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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Paul Harris (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nicolas Karkmananis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!
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185 cm
31
222 lbs
18 - 16 - 1 |
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185 cm
33
215 lbs
16 - 17 - 1 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine |
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Good wrestler
World class boxer
Heavy handed |
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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
18 - 16 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Paul Harris! And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner. With a record of
16 - 17 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nicolas Karkmananis! The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, and Don Winkell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway! Harris dodges the punch combination from Karkmananis.
Karkmananis takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it. Karkmananis keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Karkmananis scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Harris connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there. Harris misses with an uppercut. Karkmananis saw that one coming. Karkmananis looks to land a combination but Harris avoids it well. Karkmananis is looking to take this fight into the clinch. Karkmananis rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Harris moves out of range and avoids them all easily. Harris lands a body shot.
Karkmananis throws a nice looking combination but Harris bobs and weaves to avoid any damage. A head kick misses from Karkmananis. The crowd are loving this. Great action here. Karkmananis misses with an uppercut. Harris throws a hook but Karkmananis blocks it. Harris darts in looking for a takedown but Karkmananis gets double underhooks and turns Harris into the cage.
That's one minute gone in the round. Karkmananis moves into range and clinches up with Harris. Harris is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Karkmananis can't fight it off and eventually Harris manages to take the fight to the floor. Karkmananis looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard. Harris trying to control but Karkmananis is working from the bottom. Karkmananis not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Harris keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Karkmananis's head. Harris wants to control from the top but Karkmananis keeps moving. Karkmananis told us pre-fight that he has been working on his escapes in training. Let's see if he can call on some of his new skills to get back to his feet. The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work. Harris won't allow Karkmananis to sweep him here. Harris throws a big elbow that misses. Harris wants to control from the top but Karkmananis keeps moving. Harris has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission. Karkmananis has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Harris has passed into side control.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Harris landing strikes. Harris tries to score with some ground and pound. Karkmananis controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage. Karkmananis is looking for a sweep. Karkmananis sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard. Harris is thwarting Karkmananis's attempts to control the position. Karkmananis tries to kick Harris off but Harris keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet. Harris scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent. Karkmananis moves into range and connects with a jab.
It looks like Paul Harris has been cut. Harris throws a body shot but no joy. Harris blocks a head kick by Karkmananis.
Harris throws a body kick but he was well out of range there. Karkmananis appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body. Karkmananis tries to clinch there but Harris circles away.
Harris fails with the takedown.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis tries to clinch but Harris is having none of it. Karkmananis throws a left and a right that both miss
and Harris counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Karkmananis! You can see the frustration on Karkmananis's face, being in this tough position on the bottom. Karkmananis is trying to buck Harris off. Harris in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows. Harris connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Karkmananis some visible discomfort.
Harris is looking to take a break and control but Karkmananis is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. Harris working away. Karkmananis is looking for a sweep.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Harris wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Karkmananis, who protects the arm well. Karkmananis is looking for a sweep. Karkmananis is trying to control Harris's posture but Harris avoids it. Karkmananis stuck in half guard on the bottom here. Harris happy to just control the position for now. We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace. Karkmananis struggling a bit here.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet. Karkmananis moves in looking to clinch but Harris pushes him off. Harris swats away the attempt to clinch by Karkmananis. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Paul Harris dominated that round. The cut man is working on Paul Harris's cut. The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Karkmananis tries to clinch up but Harris circles away and keeps his distance. Nicolas Karkmananis seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout. Harris lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh. Harris closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard. Karkmananis has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Harris is on him like a limpet, forcing Karkmananis back against the cage. Karkmananis has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate. A battle for position here, against the cage. Karkmananis tries a knee to the head but Harris blocks it.
Harris letting Karkmananis take a breather here. Karkmananis lands an uppercut. Karkmananis misses with a punch to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Harris blocks a body shot from Karkmananis. Harris misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Karkmananis.
Harris's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does. Karkmananis fails with an attempt to clinch.
Harris appears to be looking for a counter takedown. Karkmananis looks to score with a jab to the body but Harris is just out of range. Harris appears to be looking for a counter takedown. Harris avoids a kick to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round. Harris connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt. Harris throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Harris scores with a push kick. Karkmananis stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Harris. A right-left combo lands from Harris. A looping hook to the body misses from Harris. Karkmananis does a little dance to reset his feet. Harris throws a body kick but he was well out of range there. Karkmananis counters with a body kick. Karkmananis lands an overhand right. Harris throws a jab but it's blocked by Karkmananis. Harris looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Harris misses with a body kick. Paul Harris is winning the standup battle so far. Karkmananis is looking to clinch. Harris feinted there with a counter leg kick. Nicolas Karkmananis is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs. Karkmananis tries to clinch but Harris moves out of range. Harris is looking to wear down Karkmananis with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment. Karkmananis takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt. Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show! Karkmananis throws a body punch but Harris moves out of range. Karkmananis tries to clinch up.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Harris throws a leg kick that misses. Karkmananis throws a combination. Harris tries to block but a couple of punches get through. Harris scores with a crisp jab that stopped Karkmananis in his tracks. Karkmananis tries to clinch and Harris counters with a right hand to the body. Karkmananis loads up on a big right hand but Harris slips the punch. Harris fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Harris looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight. Karkmananis throws a sloppy head kick and Harris moves out of range easily. Harris misses with a looping left. Harris misses with a body kick. Karkmananis pushes Harris up against the cage in a clinch. The pace really dropping off here, momentarily. Karkmananis trying to control the position but instead, Harris has worked for underhooks and has pushed Karkmananis into the cage. Harris gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Harris slips nicely into half guard. Harris is thwarting Karkmananis's attempts to control the position. Paul Harris overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far. Harris missing with some ground and pound from the half guard. Harris takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists. Harris is keen to just control but Karkmananis is a slippery customer. Karkmananis gets full guard. Karkmananis is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage. The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing. Karkmananis is trying to keep Harris in close.
That's four minutes gone in the round. The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action. Harris trying to control but Karkmananis is working from the bottom. Karkmananis is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Harris is controlling him. Harris forces his way into half guard.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity. Karkmananis tries to clinch up. Harris attempts a counter takedown but Karkmananis avoids it well and moves away. A head kick misses from Harris. Karkmananis rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Harris moves out of range and avoids them all easily. Karkmananis blocks the body kick.
Karkmananis slips a straight right by Harris. Karkmananis misses with a looping left. Harris changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit. Harris takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Paul Harris dominated that second round. The cut man is working on Paul Harris's cut. The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
A cross from Karkmananis lands. Nicolas Karkmananis is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things. Karkmananis gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Harris dives in for a single leg takedown but Karkmananis sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage. An inside leg kick lands from Harris. Karkmananis misses with a wild body shot. A jab from Harris finds it's way through Karkmananis's defenses. Karkmananis doesn't manage to clinch there - Harris circles away.
Karkmananis moves to clinch but Harris breaks away and Harris counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Harris. Karkmananis has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Harris has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage. Harris is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Karkmananis can do to turn this around? We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out! Karkmananis digs a right hand into Harris's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Harris's gas tank. Harris content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Karkmananis's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does. Harris throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Karkmananis's head. Karkmananis cracks a nice hook into Harris's ribs. Karkmananis tries to clinch there but Harris circles away.
That's one minute gone in the round. Karkmananis is looking to take this fight into the clinch. Harris fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Karkmananis has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage. A swing and a miss from Karkmananis. Harris ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Karkmananis moves away. Harris scores with a punch to the head. Harris tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Karkmananis is able to avoid easily. Karkmananis takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Karkmananis tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Harris paws at him with a jab and circles away. Karkmananis tries to close the distance and clinch up but Harris swats him away and circles back towards the center. Karkmananis throws a leg kick but Harris sees it coming and moves out of range. Harris slips a jab and a cross from Karkmananis.
Karkmananis gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here. Harris breaks from the clinch.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Harris just misses with a punch to the body.
Karkmananis lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin. A nice leg kick lands there from Karkmananis. Harris throws a hook but Karkmananis blocks it. Karkmananis scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business. 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! Karkmananis avoids the head kick by Harris.
Harris thuds his right hand into Karkmananis's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters. Harris dives in and grabs Karkmananis's left leg, looking for a takedown. Karkmananis pushes down on Harris's head and hops out. Harris takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Harris dives in and grabs Karkmananis's left leg, looking for a takedown. Karkmananis pushes down on Harris's head and hops out. That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Paul Harris. That's going to take a lot out of him. Karkmananis moves into the clinch successfully.
Karkmananis tries to land knees in the clinch but Harris avoids the damage to the body. Karkmananis on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
A shot in the inside from Harris. Karkmananis looking to stall.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage. Harris lands a glancing elbow in the clinch. Karkmananis escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
That kick from Harris tenderised Karkmananis's leg. Karkmananis is trying to keep his angry face on. Karkmananis moves into range and connects with a jab. Karkmananis on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot. Karkmananis moves into the clinch. Karkmananis is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath. Karkmananis misses with a punch to the body.
Harris misses with a body punch.
Harris misses with a punch to the body.
Karkmananis trying to control the position but instead, Harris has worked for underhooks and has pushed Karkmananis into the cage. Karkmananis goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis lands with a short shot to the head. Nicolas Karkmananis seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far. Harris blocking some punches.
Harris swings wildly with an uppercut but Karkmananis uses good head movement to avoid it. Harris fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors. Harris trying to stall but Karkmananis improves his position.
Harris breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. Karkmananis rushes Harris and presses him up against the cage. Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd. Harris lands a damaging elbow.
It looks like Nicolas Karkmananis has been cut. Karkmananis stalling in the clinch.
Harris is working Karkmananis over against the cage. Karkmananis tries to break the clinch but Harris is controlling the position. Harris using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Karkmananis has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Karkmananis misses with some punches.
Karkmananis is leaning against Harris and scores with a nice uppercut to the body. Karkmananis tries to stall but Harris uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close third round but Nicolas Karkmananis just about did enough to take it. 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.
Karkmananis wants to clinch. Harris shoots in for a takedown but Karkmananis shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet. Jab from Harris. Harris shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard. Karkmananis wants to improve his position but Harris is controlling well.
Karkmananis trying to control but Harris postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Harris 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. Harris thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Karkmananis's head.
That's one minute gone in the round. Karkmananis is trying to maintain the position but Harris is very close to passing his half guard. Karkmananis wants to improve his position but Harris is controlling well.
Harris wants to free his trapped foot but Karkmananis is holding on for dear life with his legs. Harris thows a huge punch but Karkmananis dodges it nicely.
Karkmananis gets full guard. We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon. Karkmananis not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity. Harris swats away the attempt to clinch by Karkmananis. Harris lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
That's two minutes gone in the round. My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer. Harris tries for a takedown but Karkmananis sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily. Karkmananis lands a head kick. Harris smiles back at him and beckons him forward. Harris digs a good hook to Karkmananis's body.
Harris scores with a sloppy right hand. Karkmananis should have avoided that one. Karkmananis throws a head kick that misses. Harris tries to counter with a takedown but Karkmananis is quick to defend against it. Harris feints and then cracks Karkmananis's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Karkmananis down. Harris swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target. Harris digs a good hook to Karkmananis's body.
Harris slips a jab and a cross from Karkmananis.
Karkmananis tries to clinch there but Harris circles away.
Harris appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick. Karkmananis moves in looking to clinch but Harris pushes him off. Harris swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect. Karkmananis displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Harris. That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Paul Harris. That's going to take a lot out of him. Karkmananis wants to clinch.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis misses with the combination.
Karkmananis is looking to take this fight into the clinch. Harris chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Karkmananis takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Karkmananis avoids the body shot from Harris.
Harris fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Karkmananis has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage. Harris throws a shot to the body.
Karkmananis gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here. Harris lands a shoulder strike. Harris lands a knee to the body.
Karkmananis is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis misses with a punch on the inside.
Karkmananis breaks the clinch.
Good leg kick by Harris there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Karkmananis thumps Harris with a low kick. Karkmananis tries to clinch up. Karkmananis's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down. Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd. Karkmananis tries to bum rush Harris with a series of wild strikes but Harris uses good footwork to avoid the assault. Karkmananis throws a leg kick and Harris counters with a body kick that stops Karkmananis in his tracks momentarily. Harris lands with a nice body kick. Harris scores with a body shot.
Harris throws a push kick but Karkmananis slaps the foot to one side. Karkmananis unleashes a big counter combination but Harris bobs and weaves and avoids any damage. Harris scores with a kick to the body.
Harris shoots in for a double leg but Karkmananis sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy. Harris getting the better of the striking in that exchange. Harris walks into a left hand. Karkmananis tries to close the distance and clinch up but Harris swats him away and circles back towards the center. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Paul Harris had his way with Nicolas Karkmananis in that round. Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval. That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!
Karkmananis tries to clinch but Harris moves out of range. Karkmananis on the wrong end of a nice jab. Karkmananis stuffs the takedown attempt from Harris. Harris gets slowly back to his feet. Karkmananis is looking to clinch but Harris is avoiding it.
Karkmananis moves into the clinch. Harris with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors. A battle for position here, against the cage. Harris tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Karkmananis avoids it. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Karkmananis lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Harris backwards. Harris lands a right hand. A nice right hand lands inside from Harris. Karkmananis misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Harris misses with a hook to the ribs.
That's one minute gone in the round. Harris's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does. Karkmananis wants to clinch up but Harris keeps it at a distance. Harris lands with a thumping leg kick.
Harris throws a head kick but Karkmananis moves out of range.
Karkmananis looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it. Harris fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Karkmananis is out of range. Harris throws a nice outside leg kick. Karkmananis darts in and clinches Harris up against the cage. Karkmananis throws a punch but it's blocked by Harris. Karkmananis managing to block the knees to the body from Harris.
Karkmananis blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Karkmananis lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage. Harris has Karkmananis pressed against the cage, preventing Karkmananis from circling away and getting back to striking at range. Harris being controlled against the cage. Harris slows down the pace here.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Harris throws a head punch that misses. Karkmananis lands with a short shot to the head. Harris is trying to maintain a safe position but Karkmananis gets an underhook and turns Harris into the cage. An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Harris. Karkmananis is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Harris is keeping busy. Karkmananis misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A battle for position here, against the cage. Harris breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. The fight moves into the clinch position. Harris comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush. The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here. Harris misses with a knee strike.
Karkmananis misses with a body punch.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Both fighters working to control the clinch. Karkmananis breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. Karkmananis closes the distance and pushes Harris back into the cage. Karkmananis wants to break free but Harris has control.
Harris misses with a punch to the body.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Harris just misses with a elbow thrown towards Karkmananis's brow. Karkmananis prevents the takedown attempt.
Karkmananis lands a right hand that snaps the head of Harris backwards. Karkmananis misses with a body punch.
Harris lands a right hand that snaps the head of Karkmananis backwards. A head punch on the inside from Harris fails to land. Harris blocks an elbow strike. Harris's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does. Karkmananis fails with an attempt to clinch.
Karkmananis tries to clinch but Harris is having none of it. Karkmananis tries to clinch but Harris is having none of it.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Karkmananis forces Harris back against the cage and clinches. Harris lands a right hand that snaps the head of Karkmananis backwards. Karkmananis working some nice short punches in the clinch. Karkmananis's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button! This has been an exciting period of action! Karkmananis has Harris pressed against the cage.
Harris tries a knee to the head but Karkmananis blocks it.
Karkmananis pushes off an throws an elbow but Harris leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage. Karkmananis lands a shoulder strike. Harris throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges. Harris letting Karkmananis take a breather here. Karkmananis tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Harris manages to break the clinch.
Harris lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Nicolas Karkmananis has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here! Harris scores with a jab to the body.
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 Paul Harris. I think Harris 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight for Paul Harris! Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight for Paul Harris! Judge Don Winkell scores the fight for Paul Harris!
Paul Harris wins by unanimous decision! A relieved looking Paul Harris thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
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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
58% |
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