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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Toshi Hijikata (ranked 144 p4p, 16 weight class) and Don Gotti (ranked 949 p4p, 113 weight class). Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Don Gotti enters the cage!
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| 178 cm
26
159 lbs
13 - 2 - 0 |
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175 cm
29
170 lbs
16 - 11 - 1 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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BJJ Red Belt
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
13 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Toshi Hijikata!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
16 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Don Gotti!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Bruno Lombardi and Anthony Taglia.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gotti throws out a loose jab but Hijikata uses good head movement to avoid it.
Gotti throws a lazy uppercut
and Hijikata counters with a low kick, right behind Gotti 's knee.
A solid leg kick lands there for Hijikata.
Hijikata checks the leg kick nicely there.
Hijikata throws a quick counter kick to the body but Gotti avoids it.
Gotti throws a left and a right that both miss
and Hijikata counters with a nice leg kick.
A low kick from Gotti misses
and Hijikata finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Gotti jabs Hijikata to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Hijikata lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Gotti misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hijikata.
It appears Hijikata was looking to counter with a kick there.
Hijikata fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Gotti.
Nice cross by Gotti.
Don Gotti seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hijikata scores with a nice body kick.
Hijikata buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hijikata throws a solid leg kick but Gotti takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Hijikata.
Hijikata finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Gotti tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
We've been informed that Gotti 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.
Gotti tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hijikata was well out of range. Poor timing from Gotti.
Gotti fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Gotti clobbers Hijikata with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Hijikata slaps away a takedown attempt from Gotti, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Hijikata is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Gotti.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A leg kick checked by Hijikata.
Gotti shoots in for a takedown but Hijikata shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Hijikata on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Hijikata will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Gotti shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hijikata pinned against the cage. Hijikata gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Toshi Hijikata has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Don Gotti.
Gotti takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Gotti feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Hijikata's calf.
Hijikata throws a wild body kick that Gotti sees coming a mile off.
Hijikata looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Gotti looks to land a left hand but Hijikata moved out of range nicely.
Hijikata jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.
Gotti ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hijikata moves away.
A counter left hand to the body from Hijikata misses its target.
Gotti has managed to clinch.
Hijikata scores with a hook to the body.
Hijikata manages to break the clinch.
Gotti changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Hijikata looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Hijikata throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hijikata digs a good hook to Gotti's body.
Hijikata sizes up Gotti with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Gotti throws a series of punches but Hijikata avoids them all with ease.
Hijikata throws a chopping leg kick but Gotti manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Toshi Hijikata is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Hijikata throws a hook to the side of Gotti's head but Gotti sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hijikata lands with a nice body punch.
Hijikata 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.
A big right from Gotti misses.
Hijikata uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Gotti.
A low kick from Hijikata misses
and Gotti cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hijikata lands with a nice body kick.
Gotti misses with a left hand
and Hijikata counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Gotti thinking.
Hijikata avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Hijikata slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Hijikata keeps Gotti at a distance using the push kick.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gotti throws a big shot that misses.
Gotti moves out of range of the body kick from Hijikata.
Hijikata takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Gotti avoids the body shot from Hijikata.
Hijikata lands a jab to the nose.
Gotti looks to land a right hand but Hijikata moved out of range.
Gotti on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Gotti throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Hijikata counters with a straight right hand.
Hijikata misses with an attempted mid kick.
Gotti throws a low kick but Hijikata moves out of range easily.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Hijikata.
Hijikata moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Gotti tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hijikata was well out of range. Poor timing from Gotti.
Hijikata wants to slow Gotti down by chopping away at his legs.
Gotti looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Gotti shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Hijikata but Hijikata pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Gotti fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hijikata lands with a thumping leg kick.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gotti fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Hijikata.
Hijikata has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Gotti.
Good leg kick by Hijikata there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Gotti looks to land a left hand but Hijikata moved out of range nicely.
Gotti slips under a jab.
Hijikata checks the leg kick nicely there.
Hijikata gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Hijikata is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gotti is stalling in the full guard.
Gotti being controlled here momentarily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Toshi Hijikata dominated that round.
That's time! Hijikata's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Hijikata on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Gotti. Gotti obviously looking to wear him down.
Hijikata doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Hijikata scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Gotti swings for the body but Hijikata moves out of range.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Gotti jabs Hijikata to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Hijikata throws a sloppy head kick and Gotti moves out of range easily.
Hijikata lands a nice shot that snaps Gotti's head back.
Hijikata digs a good hook to Gotti's body.
Gotti misses the shot to the body.
Gotti manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Hijikata on his heels. He'll look to pass Hijikata's guard now, I'm sure.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Gotti pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hijikata is keeping the position for now.
Hijikata controlling the position.
Gotti controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hijikata has Gotti pulled in close to control his posture.
Gotti pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hijikata is keeping the position for now.
Gotti postures up.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Gotti throws an off balance right hand
and Hijikata counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Gotti fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Hijikata.
Gotti on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Gotti misses with a body shot.
Hijikata tried to counter with a leg kick but Gotti avoided it.
Gotti throws a nice inside leg kick.
Hijikata misses the shot to the body.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gotti misses with an uppercut
and Hijikata counters with an inside leg kick.
Gotti lands with a kick to the temple. Hijikata shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Hijikata moves out of range of the body kick.
Gotti slips under a jab from Hijikata.
Gotti lands a nice looking body shot.
Hijikata tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Hijikata walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Gotti checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Hijikata throws a series of punches but Gotti moves out of range.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Gotti throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
A jab from Hijikata misses.
Gotti's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Hijikata keeps Gotti at a distance using the push kick.
Gotti shoots and misses
and Hijikata finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Gotti cracks the inside of Hijikata's front leg.
Hijikata moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Hijikata throws the left hand but Gotti avoids the punch easily.
Gotti moves in looking to clinch but Hijikata pushes him off.
Hijikata is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Gotti can do to turn this around?
Gotti avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gotti ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hijikata moves away.
Gotti throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Gotti ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hijikata throws a low kick, looking for Gotti's leg but Gotti calmly moves out of range.
Hijikata moves out of range of the strikes.
Gotti scores with a three punch combo!
Gotti misses with a looping right.
Gotti needs to keep his hands up - Hijikata had a free shot at his head there.
Hijikata wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Gotti on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Gotti has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Gotti there as he acknowledges the shot.
Hijikata bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Gotti uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hijikata.
Gotti lands a nice hook to Hijikata's body. Hijikata takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gotti takes a swing at Hijikata's ribcage but misses.
Hijikata ducks under a wild hook from Gotti.
Gotti scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hijikata tries to roll over but Gotti keeps him under control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gotti not doing much here.
Hijikata is positioning himself well to prevent Gotti advancing to mount.
Hijikata trying to hold on to Gotti's head to control him but Gotti postures up.
Gotti tries to pass the half guard into mount. Hijikata knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Don Gotti will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Nice body kick there by Hijikata.
Gotti scores with a takedown into Hijikata's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gotti trying to control but Hijikata is working from the bottom.
Gotti engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Hijikata has his hands on Gotti's head, controlling the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hijikata not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hijikata is adopting a defensive guard.
Gotti stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hijikata swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hijikata has Gotti pulled in close to control his posture.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Gotti connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Hijikata keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Gotti has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Hijikata.
Hijikata misses with a low kick.
Hijikata throws a wild body kick that Gotti sees coming a mile off.
Hijikata fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Gotti.
Hijikata misses with a body kick.
Hijikata looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Gotti scoring well with a low kick there.
Gotti connects with a nice looking jab.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Hijikata, as that shot connected.
Gotti fails with a takedown attempt.
A low kick from Gotti is predictable there
and Hijikata finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Hijikata ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Hijikata throws a low kick but Gotti moves out of range easily.
Hijikata feints and then cracks Gotti's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Gotti down.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hijikata circles away from the clinch attempt
and Hijikata counters with a body kick that stops Gotti in his tracks momentarily.
Gotti connects with the punch.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Gotti.
Gotti takes a swing at Hijikata's ribcage but misses.
Hijikata shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Gotti 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 Hijikata has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Hijikata and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Gotti gets the takedown into side control.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gotti trying to control the position but Hijikata is working away.
Gotti takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Hijikata can't do much from the bottom here.
Hijikata is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Rings Russia, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Gotti wants to control but Hijikata is keeping him busy.
Hijikata sneaks back into half guard.
Hijikata is positioning himself well to prevent Gotti advancing to mount.
Gotti is taking a breather. Hijikata says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Hijikata is pressing down on Gotti's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Hijikata trying to control the position here.
Gotti trying to control the position from guard on top but Hijikata is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hijikata pulls Gotti in close to prevent any damage.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but Toshi Hijikata did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
A nice leg kick lands there from Gotti.
Gotti jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Toshi Hijikata is winning the standup battle so far.
Hijikata comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Hijikata throws a hook but Gotti blocks it.
Gotti throws a hook to the side of Hijikata's head but Hijikata sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hijikata throws a quick counter kick to the body but Gotti avoids it.
Gotti throws a low kick but Hijikata avoids it.
Gotti misses with an uppercut.
Hijikata swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Gotti! But no joy.
Hijikata throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Gotti throws a hook but Hijikata blocks it.
Gotti wants to slow Hijikata down by chopping away at his legs.
Hijikata swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gotti gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Gotti throws a hook to the side of Hijikata's head but Hijikata sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Good work by Gotti as he checks the leg kick.
Hijikata jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hijikata throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Gotti drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Hijikata defends it well.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Gotti dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
A jab from Gotti misses.
Hijikata misses with a jab to the body
and Gotti counters with a nice uppercut.
Gotti throws the kick towards the body but Hijikata avoids it.
Hijikata keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hijikata misses with a straight left.
Gotti waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hijikata.
Good shot there by Gotti.
Hijikata connects with a body shot.
Gotti uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hijikata.
A nice side step and Gotti releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Hijikata cracks Gotti with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Gotti tries to bum rush Hijikata with a series of wild strikes but Hijikata uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Hijikata avoids the body shot from Gotti.
Hijikata 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.
Hijikata misses with a wild body shot.
Gotti tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Gotti waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hijikata.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gotti checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Gotti misses with a lunging right hand
and Hijikata counters with a nice body kick.
Gotti is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Gotti throws a right hand that Hijikata ducks under and follows up with a left that Hijikata also avoids with ease.
Hijikata throws a leg kick but Gotti checks it.
Hijikata checks a low kick from Gotti.
Hijikata appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Hijikata with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Gotti just misses with a punch to the body.
Gotti swings widly with a right hand
and Hijikata counters with a straight right hand.
Hijikata throws a push kick but Gotti slaps the foot to one side.
A bone on bone clash there as Gotti blocks the leg kick.
Hijikata throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Hijikata throws a solid leg kick but Gotti takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Hijikata.
Gotti lands a jab to the head.
Hijikata scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Hijikata connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Hijikata displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Gotti throws out the jab.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hijikata lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Hijikata buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Hijikata with a nice cross.
A solid leg kick lands there for Hijikata.
Danga de danga de dang - Gotti scores with a four punch combination!
Hijikata takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Gotti misses with a two punch combination.
Gotti changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Hijikata tries to avoid it but Gotti manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Hijikata to the ground. Hijikata escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
A good leg kick by Gotti.
Gotti misses with a straight left.
Hijikata throws a leg kick but Gotti checks it.
Gotti scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Gotti throws a right and a left that both miss.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hijikata looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Gotti shoots in but Hijikata avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gotti keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hijikata uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Hijikata throws a shot to the body.
Hijikata changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Gotti throws a combination that misses
and Hijikata counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Gotti thinking.
Gotti lands with a right hand.
Hijikata throws a leg kick but Gotti sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Gotti throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hijikata sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Gotti scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Who's going to make the next move?
Hijikata is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Gotti off and has taken his back!
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hijikata tries to get the hooks in deep but Gotti pushed the leg off.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
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 Toshi Hijikata 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. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!
Gotti dives in and grabs Hijikata's left leg, looking for a takedown. Hijikata pushes down on Gotti's head and hops out.
Hijikata keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Gotti gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Hijikata counters with a nice leg kick.
Gotti takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Hijikata connects with a good right hand that stumbles Gotti. Gotti circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Gotti throws a front kick aimed at Hijikata's knee but Hijikata avoids it well.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Gotti checks a leg kick.
Nice cross by Hijikata.
Jab, jab by Hijikata - just one landing.
Gotti connects with a looping right hand.
Hijikata connects with a looping right hand.
Gotti throws a leg kick but Hijikata sees it coming and moves out of range.
Gotti clinches.
Gotti gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Hijikata manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Gotti keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Good body shot from Hijikata.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hijikata creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hijikata doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A head punch on the inside from Gotti fails to land.
Hijikata's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
A slow jab from Hijikata misses its intended target.
Hijikata looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Gotti misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hijikata.
Hijikata throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Gotti counters with an inside leg kick.
Gotti rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Hijikata moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Hijikata stuffs the takedown attempt from Gotti. Gotti gets slowly back to his feet.
Gotti is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Gotti ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hijikata moves away.
Hijikata throws a leg kick but Gotti moved away.
Gotti changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Good work by Gotti as he checks the leg kick.
Gotti has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
A bone on bone clash there as Gotti blocks the leg kick.
Gotti scores with a leg kick.
Hijikata on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Gotti. Gotti obviously looking to wear him down.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gotti checks the leg kick nicely there.
Gotti swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hijikata moves out of range of the strikes.
Gotti lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Hijikata lands a front kick.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Gotti checks a leg kick.
Gotti throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hijikata ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Gotti moves away.
Gotti tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Hijikata defends well and Gotti ends up having to push Hijikata into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Toshi Hijikata has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Don Gotti.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A big right from Gotti misses.
Gotti lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Hijikata at a distance.
Gotti moves out of range of the body kick.
Gotti ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Hijikata, right into the meat.
Gotti loads up on a big right hand but Hijikata slips the punch.
Gotti swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hijikata uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Gotti.
Don Gotti has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gotti looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Gotti takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Hijikata lands with a nice body kick.
Gotti throws a leg kick
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Gotti tried to score with a low kick but Hijikata checks it.
Hijikata keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Gotti.
Hijikata on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Gotti. Gotti obviously looking to wear him down.
Hijikata throws a hook but Gotti blocks it.
Gotti lands an overhand right.
Hijikata lands an overhand right.
Hijikata slips a straight right by Gotti.
Gotti lands with a nice body punch.
Gotti tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Hijikata counters with a good, hard body kick but Gotti shrugs it off.
A big left from Gotti misses.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gotti misses with a low kick.
Toshi Hijikata is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Hijikata lands with a thumping leg kick.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gotti on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Hijikata. Hijikata obviously looking to wear him down.
Gotti lands a nice looking body shot.
Gotti ducks right into an uppercut from Hijikata.
Gotti takes a swing at Hijikata's ribcage but misses.
Gotti throws a poor cross that misses
and Hijikata cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Gotti tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hijikata was well out of range. Poor timing from Gotti.
Gotti jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Gotti misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hijikata.
Gotti shoots in for a takedown but Hijikata shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Hijikata connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Gotti's hands.
A chopping leg kick lands by Hijikata.
Hijikata lands a nice looking body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gotti takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Gotti misses with a wild body shot.
Gotti stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Hijikata.
Gotti misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Hijikata counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
And that's the end of the fight!
Toshi Hijikata showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Hijikata 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 Dean Styles scores the fight 49:46
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 50:46
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 49:46
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Toshi Hijikata!
Toshi Hijikata retains his lightweight title!
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
75% |
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