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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nicolas Karkmananis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricky Ray (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
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185 cm
32
215 lbs
14 - 16 - 1 |
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186 cm
31
222 lbs
6 - 4 - 1 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine |
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Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the light heavyweight division. Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner. With a record of
14 - 16 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nicolas Karkmananis! And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner. With a record of
6 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ricky Ray! The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, and Frank Antenori.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway! Ray lands with a shot to the body. Ray throws a body punch but Karkmananis moves out of range. Karkmananis misses with a series of wild punches.
Ray appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body. Nicolas Karkmananis seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout. Ray circles away from the clinch attempt.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Ray! But no joy. Karkmananis swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ray misses the shot to the body. Karkmananis uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ray.
Ray circles away from the clinch attempt.
Ray now looks to counter with a shot at the body. Sloppy strikes from Karkmananis. Those never looked like landing. Ray throws out a counter right but Karkmananis avoids it with no problem. Ray tests Karkmananis's chin there with a solid looking shot. Karkmananis tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ray was well out of range. Poor timing from Karkmananis. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Ray throws out a token jab with nothing on it. Karkmananis wants to clinch up but Ray keeps it at a distance. Ray drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard. Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show! Ray wants to control from the top but Karkmananis keeps moving. Karkmananis trying to control the position.
That's one minute gone in the round. Ray is in close to Karkmananis's body, working some short punches and elbows. Karkmananis is controlling Ray's posture. Ray won't allow Karkmananis to sweep him here. Karkmananis looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Karkmananis being controlled here, momentarily. Karkmananis is trying to keep Ray in close.
Ray is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position. We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace. Ray trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
That's two 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. Karkmananis misses with a jab, cross combination.
The fight moves into the clinch position. Both fighters working to control the clinch. An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Karkmananis. Ray has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Karkmananis regains guard immediately. Karkmananis wants to sweep here but Ray controlling him for the moment. The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work. Ray trying to control but Karkmananis is working from the bottom. Ray lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Ray keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Karkmananis's head. My spies in MagicalFatFarm inform me that Ray has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends! The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing. Karkmananis wants to sweep here but Ray controlling him for the moment. Karkmananis throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Karkmananis is pulling down on Ray's head to control his posture. Ray wants to control from the top but Karkmananis keeps moving. The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up. Ray scoring with punches to the head and body. Karkmananis working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ray. Ray wants to control from the top but Karkmananis keeps moving.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity. Ray circles away from the clinch attempt.
Karkmananis lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Karkmananis.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis throws a sloppy head kick and Ray moves out of range easily. Ray is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own. Karkmananis throws a left and a right that both miss
and Ray counters with a lovely straight right hand! Ray shoots in and drives through. Karkmananis sprawls well. Ray lands with a right hand. Ray lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Karkmananis keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff! Ray loads up on a big right hand but Karkmananis slips the punch. Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Karkmananis!
Karkmananis misses with a wild combination.
Karkmananis looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight. Karkmananis misses with a series of wild punches.
Ray blocks a low kick nicely. Ray throws a looping overhand right but Karkmananis ducks down to avoid it. Karkmananis moves away from the strike by Ray. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Ricky Ray dominated that round. That's time! Karkmananis's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Karkmananis fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done. Karkmananis tries to clinch but Ray is having none of it. Karkmananis tries to clinch up but Ray circles away and keeps his distance. Karkmananis tries to clinch but Ray is having none of it. A big right from Ray misses. Karkmananis keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Karkmananis is looking to take this fight into the clinch. Sloppy strikes from Karkmananis. Those never looked like landing. Karkmananis looks to clinch and Ray counters with a left to the body. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Karkmananis tries to close the distance and clinch but Ray swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away. Karkmananis fails in his attempt to clinch. Ray connects with a right hand. Karkmananis shakes it off. Ray uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Karkmananis. Ray throws out a loose jab but Karkmananis uses good head movement to avoid it.
That's one minute gone in the round. Karkmananis is looking to clinch but Ray is avoiding it.
Ray gets tackled into the cage by Karkmananis. Karkmananis maintains the clinch. Karkmananis with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Karkmananis misses with a hook to the ribs.
Karkmananis breaks from the clinch.
Karkmananis will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Ray looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it. Karkmananis throws a head kick but Ray moves out of range.
Nicolas Karkmananis is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things. Karkmananis rushes Ray and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch. Karkmananis connects with a nasty looking knee right to Ray's face.
It looks like Ricky Ray has been cut. Ray changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Karkmananis fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Karkmananis is looking to take this fight into the clinch. Karkmananis scoring well with a low kick there.
Ray keeps the fight on the outside.
That's two minutes gone in the round. No joy there for Karkmananis, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Karkmananis misses with a two punch combination.
Karkmananis tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion. Karkmananis tries to clinch up and Ray counters with a stiff right hand. We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out! Karkmananis walks into a left hand. Karkmananis misses with a wild body shot. Ray looks to score with a jab to the body but Karkmananis is just out of range. Karkmananis tries to close the distance and clinch but Ray swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away. Ray throws an overhand right that lands on Karkmananis's shoulder, as Karkmananis tries to avoid the shot. Karkmananis wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch. Karkmananis wants to clinch. Ray shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis misses with a double jab.
Ray uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Karkmananis.
Karkmananis is looking to clinch but Ray is avoiding it.
Ray lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent. Ray lands a jab to the nose. Karkmananis throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ray takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Nicolas Karkmananis is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs. Karkmananis tries to clinch up. Karkmananis scores with a push kick. The crowd cheers as Ray lands an impressive looking overhand right. Karkmananis doesn't seem phased though. Ray throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A punch combination from Karkmananis misses. Ray swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made. Ray throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd. Karkmananis drops his hands momentarily and Ray takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
That's four minutes gone in the round. The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here. Ray looks to land a combination but Karkmananis avoids it well. Ray misses with a body shot.
Ray avoids the head kick by Karkmananis.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Ray! But no joy. Ray keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Ray looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it. Karkmananis tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion. Karkmananis fails in his attempt to clinch. Karkmananis is looking to wear down Ray with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment. Karkmananis wants to clinch up but Ray keeps it at a distance. Karkmananis throws a head kick that misses enabling Ray to counter with a crisp jab. Ray lands with an overhand left. Karkmananis paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button. Ray misses with a body shot.
Ray keeps the fight on the outside. Karkmananis pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Ray keeps the fight on the outside. Ray looks like he wants to counter punch here. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Ricky Ray will probably get the nod - 10:9. The cut man is working on Ricky Ray's cut. OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Ray shoots in looking for a takedown. Karkmananis tries to sprawl out of it but Ray keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Karkmananis manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing. Karkmananis tries to clinch there but Ray circles away.
Karkmananis pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Ray throws a series of punches but Karkmananis moves out of range. Karkmananis throws a big counter combination but Ray scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage. Ray swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target. Ray keeps the fight on the outside. Ricky Ray seems to be getting the better of the standup. Ray misses with an uppercut. Karkmananis saw that one coming. Ray swings for the body but Karkmananis moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Karkmananis tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ray swats him away and circles back towards the center. Ray tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Karkmananis was well out of range. Poor timing from Ray. Karkmananis scores with a one two! Ray had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes. Karkmananis takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness. Karkmananis is looking to clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round. Karkmananis tries to close the distance and clinch but Ray swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away. Karkmananis is looking to take this fight into the clinch. Karkmananis throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ray tries to keep at a distance but Karkmananis has taken the fight into the clinch. Karkmananis misses with a knee strike.
Karkmananis lands a shot to the body. Ray lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards. Ray drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Karkmananis gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Ray throws a head punch that misses. Karkmananis works on Ray's body with a couple of short punches. Karkmananis using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Ray takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired. Ray avoids a wild elbow strike from Karkmananis.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis lands an elbow that stopped Ray in his tracks for a moment. Karkmananis breaks from the clinch.
Karkmananis clinches up with Ray and pushes him back against the cage. Karkmananis lands a shoulder strike. The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here. Ray misses with a punch on the inside.
Karkmananis breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Karkmananis tries to clinch but Ray moves away and Ray counters with a stiff right hand. Ray misses with a series of wild punches.
Ray avoids the head kick by Karkmananis.
Karkmananis tries to clinch and Ray counters with a stiff right hand. A slow jab from Ray misses its intended target. Karkmananis rushes Ray and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch. Karkmananis manages to break the clinch.
Karkmananis displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Ray throws out the jab.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Ray manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat. Karkmananis fails with an attempt to clinch.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ray is defended easily by Karkmananis. Nicolas Karkmananis has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Ray. Karkmananis throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ray darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard. Ray perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there. Ray blocks the strikes from Karkmananis.
Ray is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound. Ray seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Karkmananis does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back. Ray controlling the pace.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis is concentrating on defense, preventing Ray from advancing position. Ray throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage. Ray is thwarting Karkmananis's attempts to control the position. Karkmananis is trying to stand.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up. Ray looks to land a combination but Karkmananis avoids it well. Ray swinging wildly here.
Karkmananis is looking to clinch. Ray takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him. Ray scores with a hook to the body. Karkmananis takes a step back and tries to catch his breath. Karkmananis throws a shot to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff! No joy there for Karkmananis, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but Nicolas Karkmananis did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it. The cut man is working on Ricky Ray's cut. OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Karkmananis throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Karkmananis on the wrong end of a nice hook. Left hook, right uppercut from Karkmananis. Ray throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ray takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor. Ray circles away from the clinch attempt.
Karkmananis looks to clinch and Ray counters with a quick right hand to the jaw. Ray throws a lazy right hand but Karkmananis sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily. Ray tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Karkmananis was well out of range. Poor timing from Ray. Karkmananis looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple. Karkmananis goes for a high kick. It partially lands. Karkmananis tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion. Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd. Karkmananis moves into the clinch. Karkmananis's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
That's one minute gone in the round. Karkmananis fails with an attempt to clinch.
Ray looks like he wants to counter punch here. Ray throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Karkmananis wants to clinch. Karkmananis moves in looking to clinch but Ray pushes him off. Despite the aggression on Ray's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter. Ray throws a big shot that misses. Karkmananis misses with the body kick and Karkmananis takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles. Karkmananis needs to keep his hands up - Ray had a free shot at his head there. Ray swings for the body but Karkmananis moves out of range.
Ray throws a right and a left that both miss. Ray connects with a right hand. Karkmananis shakes it off. Karkmananis looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that. Karkmananis bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes. Karkmananis is looking for a counter combo. Ray swats away the attempt to clinch by Karkmananis.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Ray avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Karkmananis tries to clinch up but Ray circles away and keeps his distance. Karkmananis scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here. Karkmananis moves in looking to clinch but Ray pushes him off. Ray connects with a good right hand that stumbles Karkmananis. Karkmananis circles away out of range and recomposes himself. Ray throws a body shot but no joy. Karkmananis throws a big counter combination but Ray scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage. A punch combination from Ray misses. Karkmananis throwing a counter right hand but Ray manages to avoid it. Ray falls off balance throwing a combination
and Karkmananis counters with a lovely shot to the body. Ray is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted. Nice shot lands for Karkmananis. Karkmananis is looking to clinch. Karkmananis tests Ray's chin there with a solid looking shot.
That's three minutes gone in the round. A looping hook to the body misses from Karkmananis. Ray does a little dance to reset his feet. Ray tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Karkmananis was well out of range. Poor timing from Ray. Karkmananis takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away. Ray is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Karkmananis. Some wild striking there from Karkmananis.
Ray showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Karkmananis.
Karkmananis throws a head kick but Ray moves out of range.
Karkmananis scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Ray doesn't seem bothered though. Karkmananis throws a right hand that Ray ducks under and follows up with a left that Ray also avoids with ease. Ray avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ray is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Karkmananis with a body shot. Karkmananis displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Ray throws out the jab. A swing and a miss from Ray.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Karkmananis jabs at Ray's body. Ray keeps the fight on the outside. Ray throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land. Ray with a body punch. A glancing blow. This has been an exciting period of action! Ray circles away from the clinch attempt.
Ray fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Karkmananis manages to avoid it. Karkmananis is looking to counter the offense by Ray and move into the clinch. Ray avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Nice uppercut there from Karkmananis. Ray lands a body shot.
Ray throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Karkmananis doesn't manage to clinch there - Ray circles away.
Ray avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close fourth round but Ricky Ray will probably get the nod - 10:9. The cut man is working on Ricky Ray's cut. OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!
Karkmananis uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ray.
Karkmananis clinches up against the cage. Karkmananis lands a shot to the body. Nicolas Karkmananis has scored more points in the clinch so far. Karkmananis tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ray's elbow. Ray lands a body shot in the clinch.
Ray manages to break the clinch.
Ray connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Karkmananis momentarily.
Karkmananis tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion. Karkmananis slips under a jab from Ray. Karkmananis throws a nice looking combination but Ray bobs and weaves to avoid any damage. Ray throws out a counter right but Karkmananis avoids it with no problem. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Karkmananis moves to clinch but Ray breaks away and Ray connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle. Ray throws a shot from downtown. Karkmananis moves away and avoids it. Karkmananis tries to clinch there but Ray circles away.
Ray misses with a looping left.
That's one minute gone in the round. Karkmananis ducks under a wild hook from Ray. Ray misses with a wild body shot. Karkmananis keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ray lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin. Karkmananis fails with an attempt to clinch.
Karkmananis ducks under a wild hook from Ray. Ray jabbing away but nothing is landing. Karkmananis throws a lazy head kick and Ray counters with a straight punch to the midsection. Karkmananis moves out of range as Ray strikes. A swing and a miss from Karkmananis. Karkmananis is looking to take this fight into the clinch. Ray throws a counter combo. Karkmananis doesn't manage to clinch there - Ray circles away.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis throws a hook but Ray blocks it. Karkmananis showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Ray.
Karkmananis tries to clinch there but Ray circles away.
Ray avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Sloppy strikes from Ray. Those never looked like landing. Karkmananis fails with an attempt to clinch.
Ray let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land. Karkmananis tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion. Ray looks like he wants to counter punch here. Karkmananis tries to clinch but fails miserably and Ray counters with a lovely straight right hand! A combination from Karkmananis does no damage. Ray walks into a stiff left hand from Karkmananis. Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show! Ray bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Karkmananis's head backwards. Karkmananis clinches up with Ray and pushes him back against the cage.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis trying to stall but Ray improves his position.
Karkmananis breaks the clinch.
Ray misses with a straight left. Karkmananis wants to clinch up but Ray keeps it at a distance. Ray avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
A swing and a miss from Ray. Karkmananis throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena. Karkmananis misses with a head kick.
Ray lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected. Ray keeps the fight on the outside. Ray takes a body punch but keeps moving. The fight stays on the outside here - Karkmananis looks like he's thinking about clinching though. No joy there for Karkmananis, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
A punch combination from Ray misses.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis takes the fight into the clinch. The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Karkmananis takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life. Karkmananis struggles to land a body shot inside as Ray controls his hands.
Nice body punch from Ray - that landed with a thud.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt. Both guys are working to get underhooks. Ray tries for a takedown but Karkmananis manages to get underhooks.
Karkmananis breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ray with a hook. A jab from Ray finds it's way through Karkmananis's defenses. The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here. Ray loads up on a big right hand but Karkmananis slips the punch. Ray takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Ray misses with a hook. Karkmananis ducked under it nicely. Ray bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Karkmananis's head.
And that's the end of the fight! Ricky Ray comfortably won the final round on my scorecard. I think Ray 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight for Ricky Ray! Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight for Nicolas Karkmananis! Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight for Ricky Ray!
Ricky Ray wins by split decision!
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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
59% |
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