Rookie On The Rise: Team Lakay Young Gun, Roldan “The Executioner” Sangcha-an ready to make his ONE FC debut!

It said that the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Everyday in combative sports and in our daily lives we are often forced to go through tough times. However those problems are just roadblocks that try to stop us from reaching the goals we wish to accomplish.

Born in 1990 in Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines, Roldan grew up showcasing great signs of enthusiasm, drive, and exploration for the things life had to offer. He was constantly active during his teen years participating in sports such as boxing and Wushu Sanshou. These character traits made his transition into martial arts seamless.

Beginning his career at the age of 17 with boxing and sanshou, Roldan’s hunger toward the sport grew after seeing his coaches from Team Lakay, Eduard Folayang, Mark Sangiao, Kevin Belingon and Roy Docyogen dominating not only in Wushu Sanshou national championsips, but also the MMA leagues in the Philippines.

Roldan is a very athletic guy who never backs down to any challenge. This 21-year-old warrior from the Philippines is one of those fighters who you want to see banging against somebody inside the ring/cage because of his very exciting style of fighting and never-ending cardio.

Roldan is set to make his professional MMA debut against a fellow young prospect, 20-year-old Allamurad “Pretty Boy” Karayev in the highly anticipated ONE FC 4: Destiny of Warriors on June 23rd in KL, Malaysia.

Pretty Boy Vs. The Executioner

Here is our interview with rising Team Lakay fighter, Roldan “The Executioner” Sangcha-an.

MMAOrient: What was the first martial art that you’ve learned?

Roldan:

When I was a kid, I remembered me and my playmates are kicking and punching each other because that’s the way how we play as a kid. Then one day, one of my friends invited me to train Wushu Sanshou and the rest is history.

MMAOrient: When did you start training Wushu?

Roldan:

I started in 2007 when I was 17. I’m so greatful because I’ve learned how to punch and kick properly because of Sanshou.

MMAOrient: Why did you chose mma over other sports?

Roldan:

I chose this sport because it taught me how to discipline myself in a good way. My coaches at Team Lakay, Mark Sangiao and Eduard Folayang were also the reasons why I love this sport. They are true champions outside and inside the ring; they’ve taught me how to become a better and productive person. This sport also helps me to finance my needs, especially my education.

MMAOrient: Do you have any fight name?

Roldan:

Coach Mark Sangiao gave me the fight name “The Executioner” because every time I fight, I’m always looking to win an impressive fashion.

MMAOrient: You are training with some of the best mma fighters in Asia. Give us your thoughts on being a Team Lakay fighter.

Roldan:

I’m so gratified being a part of such a great team. My coaches taught me how to be respectful and love my self and others. I’m so proud because I’m a Team Lakay fighter.

MMAOrient: What’s your ultimate goal in your fighting career?

Roldan:

Ultimate goal is to become a mma world champion.

MMAOrient: What’s your favorite strike/submission to use in any fight?

Roldan:

I love throwing kicks and using my wrestiling.

MMAOrient: Who is your biggest inspiration?

Roldan:

Coaches Mark and Eduard are my inspirations. They are true warriors and a very down-to-earth human being. Even though they’re famous in this sport, you will never see them doing stupid things outside and inside the ring. They are helping those fighters who are just starting to make their names in this sport and I’m so thankful because I’m one of those lucky fighters.

MMAOrient: Do you like to stand with your opponents or take them to the ground?

Roldan:

I love taking my opponents to the ground, but this is mma, in order for you to become a champion, you must be skillfull in every aspect of the game.

MMAOrient: You are a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management student in Baguio. Does being a student affect your training?

Roldan:

There are tons of school works to do especially that I’m a graduating student. But as Coach Mark said, everything should be done in balanced manner. When I have an upcoming fight, I make sure that before I go to the gym and train, all of my school works are already done.

MMAOrient:You will be making your professional mma debut in the largest mma promotion in Asia. What are your thoughts on fighting under the ONE FC banner?

Roldan:

I’m very honored and excited to make my pro mma debut in the largest mma promotion in Asia. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that’s why I’ll do my best to win.

MMAOrient: You’ll be facing Allamurad “Pretty Boy” Karayev, a 20-year-old unbeaten fighter with an impressive 9-0 record. Can you tell us a little bit about how your preparations are going for that match-up?

Roldan:

All I know about my opponent is that he’s a very good striker. I’m training very hard for this fight; I’m working on my striking and grappling as well. I will be hundred percent prepared on June 23rd.

MMAOrient: What can One Fighting Championship fans expect from you on June 23?

Roldan:

Fans can expect fireworks for this fight. I’ll be giving my best to win this fight and I’m sure Pretty Boy will bring his “A” game that’s why I’m very confident that we will give our fans a hell of a fight.

MMAOrient: Without giving your entire gameplan away, how would you win this fight ideally?

Roldan:

I am really looking for a KO win, but I’m sure he’s a tough fighter so I’m ready to go three rounds with this guy.

MMAOrient: Do you have any message to Pretty Boy?

Roldan:

To my opponent, let us give our best for this fight; let us give the fans a fight they will never forget.

MMAOrient: Any people/sponsors you would like to thank?

Roldan:

First of all, I want to thank the president of Wushu Cordillera Administrative Region chapter, Mr. Tony Candelaria, my Coaches, Mark “The Machine” Sangiao, Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon and Roy “The Punisher” Docyogen and Honorio “The Rock” Banario. Also, to my teammates and to those Team Lakay fans who are always there for our team, Thank you all!

Roldan ready to throw Bomb to his opponent.

ONE FC Destiny of Warriors trailer:

Grab your tickets today at www.AirAsiaRedTix.com

Check out ONE FC.COM for more updates.

Know the latest updates about Team Lakay fighters by following them on Twitter: @TeamLakay

“Like” Team Lakay on Facebook: @Facebook.com/LakayMMA

Follow me on Twitter: @zikeyorient

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Bellator Welterweight Champ trains at Evolve MMA in Singapore

Follow Ben Askren on Twitter: @benaskren

http://evolve-mma.com/

Follow me on Twitter: @zikeyorient

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K-1 RISING 2012 Final 16 TV Commercial

The K-1 World MAX 2012 Final 16 is set to go down on May 27th in Madrid, Spain.

K-1 World MAX 2012 Final 16

Mike Zambidis vs. Chahid Oulad el Hadj
Andy Souwer vs. Abraham Roqueni
Artur Kyshenko vs. Su Hwan Lee
Xu Yan vs. Yasuhiro Kido
Gago Drago vs. Andy Ristie
Yuji Nashiro vs. Reece McAllister
Harut Grigorian vs. Murthel Groenhart
Chris Ngimbi vs. Longern Superpro Samui

Super Fights

Mosab Amrani vs. Zeben Diaz
Badr Hari vs. Anderson ‘Braddock’ Silva
Mirko ‘CroCop’ Filipovic vs. Loren Javier Jorge
Daniel Ghita vs. Paul Slowinski
Rico Verhoeven vs. Sergei Laschenko

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Who is Mitch “The Dragon” Chilson?

In any competitive sport there is always a winner and a loser. For the winner it is the satisfaction of months of hard work and preparation culminating with the sweet taste of victory. While in the case of the loser it is the unfortunate realization of experience the agony of defeat.

Losing a competition is something every athlete must go through in their careers however it is how they overcome that hurdle that makes them a true competitor. Going through highs and lows in his own career Sean Salmon knows what its like to experience this inevitable feeling.

Chilson suffered his first defeat in the hands of Filipino featherweight prospect, Eric “The Natural” Kelly at ONE FC 1: Champion Vs. Champion last September 3, 2011. However don’t count this guy out yet! His will and aspirations are far too strong to let any roadblock stop him from once again savoring the delight of prominence in his career.

Mitch “The Dragon” Chilson is a former 2x MCFC Champion.  He currently competes for ONE Fighting Championship, Asia’s largest MMA event.  He is 9-2 (pro and amateur) as an MMA fighter and 17-4 as a professional Muay Thai fighter. A striking specialist, Mitch is a professional Muay Thai fighter and the 147 lbs. Thepprasit Stadium Champion in Thailand. He has trained Muay Thai extensively under the legendary Sityodtong Team in Singapore and Thailand.  He also has a solid base in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Mitch Chilson is an Instructor at Evolve Mixed Martial Arts in Singapore and Men’s Health Singapore’s Advisor/Columnist.

Mitch is a certified Muay Thai instructor under Kru Yodtong Senanan, 1 of only 7 non-Thai instructors in the world.  He also holds a Renzo Gracie Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Rafael Gordinho Lima.  Mitch is also certified in both CPR and AED training.

Here’s our interview with Mitch “The Dragon” Chilson

 

MMAOrient: Mitch, tell us a little about yourself and how you got involved in the sport of MMA.

Chilson:

I have been involved in some kind of martial art since I was 6 years old. My mom started me in Karate, Kendo and Judo. As I got older I studied Kung Fu and then found Muay Thai. I fell in love with the beauty and power of the sport. I fought in a couple amateur fights and like it. Before Evolve MMA came to Singapore I competed in some small pro events and trained on and off. When Evolve MMA opened in Nov of 2008 I was all in. I soon began training BJJ with the World champs at Evolve. 

MMAOrient: When did you know that you wanted to compete?

Chilson:

I have always enjoyed competing in sports. I actually enjoy the training process. Making small changes to your diet and seeing daily improvements.Waking up every morning with a specific purpose to improve as a martial artist.Conditioning your mind and body for one all important day to be at your absolute best. It is unlike anything I have ever done. 

MMAOrient: What is your favorite fight you competed in?

Chilson:

My favorite fight was on Martial Combat 2. It was against a tough opponent from Taiwan. It was my first pro mma fight and it was for the MCFC featherweight title. I was really excited and trained with hard. The fight went as planned and I even finished it with a 4th round knock out.

MMAOrient: Can you tell us the history behind your moniker, “The Dragon” ?

Chilson:

The name “The Dragon” came from my mother. She told me it was a guardian spirit that protected me when I competed. It took me a while to fully understand what she meant. While in Thailand I was preparing back stage for a fight and I actually felt it. “The Dragon”. Now it was I am. It is not uncommon to hear one of my Brazilian teammates scream Dragão from across the academy. 

MMAOrient: You are training at Evolve MMA in Singapore with some of the best fighters in the business. What is it like for you to be a part of a fight team that includes Japanese MMA icon, Shinya Aoki, UFC  lightweight contender, Rafael Dos Anjos, former UFC middleweight champion, Rich “Ace” Franklin and some of the finest muay thai world champions in the world?

Chilson:

It is pretty surreal. 6 years ago I was a normal guy who travelled across the world to a small island looking for adventure. If you would have said in 3 years you will be part of the greatest team of martial artist on the planet I would have said you were nuts. My current life is crazy. I feel like I am living a dream I am surrounded by the best fighters on the planet. I get to exchange ideas and give advice to people I watched on TV a few years ago. I am honored to be part of this team. 

 MMAOrient: Could you tell us more about Evolve MMA’s Fighters program and how it has elevated your overall game?

Chilson:

The fighters program at Evolve MMA is unique. You never hear that a training camp is filled with multiple world champions. Maybe you get one or two if you are lucky. We have world champions in each and every discipline in MMA. The fighters program has been designed by one of the greatest minds in MMA today, Chatri Sityodtong. He understands the MMA game and how best to develop us as fighters. 

MMAOrient: How has being with Evolve MMA changed you as a person and as a fighter?

Chilson:

Everyday I am surrounded by the best. It is said if you want to do great things, you need to surround yourself with people who have done great things. I am a better person and fighter because of Evolve MMA.

 MMAOrient: You are currently signed in the biggest MMA promotion in Asia, ONE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP. Tell us what it means to you to be competing with ONE FC.

Chilson:

ONE FC is quickly becoming one of the top MMA promotions in the world. It is a a pleasure to compete in ONE FC. Everything is top class. 

 MMAOrient: What’s your ultimate goal in this sport?

Chilson:

I want to be a world champion.  

MMAOrient: Who is your biggest inspiration?

Chilson:

My mother is my biggest inspiration. She has always believed in me, even when I didn’t. She wants nothing but the best for me. My mother has been through so much hardship in her life. She had a tough childhood and a rough divorce to a difficult man. My greatest achievement could be able to take care of her and make her proud of me. Which I know she is. 

MMAOrient: What do you like to do when you are not training/fighting?

Chilson:

When I am not training, I enjoy the simple things like watching TV or a movie. I also enjoy studying and learning about health, fitness and nutrition. 

MMAOrient: What is your favorite fighting technique?

Chilson:

I will always be partial to the art of Muay Thai. I don’t have a favorite technique. I just enjoy the stand up game. 

MMAOrient: If you could have dream fight with anyone, who would it be?

Chilson:

Each time I step into the cage it is a dream. I enjoy the opportunity to compete on the world stage. I just want the chance to show my skill and work on having the perfect fight. Where the techniques flow and I move effortlessly in and out. 

 MMAOrient: Any people/sponsors you would like to thank?

Chilson:

I would like thank Evolve MMA, Chatri Sityodtong and the rest of the Evolve MMA staff. It is truly a special group of people and it is my privilege to be a part of it.

Mitch Chilson is set to compete next month at ONE FC 4: Destiny of Warriors on June 23rd in KL, Malaysia. Although his opponent is yet to be determined, Chilson does not have an issue with the quality of opponents in the division.

http://onefc.com/

http://evolve-mma.com/

Follow Mitch Chilson on Twitter: @mitchchilson

Follow me on Twitter: @zikeyorient

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Legend Fighting Championship 9 Official Press Release

Macau, May 17, 2012 (Thursday) - Top-ranked Japanese fighter Koji Ando will face Australian brawler Rob Hill at City of Dreams exclusively presents Legend Fighting Championship 9 on Saturday, June 16, 2012, at City of Dreams, Cotai, Macau. This is a critical match-up for both men as the winner will fight reigning champion Jadamba Narantungalag for the Legend Lightweight Title.

Koji (1-1 Legend, 6-3-2 overall) has won four of his last five fights including a dramatic “Submission of the Night” victory over Damien Brown at Legend 7. Always entertaining fan favorite and Australian knockout artist Rob Hill (2-2 Legend, 11-5-1 overall) will aim to derail Ando’s title hopes. Hill is coming off his own “Submission of the Night” performance against Yusuke Kasuya at Legend 8 and will be looking for another statement victory en route to a title shot.

“The road to the title goes through Ando,” said Hill. “I’m pumped up and ready to take him out to get a shot at the belt. I’ve got a flair for the dramatic, and I know I’ll win big.”

Undefeated Australian ”Diamond” Dan Pauling (8-0 overall) will debut in the Legend ring in the co-main event against China’s top-ranked welterweight Li “The Leech” Jingliang (3-2 Legend, 12-3 overall). Li, of China Top Team, is seeking to rekindle his title hopes with a dominant win over the Australian. Pauling, widely considered one of the region’s best submission artists, will have his hands full with the focused and confident Sanda specialist Li.

Legend 9 will also host a four-man bantamweight tournament to determine the next Legend Bantamweight Champion. The tournament will include former Legend titleholder Yao Honggang (2-1 Legend, 6-3 overall) of China, who will take on Filipino Agustin Delarmino, Jr. (2-0 Legend, 6-1 overall), and Japan’s Taiyo Nakahara (0-1 Legend, 12-7 overall), who will fight charismatic Korean Jo Nam Jin (2-2 Legend, 6-3 overall).

The City of Dreams event also will feature several Legend veterans, such as Pat Crawley (New Zealand), Hideto Tatsumi (Japan), Ji Xian (China), Wu Chengjie (China) and Wu Haotian (China).

Mr. Sunny Yu, Senior Vice President, Entertainment and Projects, of Melco Crown Entertainment, said: “Being the first entertainment resort featuring televised mixed martial arts (MMA) tournaments from Macau, City of Dreams prides itself in bringing the top MMA fighters from across Asia to Macau.  The excitement and action in the ring will surely capture the attention and passion of City of Dreams’ guests and Macau tourists in general, in addition to that of MMA enthusiasts in multiple continents watching the televised bouts.  Legend 9 is definitely another ‘can’t be missed’ entertainment offering at City of Dreams this summer.”

“To be back at City of Dreams for Legend 9 is a huge honor,” said Mr. Michael Haskamp, Legend co-founder and managing director. “We always see spectacular fights here, and the crowd really gets into it. We expect more of the same on June 16.”

Legend 9 will include five undercard fights and five main card fights. Doors open at 4 p.m., with the first undercard fight beginning at 4:30 p.m., and the main card starting at 7 p.m.

Tickets priced at HK$680* and HK$1,280* are available at www.cityofdreamsmacau.comwww.macau.com and www.cityline.com. Hotel and ticket packages* at Grand Hyatt Macau, City of Dreams, Macau are available from HK$4,300. Please call +853 8868 1788 for reservations before June 8, 2012. Audience members aged 18 and above will enjoy free entry to the Legend 9 after0party and a free standard drink at Club Cubic in the City of Dreams upon presentation of a valid ticket stub.

Legend 9 will also be broadcast in 10 countries throughout Asia-Pacific and North America.

City of Dreams, an integrated entertainment resort located in Cotai, Macau that has established itself as a premier leisure and entertainment destination in Macau, is operated by a Macau subsidiary of Melco Crown Entertainment Limited, a developer and owner of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities focused on Macau market with its shares listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (SEHK: 6883) and the NASDAQ Global Select Market (NASDAQ: MPEL).

Terms and conditions apply. All information is for reference only and subject to change without notice.

* Price includes 15% service charge and tax. Please quote offer code LEGNS (for Legend 9 standard tickets) or LEGNV (for Legend 9 VIP tickets).

 Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The parent company of City of Dreams, Melco Crown Entertainment Limited (“the Company”) may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to, (i) growth of the gaming market and visitation in Macau, (ii) capital and credit market volatility, (iii) local and global economic conditions, (iv) the Company’s anticipated growth strategies, and (v) the Company’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “target”, “aim”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “potential”, “continue”, “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement is as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

 About Melco Crown Entertainment Limited

Melco Crown Entertainment Limited (“Melco Crown Entertainment”), with its shares listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (SEHK: 6883) and its American depositary shares listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (NASDAQ: MPEL), is a developer, owner and through a Macau subsidiary which holds a gaming sub-concession, an operator of casino gaming and entertainment casino resort facilities focused on the Macau market. Melco Crown Entertainment currently operates Altira Macau (www.altiramacau.com) (formerly Crown Macau), a casino hotel located at Taipa, Macau and City of Dreams (www.cityofdreamsmacau.com ), an integrated urban casino resort located in Cotai, Macau. Melco Crown Entertainment’s business also includes the Mocha Clubs (www.mochaclubs.com ), which feature a total of approximately 2,100 gaming machines in ten locations and comprise the largest non-casino based operations of electronic gaming machines in Macau.  The Company is also developing the planned Studio City Project, a large integrated entertainment, retail and gaming resort in Cotai, Macau.  For more information about Melco Crown Entertainment, please visit www.melco-crown.com .

Melco Crown Entertainment has strong support from both of its major shareholders, Melco International Development Limited (“Melco”) and Crown Limited (“Crown”). Melco is a listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is substantially owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is Co-Chairman, an Executive Director and the CEO of Melco Crown Entertainment. Crown is a top-50 company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and led by Executive Chairman Mr. James Packer, who is also Co-Chairman and a Non-executive Director of Melco Crown Entertainment.

 About City of Dreams

City of Dreams, an integrated entertainment resort located in Cotai, Macau that has established itself as a premier leisure and entertainment destination in Macau, is operated by a Macau subsidiary of Melco Crown Entertainment Limited, a developer and owner of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities focused on Macau market with its shares listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (SEHK: 6883) and the NASDAQ Global Select Market (NASDAQ: MPEL). City of Dreams combines electrifying entertainment, a diverse array of accommodation, regional and international dining, designer brand shopping and a spacious and contemporary casino. The resort brings together a collection of world-renowned brands including Crown, Grand Hyatt, Hard Rock and Dragone to create an exceptional entertainment experience that aims to appeal to a broad spectrum of visitors from around Asia and the world. City of Dreams features a 420,000-square-foot casino with approximately 400 gaming tables and approximately 1,300 gaming machines; over 20 restaurants and bars; an impressive array of some of the world’s most sought-after retail brands; and Dragon’s Treasure, an iconic and spectacular audio visual multimedia experience. ‘The House of Dancing Water’, the world’s largest water-based extravaganza showcased in the purpose-built Dancing Water Theater, represents the live entertainment centerpiece of City of Dreams’ overall leisure and entertainment offering.  A comprehensive range of accommodation options at City of Dreams include Crown Towers offering approximately 300 guest rooms, Hard Rock Hotel offering approximately 300 guest rooms and Grand Hyatt Macau offering approximately 800 guest rooms. A second planned phase of development at City of Dreams will feature an apartment hotel consisting of approximately 800 units. For more information please visit: www.cityofdreamsmacau.com  (Official Website) andwww.cityofdreamsmedia.com  (Medial Portal). For The House of Dancing Water information, please visit www.thehouseofdancingwater.com  (Official Website) and www.thehouseofdancingwatermedia.com  (Media Portal).

About Legend Fighting Championship

Legend Fighting Championship (Legend) is the Asia-Pacific championship of mixed martial arts (MMA).  Legend invites champion mixed martial artists from throughout the region to compete in a freestyle tournament using interdisciplinary skills, including sanda, jiujitsu, muay thai, boxing and wrestling. All Legend fights are supervised matches under a strict set of rules designed to promote athlete safety and sportsmanship.  Legend is committed to promoting the sport of mixed martial arts in the Asia-Pacific, to supporting and cultivating its athletes, and to providing exceptional entertainment to a broad audience.

Based in Hong Kong, Legend is backed by CA Media, the Asia-Pacific investment vehicle of the Chernin Group, and Diamond Ridge Ventures.

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ONE FC: Destiny of Warriors TV Commercial

Partial fight card for ONE FC 4: Destiny of Warriors

Main Event: Renato “Babalu” Sobral vs. Tatsuya Mizuno

Co-main event: Masakazu “Ashikan Judan” vs. Leandro “Brodinho” Issa

Eddie “The Magician” Ng vs. Arnaud “The Game” Lepont

Gregor Gracie vs. Adam Kayoom

Mitch “The Dragon” Chilson vs. TBA

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Know more about Team Lakay by watching this video!

Follow Team Lakay on Twitter: @teamlakay

Team Lakay on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LakayMMA

Follow me on Twitter: @zikeyorient

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