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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Mathew Ridgeway (ranked 31 p4p, 6 weight class) and Vladimir Emelienko (ranked 111 p4p, 17 weight class). Ridgeway comes to the cage accompanied by The Forgotten War. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?
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| 174 cm
32
164 lbs
29 - 11 - 1 |
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176 cm
32
168 lbs
20 - 5 - 1 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
29 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Mathew Ridgeway!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
20 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Vladimir Emelienko!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, and Don Winkell.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Emelienko.
Ridgeway takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Emelienko lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Ridgeway has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Ridgeway and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Emelienko avoids the body shot from Ridgeway.
Ridgeway throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
That kick from Ridgeway tenderised Emelienko's leg. Emelienko is trying to keep his angry face on.
Mathew Ridgeway seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ridgeway swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Emelienko counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
We've been told by Ridgeway's head coaches at Canadian Elite Bruins Gym that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Ridgeway blocks a jab.
Ridgeway throws a leg kick that misses.
Emelienko jabs at Ridgeway's body.
Emelienko misses with a looping left.
Ridgeway pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Ridgeway changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Ridgeway checks a low kick from Emelienko.
An attempted straight right counter from Ridgeway misses the target.
Ridgeway connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Ridgeway throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ridgeway throws an overhand right that lands on Emelienko's shoulder, as Emelienko tries to avoid the shot.
It seemed like Emelienko was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Emelienko does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Emelienko throws out a leg kick but Ridgeway moves out of range and Emelienko only half commits.
Emelienko gets tackled into the cage by Ridgeway. Ridgeway maintains the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Ridgeway.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Ridgeway lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Ridgeway can't find room to land a body shot as Emelienko controls the action.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Ridgeway.
A head punch on the inside from Ridgeway fails to land.
Ridgeway doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A nice left hand lands by Emelienko.
Emelienko blocking some punches.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ridgeway.
Emelienko manages to break the clinch.
Nice uppercut there from Ridgeway.
Ridgeway tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Emelienko was well out of range. Poor timing from Ridgeway.
Emelienko appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Emelienko moves away from the strike by Ridgeway.
Emelienko slips a jab from Ridgeway.
Emelienko tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ridgeway was well out of range. Poor timing from Emelienko.
Ridgeway dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Emelienko. That did some damage!
Ridgeway ducks under a wild hook from Emelienko.
Emelienko throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Ridgeway shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Ridgeway swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Ridgeway backing away here, and Emelienko unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Ridgeway with a nice cross.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ridgeway fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Emelienko checks it well.
Ridgeway backing away here, and Emelienko unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Ridgeway misses with a low kick.
Ridgeway will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Emelienko just misses with a punch to the body.
Ridgeway misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Emelienko.
Ridgeway dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Emelienko. That did some damage!
Emelienko looks to throw the jab but Ridgeway is out of range.
Emelienko scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Ridgeway pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Ridgeway throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Ridgeway tries to work over Emelienko's front leg with a kick but Emelienko checks it.
Ridgeway wants to slow Emelienko down by chopping away at his legs.
Emelienko tries to land a leg kick but Ridgeway saw it coming and moves away.
That kick from Emelienko tenderised Ridgeway's leg. Ridgeway is trying to keep his angry face on.
Ridgeway is looking to slow Emelienko down with leg kicks.
Ridgeway misses with a leg kick
and Emelienko makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Ridgeway tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Emelienko was well out of range. Poor timing from Ridgeway.
Ridgeway scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ridgeway takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Emelienko keeps the fight on the outside.
It seemed like Emelienko was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Ridgeway works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
A bone on bone clash there as Emelienko blocks the leg kick.
Ridgeway misses with a hook
and Emelienko counters with a good low kick that Ridgeway was not able to check.
Good work by Emelienko as he checks the leg kick.
Emelienko walks into a left hand.
The fighters circle momentarily. Emelienko darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Emelienko scores with a nice head shot.
Ridgeway pushes Emelienko up against the cage in a clinch.
Emelienko misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ridgeway tries to work over Emelienko's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Ridgeway blocks an uppercut.
Emelienko is trying to push Ridgeway away but Ridgeway has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Emelienko misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ridgeway softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
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!
Emelienko wants to break the clinch but can't.
Good body shot from Ridgeway.
Emelienko swings wildly with an uppercut but Ridgeway uses good head movement to avoid it.
Emelienko looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short uppercut from Ridgeway.
Emelienko manages to break the clinch.
Emelienko throws a body shot but no joy.
Ridgeway throws a chopping leg kick but Emelienko manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Emelienko swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ridgeway misses with a low kick as Emelienko jumps back.
Ridgeway tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Emelienko is able to avoid easily.
A low kick from Ridgeway misses
enabling Emelienko to counter with a crisp jab.
Ridgeway misses with a looping left.
A little jabbing left from Emelienko on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Nice uppercut there from Ridgeway.
Ridgeway tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Emelienko now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Emelienko checks the leg kick nicely there.
Ridgeway throws a body shot but no joy.
Emelienko throws a jab but it's blocked by Ridgeway.
Ridgeway misses with a leg kick
and Emelienko counters with a lovely straight right hand!
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ridgeway ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Emelienko moves away.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Emelienko.
Ridgeway throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
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 Mathew Ridgeway will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
Ridgeway gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Emelienko counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Emelienko finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Ridgeway moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Ridgeway lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Ridgeway.
A jab from Emelienko misses.
Emelienko throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Ridgeway throws a leg kick
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Ridgeway scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Emelienko moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Emelienko fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Ridgeway checks it well.
Ridgeway throws a body shot but no joy.
Ridgeway steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Emelienko.
Ridgeway swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ridgeway misses with a low kick.
Ridgeway with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
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!
Ridgeway missing with a left hand there. Emelienko was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Emelienko connects with a right hand. Ridgeway shakes it off.
Ridgeway throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ridgeway shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Emelienko looks to land a right hand but Ridgeway moved out of range.
An inside leg kick from Ridgeway misses.
Ridgeway scores with a jab. Emelienko acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Ridgeway throws a right hand that misses
and Emelienko counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Emelienko looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Emelienko just misses with a punch to the body.
Ridgeway throws a shot from downtown. Emelienko moves away and avoids it.
Emelienko scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
A shot to the body from Ridgeway misses
and Emelienko counters with a leg kick.
Ridgeway lunges at Emelienko with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Emelienko's hand.
Emelienko misses with a two punch combination.
Emelienko throws an off balance right hand
and Ridgeway counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Ridgeway slips a straight right by Emelienko.
Ridgeway throws a hook to the side of Emelienko's head but Emelienko sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ridgeway fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ridgeway is looking to clinch.
Ridgeway feints and then cracks Emelienko's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Emelienko down.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ridgeway swings for the body but Emelienko moves out of range.
Ridgeway throws a leg kick that misses.
Emelienko looks to land a combination but Ridgeway avoids it well.
Ridgeway appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Ridgeway connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Ridgeway swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ridgeway gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Emelienko lands a nice shot to the body.
Ridgeway misses with a hook from the clinch.
Ridgeway can't find room to land a body shot as Emelienko controls the action.
Emelienko's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Emelienko tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Ridgeway can't find room to land a body shot as Emelienko controls the action.
Ridgeway lands a left hand that snaps the head of Emelienko backwards.
Ridgeway tries to work over Emelienko's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Emelienko tries to throw a body punch but Ridgeway avoids it by throwing Emelienko back against the cage.
Emelienko tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Ridgeway lands with a short shot to the head.
Ridgeway throws a punch but it's blocked by Emelienko.
Ridgeway softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Ridgeway lands an uppercut.
Ridgeway tries to work over Emelienko's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Ridgeway creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Ridgeway blocks an uppercut.
Ridgeway lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
A frustrated look appears on Emelienko's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Ridgeway lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Emelienko struggles to land a body shot inside as Ridgeway controls his hands.
Ridgeway swings wildly with an uppercut but Emelienko uses good head movement to avoid it.
Emelienko swings wildly with an uppercut but Ridgeway uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ridgeway lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Emelienko manages to break the clinch.
Emelienko throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Ridgeway on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Ridgeway lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Ridgeway looks to score with a jab to the body but Emelienko is just out of range.
Good standup being displayed there by Emelienko as he connects with a hook.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Emelienko blocks a head kick by Ridgeway.
A nice leg kick lands there from Emelienko.
Emelienko lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ridgeway turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Emelienko, right into the meat.
Emelienko turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Emelienko missing with a left hand there. Ridgeway was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Emelienko misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ridgeway.
Ridgeway bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Emelienko looks to throw the jab but Ridgeway is out of range.
Ridgeway throws a right hand that misses
enabling Emelienko to counter with a crisp jab.
Vladimir Emelienko seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Ridgeway uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Emelienko.
Emelienko motions for Ridgeway to come forward. Emelienko throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Ridgeway feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Ridgeway throws a quick inside leg kick.
Emelienko throws out a loose jab but Ridgeway uses good head movement to avoid it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ridgeway displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Emelienko throws out the jab.
As Emelienko backs away, Ridgeway returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Ridgeway moves in looking to clinch but Emelienko pushes him off.
Ridgeway lands a nice leg kick that just misses Emelienko's sensitive parts.
A head kick misses from Ridgeway.
Ridgeway uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Emelienko.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Mathew Ridgeway dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Ridgeway fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Emelienko, pushing him back against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Ridgeway.
Emelienko tries to break free but Ridgeway pushes him back against the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Emelienko creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Ridgeway swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Ridgeway misses with the head strike.
Emelienko tries to work over Ridgeway's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Emelienko breaks from the clinch.
Ridgeway looks to score with a jab to the body but Emelienko is just out of range.
Emelienko uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Ridgeway.
Ridgeway cracks a nice hook into Emelienko's ribs.
Ridgeway has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Ridgeway there as he acknowledges the shot.
Ridgeway tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
It seemed like Emelienko was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Emelienko throws a hook but Ridgeway blocks it.
Emelienko avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Emelienko jabs Ridgeway right on the nose. Ridgeway blinks but takes it well.
Emelienko fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Ridgeway has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ridgeway does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Emelienko misses with a low kick.
A little feinted left hand from Ridgeway on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Ridgeway takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Emelienko lands the left hand.
Ridgeway getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Emelienko misses with a leg kick.
Ridgeway throws a leg kick but Emelienko sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Ridgeway misses with a low kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Emelienko misses the target.
Ridgeway misses with a lunging right hand
and Emelienko counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Ridgeway avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Ridgeway swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Emelienko misses with a body punch
and Ridgeway counters with a good low kick that Emelienko was not able to check.
Ridgeway digs a good body shot into Emelienko's ribs.
Emelienko swings widly with a right hand
and Ridgeway counters with a stiff right hand.
Emelienko checks a low kick from Ridgeway.
Ridgeway waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Emelienko.
Emelienko has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Ridgeway.
Ridgeway swings for the body but Emelienko moves out of range.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Emelienko throws a jab when Ridgeway was well out of range.
Ridgeway throws a sloppy head kick and Emelienko moves out of range easily.
Emelienko now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Emelienko avoids the head kick by Ridgeway.
Emelienko misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ridgeway.
Ridgeway swings for the body but Emelienko moves out of range.
Ridgeway blocks a jab.
Ridgeway checks a leg kick nicely.
Ridgeway displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Emelienko throws out the jab.
The fighters circling - Emelienko throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Emelienko lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Ridgeway lands a front kick.
Ridgeway rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Emelienko connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Emelienko fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Ridgeway on the side of the head.
Ridgeway checks a low kick from Emelienko.
Emelienko waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ridgeway.
Emelienko looks to land a right hand but Ridgeway moved out of range.
Ridgeway looks to land a left hand but Emelienko moved out of range nicely.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Emelienko staying out of range there.
Emelienko blocks a jab.
Emelienko throws a body punch but Ridgeway moves out of range.
Ridgeway cracks the inside of Emelienko's front leg.
Emelienko shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Ridgeway ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
A solid leg kick lands there for Emelienko.
Ridgeway buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Ridgeway tries to score with a low kick but Emelienko moves his leg out of the way.
Emelienko throws a head kick but Ridgeway moves out of range.
Emelienko cracks Ridgeway with a right hand to the side of the head.
Ridgeway tries to score with a low kick but Emelienko moves his leg out of the way.
Emelienko checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Emelienko appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
A decent looking cross lands there for Emelienko.
Emelienko throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Ridgeway tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Emelienko looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Ridgeway moves into range and clinches up with Emelienko.
Mathew Ridgeway has scored more points in the clinch so far.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ridgeway keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Emelienko's efforts to push away.
Emelienko is working Ridgeway over against the cage.
Emelienko escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Emelienko paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Emelienko tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ridgeway was well out of range. Poor timing from Emelienko.
Some bone on bone action there as Ridgeway checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Emelienko swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Emelienko missing with a left hand there. Ridgeway was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Emelienko swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ridgeway fires out a quick counter leg kick but Emelienko just manages to avoid it.
Ridgeway darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Emelienko tests Ridgeway's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Ridgeway fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Emelienko.
Ridgeway moves into the clinch.
Emelienko breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Some bone on bone action there as Ridgeway checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close third round but Vladimir Emelienko just about did enough to take it.
That's time! Ridgeway's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Emelienko listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Ridgeway looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Ridgeway defending well as Emelienko loads up on a big left hand.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ridgeway looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Ridgeway throws a lazy right hand but Emelienko sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ridgeway scores with a punch to the head.
Ridgeway stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
A slapping leg kick lands for Ridgeway.
Ridgeway lands with a thumping leg kick.
Ridgeway motions for Emelienko to come forward. Ridgeway throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Emelienko stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Ridgeway.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ridgeway throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Emelienko sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Ridgeway tries to land a leg kick but Emelienko saw it coming and moves away.
Emelienko throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Ridgeway sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Ridgeway is looking to clinch.
Emelienko throws a looping overhand right but Ridgeway ducks down to avoid it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Emelienko takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Emelienko has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Ridgeway tries to close the distance and clinch but Emelienko swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Emelienko ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Ridgeway checks a leg kick nicely.
Emelienko avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Ridgeway tries to clinch up.
A little jabbing left from Emelienko on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Emelienko wants to land a leg kick but Ridgeway is out of range.
Emelienko attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Emelienko swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A low kick from Ridgeway misses
enabling Emelienko to counter with a crisp jab.
Ridgeway swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Emelienko scores with a jab to the head.
Ridgeway throws a leg kick but Emelienko sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Emelienko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ridgeway moves away.
Ridgeway uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Emelienko.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ridgeway looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ridgeway connects with a single shot there.
Ridgeway tries to close the distance and clinch up but Emelienko swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Emelienko misses with a body shot.
Ridgeway looks to throw the jab but Emelienko is out of range.
Emelienko looks to land a left hand but Ridgeway moved out of range nicely.
A solid leg kick lands there for Ridgeway.
Ridgeway ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Emelienko moves away.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A solid leg kick lands there for Emelienko.
Ridgeway misses with a body shot.
Emelienko misses with a double jab.
Ridgeway was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Ridgeway ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Emelienko ducks under a wild hook from Ridgeway.
Ridgeway takes a swing at Emelienko's ribcage but misses.
Ridgeway throws an off balance right hand
and Emelienko counters with a straight right hand.
Ridgeway tries to work over Emelienko's front leg with a kick but Emelienko checks it.
Emelienko scores with a leg kick.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Emelienko finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Ridgeway feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Emelienko works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Emelienko checks a leg kick.
Emelienko misses with a wild body shot.
Emelienko looks to score with a jab to the body but Ridgeway is just out of range.
A combination from Emelienko does no damage.
Emelienko feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Ridgeway's calf.
Emelienko misses with a series of wild punches.
Ridgeway tries to clinch up.
Emelienko looks like he wants to counter punch here.
A telegraphed right hand from Ridgeway misses the target.
Emelienko throws a body shot but no joy.
Ridgeway lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Ridgeway lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Emelienko throws a hook to the side of Ridgeway's head but Ridgeway sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Emelienko checks a low kick from Ridgeway.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Emelienko throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Emelienko connects with a body shot that sends Ridgeway's belly button to the back.
Ridgeway checks a low kick from Emelienko.
A slapping leg kick lands for Ridgeway.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A looping hook to the body misses from Emelienko. Ridgeway does a little dance to reset his feet.
Emelienko doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Ridgeway scores with a hook to the body. Emelienko takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Ridgeway tries to clinch but Emelienko moves out of range.
Ridgeway swings for the body but Emelienko moves out of range.
Emelienko scores with a hook.
Emelienko takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Ridgeway attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Ridgeway dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Emelienko. That did some damage!
Emelienko misses with a straight left.
Emelienko misses with a looping right.
Emelienko blocks a head kick by Ridgeway.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close fourth round but I would say that Mathew Ridgeway will probably get the nod.
That's time! Ridgeway's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!
A big right from Emelienko misses.
Ridgeway throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A swing and a miss from Emelienko.
Ridgeway uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Emelienko.
A telegraphed right hand from Emelienko misses the target.
Ridgeway scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Ridgeway throws a body shot but no joy.
Emelienko cracks Ridgeway with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Ridgeway ducks under a wild hook from Emelienko.
Ridgeway throws out a powerful jab.
Emelienko throws a hook but Ridgeway avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Emelienko throws a right and a left that both miss.
A leg kick checked by Emelienko.
Ridgeway scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Emelienko lands with a right hand.
A leg kick checked by Ridgeway.
Ridgeway connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Ridgeway tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Emelienko paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Ridgeway throws a hook but Emelienko blocks it.
Emelienko takes one on the button.
A bone on bone clash there as Ridgeway blocks the leg kick.
Ridgeway bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Emelienko 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.
Ridgeway throws a solid leg kick but Emelienko takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Ridgeway.
Emelienko takes a swing at Ridgeway's ribcage but misses.
Some bone on bone action there as Emelienko checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Ridgeway takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Emelienko lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Emelienko pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Emelienko misses the jab.
Ridgeway cracks Emelienko with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Ridgeway jabs Emelienko to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Ridgeway works Emelienko's body with a nice hook.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Emelienko has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Ridgeway.
Emelienko lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ridgeway's sensitive parts.
Ridgeway uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Emelienko has time to react.
Emelienko throws a solid leg kick but Ridgeway takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Emelienko.
Some bone on bone action there as Emelienko checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Emelienko flicks out a counter leg kick but Ridgeway steps away.
Some bone on bone action there as Emelienko checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
A jab from Ridgeway misses.
Emelienko swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Ridgeway throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Emelienko throws an overhand right that lands on Ridgeway's shoulder, as Ridgeway tries to avoid the shot.
Emelienko misses with a straight right.
Emelienko lands with a cross.
Emelienko throws the left hand but Ridgeway avoids the punch easily.
Ridgeway misses the body punch
and Emelienko counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Emelienko throws a leg kick which misses Ridgeway's front leg but catches the back leg as Ridgeway tries to avoid it.
Emelienko on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Emelienko paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Emelienko jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Ridgeway fires out a quick counter leg kick but Emelienko just manages to avoid it.
Emelienko throws a leg kick which misses Ridgeway's front leg but catches the back leg as Ridgeway tries to avoid it.
Ridgeway throws a leg kick that misses.
Ridgeway misses with a looping right.
Emelienko scores with a jab to the jaw.
Emelienko scores with a nice strike.
Vladimir Emelienko has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ridgeway lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Emelienko takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Ridgeway misses with a low kick.
Ridgeway throws out a loose jab but Emelienko uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ridgeway attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Jab, jab by Ridgeway - just one landing.
Emelienko does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Emelienko moves out of range as Ridgeway strikes.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ridgeway throws a looping overhand right but Emelienko ducks down to avoid it.
Nice straight punches there by Emelienko. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Emelienko.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ridgeway connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Mathew Ridgeway is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Emelienko lands with a cross.
Ridgeway misses with a leg kick
and Emelienko counters with a stiff right hand.
Emelienko misses with a straight right.
Emelienko misses the shot to the body.
Emelienko checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Emelienko lands with a good body shot.
Nice defenses there by Ridgeway.
Ridgeway swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Nice defenses there by Ridgeway.
Ridgeway ducks under a wild hook from Emelienko.
Ridgeway throws out a powerful jab.
Emelienko throws a lazy right hand but Ridgeway sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ridgeway looks to throw the jab but Emelienko is out of range.
Emelienko throws out a counter right but Ridgeway avoids it with no problem.
Ridgeway tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Emelienko paws at him with a jab and circles away.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Vladimir Emelienko.
I think Ridgeway 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 47:48
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 47:48
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 49:46
In favor of your winner, by split decision... Vladimir Emelienko!
Vladimir Emelienko is the new lightweight champion!
Vladimir Emelienko tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.
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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
78% |
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