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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Li Xiaolong (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Katsu Higashikuni (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.
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| 173 cm
28
146 lbs
19 - 7 - 0 |
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162 cm
26
146 lbs
12 - 6 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin |
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ADCC Champion
Excellent MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
19 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Li Xiaolong!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
12 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Katsu Higashikuni!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Shigeki Fujiwara and Tatsuya Matsuyama.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Higashikuni swings for the body but Xiaolong moves out of range.
Xiaolong connects with a solid leg kick.
Xiaolong looks for the body kick but Higashikuni saw that one coming.
Higashikuni misses with an attempted mid kick.
Higashikuni decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Higashikuni is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Xiaolong sees it coming and defends easily.
Xiaolong is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Higashikuni is pressing down on Xiaolong's thigh, looking to free his foot. Xiaolong is holding on for now.
Higashikuni is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Xiaolong avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Higashikuni throwing shots but Xiaolong is blocking nicely.
Higashikuni wants to pass the guard but Xiaolong is defending well.
Xiaolong is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Higashikuni scores with a couple of nice shots.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Xiaolong is looking to control Higashikuni's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Xiaolong avoid being mounted?
Higashikuni is looking to take a break and control but Xiaolong is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Higashikuni trying to control the action but Xiaolong is working from the bottom.
Xiaolong wants to control but Higashikuni is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Higashikuni throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Higashikuni shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Xiaolong sprawls well. Xiaolong wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Higashikuni gets slowly back to his feet.
Higashikuni pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Xiaolong back to the cage. Higashikuni follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Higashikuni tries to clinch there but Xiaolong circles away.
Higashikuni throws a looping overhand right but Xiaolong ducks down to avoid it.
Higashikuni ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Xiaolong moves away.
Li Xiaolong is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Higashikuni drops his hands momentarily and Xiaolong takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong leaves Higashikuni with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Higashikuni.
Li Xiaolong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Katsu Higashikuni.
Both fighters circling a little - Xiaolong finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Higashikuni tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Xiaolong swivels and escapes.
Higashikuni looks to score with a jab to the body but Xiaolong is just out of range.
Xiaolong connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Higashikuni shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Xiaolong as he jumps to the side.
A lazy left from Xiaolong finds it's target.
A slapping leg kick lands for Xiaolong.
Xiaolong keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Xiaolong avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Higashikuni walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Higashikuni checks a low kick from Xiaolong.
Excellent takedown into side control there by Higashikuni.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Xiaolong manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Higashikuni has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Xiaolong gets back to full guard.
Higashikuni trying to control the position from guard on top but Xiaolong is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Higashikuni is looking to pass into half guard but Xiaolong pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Xiaolong is in guard.
Higashikuni looking to hit a scissor sweep but Xiaolong is one step ahead there.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong looking to pass the guard.
Higashikuni working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Xiaolong doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Xiaolong manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Xiaolong won't allow Higashikuni to sweep him here.
Xiaolong trying to control but Higashikuni is working from the bottom.
Higashikuni looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni wants to improve his position but instead Xiaolong has moved into half guard.
Higashikuni wants to get back to full guard.
Higashikuni makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Higashikuni.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni is looking for a triangle but Xiaolong pushes his legs off easily.
Xiaolong stopping the sweep attempt from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Xiaolong!
Higashikuni sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Xiaolong is desperately trying to improve his position but Higashikuni has a good base and remains in mount.
Higashikuni in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Xiaolong in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Xiaolong tries to hold on but Higashikuni postures up.
Xiaolong really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni avoids the attempt from Xiaolong to control.
Higashikuni throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Higashikuni wants to control the pace but Xiaolong is squirming around nicely.
Higashikuni lands a big elbow.
Xiaolong in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Xiaolong wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Higashikuni.
Higashikuni with a couple of short strikes.
Xiaolong tries to hold on but Higashikuni postures up.
Higashikuni is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Xiaolong can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Xiaolong tries to hold on but Higashikuni pushes him away.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Xiaolong is trying to stand up.
Higashikuni lands a big shot there that rocks Xiaolong but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Higashikuni throws a wild left hand from mount and Xiaolong manages to wriggle his way back to half guard.
Higashikuni looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Higashikuni is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Xiaolong makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Xiaolong.
Higashikuni scoring with some ground and pound.
Higashikuni passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Higashikuni trying to control the action but Xiaolong is working from the bottom.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Xiaolong gets back to half guard.
Xiaolong is trying to get back to full guard.
Higashikuni working Xiaolong over with strikes.
Xiaolong is looking to improve his position.
Higashikuni works his foot free and advances to mount.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Higashikuni wants to control the pace but Xiaolong is squirming around nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Katsu Higashikuni dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Xiaolong lands a nice leg kick that just misses Higashikuni's sensitive parts.
Xiaolong connects with an inside leg kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Higashikuni misses the target.
Xiaolong throws a low kick but Higashikuni avoids it.
Xiaolong takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Xiaolong looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Xiaolong is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Higashikuni wants to clinch up but Xiaolong keeps it at a distance.
Xiaolong avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Higashikuni missing with a left hand there. Xiaolong was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Higashikuni fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
A looping hook to the body misses from Higashikuni. Xiaolong does a little dance to reset his feet.
Xiaolong scores with a decent looking hook.
Higashikuni avoids the head kick by Xiaolong.
Higashikuni pushes Xiaolong up against the cage in a clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni working aggressively here.
Xiaolong is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Higashikuni is defending well for now.
Xiaolong fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Higashikuni misses with some punches.
Higashikuni fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Higashikuni holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Xiaolong escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Xiaolong defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Higashikuni.
Li Xiaolong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Katsu Higashikuni.
Higashikuni checks a low kick from Xiaolong.
Nice body punch from Xiaolong.
Higashikuni cracks a nice hook into Xiaolong's ribs.
Xiaolong tries a low kick but Higashikuni avoids it.
Higashikuni scores with a hook to the body. Xiaolong takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Higashikuni is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Xiaolong rather than just go for the knockout.
Higashikuni takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Higashikuni misses with an uppercut
and Xiaolong counters with a leg kick.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong is looking to score with low kicks.
Xiaolong loads up on a big right hand but Higashikuni slips the punch.
Xiaolong throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Higashikuni throws a hook to the side of Xiaolong's head but Xiaolong sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Xiaolong misses with a hook.
Xiaolong scoring well with a low kick there.
Higashikuni is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Xiaolong throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Xiaolong cracks Higashikuni with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Higashikuni chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Xiaolong can pounce on him.
Higashikuni shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Higashikuni connects with a body shot.
Xiaolong is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Higashikuni wants to clinch up but Xiaolong keeps it at a distance.
Higashikuni shoots in looking for a takedown. Xiaolong tries to sprawl out of it but Higashikuni keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Xiaolong manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Higashikuni closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Knees in the clinch landing for Xiaolong.
Xiaolong softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Higashikuni is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Xiaolong pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Higashikuni is breathing heavily.
Higashikuni tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Xiaolong just stands there and leans against the cage.
Higashikuni misses with a short punch on the inside.
Xiaolong trying to land knees to the body.
Xiaolong breaks the clinch.
Xiaolong uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Higashikuni.
Xiaolong lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Higashikuni at a distance.
Xiaolong throws a low kick but Higashikuni avoids it.
Xiaolong paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Xiaolong works Higashikuni's body with a nice hook.
Higashikuni takes one on the button.
Xiaolong throws a leg kick which misses Higashikuni's front leg but catches the back leg as Higashikuni tries to avoid it.
A decent looking cross lands there for Xiaolong.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Higashikuni shoots in looking for a takedown. Xiaolong tries to sprawl out of it but Higashikuni keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Xiaolong manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice takedown defense from Xiaolong. No joy for Higashikuni on that attempt.
Higashikuni checks a leg kick nicely.
Higashikuni fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Higashikuni has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Xiaolong.
Higashikuni's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Higashikuni misses with a body shot.
Xiaolong feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Higashikuni's calf.
Xiaolong moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Xiaolong throws out a loose jab but Higashikuni uses good head movement to avoid it.
Katsu Higashikuni seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Xiaolong tests Higashikuni's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Higashikuni keeps the fight on the outside.
Xiaolong plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Higashikuni thows a left - swing and a miss!
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Xiaolong scores with a jab to the body.
Xiaolong ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Higashikuni moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Higashikuni scores with a jab.
Higashikuni slips a straight right by Xiaolong.
Higashikuni misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Xiaolong.
Higashikuni misses with a straight right.
Higashikuni uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Xiaolong.
Xiaolong avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Xiaolong moves into the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Higashikuni.
Higashikuni misses with a body punch.
Higashikuni blocks the elbow strike.
Higashikuni's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Xiaolong breaks from the clinch.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong throws a front kick aimed at Higashikuni's knee but Higashikuni avoids it well.
Xiaolong swings for the body but Higashikuni moves out of range.
Higashikuni shoots in and bounces Xiaolong off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
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!
Higashikuni slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Katsu Higashikuni has got the better of the ground game so far.
Xiaolong is being controlled here.
Xiaolong wants to control but Higashikuni postures up.
Higashikuni throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Xiaolong taking a bit of punishment here - Higashikuni scoring with strikes.
Xiaolong gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
Higashikuni sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Higashikuni unloads with some shots from mount but Xiaolong bucks and avoids them well.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni throws some wild stikes that Xiaolong manages to avoid easily.
Higashikuni throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Xiaolong wants to control but Higashikuni is having none of it.
Higashikuni with a couple of short strikes.
Higashikuni raining down shots from the mount!
Higashikuni with a couple of short strikes.
Higashikuni landing shots from mount.
Xiaolong can't escape the position.
Higashikuni tries to control but Xiaolong wriggling away.
Higashikuni pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Higashikuni working Xiaolong over with strikes here.
Xiaolong bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Higashikuni bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Xiaolong's guard.
Higashikuni stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Xiaolong swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Xiaolong is trying to control the position but Higashikuni postures up.
Xiaolong is really struggling to control Higashikuni but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Higashikuni won't allow Xiaolong to sweep him here.
Higashikuni forces his way into half guard.
Xiaolong wants to control but Higashikuni is keeping busy.
Higashikuni with the ground and pound but Xiaolong uses the opportunity to regain guard.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni wants to pass the guard but Xiaolong is keeping the position.
Xiaolong is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Xiaolong is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Higashikuni is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Higashikuni pushes down on Xiaolong's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Xiaolong is pressing down on Higashikuni's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Higashikuni trying to control but Xiaolong is working from the bottom.
Xiaolong trying to keep a closed guard but Higashikuni is proving a slippery customer.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Higashikuni trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Higashikuni trying to control the position from guard on top but Xiaolong is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Higashikuni works a leg free and moves into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close second round but I would say that Li Xiaolong will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. 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.
Xiaolong is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Higashikuni.
Higashikuni uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Xiaolong has time to react.
Higashikuni darts in and clinches Xiaolong up against the cage.
Xiaolong tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Higashikuni misses with a short punch on the inside.
Xiaolong gets through Higashikuni's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Higashikuni lands a right hand.
Xiaolong throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Higashikuni swings wildly with an uppercut but Xiaolong uses good head movement to avoid it.
A nice left hand lands by Xiaolong.
Xiaolong lands a body shot.
Xiaolong swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Xiaolong lands an elbow inside that Higashikuni shrugs off.
Higashikuni lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Xiaolong throws an elbow that misses.
Xiaolong working hard to break the clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni lands with a right to the head.
Higashikuni working aggressively here.
Higashikuni taking a breather.
Xiaolong misses with a knee to the head.
Higashikuni gets through Xiaolong's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Xiaolong throws an elbow but it misses.
Higashikuni tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Xiaolong gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Xiaolong blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Xiaolong can't find room to land a body shot as Higashikuni controls the action.
Higashikuni lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Higashikuni jumps guard but Xiaolong turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Higashikuni fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Higashikuni has picked Xiaolong up - he's going for a ride! Higashikuni dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Higashikuni takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Xiaolong controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Higashikuni not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Xiaolong.
Higashikuni throws a big right hand that misses.
Xiaolong looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Higashikuni scoring with punches to the head and body.
Xiaolong will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Xiaolong looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Xiaolong trying to control the position.
Higashikuni working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Higashikuni passes into half guard.
Higashikuni wants to control but Xiaolong is keeping him busy.
Higashikuni is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Xiaolong doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Higashikuni.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong is trying to get back to full guard.
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. Higashikuni connects with a nice short shot to Xiaolong's temple.
Higashikuni drops an elbow to the side of Xiaolong's head.
Xiaolong is looking to control Higashikuni's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Xiaolong avoid being mounted?
Higashikuni thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Xiaolong's head.
Higashikuni thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Higashikuni landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Xiaolong is looking to control Higashikuni's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Xiaolong avoid being mounted?
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni is looking to advance position but Xiaolong won't allow it.
Xiaolong trying to control from the bottom.
Higashikuni thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Xiaolong is trying to maintain the position but Higashikuni is very close to passing his half guard.
Higashikuni frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Xiaolong keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
BOOM! Higashikuni connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Higashikuni unloads with some shots from mount but Xiaolong bucks and avoids them well.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni looking for a guillotine from mount but Xiaolong is having none of it.
Xiaolong tries to lock up and control but Higashikuni gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Higashikuni can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Xiaolong is looking to escape.
Xiaolong is looking to improve his position but Higashikuni isn't that keen on the idea.
Xiaolong wants to control but Higashikuni is having none of it.
Higashikuni landing punches.
Higashikuni is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Xiaolong can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Higashikuni lands with some strikes.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni landing strikes, looking to finish!
Xiaolong blocking the ground and pound.
Higashikuni is in the full mount, landing strikes.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Xiaolong in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Xiaolong sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Higashikuni trying to mount his opponent but Xiaolong defends it.
Xiaolong is refusing to be controlled, as Higashikuni sits in half guard.
Xiaolong trying to control but Higashikuni postures up.
Higashikuni missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Li Xiaolong has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni not doing much here.
Higashikuni slips a nice elbow through Xiaolong's hands, connecting with Xiaolong's forehead.
Xiaolong regains full guard. Nicely done.
Higashikuni trying to control the position from guard on top but Xiaolong is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Higashikuni tries to free his leg and advance position but Xiaolong is retaining full guard.
Higashikuni wants to control from the top but Xiaolong keeps moving.
Higashikuni looking to pass the guard.
Xiaolong avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Higashikuni passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Xiaolong is trying to control Higashikuni's posture but Higashikuni avoids it.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong defending against the ground and pound.
Higashikuni working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Xiaolong prevents Higashikuni from improving position.
Xiaolong is trying to control Higashikuni's posture but Higashikuni avoids it.
Higashikuni is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Xiaolong has escaped the position, nice work there.
Katsu Higashikuni is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Higashikuni controlling the position from side mount.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Higashikuni wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Higashikuni wants to control but Xiaolong is keeping him busy.
Xiaolong tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Higashikuni controlling the position.
Xiaolong is looking to reverse the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Higashikuni controls the position from side control.
Xiaolong tries to buck Higashikuni off but Higashikuni is having none of it.
And that's the end of the fight!
Katsu Higashikuni comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Higashikuni has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Yuuki Gou scores the fight for Katsu Higashikuni!
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight for Katsu Higashikuni!
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight for Katsu Higashikuni!
Katsu Higashikuni wins by unanimous decision!
An out of breath Katsu Higashikuni thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
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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
87% |
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