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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Ray Malenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cliff Rigano (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ray Malenko has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?
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| 182 cm
24
169 lbs
11 - 2 - 0 |
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188 cm
23
184 lbs
6 - 1 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Granite chin |
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Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
11 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ray Malenko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Cliff Rigano!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Kenichi Hosakawa and Taro Takaoka.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Malenko takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
A decent looking cross lands there for Malenko.
Rigano throws a low kick, looking for Malenko's leg but Malenko calmly moves out of range.
Malenko is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Malenko dives in and scores a takedown into Rigano's guard.
Malenko stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rigano swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Malenko seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Rigano is trying to control the position but Malenko postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rigano keeping moving, preventing Malenko from controlling successfully.
Malenko engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Malenko tries to free his leg and advance position but Rigano is retaining full guard.
We've been hearing good reports from Malenko'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.
Rigano keeping moving, preventing Malenko from controlling successfully.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Malenko is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Malenko misses with a hook
and Rigano counters with a leg kick.
Ray Malenko seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Malenko connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A leg kick checked by Malenko.
Rigano slips a jab from Malenko.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malenko stuns Rigano with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Rigano connects with an inside leg kick.
Jab by Malenko.
We've been informed that Rigano has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Malenko fails in his attempt to clinch.
Malenko misses with the combination.
Malenko ducks under a wild hook from Rigano.
Malenko tries to counter with a takedown but Rigano is quick to defend against it.
Malenko lands with a right hand.
Malenko swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Rigano counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Malenko misses with an uppercut. Rigano saw that one coming.
Rigano stuffs the takedown attempt from Malenko. Malenko gets slowly back to his feet.
Rigano doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malenko keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
It looked like Malenko wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Malenko takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Rigano swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Malenko.
Malenko showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Rigano.
Rigano slips a jab from Malenko.
Malenko misses with a hook.
Rigano takes a jab right on the kisser.
Rigano swings and misses with a hook to the body.
It looked like Malenko wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Malenko doesn't manage to clinch there - Rigano circles away.
Rigano is looking for the big counter here.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Malenko smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Malenko goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Malenko misses with a body shot
and Rigano counters with an inside leg kick.
Malenko is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rigano misses with a low kick.
Rigano attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Malenko throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Malenko avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
A head kick misses from Rigano.
Malenko scores with a punch to the head.
Malenko moves to clinch but Rigano breaks away
and Rigano counters with a good low kick that Malenko was not able to check.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Malenko clinches with his opponent.
Rigano tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Malenko tries to score a body lock takedown but Rigano shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Malenko has a couple of punches blocked by Rigano.
Malenko escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
The fight stays on the outside here - Malenko looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Rigano lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Malenko shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Rigano sprawls well. Rigano wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Malenko gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ray Malenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Malenko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rigano moves away.
Malenko throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Rigano counters with a good low kick that Malenko was not able to check.
Rigano just misses with a punch to the body.
Malenko takes a swing at Rigano's ribcage but misses.
Rigano loads up on a big right hand but Malenko slips the punch.
Malenko has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Rigano finds it's way round the side to connect with Malenko's head.
Rigano ducks under a wild hook from Malenko.
Rigano throws a half hearted mid kick.
Malenko throws out a loose jab but Rigano uses good head movement to avoid it.
Rigano looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Malenko blocks a jab.
Malenko closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Malenko lands in his opponent's guard.
Malenko trying to control but Rigano is working from the bottom.
Rigano is controlling Malenko's posture.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Rigano keeping full guard, as Malenko tries to pass.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Malenko trying to control the position from guard on top but Rigano is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Malenko is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Malenko looking to pass the guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Rigano has control of Malenko's left arm, preventing Malenko from doing any damage.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Malenko misses with a two punch combination.
Rigano scores with a sloppy right hand. Malenko should have avoided that one.
Malenko fails with the takedown.
Rigano swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Malenko lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Rigano at a distance.
Rigano connects with a crisp jab.
Rigano misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Malenko throws a looping overhand right but Rigano ducks down to avoid it.
Malenko looks to score with a jab to the body but Rigano is just out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but I would say that Ray Malenko will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Malenko rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Rigano counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Malenko thinking.
Malenko walks into a left hand.
Rigano displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Malenko.
A decent looking cross lands there for Malenko.
Malenko misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A slow jab from Malenko misses its intended target.
Rigano tries a quick counter leg kick but Malenko is wise to it.
Rigano getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Rigano swings for the body but Malenko moves out of range.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Malenko tries to bum rush Rigano with a series of wild strikes but Rigano uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Rigano misses with a series of wild punches.
Malenko feinted with a counter takedown.
Rigano ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Rigano walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Malenko checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Malenko drops down looking for a counter takedown but Rigano sprawls and moves away.
Rigano throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Malenko misses with an uppercut
and Rigano counters with a right hand to the body.
Malenko misses with a hook
and Rigano counters with an inside leg kick.
Malenko throws the left hand but Rigano avoids the punch easily.
And Rigano responds with a good body kick, but Malenko manages to step out the way in time.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malenko connects with a jab.
Malenko stalks Rigano and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Rigano's face. Rigano staggers backwards, shaken.
Malenko tries to close the distance and clinch but Rigano swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Malenko moves out of range as Rigano throws a body kick.
Rigano throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
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!
Rigano loads up on a big right hand but Malenko slips the punch.
Malenko shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ray Malenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Malenko moves into range and clinches up with Rigano.
Malenko lands with a short shot to the head.
Rigano is working Malenko over against the ropes.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rigano lands a hook that snaps the head of Malenko backwards.
Malenko manages to break the clinch.
Malenko takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Malenko scores with a nice head shot.
Malenko fails in his attempt to clinch.
Malenko throws a poor cross that misses
and Rigano counters with a leg kick.
Malenko throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Malenko throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Rigano tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Malenko is in Rigano's guard.
Malenko looking to sit in guard and control but Rigano gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Malenko trying to keep a closed guard but Rigano is proving a slippery customer.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rigano controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Rigano postures up.
Rigano avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rigano showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Malenko trying to keep a closed guard but Rigano is proving a slippery customer.
Rigano stopping the sweep attempt from Malenko.
Malenko is working hard here to advance position.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Cliff Rigano seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A punch lands to the side of Rigano 's head but he takes it in his stride.
A punch combination from Malenko misses.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Rigano stuffs the takedown attempt from Malenko. Malenko gets slowly back to his feet.
Malenko gets a clinch.
Rigano misses with a punch to the body.
Malenko is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Rigano lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Rigano using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Malenko has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Rigano manages to break the clinch.
Rigano jabs Malenko right on the nose. Malenko blinks but takes it well.
Rigano throws a nice inside leg kick.
Rigano dodges the punch combination from Malenko.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Malenko stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Rigano.
Malenko shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Rigano connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Rigano looks to land a right hand but Malenko moved out of range.
Malenko keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
The fight stays on the outside here - Malenko looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Rigano throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A little feinted left hand from Malenko on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Malenko throws a combination that misses
and Rigano counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Rigano throws a big shot that misses.
Malenko takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Malenko avoids a punch combination nicely.
Malenko lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Rigano circles away quickly and effectively.
Rigano looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Rigano tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Malenko was well out of range. Poor timing from Rigano.
Rigano ducks under a wild hook from Malenko.
Rigano misses with a straight right.
It looked like Malenko was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Rigano.
Malenko checks a leg kick nicely.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Malenko scores with a jab to the head.
Malenko shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Rigano is trying to defend but Malenko finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Rigano is looking for a sweep. Malenko is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Malenko passes to full mount!
Malenko looking to secure an arm triangle but Rigano defends it well.
Rigano tries to hold on but Malenko postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Cliff Rigano will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Rigano circles away from the clinch attempt.
Rigano misses the jab.
Rigano thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Malenko if he has to take too many more of those.
Rigano lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Rigano keeps the fight on the outside.
Rigano throws out a counter right but Malenko avoids it with no problem.
Malenko swings widly with a right hand
and Rigano counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Decent striking displayed by Malenko there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rigano misses with a leg kick.
Rigano fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Malenko was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Malenko throws a right and a left that Rigano avoids nicely.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Malenko closes this distance looking for a takedown but Rigano circles away.
Malenko misses the jab.
Malenko thows a left - swing and a miss!
Malenko works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Rigano lands with a nice body punch.
Malenko gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Malenko dodges the punch combination from Rigano.
Malenko tries to clinch up but Rigano circles away and keeps his distance.
Malenko tries to close the distance and clinch but Rigano swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rigano lands a head shot.
Rigano misses with a low kick.
Rigano throws a series of punches but Malenko moves out of range.
Nice defenses there by Rigano.
Rigano swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Rigano swinging wildly here.
Malenko fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rigano manages to avoid it.
A big left from Malenko misses.
Malenko moves out of the way of the counter high kick fromRigano.
Malenko cracks Rigano with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the ropes.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rigano showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Malenko.
Malenko shoots in but no luck this time.
Malenko missing with a left hand there. Rigano was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Malenko scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Malenko uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Rigano has time to react.
Rigano lands a head shot.
Malenko misses with a body shot.
Rigano thuds a left hand into Malenko's body.
Malenko shoots in and gets a takedown into Rigano's guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rigano keeping moving, preventing Malenko from controlling successfully.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Malenko trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Rigano is trying to keep Malenko in close.
Malenko trying to control the position from guard on top but Rigano is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Malenko stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rigano swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Rigano keeping moving, preventing Malenko from controlling successfully.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Rigano dodges the punch combination from Malenko.
Rigano leaves Malenko with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ray Malenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Malenko takes a swing at Rigano's ribcage but misses.
Rigano ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Rigano is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Malenko tries to clinch there but Rigano circles away.
Cliff Rigano is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Malenko falls off balance throwing a combination
and Rigano cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Malenko pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Rigano throws out a counter right but Malenko avoids it with no problem.
Malenko wants to clinch up but Rigano keeps it at a distance.
Rigano fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Malenko manages to avoid it.
Malenko loads up on a big right hand but Rigano slips the punch.
Rigano scores with a nice strike.
Malenko tries to clinch up.
Despite the aggression on Rigano's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Rigano lands with a slapping head kick.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Malenko tries to clinch up but Rigano circles away and keeps his distance.
Rigano flicks out a counter leg kick but Malenko steps away.
Rigano dips to his left and cracks Malenko with an uppercut!
Malenko checks a low kick from Rigano.
The fighters circle momentarily. Malenko darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Malenko misses with a combination
and Malenko takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Malenko misses with a right hand
and Rigano counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Malenko misses with a wild body shot.
Rigano walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Malenko checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Malenko connects with a jab.
Malenko throws the left hand but Rigano avoids the punch easily.
Malenko drives through with a takedown into Rigano's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Malenko missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Rigano looking for a sweep. Not yet Rigano, not yet.
Malenko wants to control from the top but Rigano keeps moving.
Rigano trying to control the position.
Rigano is controlling Malenko's posture.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Malenko wants to control from the top but Rigano keeps moving.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Malenko stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rigano swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Malenko connects with a nice looking jab.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Malenko looks to land a left hand but Rigano moved out of range nicely.
Rigano shapes to counter with a head kick.
A swing and a miss from Malenko.
Malenko fails with the takedown.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close third round but Cliff Rigano just about did enough to take it.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Rigano lands a body shot.
Rigano pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Malenko looks to throw the jab but Rigano is out of range.
Malenko scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Rigano takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
A swing and a miss from Malenko.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rigano looks to throw a body kick
and Malenko counters with a takedown into side control.
Malenko trying to control the position but Rigano is working away.
Rigano is looking to regain half guard here but Malenko keeps moving and retains side control.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Malenko tries for a kimura but Rigano is defending well.
Rigano tries to improve position but can't.
Malenko controls the position from side control.
Malenko trying to control the position but Rigano is working away.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Rigano is letting Malenko control him for a moment.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Rigano has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Rigano throws a low kick, looking for Malenko's leg but Malenko calmly moves out of range.
Rigano slips under a jab.
Rigano steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Malenko.
Rigano misses with a jab, cross combination.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malenko tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rigano was well out of range. Poor timing from Malenko.
A head kick misses from Rigano.
Malenko clinches up with Rigano and pushes him back against the ropes.
Malenko is looking for a takedown up against the ropes. Rigano gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Rigano throws a head punch that misses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Malenko.
Rigano looking to slow down the pace here.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Malenko goes for a takedown attempt but Rigano pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Malenko walks into a straight right hand from Rigano.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Malenko lands a nice hook to Rigano's body. Rigano takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Rigano chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Rigano avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Rigano misses with a straight left.
Rigano throws a quick inside leg kick.
Rigano on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Rigano takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Left hook, right uppercut from Rigano.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Malenko swinging wildly here.
Malenko swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rigano throws a counter combo.
Nice cross by Rigano.
Rigano connects with a jab.
Malenko doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Rigano connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ray Malenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Malenko dives in and grabs Rigano's left leg, looking for a takedown. Rigano pushes down on Malenko's head and hops out.
Malenko takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Malenko stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Rigano.
Malenko misses with a wild combination.
Malenko takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Malenko takes a swing at Rigano's ribcage but misses.
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!
Rigano lands a jab to Malenko's midsection.
Malenko throws a looping overhand right but Rigano ducks down to avoid it.
That kick from Rigano tenderised Malenko's leg. Malenko is trying to keep his angry face on.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Malenko avoids the head kick by Rigano.
A good leg kick by Rigano.
Rigano circles away from the clinch attempt
and Rigano counters with a good low kick that Malenko was not able to check.
Malenko cracks Rigano with a right hand to the side of the head.
Malenko wants to clinch.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Rigano looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Nice defenses there by Malenko.
Malenko doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Rigano counters with an inside leg kick.
Good leg kick by Rigano there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Rigano uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Malenko.
Malenko lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Rigano throws a leg kick but Malenko checks it.
Malenko throwing a counter right hand but Rigano manages to avoid it.
The fight stays on the outside here - Malenko looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Malenko on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Rigano. Rigano obviously looking to wear him down.
Malenko moves into the clinch successfully.
Malenko swings wildly with an uppercut but Rigano uses good head movement to avoid it.
Rigano lands a shoulder strike.
Malenko has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Rigano is trying to keep an underhook but Malenko manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Rigano is not content to let Malenko control the position.
Malenko is really struggling to control Rigano but he's trying to hold on to the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close fourth round but Cliff Rigano will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Malenko's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!
Rigano takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Rigano throws a head kick but Malenko moves out of range.
Malenko moves into range and clinches up with Rigano.
Malenko wants to take the fight to the mat but Rigano manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Rigano is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Malenko is keeping busy.
Malenko misses with a hook to the ribs.
Ray Malenko has scored more points in the clinch so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Malenko breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rigano looks to land a combination but Malenko avoids it well.
Malenko feinted with a counter takedown.
A combination from Malenko does no damage.
Malenko catches Rigano with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
That's one minute gone in the round.
Rigano with a hook.
Malenko moves in looking to clinch but Rigano pushes him off.
Rigano doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Malenko misses with a hook.
Malenko throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Rigano slips under a jab.
Malenko tries to close the distance and clinch but Rigano swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Malenko throws a body punch but Rigano moves out of range.
Rigano misses with a straight right.
Malenko tries to counter with a takedown but Rigano is quick to defend against it.
Rigano throws a nice outside leg kick.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rigano throws a leg kick but Malenko sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Rigano scores with a head kick. Malenko tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Malenko thuds a left hand into Rigano's body.
Rigano slips a jab and a cross from Malenko.
Malenko tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in to close the distance. Rigano manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Malenko fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rigano manages to avoid it.
Rigano tries a head kick but it misses.
A head kick misses from Rigano.
Malenko throws out a powerful jab.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malenko scores with a jab to the body.
Malenko dives in for a single leg takedown but Rigano sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the ropes.
Rigano throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rigano slips under a jab from Malenko.
Malenko 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.
Malenko scores with a nice head shot.
Rigano scores with a three punch combo!
A punch lands to the side of Rigano 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Rigano throws a leg kick that misses.
Malenko attempts a counter takedown but Rigano avoids it well and moves away.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rigano tries a low kick but Malenko avoids it.
Malenko misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ray Malenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rigano throws a lazy right hand but Malenko sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Malenko lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Rigano circles away quickly and effectively.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nice uppercut there from Rigano.
Rigano uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Malenko.
A slow jab from Rigano misses its intended target.
Malenko looks to score with a jab to the body but Rigano is just out of range.
Rigano goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Malenko tries to clinch up.
Rigano throws a right and a left that both miss.
Malenko swinging wildly here.
Malenko scores with a crisp jab that stopped Rigano in his tracks.
Malenko doesn't manage to clinch there - Rigano circles away.
Malenko dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Malenko tries to close the distance and clinch up but Rigano swats him away and circles back towards the center.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Malenko looks to score with a jab to the body but Rigano is just out of range.
Malenko jabs at Rigano's body.
Rigano throws a nice inside leg kick.
Malenko fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rigano manages to avoid it.
Rigano swats away the attempt to clinch by Malenko.
The fight stays on the outside here - Malenko looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Malenko darts in and clinches Rigano up against the ropes.
Ray Malenko has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Malenko misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Malenko doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Rigano lands a left hand.
A nice left hand lands by Malenko.
Malenko tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Malenko has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Rigano avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Still in the clinch, Malenko scores with a nice short uppercut.
Rigano tries a knee to the head but Malenko blocks it.
Malenko has hold of one of Rigano's legs. Rigano is fighting the takedown attempt but Malenko gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Rigano holds on and takes a little breather.
Rigano keeping moving, preventing Malenko from controlling successfully.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Rigano is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Rigano is pulling down on Malenko's head. It's preventing any offense from Malenko, at least for the moment.
Malenko trying to control but Rigano is working from the bottom.
Rigano preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Malenko wants to control from the top but Rigano keeps moving.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Malenko wants to clinch.
Rigano doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Malenko ducks under a wild hook from Rigano.
Rigano on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Malenko rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Rigano moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rigano has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Rigano there as he acknowledges the shot.
Rigano throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
And that's the end of the fight!
Ray Malenko showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Rigano 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 Yuuki Gou scores the fight 46:49
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 47:48
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 47:48
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Cliff Rigano!
Our winner, Cliff Rigano, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.
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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
42% |
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