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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Shu Fang Tzeng (ranked 147 p4p, 326 weight class) and Emiliano Blackburn (ranked 9 p4p, 24 weight class). Tzeng kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Mantra Chant. Emiliano Blackburn has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Shu Fang Tzeng's chin.
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| 165 cm
33
135
21 - 3 - 0 |
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168 cm
26
135
14 - 4 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Counter fighter
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Shu Fang Tzeng!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Emiliano Blackburn!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fray, Micheangelo Fripello and Josh West.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Blackburn smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Tzeng closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Blackburn to the mat! Blackburn manages to get full guard.
Blackburn keeping moving, preventing Tzeng from controlling successfully.
Tzeng looking to pass the guard.
Tzeng showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tzeng tries to free his leg and advance position but Blackburn is retaining full guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Blackburn has his feet on Tzeng's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Tzeng fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Blackburn avoids it really well and circles away.
Blackburn has taken the fight to the clinch.
Tzeng pressing his opponent against the cage.
Tzeng can't get the takedown.
Tzeng blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tzeng is trying to pull guard but Blackburn has him pressed against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shu Fang Tzeng. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Blackburn scores with a nice hook to the head.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Blackburn has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Blackburn lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Tzeng backwards.
Tzeng tries to pull guard but Blackburn forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Blackburn gets underhooks to prevent Tzeng's takedown attempt.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
A short uppercut from Blackburn.
Blackburn lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Blackburn has a couple of punches blocked by Tzeng.
Tzeng is trying to pull guard but Blackburn has him pressed against the cage.
Tzeng tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Blackburn just stands there and leans against the cage.
Tzeng's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Blackburn's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Blackburn lands with a right hand.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Blackburn.
Blackburn darts in and clinches Tzeng up against the cage.
Blackburn working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Tzeng is trying to pull guard but Blackburn has him pressed against the cage.
Blackburn throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Tzengs head.
Blackburn doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Tzeng is trying to stall.
Tzeng jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Blackburn walks away with a smile on his face. Tzeng gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Blackburn cracks a nice hook into Tzeng's ribs.
Blackburn avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tzeng fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Tzeng moves in looking to clinch but Blackburn pushes him off.
Blackburn rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Tzeng moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Tzeng with a lazy takedown attempt
and Blackburn counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tzeng tries to score a power double leg takedown but Blackburn sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Tzeng somewhat.
Blackburn scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Emiliano Blackburn dominated that round.
That's time! Tzeng's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Tzeng shoots in and drives through. Blackburn sprawls well.
Blackburn wants to counter with a clinch but Tzeng pushes him away.
Shu Fang Tzeng seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Blackburn throws a hook to the side of Tzeng's head but Tzeng sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Blackburn loads up on a big right hand but Tzeng slips the punch.
Blackburn scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Blackburn throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Blackburn has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Tzeng avoids the body shot from Blackburn.
Tzeng moves into the clinch successfully.
Blackburn has a couple of punches blocked by Tzeng.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Blackburn scores with a shot to the side of Tzeng's head.
Blackburn digs a right hand into Tzeng's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Tzeng's gas tank.
Blackburn dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Tzeng tries to pull guard but Blackburn holds him up against the cage and eventually Tzeng drops back down to his feet.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Blackburn.
Blackburn lands a hook to the side of the head.
Blackburn scores with a nice hook to the head.
Tzeng jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Blackburn walks away with a smile on his face. Tzeng gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shu Fang Tzeng. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Blackburn slaps away a takedown attempt from Tzeng, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Tzeng staying out of range there.
Tzeng moves out of range as Blackburn strikes.
Emiliano Blackburn seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Blackburn with a nice cross.
Emiliano Blackburn is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Tzeng fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blackburn lands with a straight right. Tzeng didn't see that one coming.
Blackburn misses with a body shot.
Tzeng feinted with a counter takedown.
Blackburn lands the left hand.
Blackburn is looking to score with low kicks.
Tzeng shoots in for a takedown but Blackburn shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tzeng takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Tzeng uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Blackburn.
Blackburn throws a right and a left that both miss.
Blackburn keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tzeng gets a clinch.
Tzeng stalling in the clinch but Blackburn improves position.
Blackburn stops a takedown attempt from Tzeng.
Blackburn swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tzeng tries to pull guard but Blackburn holds him up against the cage and eventually Tzeng drops back down to his feet.
Emiliano Blackburn seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Blackburn makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Tzeng jumps guard but Blackburn turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Tzeng stalls.
Blackburn misses with a body punch.
Blackburn lands an uppercut.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tzeng tries to pull guard but Blackburn forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Tzeng is looking for a takedown.
Blackburn softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Blackburn.
Tzeng tries to pull guard but Blackburn holds him up against the cage and eventually Tzeng drops back down to his feet.
Blackburn throws a head punch that misses.
Blackburn is leaning against Tzeng and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Blackburn lands a body shot in the clinch.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Blackburn breaks the clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Emiliano Blackburn showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action!
Tzeng shoots and misses
and Blackburn counters with a nice uppercut.
Tzeng shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Blackburn sprawls well. Blackburn wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Tzeng gets slowly back to his feet.
Tzeng is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Blackburn.
Tzeng tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Blackburn swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shu Fang Tzeng. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tzeng walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Blackburn takes the fight into the clinch.
Tzeng breaks the clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tzeng showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Blackburn.
Tzeng moves out of range as Blackburn strikes.
Tzeng slips a jab from Blackburn.
Tzeng closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Blackburn throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Tzeng with a poor takedown
and Tzeng takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Tzeng.
Tzeng changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Blackburn looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blackburn is not content to let Tzeng control the position.
Tzeng looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Tzeng wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Blackburn, who protects the arm well.
Blackburn tries to escape but Tzeng is in control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tzeng is looking to take a break and control but Blackburn is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Blackburn wants to get back to his feet.
Emiliano Blackburn has got the better of the ground game so far.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tzeng trying to control the action but Blackburn is working from the bottom.
Tzeng wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Blackburn, who protects the arm well.
Tzeng is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Blackburn is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Tzeng trying to control the position but Blackburn is working away.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Blackburn is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Blackburn attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Blackburn swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Tzeng.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Blackburn throws a right and a left that both miss.
Blackburn bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Tzeng's head.
Tzeng takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Emiliano Blackburn really dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Nice straight punches there by Blackburn. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Blackburn.
Tzeng tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Tzeng throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Blackburn was covering up waiting for the punch and Tzeng finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Blackburn uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Tzeng tries for a takedown but Blackburn sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Blackburn moves into the clinch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Blackburn as Tzeng tries to tie him up.
Tzeng tries to pull guard but Blackburn won't allow it.
Tzeng goes for a takedown in the clinch but Blackburn prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shu Fang Tzeng. That's going to take a lot out of him.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Blackburn swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A short right from Blackburn.
Tzeng tries to pull guard but Blackburn forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Blackburn lands a right hand.
Tzeng tries to pull guard but Blackburn holds him up against the cage and eventually Tzeng drops back down to his feet.
Blackburn misses with a punch on the inside.
Tzeng blocking some punches.
Blackburn scores with a nice hook to the head.
Tzeng is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Tzeng tries to pull guard but Blackburn forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blackburn lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Blackburn throws a punch but it's blocked by Tzeng.
Tzeng is trying to pull guard but Blackburn has him pressed against the cage.
Tzeng wants to get back to striking at distance but Blackburn won't allow it.
Blackburn lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Tzeng tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Tzeng tries for a takedown. No joy.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Blackburn creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Blackburn scores with a shoulder strike.
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!
A hook to the body from Blackburn.
Tzeng jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Blackburn walks away with a smile on his face. Tzeng gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Donk. Blackburn catches Tzeng right on the button with a cross.
Blackburn smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tzeng with a lazy takedown attempt
and Blackburn counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Jab by Blackburn.
Tzeng is rocked!
Blackburn clinches.
Blackburn gets through Tzeng's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Tzeng is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Blackburn lands with a right to the head.
Oh Tzeng is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Blackburn misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Tzeng seems to have got his legs back now.
Blackburn is struggling to control the position.
Blackburn lands with a right to the head.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tzeng fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Blackburn makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Blackburn lands a nice uppercut.
Blackburn lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Tzeng backwards.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Blackburn working aggressively here.
Tzeng taking a breather.
Tzeng blocks an uppercut.
A right handed body shot lands from Blackburn.
Blackburn lands with a right to the head.
Tzeng wants to stall.
Tzeng is looking for a takedown.
Tzeng blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Emiliano Blackburn dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Tzeng's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!
Blackburn throws a hook but Tzeng blocks it.
Blackburn connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Blackburn misses with a hook.
Tzeng darts in looking for a takedown but Blackburn gets double underhooks and turns Tzeng into the cage.
Blackburn misses with a hook from the clinch.
Tzeng jumps guard but Blackburn turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Blackburn lands with a left to the head.
Blackburn pushes Tzeng back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tzeng is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Blackburn to keep the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shu Fang Tzeng. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tzeng tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Tzeng gets control of Blackburn's arms and successfully pulls guard. Tzeng will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Tzeng has a closed guard, preventing Blackburn from standing up.
Tzeng looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Blackburn stands up and waves to Tzeng to follow him.
Blackburn lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Blackburn connects with a solid leg kick.
Tzeng fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Tzeng fails with a takedown attempt.
Shu Fang Tzeng has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blackburn slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Blackburn scores with a jab.
Tzeng feints and as Blackburn raises his hands in defense, Tzeng changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Blackburn has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Tzeng has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tzeng throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Blackburn blocks it with crossed arms.
Blackburn lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Tzeng is trying to pull guard but Blackburn turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Blackburn digs a right hand into Tzeng's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Tzeng's gas tank.
Tzeng is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Blackburn to keep the fight standing.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tzeng tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Blackburn just stands there and leans against the cage.
Blackburn breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Tzeng on the wrong end of a nice jab.
The crowd cheers as Blackburn lands an impressive looking overhand right. Tzeng doesn't seem phased though.
A left and a right from Blackburn both land. Nice combination.
It looks like Shu Fang Tzeng has been cut.
Blackburn takes the fight into the clinch.
Tzeng misses with a knee to the head.
Blackburn working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Blackburn lands with a short shot to the head.
Blackburn lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Tzeng looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tzeng tries to stall but Blackburn uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Blackburn lands a left hand that snaps the head of Tzeng backwards.
Blackburn lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Tzeng misses with a body punch.
Blackburn breaks from the clinch.
Blackburn connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Tzeng fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Blackburn, pushing him back against the cage.
Tzeng has a couple of punches blocked by Blackburn.
Emiliano Blackburn is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Tzeng tries to stall but Blackburn uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Blackburn blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Blackburn lands with a short shot to the head.
Blackburn's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Tzeng tries a head kick but it misses.
Blackburn uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Tzeng has time to react.
An inside leg kick lands from Blackburn.
And that's the end of the fight!
Emiliano Blackburn comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Blackburn has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Colin Fray scores the fight 44:50
Judge Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight 44:50
Judge Josh West scores the fight 43:50
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Emiliano Blackburn!
Emiliano Blackburn is the new bantamweight champion!
Emiliano Blackburn very nearly forgot to thank Conviction amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
52% |
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