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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Jai Ruane (ranked 6276 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mike Kovalev (ranked 5822 p4p, 0 weight class). Mike Kovalev has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Jai Ruane's chin.
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| 172 cm
25
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0 |
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150 cm
24
135 lbs
4 - 6 - 0 |
BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Cuts easily |
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BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Knockout power |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Jai Ruane!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
4 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Mike Kovalev!
The judges for this bout are Patrick Alders, Daniel Blasius and Wagner Zegers.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kovalev moves into range and clinches up with Ruane.
Ruane will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Kovalev up against the cage.
Kovalev is trying to break the clinch but Ruane has him pressed against the cage.
A body shot lands from Kovalev.
Kovalev pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Ruane throws a shot to the body.
We're hearing some news coming in from back stage. It's official - Kovalev has eaten all the pies!
Ruane on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kovalev. Kovalev obviously looking to wear him down.
Ruane takes a head kick and keeps coming.
It looks like Jai Ruane has been cut.
Ruane moves in looking to clinch but Kovalev pushes him off.
Kovalev pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Ruane thinks about countering with a head kick.
Mike Kovalev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ruane fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Kovalev, pushing him back against the cage.
Ruane escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kovalev misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Kovalev wants to clinch.
Kovalev takes a head kick and keeps coming.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kovalev tries a head kick but it misses.
Ruane looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Kovalev lands a high kick!
Kovalev misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Kovalev showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Ruane.
Kovalev misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Ruane avoids a punch combination nicely.
Ruane tries to counter by clinching up but Kovalev breaks away and moves out of range.
Ruane avoids the head kick by Kovalev.
Kovalev throws a sloppy head kick and Ruane moves out of range easily.
Ruane is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Kovalev.
Kovalev tries to clinch there but Ruane circles away.
Kovalev throws a head kick but Ruane moves out of range.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ruane moves in looking to clinch but Kovalev pushes him off.
Kovalev misses with a body kick.
Ruane appears to be looking for a big counter.
Ruane throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kovalev's waist but Kovalev gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ruane off to one side.
Ruane avoids the head kick by Kovalev.
Kovalev looks winded!
Ruane looks for a takedown but Kovalev sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jai Ruane. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ruane avoids the head kick by Kovalev.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ruane moves into range and clinches up with Kovalev.
Ruane breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kovalev connects with the punch.
Ruane tries to clinch but Kovalev moves out of range.
Kovalev misses with a head kick.
Kovalev throws a body kick that misses.
Ruane closes the distance and clinches.
Kovalev is trying to force a seperation but Ruane has the dominant position.
Kovalev is trying to break free.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kovalev manages to break the clinch.
Kovalev tries to bum rush Ruane with a series of wild strikes but Ruane uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ruane drops down looking for a counter takedown but Kovalev sprawls and moves away.
Ruane avoids the head kick by Kovalev.
Ruane tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Kovalev manages to circle out of the way.
Kovalev keeps the fight on the outside.
Ruane blocks the body kick.
Ruane fails to land the takedown.
Ruane closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kovalev circles away.
Kovalev pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Ruane closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kovalev breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ruane lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Ruane is trying hard to land a takedown here. Kovalev sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Kovalev shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Kovalev throws a sloppy head kick
and Ruane makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kovalev shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Ruane counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Kovalev is lucky that one didn't land flush.
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!
Ruane shoots for a takedown but Kovalev saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Ruane shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Kovalev but Kovalev pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Kovalev tries a head kick but it misses.
Ruane shoots for a takedown but Kovalev saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Ruane takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Horrible takedown attempt by Ruane or perhaps it was just good defense by Kovalev, which made it look bad.
Kovalev throws a counter combo.
Kovalev tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kovalev misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Kovalev tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kovalev swats away the attempt to clinch by Ruane.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Mike Kovalev dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jai Ruane's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Ruane shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Kovalev as he avoids it easily.
Kovalev tries a head kick but it misses.
Ruane changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kovalev tries to avoid it but Ruane manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kovalev to the ground. Kovalev escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Ruane throws a head kick that misses.
Ruane blocks a head kick by Kovalev.
Kovalev misses with an attempted mid kick.
Kovalev throws a sloppy head kick and Ruane moves out of range easily.
Kovalev misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Ruane blocks a head kick by Kovalev.
Ruane appears to be looking for a big counter.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Kovalev.
It looked like Ruane was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Ruane tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Kovalev defends well and Ruane ends up having to push Kovalev into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jai Ruane. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kovalev is breathing heavily.
Kovalev throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kovalev has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Ruane shoots in for a double leg but Kovalev sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Kovalev tries to clinch up.
Ruane is looking for a counter combo.
Kovalev has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kovalev showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Ruane.
A head kick misses from Kovalev.
Kovalev tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
As Kovalev tries to get set, Ruane tries to push him back and clinch up but Kovalev manages to avoid the attempt.
Ruane tries to close the distance and clinch but Kovalev swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Ruane looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Kovalev keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Kovalev forces Ruane back against the cage and clinches.
Ruane manages to break the clinch.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A slapping body kick lands there for Kovalev.
Ruane doesn't manage to clinch there - Kovalev circles away.
Mike Kovalev seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kovalev closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kovalev taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Ruane taking a breather.
Good body shot from Kovalev.
Kovalev drags the fight down to the ground.
Ruane passes Kovalev's left leg - he's now in half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ruane is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Ruane thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kovalev throwing hammer fists to the chest of Ruane. What's that going to do exactly?
Ruane throwing strikes here but Kovalev is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Ruane goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Kovalev is on top in guard.
Ruane working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Kovalev has passed into half guard!
Ruane blocking the ground and pound attempt from Kovalev.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kovalev decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.
Kovalev manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Ruane on his heels. He'll look to pass Ruane's guard now, I'm sure.
Ruane is wriggling around but Kovalev manages to pass to half guard.
Ruane blocking the ground and pound attempt from Kovalev.
Ruane on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Kovalev 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.
Kovalev stands up out of the half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kovalev misses with a head kick.
Kovalev lands with a kick to the temple. Ruane shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Kovalev throws the left hand but Ruane avoids the punch easily.
Ruane appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Kovalev throws a sloppy head kick and Ruane moves out of range easily.
Ruane closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Mike Kovalev showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Jai Ruane's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!
Ruane fails with the takedown.
Kovalev throws a sloppy head kick and Ruane moves out of range easily.
Ruane lands a high kick!
Ruane lands a head shot.
Kovalev scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Kovalev tries to close the distance and clinch but Ruane swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Ruane looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Kovalev tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ruane closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kovalev breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kovalev throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kovalev fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kovalev misses with a jab, cross combination.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kovalev throws a series of punches but Ruane moves out of range.
Kovalev just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromRuane.
A chopping leg kick lands by Ruane.
Ruane closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kovalev misses with a punch to the body.
Kovalev is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Kovalev drags the fight down to the ground.
Mike Kovalev has got the better of the ground game so far.
Ruane throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Ruane trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Ruane slips nicely into half guard.
Ruane is trying to control the action in half guard but Kovalev is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ruane stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Kovalev to get to his feet.
Ruane is looking to clinch but Kovalev is avoiding it.
Kovalev throws a head kick that misses.
Ruane misses with a takedown attempt - Kovalev sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jai Ruane. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ruane shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kovalev pinned against the cage. Kovalev gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Kovalev circles away from the clinch attempt.
Ruane closes the distance and pushes Kovalev back into the cage.
Kovalev tries to pull guard but Ruane won't allow it.
Ruane drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kovalev pulls his leg out and moves away.
Kovalev has managed to clinch.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ruane jumps guard but Kovalev stands there with Ruane around his waist. Ruane gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Kovalev working hard to break the clinch.
Kovalev jumps guard and drags Ruane to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Kovalev seems keen to control Ruane's posture.
Kovalev being controlled here, momentarily.
Kovalev keeping full guard, as Ruane tries to pass.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Kovalev pushes Ruane off and gets back to his feet.
Ruane shoots in looking for a takedown but Kovalev manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Ruane's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Kovalev throws a body kick that misses.
Kovalev goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Ruane avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kovalev tries a head kick but it misses.
Ruane throws a right hand that Kovalev ducks under and follows up with a left that Kovalev also avoids with ease.
Kovalev throws a head kick that Ruane semi-blocks.
Jai Ruane has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mike Kovalev is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Kovalev throws a head kick that misses.
And that's the end of the fight!
Mike Kovalev comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Kovalev winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Patrick Alders scores the fight 27:30
Judge Daniel Blasius scores the fight 27:30
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 27:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mike Kovalev!
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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
52% |
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