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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Nuriel Leonard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Simons III (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 168 cm
41
147 lbs
40 - 21 - 0 |
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172 cm
47
143 lbs
51 - 36 - 2 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Granite chin |
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Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
40 - 21 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Nuriel Leonard!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
51 - 36 - 2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, John Simons III!
The judges for this bout are Mauricio Rocha, Luis Engracia and Emerson Jorge.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Leonard throws a predictable looking body shot
and Simons III counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Leonard!
Simons III laying and praying for a moment but Leonard takes advantage and regains half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Leonard is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Simons III's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Simons III's back!
Simons III covering up well under a barage of strikes.
Leonard working for the choke.
Simons III grimaces as he takes a shot to the body.
Simons III tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Simons III sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Simons III is staying active underneath Leonard, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Leonard lands strikes from half guard.
Simons III is looking to improve his position.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Leonard throwing shots but Simons III is blocking nicely.
Leonard throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Leonard 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.
Leonard is looking to take a break and control but Simons III is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Simons III trying to control from the bottom.
Leonard working Simons III over with strikes.
Leonard tries to pass the half guard into mount. Simons III knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Simons III is looking for a sweep. Leonard is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
We've been hearing good reports from Leonard'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.
Leonard sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Simons III wants to get back to full guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Leonard scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Simons III trying to control from the bottom.
Leonard lands strikes from half guard.
Simons III tries to roll over but Leonard keeps him under control.
Leonard missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Simons III is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Leonard pulls his head out easily.
Simons III is looking for a sweep. Leonard is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Leonard lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Leonard takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Leonard missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simons III works his way to full guard. Good work.
Leonard postures up and lands a big shot to Simons III's brow.
Simons III trying to control the position.
Simons III pulls Leonard in close to prevent any damage.
Leonard is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Simons III working a defensive guard but Leonard manages to pass into side control anyway.
Leonard working the ground and pound.
Simons III sneaks back into half guard.
Leonard scoring with strikes to the body and head.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Leonard is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Simons III defends it well.
Leonard moves nicely into side control.
Simons III is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Leonard off and has taken his back!
Leonard defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
Leonard trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Leonard is trying to break free.
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!
Simons III struggling to keep hold of the position.
Simons III is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Nuriel Leonard dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
A decent looking cross lands there for Leonard.
Leonard takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Nuriel Leonard seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Simons III takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Simons III closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Leonard gets back to full guard.
Simons III stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Leonard swivels though and keeps the full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Leonard keeping moving, preventing Simons III from controlling successfully.
Leonard is trying to keep Simons III in close.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Simons III tries to free his leg and advance position but Leonard is retaining full guard.
Leonard looking to hit a scissor sweep but Simons III is one step ahead there.
Simons III wants to control from the top but Leonard keeps moving.
Leonard seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Simons III working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Leonard keeping moving, preventing Simons III from controlling successfully.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Leonard throws a good cross that connects.
Leonard tries to bum rush Simons III with a series of wild strikes but Simons III uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Leonard tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Simons III swivels and escapes.
Simons III darts in looking for a takedown but Leonard gets double underhooks and turns Simons III into the cage.
Leonard throwing a counter right hand but Simons III manages to avoid it.
Leonard swings for the body but Simons III moves out of range.
Leonard is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Simons III can do to turn this around?
Simons III shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Leonard counter with a right hand.
Leonard lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Simons III slips under a jab.
Leonard misses with a looping right.
Leonard throws a body punch but Simons III moves out of range.
Simons III tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Simons III on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Leonard swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simons III displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Leonard throws out the jab.
Leonard misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Simons III.
Simons III keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Leonard.
Leonard tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Simons III paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Simons III moves out of range of the strikes.
Simons III drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Leonard defends it well.
Leonard misses with a hook. Simons III ducked under it nicely.
Leonard throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Leonard, as that shot connected.
Leonard throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Simons III changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Simons III tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Leonard defends well and Simons III ends up having to push Leonard into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Leonard feinted with a counter takedown.
Nuriel Leonard has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Simons III.
A swing and a miss from Leonard.
Leonard lands with a straight right. Simons III didn't see that one coming.
Simons III fails with the takedown.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Leonard cracks Simons III with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Simons III blocks a jab.
Simons III uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Leonard.
Leonard misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Simons III decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Leonard's guard.
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!
Simons III trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Leonard is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Simons III trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Leonard has his hands on Simons III's head, controlling the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Nuriel Leonard dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!
Leonard misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Simons III keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Leonard.
Simons III shoots and misses
and Simons III takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Leonard misses with a wild body shot.
A left lands for Leonard.
A shot to the liver by Leonard. Beautiful body shot.
Leonard slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Leonard misses with a looping left.
Simons III changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Leonard shoots for a double leg takedown but Simons III sprawls well. He's pushed Leonard's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Simons III with a poor takedown
and Leonard counters with a right hand to the body.
Simons III slips under a jab from Leonard.
John Simons III is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Leonard tests Simons III's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Simons III fails to land with a series of punches.
That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Leonard throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Leonard waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Simons III.
Simons III changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
A slow jab from Leonard misses its intended target.
Leonard lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Simons III at a distance.
Leonard looks to score with a jab to the body but Simons III is just out of range.
Leonard listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Nice shot by Leonard.
Simons III keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Leonard slaps away a takedown attempt from Simons III, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Nuriel Leonard has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Simons III.
Simons III moves out of range as Leonard strikes.
Leonard throws a series of punches but Simons III moves out of range.
Simons III is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Simons III tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Leonard swivels and escapes.
Leonard went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Nuriel Leonard is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Leonard looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Leonard scores with a nice right hand.
Leonard swings for the body but Simons III moves out of range.
Simons III keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Simons III fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Leonard scores with a jab to the body.
Leonard lands a jab to the head.
Leonard swats away the attempt to clinch by Simons III.
Leonard tests Simons III's chin there with a solid looking shot.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leonard connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
No joy there for Leonard, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Leonard slaps away a takedown attempt from Simons III, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Simons III tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Leonard swivels and escapes.
Leonard attempts a counter takedown but Simons III avoids it well and moves away.
Leonard's corner calls for a 1-2. Leonard obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Simons III looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Leonard is fending him off so far but Simons III persists. Nope, Leonard circles away and we're back to standing.
Simons III uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Leonard.
Leonard lands a jab to Simons III's midsection.
Simons III shoots in but no luck this time.
Simons III avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Leonard fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Simons III needs to keep his hands up - Leonard had a free shot at his head there.
John Simons III has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Leonard's jab looks to have found its range, popping Simons III under the eye.
Simons III misses with a wild body shot.
Simons III staying out of range there.
Simons III drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Leonard defends it well.
Nuriel Leonard is winning the standup battle so far.
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!
Leonard lands a jab to Simons III's midsection.
Nice defenses there by Simons III.
Simons III shoots in for a takedown but Leonard shows good takedown defense.
Leonard throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Simons III moves out of range of the strikes.
Leonard scores with a crisp jab that stopped Simons III in his tracks.
Leonard wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Leonard drives through and clinches with Simons III against the cage.
And that's the end of the fight!
Nuriel Leonard showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Leonard has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 30:26
Judge Luis Engracia scores the fight 30:26
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 30:26
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nuriel Leonard!
A pretty intense looking Nuriel Leonard took the opportunity post-fight to ask for a shot at the title.
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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
48% |
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