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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Steve River (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sai Fukuta (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). River comes to the cage accompanied by Tom Petty - I Won't Back Down . Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!
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| 168 cm
23
160 lbs
6 - 5 - 0 |
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175 cm
26
155 lbs
12 - 13 - 1 |
Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine |
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BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
6 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Steve River!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
12 - 13 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Sai Fukuta!
The judges for this bout are Dillan Fox, Ian Loll and Alec Ball.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fukuta misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Sai Fukuta seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Fukuta fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Fukuta shoots for a double leg takedown but River sprawls well. He's pushed Fukuta's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Steve River has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sai Fukuta.
River closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
River manages to break the clinch.
River lands a high kick!
It looks like Sai Fukuta has been cut.
Fukuta shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says River as he avoids it easily.
Fukuta fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but River avoids it really well and circles away.
River lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Fukuta dodges the punch combination from River.
Fukuta shoots for a double leg takedown but River sprawls well. He's pushed Fukuta's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Fukuta fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Fukuta shoots in for a takedown but River shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Fukuta misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
River takes the fight into the clinch.
River manages to break the clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
River misses with a head kick.
Fukuta tries to bum rush River with a series of wild strikes but River uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
A lazy left from River finds it's target.
Fukuta swings for the body but River moves out of range.
Fukuta misses with a series of wild punches.
River throws a head kick that lands with a deafening thwack! The crowd roars as Fukuta stumbles backwards and falls to the mat. River follows into mount!
Fukuta is rocked!
Fukuta felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Fukuta tries to reverse the position but River maintains control.
River controlling the pace for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
River is looking to stand but River has his arms wrapped tightly around him, looking to prevent the damage.
River in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
We've been hearing good reports from River's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Fukuta is working to get back to half guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
River controlling his opponent.
Fukuta tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Fukuta regains half guard.
Fukuta looking for submissions off his back.
Fukuta is looking to improve his position.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
It looks like River is going to stand back up.
Fukuta throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
River is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Fukuta is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
River is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Fukuta is looking to control River's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Fukuta avoid being mounted?
That's four minutes gone in the round.
River seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We're going to have a standup here because Steve River wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Fukuta misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from River.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by River!
River displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Fukuta.
Fukuta lands a two punch combo.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Fukuta shoots in but River avoids the takedown attempt easily.
River throws a series of punches but Fukuta moves out of range.
River tests Fukuta's chin there with a solid looking shot.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
River lands with a right hand.
That has opened up Sai Fukuta's cut even more.
River tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Fukuta scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Steve River dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Sai Fukuta'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.
Fukuta misses with a two punch combination.
It looks like Steve River has been cut.
Fukuta has closed the distance and engaged River in a clinch.
Fukuta jumps guard.
Fukuta is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Fukuta wants to sweep here but River controlling him for the moment.
River avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Fukuta is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst River is controlling him.
Fukuta has an active guard here but River has managed to pass into half guard.
Fukuta is trying to stand.
That's one minute gone in the round.
River decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.
No luck for Fukuta with that takedown attempt.
A chopping leg kick lands by River.
A head kick misses from Fukuta.
Fukuta drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Fukuta shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as River sprawls well. River wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Fukuta gets slowly back to his feet.
Fukuta is breathing heavily.
Fukuta blocks a head kick by River.
Fukuta gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and River counters with a left to the body.
Steve River has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sai Fukuta.
Fukuta misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
River throws a head kick but Fukuta moves out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
River throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
River lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
River lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Fukuta circles away quickly and effectively.
River throws a right and a left that both miss.
River jabs at Fukuta's body.
River with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
River tries a head kick but it misses.
Fukuta just misses with a punch to the body.
Fukuta fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Fukuta lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but River circles away quickly and effectively.
Fukuta closes the distance and clinches.
Fukuta's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
River lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
A looping hook to the body misses from Fukuta. River does a little dance to reset his feet.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fukuta wants to get back to striking at distance but River won't allow it.
Fukuta jumps guard but River stands there with Fukuta around his waist. Fukuta gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Fukuta goes for a takedown in the clinch but River prevents it.
River pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
River connects with a high kick.
Fukuta is still on wobbly legs! Can River finish him?
River lands a nice hook to Fukuta's body. Fukuta takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Fukuta seems to have recovered his senses.
River scores with a shot to the body.
River steps into range and cracks Fukuta with a monster punch that buckles his knees! Fukuta flops backwards and River dives into his guard looking to finish!
The cut above Sai Fukuta's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
River slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
River would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fukuta looking for a guillotine here but River defends easily.
Fukuta looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! River has picked Fukuta up and slammed him! Fukuta can't keep hold of the triangle and River manages to pass to side control!
Fukuta is looking for a sweep.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
River stands up and we're back to a striking position.
River takes a swing at Fukuta's ribcage but misses.
River lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Steve River dominated that second round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
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!
Fukuta tries to score a power double leg takedown but River sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Fukuta somewhat.
Nice sprawl there from River as Fukuta shoots in.
A jab lands there for River.
River scores with a nice strike.
River tries a head kick but it misses.
Fukuta throws a combination but it was largely blocked by River.
Fukuta connects with a single shot there.
Fukuta with a lazy takedown attempt
enabling River to counter with a crisp jab.
Steve River has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sai Fukuta.
A punch combination from Fukuta misses.
Fukuta on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Fukuta tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
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!
River darts in and clinches Fukuta up against the cage.
River gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Fukuta takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Fukuta has River pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. River manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
River's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
River closes the distance and pushes Fukuta back into the cage.
That's one minute gone in the round.
River pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
River clobbers Fukuta with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Fukuta looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? River is fending him off so far but Fukuta persists. Nope, River circles away and we're back to standing.
Fukuta takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
River misses with a few strikes there.
River scores with a spinning back kick!
River lands a nice leg kick that just misses Fukuta's sensitive parts.
River throws a series of punches but Fukuta moves out of range.
River throws a front kick that sends Fukuta stumbling back into the cage.
River with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
River lands a jab to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
River throws a nice inside leg kick.
River lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
River throws a front kick that sends Fukuta stumbling back into the cage.
River lands a slapping body shot.
Fukuta takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Steve River is winning the standup battle so far.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Decent striking displayed by River there.
Sai Fukuta has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Fukuta takes one to the side of the head.
Sai Fukuta's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
River works Fukuta's body with a nice hook.
River gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
River wants to stand but Fukuta is controlling the position.
River keeping moving, preventing Fukuta from controlling successfully.
Fukuta missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Sai Fukuta has got the better of the ground game so far.
River has a closed guard, preventing Fukuta from standing up.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fukuta drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and River dives on top into guard.
River stands up and waves to Fukuta to follow him.
Steve River is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
River throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Fukuta misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Fukuta blocks a head kick by River.
River rushes Fukuta and presses him up against the cage.
Fukuta is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Fukuta's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
River breaks the clinch.
River is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Steve River is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
River throws a head kick that half lands.
River is looking to clinch but Fukuta is avoiding it.
River tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Fukuta avoids a punch combination nicely.
Fukuta shoots in for a double leg but River sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
River scores with a head kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
River punishes Fukuta's body with a nice straight punch.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Fukuta is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables River to keep the fight standing.
Fukuta looking to slow down the pace here.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
River breaks from the clinch.
River pulls out of a head kick attempt.
River clobbers Fukuta with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
And that's the end of the fight!
Steve River showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for River, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 30:27
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Steve River!
Steve River took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Fury Nutrition Inc. for their support in the buildup to the fight.
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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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