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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Sly Randolph (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Katsu Higashikuni (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
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| 170 cm
32
151 lbs
33 - 14 - 1 |
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162 cm
30
146 lbs
24 - 12 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
33 - 14 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Sly Randolph!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
24 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Katsu Higashikuni!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Phil Schofield and Richard Clark.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Higashikuni throws a right hand that misses
and Randolph counters with a solid body kick.
Higashikuni fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Randolph has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Randolph displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Higashikuni.
Randolph swings widly with a right hand
and Higashikuni counters with an outside leg kick.
Higashikuni misses with a leg kick
and Randolph counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A big right from Higashikuni misses.
Higashikuni moves out of range of the body kick from Randolph.
Good shot there by Higashikuni.
Randolph looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Higashikuni catches Randolph with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Higashikuni looks to score with a jab to the body but Randolph is just out of range.
Higashikuni moves out of range as Randolph throws a body kick.
Higashikuni is looking to score with low kicks.
Randolph jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Randolph throws a chopping leg kick but Higashikuni manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Randolph throws out the jab.
Higashikuni tries to score with a low kick but Randolph moves his leg out of the way.
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?
Randolph on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Randolph tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Sly Randolph is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Randolph keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni darts in looking for a takedown but Randolph gets double underhooks and turns Higashikuni into the cage.
Randolph throws a head punch that misses.
A shot in the inside from Randolph.
Higashikuni goes for a takedown attempt but Randolph pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Sly Randolph has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Katsu Higashikuni.
Higashikuni closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Randolph quickly recovers to half guard.
Higashikuni prevents Randolph from improving his position.
Higashikuni wants to pass to mount but Randolph is defending the position.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Higashikuni not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Randolph controlling the position well.
Higashikuni working the head and body with strikes.
Higashikuni is pressing down on Randolph's thigh, looking to free his foot. Randolph is holding on for now.
Higashikuni with the ground and pound but Randolph uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Higashikuni wants to control from the top but Randolph keeps moving.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Randolph escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Higashikuni gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Randolph wants to sweep here but Higashikuni controlling him for the moment.
Randolph is working hard here to advance position.
Higashikuni in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Randolph is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Higashikuni is in close to Randolph's body, working some short punches and elbows.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Randolph keeping moving, preventing Higashikuni from controlling successfully.
Higashikuni trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Randolph is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Higashikuni, into his guard.
Higashikuni manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Higashikuni with good strikes from the mount here!
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 punching from mount but Randolph doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Randolph manages to regain half guard. Good work.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Higashikuni working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Randolph is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Higashikuni scores with a couple of nice shots.
Higashikuni working the head and body with strikes.
Randolph avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Higashikuni.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Katsu Higashikuni dominated that round.
That's time! Randolph's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Higashikuni moves out of range of the body kick.
Higashikuni throws a head kick that Randolph semi-blocks.
Higashikuni slips under a jab.
Randolph looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Higashikuni motions for Randolph to come forward. Higashikuni throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Higashikuni dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Randolph. That did some damage!
Randolph misses with a wild body shot.
Randolph's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Higashikuni connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Randolph scrambles back to his feet.
A chopping leg kick lands by Randolph.
Higashikuni feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Randolph's calf.
Higashikuni checks a low kick from Randolph.
Randolph blocks the body kick.
Higashikuni does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Higashikuni takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Randolph defends it nicely.
A chopping leg kick lands by Randolph.
Higashikuni throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Randolph makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Randolph throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Higashikuni shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Randolph as he avoids it easily.
Higashikuni shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Higashikuni throws the left hand but Randolph avoids the punch easily.
Higashikuni lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Randolph walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Higashikuni checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Randolph looks for the body kick but Higashikuni saw that one coming.
Higashikuni uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Randolph has time to react.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Randolph scores with a nice head shot.
Randolph lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Higashikuni throws a low kick but Randolph moves out of range easily.
Sly Randolph is winning the standup battle so far.
Randolph throws a jab when Higashikuni was well out of range.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Randolph throws a sloppy head kick and Higashikuni moves out of range easily.
Randolph throws a shot from downtown. Higashikuni moves away and avoids it.
A swing and a miss from Randolph.
Higashikuni tried to score with a low kick but Randolph checks it.
Higashikuni takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Good work by Higashikuni as he checks the leg kick.
Randolph tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Higashikuni is able to avoid easily.
Higashikuni checks the leg kick nicely there.
An inside leg kick lands from Higashikuni.
A combination from Higashikuni does no damage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Randolph scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Higashikuni throws a body punch but Randolph moves out of range.
Randolph looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Randolph explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Higashikuni misses with an uppercut
and Randolph counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Higashikuni steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Randolph. That one must have hurt.
Randolph swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Higashikuni throws a body punch but Randolph moves out of range.
Higashikuni scoring well with a low kick there.
Randolph lands with an uppercut that bounces Higashikuni off the cage and back into range.
Randolph connects with a crisp jab.
Higashikuni stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Randolph.
Randolph cracks Higashikuni with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Randolph throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Higashikuni misses with a two punch combination.
Randolph defending well as Higashikuni loads up on a big left hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Randolph buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Higashikuni blocks the body kick.
Higashikuni throws a leg kick but Randolph checks it.
Higashikuni tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Randolph scores with a jab to the body.
Higashikuni tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Randolph swivels and escapes.
Sly Randolph has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Katsu Higashikuni.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Higashikuni checks the leg kick nicely there.
Randolph throws a half hearted mid kick.
Higashikuni pulls out of a head kick attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Sly Randolph dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Randolph throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Higashikuni blocks the body kick.
Randolph gets caught flat footed, as Higashikuni shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Higashikuni tries to free his leg and advance position but Randolph is retaining full guard.
Randolph looking to control.
Higashikuni throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Randolph works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Randolph avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Randolph is trying to keep Higashikuni in close.
Randolph looking to hit a scissor sweep but Higashikuni is one step ahead there.
Higashikuni working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Higashikuni stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Randolph swivels though and keeps the full guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Higashikuni accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Katsu Higashikuni has got the better of the ground game so far.
Higashikuni is working Randolph over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Randolph has momentary wrist control but Higashikuni slips an elbow through the middle.
Higashikuni trying to control but Randolph is working from the bottom.
Higashikuni trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Higashikuni wants to control from the top but Randolph keeps moving.
Higashikuni pushing down on Randolph's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Higashikuni landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Randolph tries to get to full guard but Higashikuni has control of the leg.
Higashikuni scoring with strikes to the body and head.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Randolph is trying to maintain the position but Higashikuni is very close to passing his half guard.
Randolph is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Higashikuni has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Randolph trying to hold on to Higashikuni's head to control him but Higashikuni postures up.
Higashikuni thows a huge punch but Randolph dodges it nicely.
Higashikuni not landing any meaningful shots this time.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Randolph is looking for a sweep. Higashikuni is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Higashikuni sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Randolph defending well though.
Higashikuni sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Randolph defending well though.
Randolph tries to roll over but Higashikuni keeps him under control.
Higashikuni is trying to control the action in half guard but Randolph is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Higashikuni wants to work for an arm triangle but Randolph is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Higashikuni looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Randolph is looking to improve his position.
Randolph is trying to maintain the position but Higashikuni is very close to passing his half guard.
Higashikuni thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Randolph's head.
Higashikuni trying to control from half guard but Randolph is working away.
Higashikuni throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Randolph to regain full guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Randolph's head.
Randolph working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Higashikuni.
Randolph is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Higashikuni trying to control but Randolph is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Randolph has his foot on Higashikuni's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Higashikuni works his way back into a safe position though.
Higashikuni passes Randolph's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Higashikuni tries to pass to full mount but Randolph defends it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Randolph moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Randolph keeping full guard, as Higashikuni tries to pass.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Katsu Higashikuni really dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.
Randolph does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Higashikuni connects with a single shot there.
Randolph blocks a low kick nicely.
Randolph throws a leg kick
and Higashikuni counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
An inside leg kick from Higashikuni misses.
Randolph throws a low kick but it's checked well by Higashikuni.
Randolph paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Randolph uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Higashikuni has time to react.
Higashikuni misses with a takedown
and Randolph counters with a body kick that stops Higashikuni in his tracks momentarily.
Randolph checks a low kick from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni checks a low kick from Randolph.
That's one minute gone in the round.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Randolph.
Higashikuni shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Randolph as he avoids it easily.
Higashikuni misses with a body shot.
Randolph checks the leg kick.
Randolph motions for Higashikuni to come forward. Randolph throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Randolph displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Higashikuni throws out the jab.
Randolph scores with a leg kick.
Higashikuni misses with a looping right.
Higashikuni has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Higashikuni there as he acknowledges the shot.
Higashikuni 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.
Randolph tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Randolph working a defensive guard here.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni throws a strike but Randolph rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Higashikuni looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Randolph stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Higashikuni swivels though and keeps the full guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Higashikuni is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Higashikuni is on top in guard.
Higashikuni chips away with some ground and pound.
Randolph looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni is looking to pass into half guard but Randolph pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Randolph is in guard.
Higashikuni is looking for a triangle here but Randolph uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Randolph working away.
Higashikuni is trying to improve his position.
Randolph trying to control the action but Higashikuni is working from the bottom.
Higashikuni tries to improve position but can't.
Randolph lands some shots froms side control.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Randolph controlling the position.
Higashikuni sneaks back into half guard.
Randolph missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Higashikuni trying to control but Randolph postures up.
Randolph lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Higashikuni wants to control but Randolph is keeping busy.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Randolph trying to mount his opponent but Higashikuni defends it.
Randolph is thwarting Higashikuni's attempts to control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close fourth round but Katsu Higashikuni will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! 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.
Higashikuni takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Higashikuni takes a swing at Randolph's ribcage but misses.
Randolph throws a lazy body kick
and Higashikuni counters with an outside leg kick.
Higashikuni throws out a leg kick but Randolph moves out of range and Higashikuni only half commits.
Randolph looks to land a left hand but Higashikuni moved out of range nicely.
Higashikuni sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Randolph.
Higashikuni is looking to score with low kicks.
Higashikuni shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Randolph as he avoids it easily.
Higashikuni misses with a body shot.
Randolph misses the shot to the body.
Randolph feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Higashikuni's calf.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Randolph will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
An inside leg kick lands from Randolph.
Randolph throws a lazy body kick
and Higashikuni counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Higashikuni looks to score with a jab to the body but Randolph is just out of range.
Higashikuni shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Randolph but Randolph pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Randolph catches Higashikuni with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Higashikuni lands with a thumping leg kick.
Nice defenses there by Randolph.
Randolph is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Higashikuni throws a head kick that misses.
Randolph's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Higashikuni connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Randolph scrambles back to his feet.
Randolph just misses with a punch to the body.
Sly Randolph has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni is looking to slow Randolph down with leg kicks.
Higashikuni's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
A head kick misses from Randolph.
Randolph throws a push kick but Higashikuni slaps the foot to one side.
Higashikuni has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Randolph.
Higashikuni misses with a straight left.
Higashikuni has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Randolph.
Katsu Higashikuni is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Higashikuni throws a front kick that sends Randolph stumbling back into the cage.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Randolph - that will leave a mark!
Randolph avoids the head kick by Higashikuni.
Higashikuni uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Randolph.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Randolph buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Randolph staying out of range there.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Randolph manages to avoid it.
Higashikuni avoids a kick to the body.
A bone on bone clash there as Randolph blocks the leg kick.
Higashikuni misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Sly Randolph has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Katsu Higashikuni.
Randolph throws a nice inside leg kick.
Randolph throws a wild body kick that Higashikuni sees coming a mile off.
Higashikuni scores with a jab to the head.
Higashikuni shoots for a double leg takedown but Randolph sprawls well. He's pushed Higashikuni's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Randolph checks the leg kick.
Higashikuni tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Randolph is able to avoid easily.
That kick from Randolph tenderised Higashikuni's leg. Higashikuni is trying to keep his angry face on.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Randolph ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Higashikuni moves away.
Higashikuni connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Randolph's hands.
Higashikuni avoids a kick to the body.
Randolph takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Randolph misses with an attempted mid kick.
Randolph throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Higashikuni counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Randolph lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Higashikuni has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Higashikuni and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Higashikuni misses with a low kick.
Higashikuni dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Higashikuni shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Randolph wants to improve his position but Higashikuni is controlling well.
And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Sly Randolph.
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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 48:48
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 47:48
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 48:48
The fight is ruled a majority draw!
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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
100% |
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