Post by The Sandmen on Jul 27, 2012 18:23:25 GMT -5
Rashad Evans glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.
Stephan Bonnar is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Evans is the fighter that will win today if we pay attention to the bets.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
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Round 1
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The fight gets underway.
Evans shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Shovel hook by Rashad Evans
tags Bonnar.
Bonnar has a small cut in his Mouth
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
Bonnar is holding Rashad Evans's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rashad Evans shows great balance while pushing away Stephan Bonnar
Evans is trying to counter now!
Brilliant combination from Rashad Evans
that forces Bonnar to try and defend better.
Rashad Evans goes with a looping right hand while Stephan Bonnar jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Bonnar seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
Stephan Bonnar throws a looping right hand...
Evans moves aside and dodges.
Evans tries to grapple
Bonnar moves aside keeping the fight a strinking range
Shovel hook by Rashad Evans
tags Bonnar.
The clock says 1:10 in the 1 round
Rashad Evans is slowing the pace of the fight a bit and circles around his opponent.
Rashad Evans tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Bonnar is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Evans throws a few hammer fists to the face of Stephan Bonnar
Solid shots!
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Evans moves on the ground
Rashad Evans moves to side mount
Rashad Evans is in side mount over Stephan Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar attempts to trap Rashad Evans in his guard.
Stephan Bonnar manages to switch to full guard.
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Bonnar tries to close his guard around Evans
He succeeds!
The clock says 2:00 in the 1 round
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Evans is looking to end this fight with strikes
Bonnar anticipates his moves and avoids danger.
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Rashad Evans tries to pass Stephan Bonnar's guard...
Rashad Evans manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 2:25 in the 1 round
Rashad Evans is in side mount over Stephan Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar attempts to trap Rashad Evans in his guard.
Rashad Evans keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:35 in the 1 round
Rashad Evans is in side mount over Stephan Bonnar
Bonnar measures the resilience of Evans's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Evans's side.
The clock says 2:45 in the 1 round
Rashad Evans is in side mount over Stephan Bonnar
Evans tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
The clock says 2:55 in the 1 round
Rashad Evans is in full mount over Stephan Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar tries to roll to his side and trap Rashad Evans in his guard...
Rashad Evans keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Rashad Evans is in full mount over Stephan Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar tries to roll to his side and trap Rashad Evans in his guard...
Rashad Evans rolls him over and takes his back!
Evans is in rear mount over Bonnar
Bonnar has given his back to Rashad Evans who is trying to get one hook in!
Rashad Evans has one hook in!
The clock says 3:25 in the 1 round
Evans is in rear mount over Bonnar with one hook in
Bonnar is trying to escape from the rear mount.
Evans tries to use some of his tricky moves but Evans's is smart enough to counter him.
Bonnar clumsily fails here and it's time for Rashad Evans to fight back!
Evans fires a barrage of punches at Bonnar's head!
This is bad! Evans is just pounding on Stephan Bonnar's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Bonnar's Right eye is beginning to swell
There is a small laceration on Stephan Bonnar's Right eye
Evans is in rear mount over Bonnar with one hook in
Terrible one sided match... Bonnar was not ready to fight a fighter of Rashad Evans caliber.
Bonnar breaths deeply while on the ground
Evans is in rear mount over Bonnar with one hook in
Bonnar tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Stephan Bonnar. 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 Halifax Metro Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia) are cheering for the fighters.
Evans launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Bonnar's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that?
Herb Dean didn't see that!
Rashad Evans attempts a sweep single...
Rashad Evans catches Stephan Bonnar's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Evans.
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Bonnar is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Evans's Forehead is beginning to swell
Herb Dean didn't see the foul!
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Not a desiderable position that Bonnar is in now. Rashad Evans is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Rashad Evans tries to better his position on the ground...
Bonnar holds Rashad Evans's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Deep breaths from Stephan Bonnar who tries a hammer punch to Evans's ribs.
Evans blocks those punches
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Evans is in closed guard... Bonnar tries to roll on the ground!
Rashad Evans uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Bonnar clumsily fails here and it's time for Rashad Evans to fight back!
Evans tries to open up Stephan Bonnar's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Bonnar in the side of the head
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar is a submission wizard. He has forgotten more BJJ than most fighters have learned.
Evans is in closed guard... Bonnar tries to roll on the ground!
Rashad Evans uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is clearly for Rashad Evans.
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Round 2
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Evans is holding Stephan Bonnar's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Stephan Bonnar shows great balance while pushing away Rashad Evans
Evans misses a step and Stephan Bonnar sees an opportunity to counter him!
Stephan Bonnar tries to show his boxing skills with a one-two combo
and those punches are landing on Evans's face
Evans looks to be in very good shape.
Evans fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Bonnar sprawls and remains on his feet.
Stephan Bonnar paws at Evans.
Evans swings ineffectively.
Evans clumsily fails here and it's time for Stephan Bonnar to fight back!
Bone shattering straight right hand from Stephan Bonnar!
Evans is going to have a big headache after that blow!
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Lightning fast low kick from Bonnar!
Evans blocks that kick with his leg.
Evans launches a flurry of punches
Bonnar slips out of danger.
The clock says 1:10 in the 2 round
Stephan Bonnar has found an opening in the defense of Evans, launching a big hook
Bang! That could break Evans's ribs.
The clock says 1:20 in the 2 round
Bonnar tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Bonnar is clinching with Evans.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Stephan Bonnar pushes away Evans trying to keep the fight at striking range
Evans stumbles backwards and Stephan Bonnar circles to get the center of the cage
Stephan Bonnar launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Evans blocks the jabs but the last punch hits hard on Rashad Evans's cheek! Evans stumbles and the falls to the mat!
Bonnar is standing while Evans is on the ground on his back
Stephan Bonnar creates space and allows Rashad Evans to stand up.
Rashad Evans is on his feet again.
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Solid low kick from Stephan Bonnar.
For sure, that had to hurt!
Stephan Bonnar tries to bring the fight to the ground
Evans won't budge, forcing Bonnar to pull guard.
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Evans is in closed guard... Bonnar tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rashad Evans!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Rashad Evans launches a few punches to Bonnar's cheek from the guard.
Stephan Bonnar uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Evans is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
Evans tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Rashad Evans launches a few punches to Bonnar's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Bonnar tries to cover his face,
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Evans is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Stephan Bonnar pushes Rashad Evans down and prevents his attempts to escape
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Evans breaks the lock showing some skills...
Bonnar clumsily fails here and it's time for Rashad Evans to fight back!
Rashad Evans tries to roll to his side and trap Stephan Bonnar in his guard...
Rashad Evans gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar aggressively and repeatedly punches Evans.
He needs to do something soon or the referee will stop the fight!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar tries to better his position on the ground...
Rashad Evans tries to roll on the ground...
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Evans is in closed guard... Bonnar tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rashad Evans!
The clock says 3:40 in the 2 round
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar tries to better his position on the ground...
Bonnar is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Evans is taking this opportunity to rest.
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Not a desiderable position that Bonnar is in now. Rashad Evans is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Rashad Evans tries to roll to his side and trap Stephan Bonnar in his guard...
Rashad Evans moves to half guard.
Stephan Bonnar is in half guard over Evans
Rashad Evans attempts to move to full guard
Rashad Evans manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
Rashad Evans launches a few punches to Bonnar's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Bonnar tries to cover his face,
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
Stephan Bonnar tries to pass to half guard...
Rashad Evans's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Stephan Bonnar is in closed guard over Evans
Stephan Bonnar aggressively and repeatedly punches Evans.
Good job by Evans blocking and slipping the blows.
Poorly executed technique. Rashad Evans looks to counter!
Bonnar is in closed guard... Evans tries to roll on the ground!
Stephan Bonnar uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Stephan Bonnar is in closed guard over Evans
Bonnar tries to open up Rashad Evans's defense faking a few punches.
Rashad Evans wraps his arms around Bonnar's arms and counters the punches.
Stephan Bonnar gets sloppy and Rashad Evans tries to take advantage...
Bonnar is in closed guard... Evans tries to roll on the ground!
Stephan Bonnar uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
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 got the better of their opponent that round.
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Round 3
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Stephan Bonnar has found an opening in the defense of Evans, launching a big uppercut
Bingo! Evans is wobbling!
Evans's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Evans wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
Bonnar doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rashad Evans embrace and tries to move away...
Rashad Evans pushes Bonnar forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Bonnar struggles and launches a few punches to Evans's head
Nothing from this... Stephan Bonnar seems frustrated.
The referee intervenes to break the clinch.
Stephan Bonnar throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
The clock says 0:55 in the 3 round
Evans decides to launch some tentative punches
Nothing from this exchange. Evans moves back and takes a deep breath.
Bonnar fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Evans sprawls and remains on his feet.
Evans tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Rashad Evans moves forward looking for some grappling action
Evans has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rashad Evans postures up and launches another series of punches!
A lot of them are hitting Bonnar hard, who may be wondering how to scape from this!
The clock says 1:35 in the 3 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Evans doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Stephan Bonnar embrace and tries to move away...
Stephan Bonnar pushes Evans forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Stephan Bonnar grapple with Rashad Evans and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
Evans manage to maintain his balances and avoid going down
Bonnar clumsily fails here and it's time for Rashad Evans to fight back!
Rashad Evans shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Stephan Bonnar is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Evans into his guard.
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Evans is in closed guard... Bonnar tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rashad Evans!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Evans measures the resilience of Bonnar's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Bonnar blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Bonnar suddenly holds Rashad Evans's arm and tries an armbar!
Evans can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Stephan Bonnar!
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Rashad Evans looks to posture up and open Stephan Bonnar's guard...
Rashad Evans forces Stephan Bonnar to open his guard.
The clock says 2:35 in the 3 round
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Bonnar is taking this opportunity to rest.
The clock says 2:45 in the 3 round
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Bonnar tries to close his guard around Evans
He is not able to do it
The clock says 2:55 in the 3 round
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Evans tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Rashad Evans tries to pass Stephan Bonnar's guard...
Rashad Evans passes momentarily but Stephan Bonnar sees and opening and traps him in full guard.
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Halifax Metro Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia) are cheering for the fighters.
Stephan Bonnar goes with a looping right hand while Rashad Evans jumps back and jabs
Bonnar only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
Middle kick from Bonnar.
Evans receives a solid kick right below his ribs.
Crushing shot to Evans's body! He's holding his side
Rashad Evans fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
Bonnar blocks and pushes his opponent.
Bonnar tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Bonnar launches a hook to the body
Rashad Evans moves aside looking for a counter...
Evans is holding Stephan Bonnar's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Stephan Bonnar loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 4:05 in the 3 round
Rashad Evans is in side mount over Stephan Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar attempts to trap Rashad Evans in his guard.
Stephan Bonnar manages to switch to full guard.
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Bonnar is getting frustrated here.
Rashad Evans gets sloppy and Stephan Bonnar tries to take advantage...
Bonnar tries to close his guard around Evans
He succeeds!
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Rashad Evans looks to posture up and open Stephan Bonnar's guard...
Rashad Evans forces Stephan Bonnar to open his guard.
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Bonnar tries to close his guard around Evans
He succeeds!
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Evans is taking this opportunity to rest.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was an even round for the most part.
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Round 4
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Evans is holding Stephan Bonnar's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Stephan Bonnar loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 0:25 in the 4 round
Rashad Evans is in side mount over Stephan Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar attempts to trap Rashad Evans in his guard.
Rashad Evans keeps control and remains in side mount.
Rashad Evans is in side mount over Stephan Bonnar
Rashad Evans looks to pass to mount...
Evans slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Stephan Bonnar.
Rashad Evans is in full mount over Stephan Bonnar
Bonnar is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Evans's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Stephan Bonnar is in half guard over Evans
Rashad Evans launches a few punches to Bonnar's cheek from the guard.
Stephan Bonnar uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Poorly executed technique. Stephan Bonnar looks to counter!
Stephan Bonnar pushes Evans's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Bonnar who is in full mount! Evans is in trouble now!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Bonnar sure knows how to turn you into a pretzel. He can finish the fight anytime while on the ground.
Stephan Bonnar fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Evans's face!
Evans's Mouth is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar launches a few punches to Evans
Weak punches. He needs to improve his position!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar tries to better his position on the ground...
Bonnar is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Evans is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Stephan Bonnar pushes Rashad Evans down and prevents his attempts to escape
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar tries to open Evans's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Stephan Bonnar. Evans is unable to cover himself now!
Evans's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Good looking punches from Stephan Bonnar on the ground
They could take their toll on Evans.
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar sits high on Rashad Evans's chest and pulls his leg underneath Evans's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Evans tries to roll out. He's too quick for Stephan Bonnar and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Bonnar and it cost him top position.
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Evans tries to stand up!
Bonnar doesn't allow him!
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Halifax Metro Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia) are cheering for the fighters.
Bonnar jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Stephan Bonnar pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Bonnar pushes Rashad Evans against the fence and launches a few sick punches
A couple of unanswered uppercuts collide with Evans's chin! His legs are wobbling!
The fighters are clinching.
Bonnar takes a break to breathe while holding Rashad Evans.
Herb Dean sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
Bonnar moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Hard blow to Evans's thigh!
The clock says 3:10 in the 4 round
Evans jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Bonnar sees what was coming and ducks under his opponent and moves aside
Bonnar looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Rashad Evans's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
Evans steps backwards away from Stephan Bonnar. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Evans steps backwards away from Stephan Bonnar. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Bonnar decides to launch some tentative punches
Rashad Evans takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Evans launches a kick
but Stephan Bonnar avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook!
Bonnar moves forward looking for some action
Stephan Bonnar shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The clock says 4:10 in the 4 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Evans's cornermen are worried about his safety if he continues clinching with Stephan Bonnar.
Bonnar doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rashad Evans embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Bonnar who put distance between them
Stephan Bonnar closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Stephan Bonnar tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Evans is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
BJJ! That is what must be passing through Evans's mind right now. Nobody wants to stay long in that position with a submission artist like Bonnar
Bonnar tries to improve position.
Evans adjusts and closes his guard.
Evans tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Rashad Evans launches a few punches to Bonnar's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Bonnar tries to cover his face,
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
Evans tries to close his guard around Bonnar
He is not able to do it
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
Rashad Evans launches a few punches to Bonnar's cheek from the guard.
Stephan Bonnar uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Evans clumsily fails here and it's time for Stephan Bonnar to fight back!
Stephan Bonnar tries to pass to half guard...
Rashad Evans can't prevent his opponent from passing. Bonnar looks to work from half guard.
Stephan Bonnar is in half guard over Evans
Bonnar sits over his knees and pushes away Evans's leg!
Evans closes his legs around Stephan Bonnar's leg. Bonnar is not able to move away now!
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
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Round 5
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The clock says 0:10 in the 5 round
Stephan Bonnar tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Evans is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
Bonnar moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Stephan Bonnar is in half guard over Evans
Stephan Bonnar pushes Evans's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Bonnar who is in full mount! Evans is in trouble now!
The clock says 0:40 in the 5 round
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Evans launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Bonnar's ribs.
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar isolates Rashad Evans's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Rashad Evans is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Rashad Evans tries to roll to his side and trap Stephan Bonnar in his guard...
Rashad Evans gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
Evans is taking this opportunity to rest.
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
Evans tries to close his guard around Bonnar
He succeeds!
The clock says 1:30 in the 5 round
Stephan Bonnar is in closed guard over Evans
Stephan Bonnar aggressively and repeatedly punches Evans.
Good job by Evans blocking and slipping the blows.
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Halifax Metro Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia) are cheering for the fighters.
Stephan Bonnar fakes a punch and launches himself over Evans!
Rashad Evans is smart enough to avoid the clinch game by Bonnar and pushes him away!
Bonnar misses a step and Rashad Evans sees an opportunity to counter him!
Evans fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Stephan Bonnar didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Bonnar tries to close his guard around Evans
He is not able to do it
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Good looking punches from Rashad Evans on the ground
They could take their toll on Bonnar.
The clock says 2:05 in the 5 round
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Evans fires a barrage of punches at Bonnar's head!
This is bad! Evans is just pounding on Stephan Bonnar's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Evans moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Evans breaths deeply while on the ground
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Bonnar is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
Stephan Bonnar attempts to move to full guard
Rashad Evans keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar attempts to move to full guard
Rashad Evans keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Evans gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Stephan Bonnar! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Stephan Bonnar doesn't defend himself!
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Stephan Bonnar work his BJJ game.
Stephan Bonnar attempts to move to full guard
Rashad Evans keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Bonnar measures the resilience of Evans's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Evans blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Bonnar is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
Bonnar breaths deeply while on the ground
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Stephan Bonnar attempts a sweep single...
Stephan Bonnar catches Rashad Evans's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Bonnar.
Crushing shot to Evans's body! He's holding his side
Stephan Bonnar is in closed guard over Evans
Bonnar is in closed guard... Evans tries to roll on the ground!
Stephan Bonnar uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Stephan Bonnar is in closed guard over Evans
Evans is taking this opportunity to rest.
Stephan Bonnar is in closed guard over Evans
Bonnar is in closed guard... Evans tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Stephan Bonnar!
The clock says 4:25 in the 5 round
Rashad Evans is in full mount over Stephan Bonnar
Rashad Evans moves to better his position on the ground...
Rashad Evans viciously slams hammer blows to Bonnar's face!
Bonnar has a small cut in his Forehead
The clock says 4:35 in the 5 round
Rashad Evans is in full mount over Stephan Bonnar
Bonnar tries to stand up!
Evans doesn't allow him!
Rashad Evans is in full mount over Stephan Bonnar
Bonnar doesn't stop bleeding.
Stephan Bonnar tries to roll on the ground...
Evans knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Evans tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Rashad Evans fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Bonnar's face!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Stephan Bonnar has to be confident that he won that round.
Winner is Stephan Bonnar by Split decision
Statistics: Rashad Evans
Punches 15/28 (54%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 4/6 (67%)
Takedowns 6/8 (75%)
GnP strikes 36/58 (62%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 948 s
Statistics: Stephan Bonnar
Punches 13/23 (57%)
Kicks 3/4 (75%)
Clinch strikes 3/7 (43%)
Takedowns 3/6 (50%)
GnP strikes 17/38 (45%)
Submissions 5/5 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 938 s
And there goes my $100! What an upset! Stephan Bonnar is the winner!
WHAT?! (I will explain my What, bear with me)
Okay, so this was totally Stephan Bonnar's "Prove It" fight. Many were still on the fence about whether Steph is for realz or for Lolz. This fight, he looked like he was for Lolz. He was getting beaten on pretty good in round one, and definitely lost it. He wasn't close to finished, but he lost it.
Round 2, he came STORMING back. Both men have insane recovery for some unknown reason, so this was like re-starting the fight in a lot of ways. Rashad got some offence in, but Bonnar won the round. Bout the same margin Evans won one.
Round 3, same as round 2. Both men came out very, very fresh, but I think Bonnar was a bit health-ier than Rashad, who was still feeling some of the effects from round 2. He was pretty fresh though, considering it was the third round. Bonnar, again, wins this one, but pretty dominantly. Rashad survives to fight another round.
Round 4, Rashad's recovery is good, but not "good as new". This round might have been closer to a toss-up, but looking at it, Bonnar definitely did more damage in this round.
Round 5, I would say more of the same. A bit closer. Now, to be clear, the whole fight, Rashad is definitely doing some damage on Bonnar, but Bonnar is just doing more. At this point, it should be a given Bonnar is winning the fight. Especially with our "whole fight" scoring system. Then he wins this one by, what I would say was a medium margin as well. End health was almost even, but that would be because of Rashad's amazing recovery. Bonnar's too. So maybe Rashad won round 5. But close.
The WHAT?! was that in no way, if we are scoring the whole fight and not round-by-round, should any judge have given that to Rashad. He did a lot in round 1, but it was at least matched by the damage from Bonnar in later rounds. When you add up the damaging Bonnar later rounds, Bonnar took it.
Another surprise/impressive performance from Stephan Bonnar. Maintains his status as one of the best in his division. Somehow.
(Note, after my write-up I checked the damage done by each fighter and it was VErY even on that front. But still, when watching, Bonnar was winning more often than he was losing. GOOD FIGHT.)
Stephan Bonnar is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Evans is the fighter that will win today if we pay attention to the bets.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
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Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
Evans shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Shovel hook by Rashad Evans
tags Bonnar.
Bonnar has a small cut in his Mouth
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
Bonnar is holding Rashad Evans's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rashad Evans shows great balance while pushing away Stephan Bonnar
Evans is trying to counter now!
Brilliant combination from Rashad Evans
that forces Bonnar to try and defend better.
Rashad Evans goes with a looping right hand while Stephan Bonnar jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Bonnar seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
Stephan Bonnar throws a looping right hand...
Evans moves aside and dodges.
Evans tries to grapple
Bonnar moves aside keeping the fight a strinking range
Shovel hook by Rashad Evans
tags Bonnar.
The clock says 1:10 in the 1 round
Rashad Evans is slowing the pace of the fight a bit and circles around his opponent.
Rashad Evans tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Bonnar is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Evans throws a few hammer fists to the face of Stephan Bonnar
Solid shots!
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Evans moves on the ground
Rashad Evans moves to side mount
Rashad Evans is in side mount over Stephan Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar attempts to trap Rashad Evans in his guard.
Stephan Bonnar manages to switch to full guard.
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Bonnar tries to close his guard around Evans
He succeeds!
The clock says 2:00 in the 1 round
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Evans is looking to end this fight with strikes
Bonnar anticipates his moves and avoids danger.
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Rashad Evans tries to pass Stephan Bonnar's guard...
Rashad Evans manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 2:25 in the 1 round
Rashad Evans is in side mount over Stephan Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar attempts to trap Rashad Evans in his guard.
Rashad Evans keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:35 in the 1 round
Rashad Evans is in side mount over Stephan Bonnar
Bonnar measures the resilience of Evans's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Evans's side.
The clock says 2:45 in the 1 round
Rashad Evans is in side mount over Stephan Bonnar
Evans tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
The clock says 2:55 in the 1 round
Rashad Evans is in full mount over Stephan Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar tries to roll to his side and trap Rashad Evans in his guard...
Rashad Evans keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Rashad Evans is in full mount over Stephan Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar tries to roll to his side and trap Rashad Evans in his guard...
Rashad Evans rolls him over and takes his back!
Evans is in rear mount over Bonnar
Bonnar has given his back to Rashad Evans who is trying to get one hook in!
Rashad Evans has one hook in!
The clock says 3:25 in the 1 round
Evans is in rear mount over Bonnar with one hook in
Bonnar is trying to escape from the rear mount.
Evans tries to use some of his tricky moves but Evans's is smart enough to counter him.
Bonnar clumsily fails here and it's time for Rashad Evans to fight back!
Evans fires a barrage of punches at Bonnar's head!
This is bad! Evans is just pounding on Stephan Bonnar's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Bonnar's Right eye is beginning to swell
There is a small laceration on Stephan Bonnar's Right eye
Evans is in rear mount over Bonnar with one hook in
Terrible one sided match... Bonnar was not ready to fight a fighter of Rashad Evans caliber.
Bonnar breaths deeply while on the ground
Evans is in rear mount over Bonnar with one hook in
Bonnar tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Stephan Bonnar. 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 Halifax Metro Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia) are cheering for the fighters.
Evans launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Bonnar's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that?
Herb Dean didn't see that!
Rashad Evans attempts a sweep single...
Rashad Evans catches Stephan Bonnar's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Evans.
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Bonnar is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Evans's Forehead is beginning to swell
Herb Dean didn't see the foul!
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Not a desiderable position that Bonnar is in now. Rashad Evans is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Rashad Evans tries to better his position on the ground...
Bonnar holds Rashad Evans's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Deep breaths from Stephan Bonnar who tries a hammer punch to Evans's ribs.
Evans blocks those punches
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Evans is in closed guard... Bonnar tries to roll on the ground!
Rashad Evans uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Bonnar clumsily fails here and it's time for Rashad Evans to fight back!
Evans tries to open up Stephan Bonnar's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Bonnar in the side of the head
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar is a submission wizard. He has forgotten more BJJ than most fighters have learned.
Evans is in closed guard... Bonnar tries to roll on the ground!
Rashad Evans uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is clearly for Rashad Evans.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Evans is holding Stephan Bonnar's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Stephan Bonnar shows great balance while pushing away Rashad Evans
Evans misses a step and Stephan Bonnar sees an opportunity to counter him!
Stephan Bonnar tries to show his boxing skills with a one-two combo
and those punches are landing on Evans's face
Evans looks to be in very good shape.
Evans fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Bonnar sprawls and remains on his feet.
Stephan Bonnar paws at Evans.
Evans swings ineffectively.
Evans clumsily fails here and it's time for Stephan Bonnar to fight back!
Bone shattering straight right hand from Stephan Bonnar!
Evans is going to have a big headache after that blow!
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Lightning fast low kick from Bonnar!
Evans blocks that kick with his leg.
Evans launches a flurry of punches
Bonnar slips out of danger.
The clock says 1:10 in the 2 round
Stephan Bonnar has found an opening in the defense of Evans, launching a big hook
Bang! That could break Evans's ribs.
The clock says 1:20 in the 2 round
Bonnar tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Bonnar is clinching with Evans.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Stephan Bonnar pushes away Evans trying to keep the fight at striking range
Evans stumbles backwards and Stephan Bonnar circles to get the center of the cage
Stephan Bonnar launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Evans blocks the jabs but the last punch hits hard on Rashad Evans's cheek! Evans stumbles and the falls to the mat!
Bonnar is standing while Evans is on the ground on his back
Stephan Bonnar creates space and allows Rashad Evans to stand up.
Rashad Evans is on his feet again.
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Solid low kick from Stephan Bonnar.
For sure, that had to hurt!
Stephan Bonnar tries to bring the fight to the ground
Evans won't budge, forcing Bonnar to pull guard.
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Evans is in closed guard... Bonnar tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rashad Evans!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Rashad Evans launches a few punches to Bonnar's cheek from the guard.
Stephan Bonnar uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Evans is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
Evans tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Rashad Evans launches a few punches to Bonnar's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Bonnar tries to cover his face,
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Evans is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Stephan Bonnar pushes Rashad Evans down and prevents his attempts to escape
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Evans breaks the lock showing some skills...
Bonnar clumsily fails here and it's time for Rashad Evans to fight back!
Rashad Evans tries to roll to his side and trap Stephan Bonnar in his guard...
Rashad Evans gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar aggressively and repeatedly punches Evans.
He needs to do something soon or the referee will stop the fight!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar tries to better his position on the ground...
Rashad Evans tries to roll on the ground...
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Evans is in closed guard... Bonnar tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rashad Evans!
The clock says 3:40 in the 2 round
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar tries to better his position on the ground...
Bonnar is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Evans is taking this opportunity to rest.
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Not a desiderable position that Bonnar is in now. Rashad Evans is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Rashad Evans tries to roll to his side and trap Stephan Bonnar in his guard...
Rashad Evans moves to half guard.
Stephan Bonnar is in half guard over Evans
Rashad Evans attempts to move to full guard
Rashad Evans manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
Rashad Evans launches a few punches to Bonnar's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Bonnar tries to cover his face,
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
Stephan Bonnar tries to pass to half guard...
Rashad Evans's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Stephan Bonnar is in closed guard over Evans
Stephan Bonnar aggressively and repeatedly punches Evans.
Good job by Evans blocking and slipping the blows.
Poorly executed technique. Rashad Evans looks to counter!
Bonnar is in closed guard... Evans tries to roll on the ground!
Stephan Bonnar uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Stephan Bonnar is in closed guard over Evans
Bonnar tries to open up Rashad Evans's defense faking a few punches.
Rashad Evans wraps his arms around Bonnar's arms and counters the punches.
Stephan Bonnar gets sloppy and Rashad Evans tries to take advantage...
Bonnar is in closed guard... Evans tries to roll on the ground!
Stephan Bonnar uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
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 got the better of their opponent that round.
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Round 3
=========================================
Stephan Bonnar has found an opening in the defense of Evans, launching a big uppercut
Bingo! Evans is wobbling!
Evans's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Evans wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
Bonnar doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rashad Evans embrace and tries to move away...
Rashad Evans pushes Bonnar forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Bonnar struggles and launches a few punches to Evans's head
Nothing from this... Stephan Bonnar seems frustrated.
The referee intervenes to break the clinch.
Stephan Bonnar throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
The clock says 0:55 in the 3 round
Evans decides to launch some tentative punches
Nothing from this exchange. Evans moves back and takes a deep breath.
Bonnar fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Evans sprawls and remains on his feet.
Evans tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Rashad Evans moves forward looking for some grappling action
Evans has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rashad Evans postures up and launches another series of punches!
A lot of them are hitting Bonnar hard, who may be wondering how to scape from this!
The clock says 1:35 in the 3 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Evans doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Stephan Bonnar embrace and tries to move away...
Stephan Bonnar pushes Evans forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Stephan Bonnar grapple with Rashad Evans and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
Evans manage to maintain his balances and avoid going down
Bonnar clumsily fails here and it's time for Rashad Evans to fight back!
Rashad Evans shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Stephan Bonnar is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Evans into his guard.
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Evans is in closed guard... Bonnar tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rashad Evans!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Evans measures the resilience of Bonnar's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Bonnar blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Bonnar suddenly holds Rashad Evans's arm and tries an armbar!
Evans can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Stephan Bonnar!
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Rashad Evans looks to posture up and open Stephan Bonnar's guard...
Rashad Evans forces Stephan Bonnar to open his guard.
The clock says 2:35 in the 3 round
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Bonnar is taking this opportunity to rest.
The clock says 2:45 in the 3 round
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Bonnar tries to close his guard around Evans
He is not able to do it
The clock says 2:55 in the 3 round
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Evans tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Rashad Evans tries to pass Stephan Bonnar's guard...
Rashad Evans passes momentarily but Stephan Bonnar sees and opening and traps him in full guard.
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Halifax Metro Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia) are cheering for the fighters.
Stephan Bonnar goes with a looping right hand while Rashad Evans jumps back and jabs
Bonnar only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
Middle kick from Bonnar.
Evans receives a solid kick right below his ribs.
Crushing shot to Evans's body! He's holding his side
Rashad Evans fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
Bonnar blocks and pushes his opponent.
Bonnar tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Bonnar launches a hook to the body
Rashad Evans moves aside looking for a counter...
Evans is holding Stephan Bonnar's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Stephan Bonnar loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 4:05 in the 3 round
Rashad Evans is in side mount over Stephan Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar attempts to trap Rashad Evans in his guard.
Stephan Bonnar manages to switch to full guard.
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Bonnar is getting frustrated here.
Rashad Evans gets sloppy and Stephan Bonnar tries to take advantage...
Bonnar tries to close his guard around Evans
He succeeds!
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Rashad Evans looks to posture up and open Stephan Bonnar's guard...
Rashad Evans forces Stephan Bonnar to open his guard.
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Bonnar tries to close his guard around Evans
He succeeds!
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Evans is taking this opportunity to rest.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was an even round for the most part.
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Round 4
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Evans is holding Stephan Bonnar's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Stephan Bonnar loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 0:25 in the 4 round
Rashad Evans is in side mount over Stephan Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar attempts to trap Rashad Evans in his guard.
Rashad Evans keeps control and remains in side mount.
Rashad Evans is in side mount over Stephan Bonnar
Rashad Evans looks to pass to mount...
Evans slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Stephan Bonnar.
Rashad Evans is in full mount over Stephan Bonnar
Bonnar is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Evans's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Stephan Bonnar is in half guard over Evans
Rashad Evans launches a few punches to Bonnar's cheek from the guard.
Stephan Bonnar uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Poorly executed technique. Stephan Bonnar looks to counter!
Stephan Bonnar pushes Evans's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Bonnar who is in full mount! Evans is in trouble now!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Bonnar sure knows how to turn you into a pretzel. He can finish the fight anytime while on the ground.
Stephan Bonnar fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Evans's face!
Evans's Mouth is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar launches a few punches to Evans
Weak punches. He needs to improve his position!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar tries to better his position on the ground...
Bonnar is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Evans is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Stephan Bonnar pushes Rashad Evans down and prevents his attempts to escape
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar tries to open Evans's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Stephan Bonnar. Evans is unable to cover himself now!
Evans's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Good looking punches from Stephan Bonnar on the ground
They could take their toll on Evans.
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar sits high on Rashad Evans's chest and pulls his leg underneath Evans's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Evans tries to roll out. He's too quick for Stephan Bonnar and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Bonnar and it cost him top position.
Rashad Evans is in closed guard over Bonnar
Evans tries to stand up!
Bonnar doesn't allow him!
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Halifax Metro Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia) are cheering for the fighters.
Bonnar jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Stephan Bonnar pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Bonnar pushes Rashad Evans against the fence and launches a few sick punches
A couple of unanswered uppercuts collide with Evans's chin! His legs are wobbling!
The fighters are clinching.
Bonnar takes a break to breathe while holding Rashad Evans.
Herb Dean sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
Bonnar moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Hard blow to Evans's thigh!
The clock says 3:10 in the 4 round
Evans jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Bonnar sees what was coming and ducks under his opponent and moves aside
Bonnar looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Rashad Evans's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
Evans steps backwards away from Stephan Bonnar. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Evans steps backwards away from Stephan Bonnar. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Bonnar decides to launch some tentative punches
Rashad Evans takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Evans launches a kick
but Stephan Bonnar avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook!
Bonnar moves forward looking for some action
Stephan Bonnar shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The clock says 4:10 in the 4 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Evans's cornermen are worried about his safety if he continues clinching with Stephan Bonnar.
Bonnar doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rashad Evans embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Bonnar who put distance between them
Stephan Bonnar closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Stephan Bonnar tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Evans is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
BJJ! That is what must be passing through Evans's mind right now. Nobody wants to stay long in that position with a submission artist like Bonnar
Bonnar tries to improve position.
Evans adjusts and closes his guard.
Evans tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Rashad Evans launches a few punches to Bonnar's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Bonnar tries to cover his face,
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
Evans tries to close his guard around Bonnar
He is not able to do it
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
Rashad Evans launches a few punches to Bonnar's cheek from the guard.
Stephan Bonnar uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Evans clumsily fails here and it's time for Stephan Bonnar to fight back!
Stephan Bonnar tries to pass to half guard...
Rashad Evans can't prevent his opponent from passing. Bonnar looks to work from half guard.
Stephan Bonnar is in half guard over Evans
Bonnar sits over his knees and pushes away Evans's leg!
Evans closes his legs around Stephan Bonnar's leg. Bonnar is not able to move away now!
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
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Round 5
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The clock says 0:10 in the 5 round
Stephan Bonnar tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Evans is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
Bonnar moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Stephan Bonnar is in half guard over Evans
Stephan Bonnar pushes Evans's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Bonnar who is in full mount! Evans is in trouble now!
The clock says 0:40 in the 5 round
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Evans launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Bonnar's ribs.
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Stephan Bonnar isolates Rashad Evans's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Rashad Evans is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Stephan Bonnar is in full mount over Rashad Evans
Rashad Evans tries to roll to his side and trap Stephan Bonnar in his guard...
Rashad Evans gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
Evans is taking this opportunity to rest.
Stephan Bonnar is in open guard over Evans
Evans tries to close his guard around Bonnar
He succeeds!
The clock says 1:30 in the 5 round
Stephan Bonnar is in closed guard over Evans
Stephan Bonnar aggressively and repeatedly punches Evans.
Good job by Evans blocking and slipping the blows.
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Halifax Metro Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia) are cheering for the fighters.
Stephan Bonnar fakes a punch and launches himself over Evans!
Rashad Evans is smart enough to avoid the clinch game by Bonnar and pushes him away!
Bonnar misses a step and Rashad Evans sees an opportunity to counter him!
Evans fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Stephan Bonnar didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Bonnar tries to close his guard around Evans
He is not able to do it
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Good looking punches from Rashad Evans on the ground
They could take their toll on Bonnar.
The clock says 2:05 in the 5 round
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Evans fires a barrage of punches at Bonnar's head!
This is bad! Evans is just pounding on Stephan Bonnar's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Rashad Evans is in open guard over Bonnar
Evans moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Evans breaths deeply while on the ground
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Bonnar is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
Stephan Bonnar attempts to move to full guard
Rashad Evans keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Stephan Bonnar attempts to move to full guard
Rashad Evans keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Evans gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Stephan Bonnar! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Stephan Bonnar doesn't defend himself!
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Stephan Bonnar work his BJJ game.
Stephan Bonnar attempts to move to full guard
Rashad Evans keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Bonnar measures the resilience of Evans's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Evans blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Rashad Evans is in half guard over Bonnar
Bonnar is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
Bonnar breaths deeply while on the ground
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Stephan Bonnar attempts a sweep single...
Stephan Bonnar catches Rashad Evans's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Bonnar.
Crushing shot to Evans's body! He's holding his side
Stephan Bonnar is in closed guard over Evans
Bonnar is in closed guard... Evans tries to roll on the ground!
Stephan Bonnar uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Stephan Bonnar is in closed guard over Evans
Evans is taking this opportunity to rest.
Stephan Bonnar is in closed guard over Evans
Bonnar is in closed guard... Evans tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Stephan Bonnar!
The clock says 4:25 in the 5 round
Rashad Evans is in full mount over Stephan Bonnar
Rashad Evans moves to better his position on the ground...
Rashad Evans viciously slams hammer blows to Bonnar's face!
Bonnar has a small cut in his Forehead
The clock says 4:35 in the 5 round
Rashad Evans is in full mount over Stephan Bonnar
Bonnar tries to stand up!
Evans doesn't allow him!
Rashad Evans is in full mount over Stephan Bonnar
Bonnar doesn't stop bleeding.
Stephan Bonnar tries to roll on the ground...
Evans knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Evans tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Rashad Evans fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Bonnar's face!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Stephan Bonnar has to be confident that he won that round.
Winner is Stephan Bonnar by Split decision
Statistics: Rashad Evans
Punches 15/28 (54%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 4/6 (67%)
Takedowns 6/8 (75%)
GnP strikes 36/58 (62%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 948 s
Statistics: Stephan Bonnar
Punches 13/23 (57%)
Kicks 3/4 (75%)
Clinch strikes 3/7 (43%)
Takedowns 3/6 (50%)
GnP strikes 17/38 (45%)
Submissions 5/5 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 938 s
And there goes my $100! What an upset! Stephan Bonnar is the winner!
WHAT?! (I will explain my What, bear with me)
Okay, so this was totally Stephan Bonnar's "Prove It" fight. Many were still on the fence about whether Steph is for realz or for Lolz. This fight, he looked like he was for Lolz. He was getting beaten on pretty good in round one, and definitely lost it. He wasn't close to finished, but he lost it.
Round 2, he came STORMING back. Both men have insane recovery for some unknown reason, so this was like re-starting the fight in a lot of ways. Rashad got some offence in, but Bonnar won the round. Bout the same margin Evans won one.
Round 3, same as round 2. Both men came out very, very fresh, but I think Bonnar was a bit health-ier than Rashad, who was still feeling some of the effects from round 2. He was pretty fresh though, considering it was the third round. Bonnar, again, wins this one, but pretty dominantly. Rashad survives to fight another round.
Round 4, Rashad's recovery is good, but not "good as new". This round might have been closer to a toss-up, but looking at it, Bonnar definitely did more damage in this round.
Round 5, I would say more of the same. A bit closer. Now, to be clear, the whole fight, Rashad is definitely doing some damage on Bonnar, but Bonnar is just doing more. At this point, it should be a given Bonnar is winning the fight. Especially with our "whole fight" scoring system. Then he wins this one by, what I would say was a medium margin as well. End health was almost even, but that would be because of Rashad's amazing recovery. Bonnar's too. So maybe Rashad won round 5. But close.
The WHAT?! was that in no way, if we are scoring the whole fight and not round-by-round, should any judge have given that to Rashad. He did a lot in round 1, but it was at least matched by the damage from Bonnar in later rounds. When you add up the damaging Bonnar later rounds, Bonnar took it.
Another surprise/impressive performance from Stephan Bonnar. Maintains his status as one of the best in his division. Somehow.
(Note, after my write-up I checked the damage done by each fighter and it was VErY even on that front. But still, when watching, Bonnar was winning more often than he was losing. GOOD FIGHT.)