 |
Play
by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary
|
Event:
SPARTA 43
Date: Apr 19, 2019 |
#R1#
Burrows jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Sparks blocks a head kick by Burrows.
Sparks tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Burrows defends well and Sparks ends up having to push Burrows into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Sparks lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Burrows circles away quickly and effectively.
Sparks's coach down at Temp Spar Gym was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Sparks's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Sparks lands a jab-cross combination. #CUT2#
It looks like Clive Burrows has been cut.
Sparks fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Burrows throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Sparks's waist but Sparks gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Burrows off to one side.
Sparks throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Sparks closes the distance and clinches up with Burrows, looking for a takedown. Sparks pushes Burrows against the cage but Burrows circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Clive Burrows has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frankie Sparks.
Nice takedown defense from Burrows. No joy for Sparks on that attempt.
Sparks throws a series of strikes that have Burrows backpedaling.
Burrows tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sparks was well out of range. Poor timing from Burrows.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sparks tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Sparks tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Burrows defends well and Sparks ends up having to push Burrows into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Sparks avoids a kick to the body.
Sparks blocks a jab.
As Burrows backs off Sparks throws a huge counter combo but Burrows manages to avoid it all.#TD#
Burrows shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Burrows showed some decent athleticism there.
Sparks makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Sparks.#T1#
Burrows throws a big right hand that misses.
Burrows has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Burrows postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Burrows definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Sparks is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Burrows throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Sparks keeping moving, preventing Burrows from controlling successfully.
Sparks pulls Burrows in close to prevent any damage.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Burrows's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Burrows with a flurry of punches that miss. #T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Burrows working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Burrows accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Burrows throws a big elbow that misses.
Burrows working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Burrows in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Burrows trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Burrows accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Burrows throws a big elbow that misses.
Sparks not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Sparks wants to get back to his feet but Burrows is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Burrows is in close to Sparks's body, working some short punches and elbows.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sparks not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Burrows connects with a couple of short punches.#T3#
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Burrows accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Burrows cracks Sparks with a solid left hand.
Burrows with a flurry of punches that miss.
Burrows trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Burrows is looking to work some ground and pound but Sparks has wrist control.
Burrows scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Burrows with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Sparks is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Sparks is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Sparks keeping moving, preventing Burrows from controlling successfully.
Burrows working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound. #T4#
Burrows postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Burrows lands a couple of digs.
Burrows with a flurry of punches that miss.
Sparks is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Burrows with a flurry of punches that miss.
Burrows trying to control but Sparks is working from the bottom.
Sparks has momentary wrist control but Burrows slips an elbow through the middle.#ES2#
Sparks is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Burrows has Sparks pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Sparks manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing. #BC2#
Sparks breaks the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
No joy there for Sparks, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Burrows feinted with a counter takedown.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Clive Burrows dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Clive Burrows's cut.
That's time! Burrows's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
#R2#
Sparks tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Burrows manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Burrows dodges the punch combination from Sparks.
Sparks connects with a body shot.
Sparks shoots in for a takedown but Burrows shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.#TD#
Sparks gets caught napping as Burrows dives in and scores a takedown. Sparks manages to retain guard.#ES2#
Sparks pushes Burrows off and scrambles back to his feet.
Left hook, right uppercut from Sparks.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Burrows stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Burrows wants it to stay on the feet.
Sparks moves out of range as Burrows strikes.
Sparks is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Burrows tried to score with a low kick but Sparks checks it.
Sparks feints the counter takedown.
Horrible takedown attempt by Sparks or perhaps it was just good defense by Burrows, which made it look bad.
Clive Burrows has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frankie Sparks.#TD#
Burrows shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.#T1#
Sparks is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Burrows scores with a couple of nice shots.
Burrows landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Burrows is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Burrows working over Sparks with some ground and pound. Sparks looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Sparks keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Sparks flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Sparks is trying to get back to full guard.
Sparks trying to control but Burrows postures up.
Sparks taking some punishment here, with Burrows in his half guard. #T2#
Burrows landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Burrows seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Burrows thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Sparks's head.
Burrows throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Burrows working Sparks over with strikes.
Burrows working the head and body with strikes.
Burrows thows a huge punch but Sparks dodges it nicely.
Ground and pound from Burrows.
Burrows lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Burrows is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Burrows lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt. #T3#
Burrows lands strikes from half guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Burrows lands a nice short elbow.
Burrows looks to land a strike but Sparks avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Burrows is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sparks can do to turn this around?
Burrows in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Burrows postures up in Sparks's guard and throws a big left but Sparks blocks it.
Sparks wants to sweep but no luck.
Burrows with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Burrows with a flurry of punches that miss.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Burrows throws an elbow that misses. Sparks uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Burrows's guard. Nice move by Sparks!#REVB#
Burrows controls Sparks momentarily but Sparks frees himself. #T4#
Sparks loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Burrows manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Sparks manages to get himself to full guard.
#REVR#
Burrows with a nice head shot there.
Burrows is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Burrows distracts Sparks with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Burrows preventing the sweep.
Burrows working some strikes from top position.
Burrows throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Burrows trying to control the position from guard on top but Sparks is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Burrows throwing strikes from guard but Sparks blocks nicely.
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!
Sparks managing to control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Clive Burrows dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Clive Burrows's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!
#R3##TD#
Burrows scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Burrows missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Sparks controlling the position for now.
Sparks is looking to improve his position.
Burrows takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Burrows not landing any meaningful shots this time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Burrows is nestled in close to Sparks, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Sparks blocking the ground and pound attempt from Burrows.
Sparks avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Burrows.
Burrows thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Sparks's head. #T1#
Burrows scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Burrows slips a nice elbow through Sparks's hands, connecting with Sparks's forehead.
Burrows slips a nice elbow through Sparks's hands, connecting with Sparks's forehead.
Sparks takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Burrows connects with a nice short shot to Sparks's temple.
Burrows scoring with strikes to the body and head. #ROC#
Sparks is rocked!
Sparks avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Burrows.
Burrows throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Burrows is nestled in close to Sparks, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Ground and pound from Burrows.
Sparks is still in real trouble! Can Burrows finish him?
Sparks is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Burrows scores with a couple of nice shots.
Sparks taking some punishment here, with Burrows in his half guard.
Burrows scores with a couple of good hammerfists.#T2#
Sparks blocking the ground and pound attempt from Burrows.
Burrows thows a huge punch but Sparks dodges it nicely.
Sparks seems to have recovered his senses.
Burrows drops an elbow to the side of Sparks's head.
Burrows working the head and body with strikes.
Burrows missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Burrows scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Burrows looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Sparks with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Burrows throwing shots but Sparks is blocking nicely. #ES2#
Sparks kicks off Burrows and gets to his feet.
Sparks connects with a right hand. Burrows shakes it off.
Burrows shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Sparks pinned against the cage. Sparks gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Sparks is looking for the big counter here.#T3#
Sparks fails with a takedown attempt.
Sparks takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Nice takedown defense from Burrows. No joy for Sparks on that attempt. #TD#
Burrows shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Sparks's guard.
Burrows working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Sparks trying to control the position.
Burrows throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Clive Burrows overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Burrows is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Burrows with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Burrows won't allow Sparks to sweep him here.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Burrows's corner. There ya go! There ya go! #T4#
Burrows throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Sparks works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Burrows trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Burrows is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Burrows is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Burrows scoring with punches to the head and body.
Burrows throwing strikes from guard but Sparks blocks nicely.
Burrows throws an elbow that misses. Sparks uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Burrows's guard. Nice move by Sparks!#REVB#
Frankie Sparks has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sparks preventing the sweep.
Sparks working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Burrows tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Clive Burrows is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Sparks must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Burrows on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Burrows tries to get out of the position.
Sparks loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
And that's the end of the fight!
Clive Burrows showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Burrows, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 David Hoff scores the fight 30:27
Judge Sandra Marshall scores the fight 30:27
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Clive Burrows!
Clive Burrows seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
Frankie Sparks spoke after the fight, saying 'sorry better try harder I guess'.
|
|
|
|
Event:
SPARTA 38
Date: Apr 07, 2019 |
#R1##TD#
Aoki feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.#ES2#
Sparks has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Aoki has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.#BC#
Aoki breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Sparks closes this distance looking for a takedown but Aoki circles away.
Aoki tries to counter with a takedown but Sparks is quick to defend against it.
Sparks misses with a series of wild punches.
A jab from Aoki misses.
Sparks shoots in but no luck this time.
Frankie Sparks seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Aoki circles away from the clinch attempt.
Aoki definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.#TD#
Aoki closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Aoki lands in his opponent's guard.
Sparks is looking to stand back up but Aoki counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Sparks.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.#REVB#
Sparks really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Aoki. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.#SUB#
Aoki seems to be working for a kimura but Sparks defends the submission attempt.#T1#
Sparks is controlling Aoki's trapped leg to prevent Aoki from advancing to side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB#
Aoki is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Sparks has managed to free his arm - good work. #SUB#
Aoki is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Sparks has managed to free his arm - good work. #SUB#
Aoki is working for a kimura but Sparks is defending it quite comfortably.
#T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Sparks is trying to maintain the position but Aoki is very close to passing his half guard.#SUB#
Aoki is trying for a kimura here. Sparks looks like he's in a lot of pain... and he's tapping out! Aoki wins by kimura!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Shinya Aoki!
A victorious Shinya Aoki thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
Frankie Sparks was interviewed post fight and said 'sorry better try harder I guess'.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Event:
SPARTA 26
Date: Mar 10, 2019 |
#R1#
Filippovich swings widly with a right hand
and Sparks counters with a stiff right hand.
Sparks shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Filippovich but Filippovich pushes him off and we're back to square one.#TD#
Filippovich shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Sparks's guard.#ES2#
Sparks pushes Filippovich off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Sparks wants to clinch.
Filippovich dips to his left and cracks Sparks with an uppercut!
Filippovich misses with an uppercut. Sparks saw that one coming.#CL2#
Filippovich gets tackled into the cage by Sparks. Sparks maintains the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sparks is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Filippovich gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Filippovich tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Sparks just stands there and leans against the cage.#T1##TD2#
Sparks successfully pulls guard.
Filippovich stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Sparks swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Filippovich stopping the sweep attempt from Sparks.#SUB#
Filippovich thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Filippovich tries to free his leg and advance position but Sparks is retaining full guard.
Sparks is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB#
Filippovich is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Sparks is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage. #T2##SUB#
Filippovich drops back looking for a leg! Sparks is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Sparks manages to kick Filippovich off! Filippovich jumps back into Sparks's guard. #SUB#
Filippovich drops back, looking for a kneebar! Sparks looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Sparks looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Sparks! #REVB#
Filippovich manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Sparks tries to stand but his arm is trapped. #SUB#
Filippovich looking for submissions off his back.#T3##SUB#
Filippovich looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Filippovich is trying to get back to full guard.#SUB#
Filippovich looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Filippovich wants to control but Sparks is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Filippovich controlling the position for now.#T4#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.#SUB#
Filippovich looking for submissions off his back.
Filippovich controlling the leg, holding on to half guard. #SUB2#
Sparks is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Sparks really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Filippovich. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Filippovich is refusing to be controlled, as Sparks sits in half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Frankie Sparks will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!
#R2##CL2#
Sparks moves into the clinch.
Sparks's coach down at Temp Spar Gym was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Sparks's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Filippovich wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Filippovich prevents a takedown attempt there.
Filippovich misses with a short punch on the inside. #BC2#
Sparks breaks the clinch.
#TD#
Filippovich shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Sparks is looking to improve his position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Filippovich is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Sparks still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Sparks has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Filippovich manages to work his way to half guard, despite Sparks's best efforts.#T1##SUB#
Filippovich looking for submissions off his back.
Filippovich avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Sparks.
Frankie Sparks has got the better of the ground game so far.
Sparks sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Filippovich defending well though.
Filippovich keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Filippovich is looking for a sweep. Sparks is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Filippovich avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Sparks.
Sparks with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Sparks is looking to take a break and control but Filippovich is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Filippovich avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Sparks.
Sparks sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Filippovich defending well though.
Filippovich regains full guard. Nicely done.
Sparks throws a big elbow that misses.
Filippovich pulls Sparks in to control the position.
Sparks is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Filippovich keeping full guard, as Sparks tries to pass. #SUB#
Filippovich has his foot on Sparks's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Sparks works his way back into a safe position though.#T3##SUB#
Filippovich is looking to cinch up a triangle. Sparks throws the leg off to one side though and gets in tight to Filippovich's body to avoid the submission. Filippovich has instead reached around Sparks's neck and now has a guillotine! Oh, this is biiiig trouble! Filippovich arches his back and squeezes and forces the tap from his hapless opponent.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:26 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Drotenkov Filippovich!
In his post fight interview, Drotenkov Filippovich started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.
In defeat, Frankie Sparks stepped up to the mic, saying 'sorry better try harder I guess'.
|
|
|
|
Event:
SPARTA 18: Smit vs. Ndlandla
Date: Feb 20, 2019 |
#R1#
Espiga throws a jab but it's blocked by Sparks.
Sparks moves in looking to clinch but Espiga pushes him off.
Espiga takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Nice uppercut lands for Espiga. That snapped Sparks's head back.
Sparks shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Espiga counter with a right hand.
Sparks shoots in looking for a takedown but Espiga manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Sparks's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Sparks tries for a takedown but Espiga circles away easily
and Espiga counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Juan Martin Espiga has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frankie Sparks.#CL2#
Sparks takes the fight into the clinch.
Espiga has Sparks pushed against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Espiga.
Espiga gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Sparks.
Sparks misses with some punches.
#T1#
A right hook to the body lands for Espiga.
Espiga softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Espiga lands a left hand that snaps the head of Sparks backwards.
Espiga misses with a short punch on the inside.
Espiga swings wildly with an uppercut but Sparks uses good head movement to avoid it.
A hook to the body from Espiga.
#BC2#
Sparks breaks from the clinch.
Espiga throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Sparks shoots in but Espiga avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Espiga throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Espiga definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Sparks staying out of range there.
Sparks shoots and misses
and Espiga counters with a lovely straight right hand!#T2#
Sparks takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Sparks steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Espiga.
A telegraphed right hand from Espiga misses the target.
Espiga scores with a nice right hand.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sparks goes for a double leg but Espiga avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Espiga continues to drive forward.
Espiga fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Sparks looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Sparks looks winded!
Sparks walks into a jab.
Espiga is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Espiga punishes Sparks's body with a nice straight punch.
Espiga misses with a straight left.
Espiga slaps away a takedown attempt from Sparks, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Sparks closes the distance looking to clinch
and Sparks takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Sparks throws a leg kick but Espiga checks it. #T3#
Sparks takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Espiga is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Sparks slips a straight right by Espiga.
Espiga lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Espiga is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Espiga bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Espiga misses with a straight right.
A telegraphed right hand from Espiga misses the target.
Espiga cracks Sparks with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Espiga is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Espiga lands with a nice body punch.
A decent looking cross lands there for Espiga.
Sparks takes one on the button.
Sparks fails to land the takedown.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Espiga cracks Sparks with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Sparks slips under a jab.#T4#
Espiga loads up on a big right hand but Sparks slips the punch.
Espiga connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Sparks momentarily.
Espiga scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
A slow jab from Espiga misses its intended target.
Espiga throws a hook to the side of Sparks's head but Sparks sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Espiga scores with a jab to the jaw.
Espiga fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Sparks displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Espiga takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Sparks tries to work over Espiga's front leg with a kick but Espiga checks it.
Sparks moves away from the strike by Espiga.
Espiga dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Espiga scores with a punch to the head.
Sparks tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Espiga defends well and Sparks ends up having to push Espiga into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Juan Martin Espiga dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.
#R2#
Sparks ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Juan Martin Espiga is winning the standup battle so far.
Sparks takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Sparks moves away from the strike by Espiga.
Espiga is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sparks can do to turn this around?
Sparks closes the distance looking to clinch #KD#
and Espiga counters with a nice right hand that sends Sparks toppling to the canvas! Sparks scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Espiga finish him?!#ROC#
Sparks is rocked!#CUT#
It looks like Frankie Sparks has been cut.
Espiga is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Sparks.
Sparks is looking to clinch but Espiga is avoiding it.
#CL2#
Sparks clinches with his opponent.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sparks letting Espiga take a breather here.
Sparks blocks an uppercut.
#BC#
Espiga breaks from the clinch.
Sparks moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Espiga scores with a body shot.
#T1#
Espiga keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Espiga fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Sparks shoots in for a takedown but Espiga shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Sparks tries for a takedown but Espiga sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Juan Martin Espiga has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frankie Sparks.
Sparks is breathing heavily.
Sparks takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Sparks misses with the combination.
Espiga throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sparks sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Espiga lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Juan Martin Espiga is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Espiga.
Sparks throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Espiga.
A head kick misses from Sparks.
Sparks closes the distance but Espiga moves to the side
and Espiga counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Sparks is still on wobbly legs! Can Espiga finish him?#T2#
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sparks takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Espiga looks to throw the jab but Sparks is out of range.
Sparks slips under a jab from Espiga.
Sparks seems to have recovered his senses.
A telegraphed right hand from Espiga misses the target.
Espiga misses with an uppercut.
Sparks tries to clinch up.
Espiga misses with a looping right.
Espiga misses with a hook. Sparks ducked under it nicely.
Espiga misses with a hook. Sparks ducked under it nicely.
Espiga throws a hook to the side of Sparks's head but Sparks sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sparks uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Espiga.
Sparks moves out of range of the strikes.
Sparks let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.#T3#
Sparks looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Espiga is fending him off so far but Sparks persists. Nope, Espiga circles away and we're back to standing.
Sparks misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Sparks shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Espiga counters with a straight right hand.
Sparks takes a jab right on the kisser.
Sparks takes one to the chin there.
Espiga misses with an uppercut.
Sparks tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Espiga manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Espiga lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Espiga scores with a jab. Sparks acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Espiga tests Sparks's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Sparks throws a body shot but no joy.
Espiga swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Sparks misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
#T4#
Espiga misses with an uppercut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sparks takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Espiga misses with an uppercut.
Sparks wants to counter with a clinch but Espiga pushes him away.#KD#
Espiga sends Sparks crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Espiga is motioning to the referee to let Sparks up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!
Sparks doesn't manage to clinch there - Espiga circles away.
Sparks looks to throw a body kick
and Sparks takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Sparks darts in looking for a takedown but Espiga gets double underhooks and turns Sparks into the cage.
Sparks has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Espiga takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Sparks takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Espiga paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Jab by Espiga.
Espiga lunges at Sparks with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Sparks's hand.
Nice defenses there by Sparks.
Sparks is looking to clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Juan Martin Espiga dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Frankie Sparks's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.
#R3#
Espiga connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Good exchange - Espiga coming out on top.
Sparks shoots in for a takedown but Espiga shows good takedown defense. #KD#
Espiga feints and then winds up with a huge right hand that connects perfectly and sends Sparks sprawling to the canvas! Sparks rolls over backwards and springs off the cage and manages to regain his footing - how acrobatic! Oh, he's still wobbly - can Espiga finish him?!
Espiga scores with a hook to the body. Sparks takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
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!
Espiga closes the distance and lands a brutal uppercut that knocks Sparks out! We're looking at the replay now - he was out before he hit the floor!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:29 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Juan Martin Espiga!
A less than humble Juan Martin Espiga misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.
Frankie Sparks spoke after the fight, saying 'sorry better try harder I guess'.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
