Becky G vs. Brie Larson (Ice Hotel Semi-Finals) (Results: Lookout. Words: Wiz)

BEFORE:

Second semi sees the most surprising member of the Final Four, Becky G, step into the ring with the current number one conteder, Brie Larson. But, if some observers weren't expecting the Latina lovely to be here, Becky herself is NOT surprised. "Look, I'm as good as anyone under 120. I've been proving that in this tournament, and, after I take out Brie, I'll prove it again in the finals."

"She's a nice little story," says Brie with a smile. "But, her story ends HERE."

ROUND ONE:

Becky always aggressive, and that doesn't change here. Larson's the bigger girl, but the younger woman isn't intimidated. Instead, she's up in Brie's grill, backing her up, landing solid leather with both hands. Larson trying to get some space, but can't get it done. Instead, Becky's able to impose will, keeping the blonde on the back foot while landing solid shot with both hands. Larson has her moments, but they're only moments. In the main, it's the brunette in command. She never manages to hurt the blonde, but she's touching her up in spots, piling up both points and hurt. Late in the round, a quick flurry from Becky snaps back Brie's head, and Larson ties up. Ref gets in there to break them right at the bell. As the ladies head back to their corners, there's no doubt about the cards. It's Becky wide for the 10-9 lead.

ROUND TWO:

Brie restores a little order. Blonde using her length better now, getting the jab on, keeping the much-shorter brunette at bay in spots, holding her with the left. And, when Brie's able to do that, she scores in combination, piling up points. Meanwhile, the brunette's working even harder trying to get forward. She's looking to block and slip, angle, get inside. When Becky can do so, she wastes no time getting her own leather on target. Head? Body? Doesn't matter. The Latina's hammering leather home until the blonde can get to range again. Result is a close, two-way affair, with neither fighter able to gain a real advantage. When the bell rings ending the stanza, it's not just close, it's VERY close. But, it's the blonde who's gotten a bit more done to take the points and even things at 19.

ROUND THREE:

Becky upping the aggressiveness. She's all about the angles and the head movement now. She's slipping past Brie's left, getting tummy to tummy, and going to work. Larson just not comfortable on these terms. She can't extend and can't get much done. She's tying up, trying to get breaks, giving ground, trying to get space. But, nothing much works as the Latina goes ALL pressure fighter here, just SWARMING Brie and giving her a thumping. Late in the round, Larson finds herself backed to the ropes with Becky hooking ribs and landing uppies to the chin. She's completely out of sorts and taking a pasting. At that point, she ties up the Latina and wrestles herself off the ropes, then begins doubling up on the jab. That makes a difference, but, its too late to matter in the third. When the bell rings, It's Becky wide and in the lead 29-28.

ROUND FOUR:

Brie's got something going. The double-tap jab is causing all sorts of problems for Becky. Combined with Brie's huge advantage in reach, the double jab is keeping the Latina at bay to such a degree that Larson's able to take complete control of the fight. Becky simply can't get to where she needs to be to land punches. Instead, she's being held on the outside, where Larson can extend, punching down on the smaller woman, touching her up and piling up loads of points. It's as one-sided as you can imagine until the final half minute, when Becky gets inside and ROCKS Larson with a right hook! Brie stumbles back into the ropes and Becky lets the hands go, but, before the brunette can get much done, the bell rings. It's Brie wide in the fourth, and Larson evens things at 38, but...

ROUND FIVE:

Brie's wobbly and Becky knows it. The younger woman is all OVER Larson to start the fifth. Brie's in reverse and can't change gears as the Latina pins her to the ropes and has at her. Shorter woman again working that body with hooks, then using uppies to punish Larson when she drops the head or crouches. It's excellent stuff from the brunette, who's having things so much her way that the ref looks about ready to step in. For her part, the blonde's doing juuuussssttt enough to keep him at bay. She's jabbing here and there, tying up in spots, but mostly keeping the guard high and running clock. And, after a fashion, it works. Because, while Becky pitches a shutout in the fifth and takes a 48-47 lead, like Elton John, Brie is still standing.

ROUND SIX:

Becky forward. Brie giving ground. Legs seem to be most of the way back, but the blonde still not holding canvas before Becky's onslaught. It's at least a fighting retreat this time, though, and Brie's managing to stay off the ropes, so, there's that. But, that's the good news. The bad is that Becky's still in control, still getting more done, still piling up the poi...BOOM! Right hand counter, BRIE and Becky is STEPPIN' IN FENCE POST HOLES! Brunette staggered by a keyholed right hand and then DROPPED by a five-punch combination from the blonde! That quickly, Becky down on her back as the Larson heads to a neutral corner. Ref counting down on the Latina. Becky rolls to her belly, begins crawling to the ropes, starts pulling herself up at eight, but she's not CLOSE to beating the count! It's OVER! And your winner by KO6 and second semi-finalist is Brie Larson!

AFTER:

Brie no less scuffed than her next opponent, and no less confident. "One step left to go," says the blonde with a smile. "And, I'll be the first-ever Ice Hotel princess. And, Priyanka's not going to be able to stop me!"