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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Venum Tree Knee Dad (ranked 243 p4p, 36 weight class) and Zang Zhai (ranked 476 p4p, 63 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Tree Knee Dad might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Not Falling by Mudvayne. Zhai has chosen Sampans as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!
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| 170 cm
41
152 lbs
46 - 16 - 0 |
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169 cm
31
146 lbs
17 - 13 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
46 - 16 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Venum Tree Knee Dad!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
17 - 13 - 0, fighting out of London, Zang Zhai!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Konstantin Menshow and Ivan Kurochkin.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Tree Knee Dad creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Zhai scores with a shot to the side of Tree Knee Dad's head.
Zhai misses with a body punch.
Tree Knee Dad blocks a body shot from Zhai.
A right hand to the body from Zhai.
Zhai misses with a hook to the ribs.
Zhai tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tree Knee Dad's elbow.
Tree Knee Dad goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Zhai can't find room to land a body shot as Tree Knee Dad controls the action.
Zhai lands a nice shot to the body.
Zhai scores with a hook to the body.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Zhai.
Tree Knee Dad works on Zhai's body with a couple of short punches.
Zhai working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tree Knee Dad tries a body shot but Zhai blocks it.
Tree Knee Dad misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Zhai scores with a hook to the body.
Zhai can't find room to land a body shot as Tree Knee Dad controls the action.
A short right from Zhai.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Tree Knee Dad.
Tree Knee Dad misses with a shot to the kidneys.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Zhai scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Tree Knee Dad has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Zhai is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Zhai pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Zhai looks to throw the jab but Tree Knee Dad is out of range.
Jab from Tree Knee Dad.
Tree Knee Dad fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Zhai sprawls well initially but Tree Knee Dad persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Zhai keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Zhai wants to improve his position but Tree Knee Dad is controlling well.
Tree Knee Dad is looking to stall here but Zhai recovers full guard.
Zhai has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Tree Knee Dad trying to control but Zhai is working from the bottom.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Zhai not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Tree Knee Dad pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Zhai is keeping the position for now.
Tree Knee Dad throws a strike but Zhai rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
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!
Tree Knee Dad throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Zhai pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Tree Knee Dad is keeping the position for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Zhai trying to control but Tree Knee Dad is working from the bottom.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tree Knee Dad has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Zhai is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Tree Knee Dad.
Zhai wants to lay and pray for a moment but Tree Knee Dad keeps working.
Tree Knee Dad being controlled for a moment.
Tree Knee Dad tries to bench press Zhai off him but Zhai keeps the position.
Zhai in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Zhai wants to lay and pray for a moment but Tree Knee Dad keeps working.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Tree Knee Dad manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Zhai won't allow Tree Knee Dad to pass to mount.
Zhai avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Tree Knee Dad.
Tree Knee Dad missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Tree Knee Dad trying to pass the guard but Zhai defending well.
Tree Knee Dad sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Zhai defending well though.
Zhai is defending against the submission attempts here by Tree Knee Dad.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Zang Zhai will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Tree Knee Dad misses with a wild combination.
Tree Knee Dad misses with the combination.
Tree Knee Dad looks to score with a jab to the body but Zhai is just out of range.
Tree Knee Dad throws a big shot that misses.
Zhai misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Tree Knee Dad throws out a leg kick but Zhai moves out of range and Tree Knee Dad only half commits.
Zhai throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Zhai misses with a body kick.
Tree Knee Dad has a takedown stuffed.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zhai avoids the body shot from Tree Knee Dad.
Tree Knee Dad takes a jab right on the kisser.
Zhai tries to sprawl but Tree Knee Dad drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Tree Knee Dad trying to advance position but Zhai counters by regaining guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tree Knee Dad stopping the sweep attempt from Zhai.
Tree Knee Dad pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Zhai is keeping the position for now.
Tree Knee Dad is stalling in the full guard.
Tree Knee Dad tries to free his leg and advance position but Zhai is retaining full guard.
Zhai looking to control.
Tree Knee Dad trying to control but Zhai is working from the bottom.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Tree Knee Dad wants to pass the guard but Zhai is keeping the position.
Tree Knee Dad is working hard here to advance position.
Tree Knee Dad throws a big right hand that misses.
Tree Knee Dad trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Tree Knee Dad stopping the sweep attempt from Zhai.
Tree Knee Dad being controlled here momentarily.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Tree Knee Dad, as that shot connected.
Zhai takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Tree Knee Dad shoots in for a takedown but Zhai shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Zang Zhai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tree Knee Dad swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Tree Knee Dad throws a looping overhand right but Zhai ducks down to avoid it.
Tree Knee Dad scores with a jab to the jaw.
Zhai blocks a low kick nicely.
Zhai checks a leg kick.
Tree Knee Dad shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Zhai defends it nicely.
Zhai looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Venum Tree Knee Dad. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tree Knee Dad closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Zhai trying to control from the bottom.
Tree Knee Dad trying to control from half guard but Zhai is working away.
Tree Knee Dad missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tree Knee Dad wants to free his trapped foot but Zhai is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Zhai is pressing down on Tree Knee Dad's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Zhai keeping full guard, as Tree Knee Dad tries to pass.
Zhai managing to control the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Zhai looking to control.
Tree Knee Dad throws an elbow that misses. Zhai uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Tree Knee Dad's guard. Nice move by Zhai!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Venum Tree Knee Dad dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Zhai bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Tree Knee Dad's head.
Tree Knee Dad connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Tree Knee Dad throws a shot from downtown. Zhai moves away and avoids it.
Tree Knee Dad connects with a body shot that sends Zhai's belly button to the back.
Tree Knee Dad fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
A swing and a miss from Zhai.
Tree Knee Dad connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Tree Knee Dad misses with a two punch combination.
It looks like Tree Knee Dad has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tree Knee Dad closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Zhai did well to prevent Tree Knee Dad getting side control.
Tree Knee Dad tries to pass the half guard into mount. Zhai knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zhai moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Tree Knee Dad stands up over Zhai, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Zhai looking to control.
Tree Knee Dad pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Zhai is keeping the position for now.
Tree Knee Dad throwing strikes but missing.
Zhai preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Zhai looking to control.
Zhai might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Tree Knee Dad haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Tree Knee Dad makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Zhai is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Tree Knee Dad wants to pass the guard but Zhai is keeping the position.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Tree Knee Dad trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Zhai manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Zhai engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Zhai won't allow Tree Knee Dad to sweep him here.
Zhai wants to control from the top but Tree Knee Dad keeps moving.
Tree Knee Dad looking for a sweep. Not yet Tree Knee Dad, not yet.
Zhai trying to control but Tree Knee Dad is working from the bottom.
Zhai stands up and waves to Tree Knee Dad to follow him.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tree Knee Dad waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Zhai.
Tree Knee Dad thows a left - swing and a miss!
Tree Knee Dad misses with an uppercut.
Tree Knee Dad connects with a good right hand that stumbles Zhai. Zhai circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Tree Knee Dad doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Zhai counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Zhai throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Tree Knee Dad takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Tree Knee Dad throws a hook but Zhai blocks it.
Tree Knee Dad throws a series of punches but Zhai moves out of range.
The fight stays on the outside here - Zhai looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Tree Knee Dad appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Zhai throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Tree Knee Dad sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Tree Knee Dad scores with a nice strike.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zhai looks for the body kick but Tree Knee Dad saw that one coming.
Zhai works Tree Knee Dad's body with a nice hook.
Zhai misses with a lunging right hand
and Tree Knee Dad counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Zhai throws a wild body kick that Tree Knee Dad sees coming a mile off.
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!
Zhai misses with a low kick.
Tree Knee Dad throws a good cross that connects.
Tree Knee Dad fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Venum Tree Knee Dad. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zhai has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Tree Knee Dad finds it's way round the side to connect with Zhai's head.
Zhai will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Zhai takes one on the button.
Zhai scores with a jab. Tree Knee Dad acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Tree Knee Dad throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Zhai is trying to counter with his kicks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Venum Tree Knee Dad clearly takes that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Zhai connects with a right hand. Tree Knee Dad shakes it off.
Tree Knee Dad displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Zhai throws out the jab.
Zhai checks a leg kick nicely.
Nice jab there from Tree Knee Dad.
Zhai fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tree Knee Dad manages to avoid it.
Tree Knee Dad connects with a nice looking jab.
Tree Knee Dad misses with a looping left.
Venum Tree Knee Dad seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A big right from Zhai misses.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Zhai.
Venum Tree Knee Dad is winning the standup battle so far.
Zhai misses with a body kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zhai with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Zhai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tree Knee Dad bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Tree Knee Dad cracks Zhai with an open hand slap.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tree Knee Dad throws a shot from downtown. Zhai moves away and avoids it.
Zhai thinks about the counter body kick.
Zhai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tree Knee Dad keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Zhai.
Zhai has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Tree Knee Dad finds it's way round the side to connect with Zhai's head.
Tree Knee Dad jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A little jabbing left from Zhai on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Tree Knee Dad connects with a nice looking jab.
Zhai slaps away a takedown attempt from Tree Knee Dad, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Zhai ducks under a wild hook from Tree Knee Dad.
Tree Knee Dad throws a lazy right hand but Zhai sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Tree Knee Dad throws a hook to the side of Zhai's head but Zhai sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Tree Knee Dad steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Zhai.
Tree Knee Dad looks to clinch
and Zhai counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Zhai walks into a left hand.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tree Knee Dad is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Zhai.
Zhai with a jab.
Zhai closes the distance looking to clinch
and Tree Knee Dad counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Zhai lands with a nice body punch.
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!
Tree Knee Dad throws a sloppy body shot
and Zhai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Tree Knee Dad jabs Zhai to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Tree Knee Dad lands with an overhand left.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Tree Knee Dad.
Zhai has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Tree Knee Dad finds it's way round the side to connect with Zhai's head.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Zhai.
Tree Knee Dad throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Zhai sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Tree Knee Dad sizes up Zhai with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhai looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Zhai misses the jab.
Tree Knee Dad takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Zhai gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Tree Knee Dad takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Tree Knee Dad takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Zhai checks a leg kick.
Zhai dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Tree Knee Dad. That did some damage!
Zhai misses with a wild body shot.
Tree Knee Dad throws a nice outside leg kick.
Zhai on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Tree Knee Dad scores with a jab. Zhai acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tree Knee Dad throws a lazy uppercut
and Zhai counters with a nice leg kick.
Tree Knee Dad scores with a jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tree Knee Dad keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Zhai swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A quick step to the side and Tree Knee Dad tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
A right-left combo lands from Tree Knee Dad.
Zhai circles away from the clinch attempt.
And Zhai responds with a good body kick, but Tree Knee Dad manages to step out the way in time.
Zhai has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Zhai looks for the body kick but Tree Knee Dad saw that one coming.
Tree Knee Dad misses with an uppercut
and Zhai cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Tree Knee Dad misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Zhai.
It seemed like Zhai was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Zhai circles away from the clinch attempt.
Nice defenses there by Zhai.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tree Knee Dad. Zhai does a little dance to reset his feet.
Good work by Tree Knee Dad as he checks the leg kick.
Tree Knee Dad attempts a counter takedown but Zhai avoids it well and moves away.
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 Venum Tree Knee Dad will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!
Tree Knee Dad lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Tree Knee Dad checks a leg kick nicely.
Zhai connects with the punch.
Tree Knee Dad throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Zhai stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Tree Knee Dad throws a right and a left that Zhai avoids nicely.
Tree Knee Dad has his takedown stuffed
and Zhai counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Tree Knee Dad swings widly with a right hand
and Zhai counters with a nice body kick.
Tree Knee Dad checks the leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tree Knee Dad throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Zhai sees it coming and avoids it easily.
It seemed like Zhai was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Zhai throws a nice outside leg kick.
Tree Knee Dad with a jab.
Tree Knee Dad checks a leg kick nicely.
Zhai ducks under a wild hook from Tree Knee Dad.
Zhai has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A low kick from Tree Knee Dad is predictable there
and Tree Knee Dad takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Tree Knee Dad ducks under a wild hook from Zhai.
Tree Knee Dad lands a nice shot to the body.
Zhai swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Zhai takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Tree Knee Dad misses with a right hand
and Zhai counters with a left to the body.
Nice uppercut there from Tree Knee Dad.
Tree Knee Dad tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Zhai is able to avoid easily.
Tree Knee Dad thows a left - swing and a miss!
Zhai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tree Knee Dad shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Zhai counters with a leg kick.
Tree Knee Dad takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zhai scores with a nice strike.
Tree Knee Dad shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Zang Zhai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tree Knee Dad is trying to work for a kimura but Zhai is defending well.
Tree Knee Dad is looking to advance position but Zhai won't allow it.
Zhai is controlling Tree Knee Dad's trapped leg to prevent Tree Knee Dad from advancing to side control.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhai wants to get back to full guard.
Tree Knee Dad looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Tree Knee Dad thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Zhai's head.
Tree Knee Dad throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Zhai tries to get to full guard but Tree Knee Dad has control of the leg.
Zhai manages to get to full guard.
Tree Knee Dad stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Zhai swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Tree Knee Dad trying to control the position from guard on top but Zhai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Venum Tree Knee Dad overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Tree Knee Dad trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Tree Knee Dad preventing the sweep.
Tree Knee Dad throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Zhai works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Zhai looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Danga de danga de dang - Tree Knee Dad scores with a four punch combination!
Tree Knee Dad throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Tree Knee Dad staying out of range there.
Tree Knee Dad throws a looping overhand right but Zhai ducks down to avoid it.
Zhai appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Tree Knee Dad looks to score with a jab to the body but Zhai is just out of range.
And that's the end of the fight!
Venum Tree Knee Dad showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Tree Knee Dad 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 Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 49:46
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 49:46
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 49:46
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Venum Tree Knee Dad!
Our winner, Venum Tree Knee Dad, 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
51% |
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