wobbly Red Gym back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!
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!
Red Gym slips a jab from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba throws a hook but Red Gym blocks it.
Red Gym sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Sakuraba throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakuraba lands with a thumping leg kick.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Sakuraba, as that shot connected.
Red Gym blocks a head kick by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba throws a sloppy body shot
and Red Gym counters with a takedown into side control.
Red Gym tries to score with some ground and pound. Sakuraba controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Red Gym controlling the position.
Red Gym is looking to take a break and control but Sakuraba is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Red Gym working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba wants to control but Red Gym postures up.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Red Gym working the ground and pound but Sakuraba is defending the strikes.
Red Gym misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Sakuraba wants to control but Red Gym postures up.
Sakuraba tries to buck Red Gym off but Red Gym is having none of it.
Red Gym working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Sakuraba taking a bit of punishment here - Red Gym scoring with strikes.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Red Gym throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Sakuraba is trying to buck Red Gym off.
Red Gym looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Sakuraba is avoiding damage well.
Sakuraba defending against the ground and pound.
Red Gym misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Red Gym in side control lands a decent elbow.
Sakuraba is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Red Gym's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Red Gym looks to land a strike but Sakuraba avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Red Gym wants to pass the guard but Sakuraba is keeping the position.
Sakuraba has Red Gym pulled in close to control his posture.
Red Gym is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Sakuraba controlling the position.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Red Gym trying to control the position from guard on top but Sakuraba is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sakuraba pulls Red Gym in close to prevent any damage.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Red Gym in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but Kazushi Sakuraba did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Suporn Red Gym's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Red Gym looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Sakuraba is fending him off so far but Red Gym persists. Nope, Sakuraba circles away and we're back to standing.
Sakuraba buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Sakuraba fails with an attempt to clinch.
Sakuraba dips to his left and cracks Red Gym with an uppercut!
Sakuraba throws an overhand right that lands on Red Gym's shoulder, as Red Gym tries to avoid the shot.
Red Gym misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Red Gym takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Sakuraba wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Sakuraba throws a hook but Red Gym blocks it.
Sakuraba takes a swing at Red Gym's ribcage but misses.
Sakuraba throws a head kick that Red Gym semi-blocks.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakuraba misses with a head kick.
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Red Gym scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Red Gym slows the pace down in half guard.
Sakuraba wants to control but Red Gym is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Sakuraba wants to improve his position but Red Gym is controlling well.
Red Gym landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Red Gym trying to control from half guard but Sakuraba is working away.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba wants to control but Red Gym is keeping busy.
Sakuraba keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Red Gym missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sakuraba has his hands clasped together around Red Gym's back. He's all about the action.
The ref stands the fighters back up. Kazushi Sakuraba wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Sakuraba shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice sprawl there from Sakuraba as Red Gym shoots in.
Kazushi Sakuraba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Suporn Red Gym.
Red Gym fails with a takedown attempt.
Red Gym tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Sakuraba swivels and escapes.
Kazushi Sakuraba seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Horrible takedown by Red Gym or perhaps it was just good defense by Sakuraba which made him look bad.
Sakuraba lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Sakuraba scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Red Gym tries to score a power double leg takedown but Sakuraba sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Red Gym somewhat.
Red Gym is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Red Gym.
Sakuraba drives through and clinches with Red Gym against the cage.
Kazushi Sakuraba has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Red Gym prevents a body shot from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba throws an elbow that misses.
Sakuraba tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Red Gym's elbow.
Red Gym looking for a takedown.
Sakuraba scores with an uppercut up the middle.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba prevents the takedown attempt.
Red Gym drops down looking for an ankle pick but Sakuraba pulls his leg out and moves away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Kazushi Sakuraba had his way with Suporn Red Gym in that round.
The cut man is working on Suporn Red Gym's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!
Red Gym dodges the punch combination from Sakuraba.
Red Gym moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Sakuraba throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Red Gym bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
An inside leg kick from Sakuraba misses.
Sakuraba throws a quick inside leg kick.
Red Gym shoots in for a takedown but Sakuraba shows good takedown defense.
Red Gym ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Red Gym dives in and grabs Sakuraba's left leg, looking for a takedown. Sakuraba pushes down on Red Gym's head and hops out.
Sakuraba misses with a low kick.
Sakuraba fakes the leg kick and cracks Red Gym in the body.
Sakuraba is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Red Gym can do to turn this around?
Sakuraba throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Nice body kick from Sakuraba.
Red Gym shoots in for a takedown but Sakuraba shows good takedown defense.
Kazushi Sakuraba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Suporn Red Gym.
Red Gym is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Sakuraba fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Red Gym's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Sakuraba connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Red Gym scrambles back to his feet.
Sakuraba keeps Red Gym at a distance using the push kick.
Kazushi Sakuraba is winning the standup battle so far.
Sakuraba throws a nice inside leg kick.
A right-left combo lands from Sakuraba.
Suporn Red Gym has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba tries to close the distance and clinch up but Red Gym swats him away and circles back towards the center.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sakuraba uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Red Gym.
Red Gym moves away from the strike by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba lands with a nice combination. Red Gym backs away looking to recover.
Sakuraba misses with a hook
and Red Gym counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Red Gym.
Red Gym throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Sakuraba works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Red Gym throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Sakuraba works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Red Gym working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Sakuraba seems keen to control Red Gym's posture.
Suporn Red Gym has got the better of the ground game so far.
Red Gym missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Red Gym in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Red Gym pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Sakuraba is keeping the position for now.
Red Gym trying to control the position from guard on top but Sakuraba is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Red Gym lands a couple of elbows.
Red Gym scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Red Gym preventing the sweep.
Kazushi Sakuraba is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Red Gym throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Red Gym stops Sakuraba from standing up.
Red Gym wants to control from the top but Sakuraba keeps moving.
Red Gym missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Red Gym throws a big elbow that misses.
Red Gym throwing strikes from guard but Sakuraba blocks nicely.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Red Gym postures up.
Red Gym makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
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 Kazushi Sakuraba.
I think Sakuraba has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Darius Henderson scores the fight 50:45
Judge Francis DeMontford scores the fight 50:44
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 50:45
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kazushi Sakuraba!
Kazushi Sakuraba retains his middleweight title!
Kazushi Sakuraba decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
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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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