Post by The Sandmen on Apr 30, 2012 18:28:57 GMT -5
People are cheering for this fighter. You can hear Kazushi Sakuraba chants all around the place!
Luke Rockhold doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
Kazushi Sakuraba looks very relaxed.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Kazushi Sakuraba is the better fighter in my opinion. It would be an upset if he loses today.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
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Round 1
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The fight gets underway.
Luke Rockhold launches a low kick
that gets blocked quickly.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Bone shattering straight left hand from Kazushi Sakuraba!
Rockhold ducks under...
Luke Rockhold shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Kazushi Sakuraba is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Rockhold into his guard.
Hard blow to Sakuraba's mid-section, he seems hurt
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Luke Rockhold uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Luke Rockhold looks to counter!
Rockhold tries to escape from the closed guard
Luke Rockhold any adventage in the ground.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to better his position on the ground...
Rockhold breaks the closed guard of Kazushi Sakuraba and moves to half guard
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Luke Rockhold slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Luke Rockhold in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Rockhold's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Rockhold tries to cover his face,
Rockhold's Left cheek is beginning to swell
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Rockhold
He is not able to do it
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Luke Rockhold cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Luke Rockhold to fight back!
Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Sakuraba rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Copps Coliseum (Hamilton, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Rockhold grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Sakuraba struggles... Luke Rockhold is unable to take him down
The clock says 2:00 in the 1 round
Sakuraba wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Sakuraba moves forward and holds Rockhold
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
a flying knee from Sakuraba towards Luke Rockhold's face
hits it, what a strike surely that hurts, Rockhold got to be more careful now
Rockhold doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rockhold forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba throws some knees to the thighs of Luke Rockhold while in the clinch
Those hits seems to be causing trouble to Luke Rockhold
Rockhold hyper-extended his leg
The fighters are clinching.
Luke Rockhold launches a few punches towards Sakuraba's ribs while holds him in a double overhooks!
Sakuraba seems unaffected... those punches doesn't carry any power!
Herb Dean separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
The clock says 2:50 in the 1 round
Rockhold is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
A wicked punch by Luke Rockhold
rocks Sakuraba!
Sakuraba's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 3:00 in the 1 round
Luke Rockhold launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Sakuraba blocks and tries to circle around his opponent looking for angles.
The clock says 3:10 in the 1 round
Sakuraba is holding Luke Rockhold's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Luke Rockhold shows great balance while pushing away Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba misses a step and Luke Rockhold sees an opportunity to counter him!
Luke Rockhold launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Sakuraba blocks the jabs but the last punch hits hard on Kazushi Sakuraba's cheek! Sakuraba stumbles and the falls to the mat!
Sakuraba's Right cheek is beginning to swell
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Terrible one sided match... Sakuraba was not ready to fight a fighter of Luke Rockhold caliber.
Kazushi Sakuraba kicks his legs trying to keep Luke Rockhold away.
Luke Rockhold takes a kick to the body.
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Kazushi Sakuraba launches an up-kick intended for Luke Rockhold's head...
Rockhold leans out of the way.
The clock says 3:35 in the 1 round
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Sakuraba tries to hit Luke Rockhold with a kick to his knee from the ground.
Rockhold dodges that
Poorly executed technique. Luke Rockhold looks to counter!
Rockhold cartwheels towards Sakuraba!
Sakuraba fights back and evades the cartwheel guard pass.
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Rockhold moves backwards and gestures for Kazushi Sakuraba to stand up.
Back to the beginning! Kazushi Sakuraba is standing now.
The clock says 3:50 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a combo
Luke Rockhold ducks under and catches him with a counter straight! Sakuraba swings again, only to get countered once more! Sakuraba is looking bad here!
Sakuraba has a small cut in his Mouth
Kazushi Sakuraba leans forwards and tries to grapple with Rockhold
Sakuraba shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The clock says 4:15 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
Rockhold struggles and launches a few punches to Sakuraba's head
Nothing from this... Luke Rockhold seems frustrated.
Rockhold clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Sakuraba struggles and launches a few punches to Rockhold's head
Those punches are hitting! Rockhold covers his head!
The fighters are clinching.
Luke Rockhold launches a few punches towards Sakuraba's ribs while holds him in a double overhooks!
Sakuraba seems unaffected... those punches doesn't carry any power!
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Luke Rockhold embrace and tries to move away...
Luke Rockhold pushes Sakuraba forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Sakuraba blocks Luke Rockhold's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
The clock says 4:50 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba hovers above Rockhold
Luke Rockhold stops him from throwing strikes.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Luke Rockhold to fight back!
Luke Rockhold isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Sakuraba blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Rockhold's guard.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Kazushi Sakuraba has to be confident that he won that round.
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Round 2
=========================================
As the fight continues it seems that Kazushi Sakuraba is taking the best of the fight.
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Rockhold doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rockhold forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sick uppercut from the clinch by Kazushi Sakuraba!
That one almost breaks Rockhold's chin! He is knocked down!
Sakuraba is standing while Rockhold is on the ground on his back
Rockhold tries to hit Kazushi Sakuraba with a kick to his knee from the ground.
Nice kick. Sakuraba steps backwards trying to find a way to use his advantage now.
Sakuraba is standing while Rockhold is on the ground on his back
Kazushi Sakuraba creates space and allows Luke Rockhold to stand up.
Back to the beginning! Luke Rockhold is standing now.
Rockhold launches a furious low kick!
Sakuraba receives a hard blow on his right leg!
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a low kick
that gets blocked quickly.
The clock says 1:20 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a middle kick
Luke Rockhold blocks and steps away.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Luke Rockhold tries to take advantage...
Rockhold grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Sakuraba struggles... Luke Rockhold is unable to take him down
Bone shattering straight right hand from Kazushi Sakuraba!
Rockhold is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Rockhold's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 1:40 in the 2 round
Sakuraba is holding Luke Rockhold's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Luke Rockhold loses balance and goes to the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba goes for an americana!
Rockhold breaks free.
Sakuraba misses a step and Luke Rockhold sees an opportunity to counter him!
Luke Rockhold attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Luke Rockhold manages to switch to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Sakuraba drills Luke Rockhold's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Rockhold has a small cut in his Nose
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is taking this opportunity to rest.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Luke Rockhold doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Sakuraba's moves.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Rockhold tries to stand up!
Sakuraba doesn't allow him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Sakuraba drills Luke Rockhold's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Rockhold's Nose is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Luke Rockhold doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Sakuraba's moves.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Rockhold tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He succeeds!
The clock says 3:25 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Luke Rockhold launches a few punches to Sakuraba's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Sakuraba tries to cover his face,
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Luke Rockhold doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Sakuraba's moves.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Rockhold tries to stand up!
Sakuraba doesn't allow him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Copps Coliseum (Hamilton, Ontario) is cheering him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Rockhold cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Sakuraba can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a kimura
Rockhold breaks the lock.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to pass to mount...
Sakuraba slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Luke Rockhold.
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Luke Rockhold. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Luke Rockhold launches a rapid series of punches
that glance off Sakuraba's arms.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Nice punches from Kazushi Sakuraba.
Even nicer blocks from Rockhold.
The clock says 4:45 in the 2 round
Luke Rockhold moves forward looking for some grappling action
Rockhold has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Rockhold launches a few hard punches to Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs!
Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs shows the damage! Luke Rockhold is working his opponent ribs!
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
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Round 3
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Sakuraba tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Sakuraba is clinching with Rockhold.
The clock says 0:20 in the 3 round
The fighters are clinching.
0:20 Round 3 and Sakuraba is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Sakuraba struggles and launches a few punches to Rockhold's head
Those punches are hitting! Rockhold covers his head!
The fighters are clinching.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch to Luke Rockhold ribs and the tries to trip him
Luke Rockhold loses balance and goes to the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba struggles on the ground and tries to break Luke Rockhold's guard...
Rockhold doesn't want to free his opponent and Sakuraba continues in closed guard
Rockhold is trying to counter now!
Rockhold tries an armbar from the bottom!
Kazushi Sakuraba breaks the lock and moves himself to side control.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to mount Luke Rockhold...
Kazushi Sakuraba slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba rolls him over and takes his back!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold
Sakuraba tries to get a hook in!
Things get worse for Rockhold! Sakuraba has one hook in and keeps working!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold with one hook in
Sakuraba has one hook in and is trying to get the second one! If he succeed things are goint to get very bad for Rockhold.
Nicely done! Sakuraba now has two hooks in! The end may be near!
The clock says 1:25 in the 3 round
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold with two hooks in
Kazushi Sakuraba throws his leg over Luke Rockhold's arm leaving him with only one arm to defend himself from Kazushi Sakuraba's rear naked choke attempt!
Crippling lock!
Sakuraba is locking that Rear Naked Choke...
That Rear Naked Choke looks tight...
Luke Rockhold frees his arm and defends the choke. He manages to turn into Kazushi Sakuraba and ends up on top!
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba suddenly holds Luke Rockhold's arm and tries an armbar!
Sakuraba is locking that Armbar...
You can see the pain reflected in Rockhold's eyes...
Rockhold can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Kazushi Sakuraba!
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Herb Dean didn't see that!
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Sakuraba's moves.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Rockhold tries to escape from the full mount...
Kazushi Sakuraba is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba goes for an americana!
Rockhold breaks free.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Luke Rockhold tries to take advantage...
Luke Rockhold attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps control and remains in side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to mount Luke Rockhold...
Kazushi Sakuraba slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba isolates Luke Rockhold's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Luke Rockhold is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Sakuraba misses a step and Luke Rockhold sees an opportunity to counter him!
Deep breaths from Luke Rockhold who tries a hammer punch to Sakuraba's ribs.
Sakuraba blocks those punches
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Copps Coliseum (Hamilton, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Kazushi Sakuraba steps forward and fires a high kick!
Vicious high kick, I can't believe that landed!
The ref pulls off Kazushi Sakuraba! Rockhold seems confused and a bit dazed as the bell sounds the bout over.
Rockhold's Right cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Rockhold has a small cut in his Right cheek
Winner is Kazushi Sakuraba by TKO (High kick) at 3:04 Round 3
Statistics: Luke Rockhold
Punches 6/19 (32%)
Kicks 1/2 (50%)
Clinch strikes 3/15 (20%)
Takedowns 1/3 (33%)
GnP strikes 2/4 (50%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 407 s
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 1/8 (12%)
Kicks 1/3 (33%)
Clinch strikes 9/12 (75%)
Takedowns 3/4 (75%)
GnP strikes 4/8 (50%)
Submissions 7/7 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 3/3 (100%)
Time on the ground 416 s
Rockhold had some absorbing moments and he contributed to the enjoyment of the people here at Copps Coliseum (Hamilton, Ontario).
Superb display of technique and MMA knowledge by Kazushi Sakuraba. This man can sell the PPV all on his own.
I only can thank Kazushi Sakuraba and Luke Rockhold for an unforgettable fight!
Luke Rockhold doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
Kazushi Sakuraba looks very relaxed.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Kazushi Sakuraba is the better fighter in my opinion. It would be an upset if he loses today.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
Luke Rockhold launches a low kick
that gets blocked quickly.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Bone shattering straight left hand from Kazushi Sakuraba!
Rockhold ducks under...
Luke Rockhold shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Kazushi Sakuraba is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Rockhold into his guard.
Hard blow to Sakuraba's mid-section, he seems hurt
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Luke Rockhold uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Luke Rockhold looks to counter!
Rockhold tries to escape from the closed guard
Luke Rockhold any adventage in the ground.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to better his position on the ground...
Rockhold breaks the closed guard of Kazushi Sakuraba and moves to half guard
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Luke Rockhold slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Luke Rockhold in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Rockhold's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Rockhold tries to cover his face,
Rockhold's Left cheek is beginning to swell
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Rockhold
He is not able to do it
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Luke Rockhold cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Luke Rockhold to fight back!
Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Sakuraba rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Copps Coliseum (Hamilton, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Rockhold grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Sakuraba struggles... Luke Rockhold is unable to take him down
The clock says 2:00 in the 1 round
Sakuraba wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Sakuraba moves forward and holds Rockhold
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
a flying knee from Sakuraba towards Luke Rockhold's face
hits it, what a strike surely that hurts, Rockhold got to be more careful now
Rockhold doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rockhold forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba throws some knees to the thighs of Luke Rockhold while in the clinch
Those hits seems to be causing trouble to Luke Rockhold
Rockhold hyper-extended his leg
The fighters are clinching.
Luke Rockhold launches a few punches towards Sakuraba's ribs while holds him in a double overhooks!
Sakuraba seems unaffected... those punches doesn't carry any power!
Herb Dean separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
The clock says 2:50 in the 1 round
Rockhold is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
A wicked punch by Luke Rockhold
rocks Sakuraba!
Sakuraba's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 3:00 in the 1 round
Luke Rockhold launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Sakuraba blocks and tries to circle around his opponent looking for angles.
The clock says 3:10 in the 1 round
Sakuraba is holding Luke Rockhold's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Luke Rockhold shows great balance while pushing away Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba misses a step and Luke Rockhold sees an opportunity to counter him!
Luke Rockhold launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Sakuraba blocks the jabs but the last punch hits hard on Kazushi Sakuraba's cheek! Sakuraba stumbles and the falls to the mat!
Sakuraba's Right cheek is beginning to swell
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Terrible one sided match... Sakuraba was not ready to fight a fighter of Luke Rockhold caliber.
Kazushi Sakuraba kicks his legs trying to keep Luke Rockhold away.
Luke Rockhold takes a kick to the body.
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Kazushi Sakuraba launches an up-kick intended for Luke Rockhold's head...
Rockhold leans out of the way.
The clock says 3:35 in the 1 round
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Sakuraba tries to hit Luke Rockhold with a kick to his knee from the ground.
Rockhold dodges that
Poorly executed technique. Luke Rockhold looks to counter!
Rockhold cartwheels towards Sakuraba!
Sakuraba fights back and evades the cartwheel guard pass.
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Rockhold moves backwards and gestures for Kazushi Sakuraba to stand up.
Back to the beginning! Kazushi Sakuraba is standing now.
The clock says 3:50 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a combo
Luke Rockhold ducks under and catches him with a counter straight! Sakuraba swings again, only to get countered once more! Sakuraba is looking bad here!
Sakuraba has a small cut in his Mouth
Kazushi Sakuraba leans forwards and tries to grapple with Rockhold
Sakuraba shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The clock says 4:15 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
Rockhold struggles and launches a few punches to Sakuraba's head
Nothing from this... Luke Rockhold seems frustrated.
Rockhold clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Sakuraba struggles and launches a few punches to Rockhold's head
Those punches are hitting! Rockhold covers his head!
The fighters are clinching.
Luke Rockhold launches a few punches towards Sakuraba's ribs while holds him in a double overhooks!
Sakuraba seems unaffected... those punches doesn't carry any power!
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Luke Rockhold embrace and tries to move away...
Luke Rockhold pushes Sakuraba forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Sakuraba blocks Luke Rockhold's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
The clock says 4:50 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba hovers above Rockhold
Luke Rockhold stops him from throwing strikes.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Luke Rockhold to fight back!
Luke Rockhold isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Sakuraba blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Rockhold's guard.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Kazushi Sakuraba has to be confident that he won that round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
As the fight continues it seems that Kazushi Sakuraba is taking the best of the fight.
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Rockhold doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rockhold forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sick uppercut from the clinch by Kazushi Sakuraba!
That one almost breaks Rockhold's chin! He is knocked down!
Sakuraba is standing while Rockhold is on the ground on his back
Rockhold tries to hit Kazushi Sakuraba with a kick to his knee from the ground.
Nice kick. Sakuraba steps backwards trying to find a way to use his advantage now.
Sakuraba is standing while Rockhold is on the ground on his back
Kazushi Sakuraba creates space and allows Luke Rockhold to stand up.
Back to the beginning! Luke Rockhold is standing now.
Rockhold launches a furious low kick!
Sakuraba receives a hard blow on his right leg!
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a low kick
that gets blocked quickly.
The clock says 1:20 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a middle kick
Luke Rockhold blocks and steps away.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Luke Rockhold tries to take advantage...
Rockhold grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Sakuraba struggles... Luke Rockhold is unable to take him down
Bone shattering straight right hand from Kazushi Sakuraba!
Rockhold is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Rockhold's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 1:40 in the 2 round
Sakuraba is holding Luke Rockhold's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Luke Rockhold loses balance and goes to the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba goes for an americana!
Rockhold breaks free.
Sakuraba misses a step and Luke Rockhold sees an opportunity to counter him!
Luke Rockhold attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Luke Rockhold manages to switch to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Sakuraba drills Luke Rockhold's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Rockhold has a small cut in his Nose
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is taking this opportunity to rest.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Luke Rockhold doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Sakuraba's moves.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Rockhold tries to stand up!
Sakuraba doesn't allow him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Sakuraba drills Luke Rockhold's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Rockhold's Nose is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Luke Rockhold doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Sakuraba's moves.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Rockhold tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He succeeds!
The clock says 3:25 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Luke Rockhold launches a few punches to Sakuraba's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Sakuraba tries to cover his face,
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Luke Rockhold doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Sakuraba's moves.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Rockhold tries to stand up!
Sakuraba doesn't allow him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Copps Coliseum (Hamilton, Ontario) is cheering him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Rockhold cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Sakuraba can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a kimura
Rockhold breaks the lock.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to pass to mount...
Sakuraba slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Luke Rockhold.
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Luke Rockhold. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Luke Rockhold launches a rapid series of punches
that glance off Sakuraba's arms.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Nice punches from Kazushi Sakuraba.
Even nicer blocks from Rockhold.
The clock says 4:45 in the 2 round
Luke Rockhold moves forward looking for some grappling action
Rockhold has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Rockhold launches a few hard punches to Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs!
Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs shows the damage! Luke Rockhold is working his opponent ribs!
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
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Round 3
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Sakuraba tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Sakuraba is clinching with Rockhold.
The clock says 0:20 in the 3 round
The fighters are clinching.
0:20 Round 3 and Sakuraba is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Sakuraba struggles and launches a few punches to Rockhold's head
Those punches are hitting! Rockhold covers his head!
The fighters are clinching.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch to Luke Rockhold ribs and the tries to trip him
Luke Rockhold loses balance and goes to the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba struggles on the ground and tries to break Luke Rockhold's guard...
Rockhold doesn't want to free his opponent and Sakuraba continues in closed guard
Rockhold is trying to counter now!
Rockhold tries an armbar from the bottom!
Kazushi Sakuraba breaks the lock and moves himself to side control.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to mount Luke Rockhold...
Kazushi Sakuraba slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba rolls him over and takes his back!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold
Sakuraba tries to get a hook in!
Things get worse for Rockhold! Sakuraba has one hook in and keeps working!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold with one hook in
Sakuraba has one hook in and is trying to get the second one! If he succeed things are goint to get very bad for Rockhold.
Nicely done! Sakuraba now has two hooks in! The end may be near!
The clock says 1:25 in the 3 round
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold with two hooks in
Kazushi Sakuraba throws his leg over Luke Rockhold's arm leaving him with only one arm to defend himself from Kazushi Sakuraba's rear naked choke attempt!
Crippling lock!
Sakuraba is locking that Rear Naked Choke...
That Rear Naked Choke looks tight...
Luke Rockhold frees his arm and defends the choke. He manages to turn into Kazushi Sakuraba and ends up on top!
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba suddenly holds Luke Rockhold's arm and tries an armbar!
Sakuraba is locking that Armbar...
You can see the pain reflected in Rockhold's eyes...
Rockhold can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Kazushi Sakuraba!
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Herb Dean didn't see that!
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Sakuraba's moves.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Rockhold tries to escape from the full mount...
Kazushi Sakuraba is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba goes for an americana!
Rockhold breaks free.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Luke Rockhold tries to take advantage...
Luke Rockhold attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps control and remains in side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to mount Luke Rockhold...
Kazushi Sakuraba slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba isolates Luke Rockhold's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Luke Rockhold is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Sakuraba misses a step and Luke Rockhold sees an opportunity to counter him!
Deep breaths from Luke Rockhold who tries a hammer punch to Sakuraba's ribs.
Sakuraba blocks those punches
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Copps Coliseum (Hamilton, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Kazushi Sakuraba steps forward and fires a high kick!
Vicious high kick, I can't believe that landed!
The ref pulls off Kazushi Sakuraba! Rockhold seems confused and a bit dazed as the bell sounds the bout over.
Rockhold's Right cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Rockhold has a small cut in his Right cheek
Winner is Kazushi Sakuraba by TKO (High kick) at 3:04 Round 3
Statistics: Luke Rockhold
Punches 6/19 (32%)
Kicks 1/2 (50%)
Clinch strikes 3/15 (20%)
Takedowns 1/3 (33%)
GnP strikes 2/4 (50%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 407 s
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 1/8 (12%)
Kicks 1/3 (33%)
Clinch strikes 9/12 (75%)
Takedowns 3/4 (75%)
GnP strikes 4/8 (50%)
Submissions 7/7 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 3/3 (100%)
Time on the ground 416 s
Rockhold had some absorbing moments and he contributed to the enjoyment of the people here at Copps Coliseum (Hamilton, Ontario).
Superb display of technique and MMA knowledge by Kazushi Sakuraba. This man can sell the PPV all on his own.
I only can thank Kazushi Sakuraba and Luke Rockhold for an unforgettable fight!