Post by The Sandmen on Jan 11, 2018 0:47:09 GMT -5
Shinya Aoki is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
Dominick Cruz is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
The bets gives an equal chance to both fighters to score the win today.
The referee of the bout is Dan Miragliotta.
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Round 1
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The bell announces the first round!
Aoki launches a hook to the body
Dominick Cruz moves aside looking for a counter...
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Aoki's chin
Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Aoki goes down.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
As the fight continues it seems that Shinya Aoki is taking the best of the fight.
Shinya Aoki overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Cruz pulls his arm out of danger.
Aoki misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Dominick Cruz tries to open Aoki's guard...
Aoki breaks the lock and covers himself from Cruz's punches
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz tries to improve position.
Aoki adjusts and closes his guard.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
The clock says 1:15 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dan Miragliotta 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.
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Aoki's ribs.
Crushing shot to Aoki's body! He's holding his side
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Deep breaths from Dominick Cruz who tries a hammer punch to Aoki's ribs.
Aoki blocks those punches
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki struggles on the ground and tries to break Dominick Cruz's guard...
Cruz doesn't want to free his opponent and Aoki continues in closed guard
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Cruz leans and gets Shinya Aoki's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Dominick Cruz regains full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to escape from closed guard...
Cruz waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Shinya Aoki! He is reversed and nor Dominick Cruz is on half guard!
Dan Miragliotta 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 Ethias Arena (Hasselt, Belgium) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:40 in the 1 round
Aoki avoids a dangerous strike from Cruz
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Bone shattering straight right hand from Dominick Cruz!
Aoki is going to have a big headache after that blow!
The clock says 2:50 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch and launches himself over Dominick Cruz
Great move by Aoki who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Shinya Aoki embrace and tries to move away...
Shinya Aoki pushes Cruz forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki is in good position and is looking to change levels for the takedown...
Cruz doesn't let Aoki get in on his legs.
Dan Miragliotta separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
Dominick Cruz sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Brilliant combination from Dominick Cruz
Aoki is showing some dodging skills avoiding that ones.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Aoki wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Cruz wants nothing of that and pushes Aoki.
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Aoki's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Dan Miragliotta knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Aoki struggles and frees his leg!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a couple of fast knees to Shinya Aoki's ribs!
Aoki moves on the ground and keeps Dominick Cruz's knees at bay with his arms.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Cruz holds Shinya Aoki and tries to launch a knee to his ribs!
Aoki is fast enough to block that knee!
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Cruz struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Aoki reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Cruz blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Dan Miragliotta 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.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I don't think either fighter got the better of their opponent that round.
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Round 2
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Tremendous strikes from Aoki!
Cruz blocks with confidence
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki paws at Cruz.
Cruz swings ineffectively.
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki works on the ground with his fingers over Cruz's face
Cruz shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki struggles on the ground and tries to break Dominick Cruz's guard...
Cruz doesn't want to free his opponent and Aoki continues in closed guard
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Aoki breaks the closed guard of Dominick Cruz and moves to half guard
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Shinya Aoki slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 1:35 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Cruz struggles and frees his leg!
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to free his leg...
Cruz doesn't allow any movement here! He's cooling the fight on the ground.
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz works on the ground with his fingers over Aoki's face
Aoki shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Cruz put Shinya Aoki in closed guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Deep breaths from Dominick Cruz who tries a hammer punch to Aoki's ribs.
That hit Aoki who moves on the ground in order to protect himself
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki is looking to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to escape from closed guard...
Aoki struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Dominick Cruz sees and opening and traps him in full guard.
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.
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Shinya Aoki didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz tries to move to full mount
Cruz's ground game is not enough to provide him any advantage
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz tries to jump to side mount.
Shinya Aoki jumps and show some wrestling skills as he positions himself for continuing the fight in side control.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Aoki launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Aoki is countered by Dominick Cruz.
The clock says 3:50 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
The clock says 4:00 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Cruz leans and gets Shinya Aoki's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Aoki misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 4:40 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki is looking to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Dan Miragliotta 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 Ethias Arena (Hasselt, Belgium) are cheering for the fighters.
Aoki is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is maybe for Dominick Cruz, but it's close.
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Round 3
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Aoki has a high cardio that helps him make great performances.
Shinya Aoki tries to get his opponent's head in some sort of lock!
Cruz struggles and pushes his opponent forward. Both fighters breathe hard as they climb to their feet.
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz looks to be in very good shape.
Cruz moves on the ground
Cruz cannot take advantage in the ground
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
The clock says 0:40 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Aoki uses his forearms to block the impact!
The clock says 0:50 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz breaths deeply while on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Shinya Aoki holds Dominick Cruz and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dan Miragliotta 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.
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Shinya Aoki is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Cruz into his guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close an armbar from the bottom!
Cruz knows what was coming and counters the lock.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Cruz throws a few hammer fists to the face of Shinya Aoki
Blocked by Aoki.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Aoki's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki sits up and gets an arm around Cruz's neck!
Cruz pushes Shinya Aoki back to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Aoki's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz 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.
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Dominick Cruz cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to show some ground skills
Cruz uses his strength to keep Cruz at a disadvantage
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz tries to open Aoki's guard...
Aoki breaks the lock and covers himself from Cruz's punches
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta didn't see the foul!
The clock says 2:50 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to show some ground skills
Shinya Aoki put Cruz in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Aoki moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Dominick Cruz breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. 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.
Solid shot from Dominick Cruz to the body.
Aoki blocks in time.
Shinya Aoki takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
The clock says 3:35 in the 3 round
Aoki fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Dominick Cruz didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
The clock says 3:45 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to move to full mount
Aoki succeeds
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki suddenly holds Dominick Cruz's arm and tries an armbar!
Cruz struggles to free himself
Crippling lock!
Cruz can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Shinya Aoki!
The clock says 4:40 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki rolls him over and takes his back!
Aoki is in rear mount over Cruz
Cruz has given his back to Shinya Aoki who is trying to get one hook in!
Shinya Aoki has one hook in!
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
You have to give that round to Shinya Aoki.
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Round 4
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The clock says 0:10 in the 4 round
Nice punches from Dominick Cruz.
Even nicer blocks from Aoki.
A punch from Shinya Aoki
grazes Cruz's right cheek.
The clock says 0:35 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Aoki goes down.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Aoki's face!
Shinya Aoki blocks the elbows and tries to cool down the fight.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Cruz breaks the lock showing some skills...
The clock says 1:20 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll on the ground...
Aoki knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki suddenly holds Dominick Cruz's arm and tries an armbar!
Cruz can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Shinya Aoki!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Aoki's being punished here!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki launches a few weak punches
Cruz blocks them effectively.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz tries to escape from the closed guard
Cruz succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Neither fighter's clearly ahead right now.
Dominick Cruz tries to pass to half guard...
Shinya Aoki can't prevent his opponent from passing. Cruz looks to work from half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:30 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Aoki's face!
Shinya Aoki blocks the elbows and tries to cool down the fight.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Aoki's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Cruz blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Dan Miragliotta 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 Ethias Arena (Hasselt, Belgium) are cheering for the fighters.
Aoki launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Cruz's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that?
Dan Miragliotta saw it!
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to give Cruz time to recover. Dominick Cruz seems to be ready to fight again. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Shinya Aoki moves forward looking for some grappling action
Aoki has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The clock says 3:10 in the 4 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz postures up and launches another series of punches!
Aoki pushes his opponent forward and blocks most of Dominick Cruz's offensive.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki tries to take Dominick Cruz to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Cruz is with his back on the ground now.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He succeeds!
The clock says 3:45 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta didn't see that!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
The clock says 4:10 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to free his leg...
Shinya Aoki uses some of his skill by jumping out of Cruz's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Shinya Aoki slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 4:35 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Shinya Aoki rolls Dominick Cruz to his stomach and takes his back!
Aoki is in rear mount over Cruz
Cruz has given his back to Shinya Aoki who is trying to get one hook in!
Shinya Aoki has one hook in!
Aoki is in rear mount over Cruz with one hook in
Aoki has one hook in and is trying to get the second one! If he succeed things are goint to get very bad for Cruz.
Nicely done! Aoki now has two hooks in! The end may be near!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Cruz is the winner of this round.
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Round 5
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Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Shinya Aoki takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
The clock says 0:35 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Aoki's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz tries to escape from closed guard...
Aoki waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Dominick Cruz! He is reversed and nor Shinya Aoki is on half guard!
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.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Dominick Cruz's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Aoki breaks the closed guard of Dominick Cruz and moves to half guard
The clock says 1:20 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
The clock says 1:30 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
This match is even... This could go the distance.
Shinya Aoki isolates Dominick Cruz's right arm looking for an armbar...
You can see the pain reflected in Cruz's eyes...
That armbar looks tight...
You can see the pain reflected in Cruz's eyes...
Dominick Cruz manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki attempts a triangle from bottom! Dominick Cruz slips out. Aoki quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Dominick Cruz slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. 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 Ethias Arena (Hasselt, Belgium) are cheering for the fighters.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Dominick Cruz's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
Shinya Aoki tries to open Cruz's guard...
Cruz breaks the lock and covers himself from Aoki's punches
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
The clock says 2:25 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Cruz breaks free.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Dominick Cruz regains half guard.
The clock says 2:50 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Aoki and Cruz are at the same level nowadays... This match is very interesting because no one knows who will win.
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki tries to free his leg...
Cruz doesn't allow any movement here! He's cooling the fight 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.
The clock says 3:00 in the 5 round
A left hook from Cruz
falls short.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
A punch from Shinya Aoki
grazes Cruz's left cheek.
Good leg kicks from Shinya Aoki.
Dominick Cruz defends with ease.
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Aoki moves forward looking for some action
Shinya Aoki shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Dominick Cruz pushes away Aoki trying to keep the fight at striking range
Aoki doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Dominick Cruz
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki pushes away Cruz trying to keep the fight at striking range
Cruz stumbles backwards and Shinya Aoki circles to get the center of the cage
The clock says 3:50 in the 5 round
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Aoki sprawls and remains on his feet.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Aoki moves forward and holds Cruz
The fighters are clinching.
Shinya Aoki tries to pull guard on Dominick Cruz...
He manages to bring him to the ground in his guard.
The clock says 4:15 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz storms over Aoki with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Shinya Aoki blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Deep breaths from Dominick Cruz who tries a hammer punch to Aoki's ribs.
Aoki blocks those punches
The clock says 4:50 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dan Miragliotta separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
The round is for Cruz, who walks calmly to his corner.
Winner is Shinya Aoki by Split decision
Statistics: Shinya Aoki
Punches 3/8 (38%)
Kicks 0/3 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/4 (75%)
Takedowns 7/9 (78%)
GnP strikes 0/9 (0%)
Submissions 15/15 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Damage caused 1637,27
Clinch Damage 139,19
Ground Damage 829,67
Time on the ground 1088 s
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 2/19 (11%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/6 (0%)
Takedowns 8/10 (80%)
GnP strikes 17/80 (21%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Damage caused 744,66
Clinch Damage 0
Ground Damage 455,1
Time on the ground 1088 s
There it is, folks. That split decision you wanted. Despite Aoki doing more than twice as much damage as Cruz, one judge thinks Cruz won this fight. Therefore, we can all agree it was "close", which we could not have done had this been a unanimous decision, nor a draw, nor a majority decision, nor a majority draw.
Dominick Cruz is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
The bets gives an equal chance to both fighters to score the win today.
The referee of the bout is Dan Miragliotta.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The bell announces the first round!
Aoki launches a hook to the body
Dominick Cruz moves aside looking for a counter...
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Aoki's chin
Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Aoki goes down.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
As the fight continues it seems that Shinya Aoki is taking the best of the fight.
Shinya Aoki overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Cruz pulls his arm out of danger.
Aoki misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Dominick Cruz tries to open Aoki's guard...
Aoki breaks the lock and covers himself from Cruz's punches
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz tries to improve position.
Aoki adjusts and closes his guard.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
The clock says 1:15 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dan Miragliotta 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.
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Aoki's ribs.
Crushing shot to Aoki's body! He's holding his side
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Deep breaths from Dominick Cruz who tries a hammer punch to Aoki's ribs.
Aoki blocks those punches
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki struggles on the ground and tries to break Dominick Cruz's guard...
Cruz doesn't want to free his opponent and Aoki continues in closed guard
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Cruz leans and gets Shinya Aoki's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Dominick Cruz regains full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to escape from closed guard...
Cruz waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Shinya Aoki! He is reversed and nor Dominick Cruz is on half guard!
Dan Miragliotta 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 Ethias Arena (Hasselt, Belgium) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:40 in the 1 round
Aoki avoids a dangerous strike from Cruz
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Bone shattering straight right hand from Dominick Cruz!
Aoki is going to have a big headache after that blow!
The clock says 2:50 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch and launches himself over Dominick Cruz
Great move by Aoki who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Shinya Aoki embrace and tries to move away...
Shinya Aoki pushes Cruz forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki is in good position and is looking to change levels for the takedown...
Cruz doesn't let Aoki get in on his legs.
Dan Miragliotta separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
Dominick Cruz sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Brilliant combination from Dominick Cruz
Aoki is showing some dodging skills avoiding that ones.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Aoki wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Cruz wants nothing of that and pushes Aoki.
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Aoki's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Dan Miragliotta knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Aoki struggles and frees his leg!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a couple of fast knees to Shinya Aoki's ribs!
Aoki moves on the ground and keeps Dominick Cruz's knees at bay with his arms.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Cruz holds Shinya Aoki and tries to launch a knee to his ribs!
Aoki is fast enough to block that knee!
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Cruz struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Aoki reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Cruz blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Dan Miragliotta 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.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I don't think either fighter got the better of their opponent that round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Tremendous strikes from Aoki!
Cruz blocks with confidence
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki paws at Cruz.
Cruz swings ineffectively.
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki works on the ground with his fingers over Cruz's face
Cruz shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki struggles on the ground and tries to break Dominick Cruz's guard...
Cruz doesn't want to free his opponent and Aoki continues in closed guard
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Aoki breaks the closed guard of Dominick Cruz and moves to half guard
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Shinya Aoki slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 1:35 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Cruz struggles and frees his leg!
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to free his leg...
Cruz doesn't allow any movement here! He's cooling the fight on the ground.
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz works on the ground with his fingers over Aoki's face
Aoki shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Cruz put Shinya Aoki in closed guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Deep breaths from Dominick Cruz who tries a hammer punch to Aoki's ribs.
That hit Aoki who moves on the ground in order to protect himself
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki is looking to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to escape from closed guard...
Aoki struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Dominick Cruz sees and opening and traps him in full guard.
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.
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Shinya Aoki didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz tries to move to full mount
Cruz's ground game is not enough to provide him any advantage
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz tries to jump to side mount.
Shinya Aoki jumps and show some wrestling skills as he positions himself for continuing the fight in side control.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Aoki launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Aoki is countered by Dominick Cruz.
The clock says 3:50 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
The clock says 4:00 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Cruz leans and gets Shinya Aoki's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Aoki misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 4:40 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki is looking to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Dan Miragliotta 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 Ethias Arena (Hasselt, Belgium) are cheering for the fighters.
Aoki is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is maybe for Dominick Cruz, but it's close.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Aoki has a high cardio that helps him make great performances.
Shinya Aoki tries to get his opponent's head in some sort of lock!
Cruz struggles and pushes his opponent forward. Both fighters breathe hard as they climb to their feet.
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz looks to be in very good shape.
Cruz moves on the ground
Cruz cannot take advantage in the ground
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
The clock says 0:40 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Aoki uses his forearms to block the impact!
The clock says 0:50 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz breaths deeply while on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Shinya Aoki holds Dominick Cruz and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dan Miragliotta 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.
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Shinya Aoki is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Cruz into his guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close an armbar from the bottom!
Cruz knows what was coming and counters the lock.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Cruz throws a few hammer fists to the face of Shinya Aoki
Blocked by Aoki.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Aoki's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki sits up and gets an arm around Cruz's neck!
Cruz pushes Shinya Aoki back to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Aoki's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz 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.
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Dominick Cruz cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to show some ground skills
Cruz uses his strength to keep Cruz at a disadvantage
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz tries to open Aoki's guard...
Aoki breaks the lock and covers himself from Cruz's punches
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta didn't see the foul!
The clock says 2:50 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to show some ground skills
Shinya Aoki put Cruz in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Aoki moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Dominick Cruz breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. 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.
Solid shot from Dominick Cruz to the body.
Aoki blocks in time.
Shinya Aoki takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
The clock says 3:35 in the 3 round
Aoki fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Dominick Cruz didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
The clock says 3:45 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to move to full mount
Aoki succeeds
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki suddenly holds Dominick Cruz's arm and tries an armbar!
Cruz struggles to free himself
Crippling lock!
Cruz can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Shinya Aoki!
The clock says 4:40 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki rolls him over and takes his back!
Aoki is in rear mount over Cruz
Cruz has given his back to Shinya Aoki who is trying to get one hook in!
Shinya Aoki has one hook in!
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
You have to give that round to Shinya Aoki.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 4 round
Nice punches from Dominick Cruz.
Even nicer blocks from Aoki.
A punch from Shinya Aoki
grazes Cruz's right cheek.
The clock says 0:35 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Aoki goes down.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Aoki's face!
Shinya Aoki blocks the elbows and tries to cool down the fight.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Cruz breaks the lock showing some skills...
The clock says 1:20 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll on the ground...
Aoki knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki suddenly holds Dominick Cruz's arm and tries an armbar!
Cruz can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Shinya Aoki!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Aoki's being punished here!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki launches a few weak punches
Cruz blocks them effectively.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz tries to escape from the closed guard
Cruz succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Neither fighter's clearly ahead right now.
Dominick Cruz tries to pass to half guard...
Shinya Aoki can't prevent his opponent from passing. Cruz looks to work from half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:30 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Aoki's face!
Shinya Aoki blocks the elbows and tries to cool down the fight.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Aoki's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Cruz blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Dan Miragliotta 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 Ethias Arena (Hasselt, Belgium) are cheering for the fighters.
Aoki launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Cruz's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that?
Dan Miragliotta saw it!
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to give Cruz time to recover. Dominick Cruz seems to be ready to fight again. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Shinya Aoki moves forward looking for some grappling action
Aoki has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The clock says 3:10 in the 4 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz postures up and launches another series of punches!
Aoki pushes his opponent forward and blocks most of Dominick Cruz's offensive.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki tries to take Dominick Cruz to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Cruz is with his back on the ground now.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He succeeds!
The clock says 3:45 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta didn't see that!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
The clock says 4:10 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to free his leg...
Shinya Aoki uses some of his skill by jumping out of Cruz's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Shinya Aoki slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 4:35 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Shinya Aoki rolls Dominick Cruz to his stomach and takes his back!
Aoki is in rear mount over Cruz
Cruz has given his back to Shinya Aoki who is trying to get one hook in!
Shinya Aoki has one hook in!
Aoki is in rear mount over Cruz with one hook in
Aoki has one hook in and is trying to get the second one! If he succeed things are goint to get very bad for Cruz.
Nicely done! Aoki now has two hooks in! The end may be near!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Cruz is the winner of this round.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Shinya Aoki takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
The clock says 0:35 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Aoki's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz tries to escape from closed guard...
Aoki waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Dominick Cruz! He is reversed and nor Shinya Aoki is on half guard!
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.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Dominick Cruz's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Aoki breaks the closed guard of Dominick Cruz and moves to half guard
The clock says 1:20 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
The clock says 1:30 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
This match is even... This could go the distance.
Shinya Aoki isolates Dominick Cruz's right arm looking for an armbar...
You can see the pain reflected in Cruz's eyes...
That armbar looks tight...
You can see the pain reflected in Cruz's eyes...
Dominick Cruz manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki attempts a triangle from bottom! Dominick Cruz slips out. Aoki quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Dominick Cruz slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. 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 Ethias Arena (Hasselt, Belgium) are cheering for the fighters.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Dominick Cruz's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
Shinya Aoki tries to open Cruz's guard...
Cruz breaks the lock and covers himself from Aoki's punches
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
The clock says 2:25 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Cruz breaks free.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Dominick Cruz regains half guard.
The clock says 2:50 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Aoki and Cruz are at the same level nowadays... This match is very interesting because no one knows who will win.
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki tries to free his leg...
Cruz doesn't allow any movement here! He's cooling the fight 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.
The clock says 3:00 in the 5 round
A left hook from Cruz
falls short.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
A punch from Shinya Aoki
grazes Cruz's left cheek.
Good leg kicks from Shinya Aoki.
Dominick Cruz defends with ease.
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Aoki moves forward looking for some action
Shinya Aoki shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Dominick Cruz pushes away Aoki trying to keep the fight at striking range
Aoki doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Dominick Cruz
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki pushes away Cruz trying to keep the fight at striking range
Cruz stumbles backwards and Shinya Aoki circles to get the center of the cage
The clock says 3:50 in the 5 round
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Aoki sprawls and remains on his feet.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Aoki moves forward and holds Cruz
The fighters are clinching.
Shinya Aoki tries to pull guard on Dominick Cruz...
He manages to bring him to the ground in his guard.
The clock says 4:15 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz storms over Aoki with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Shinya Aoki blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Deep breaths from Dominick Cruz who tries a hammer punch to Aoki's ribs.
Aoki blocks those punches
The clock says 4:50 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dan Miragliotta separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
The round is for Cruz, who walks calmly to his corner.
Winner is Shinya Aoki by Split decision
Statistics: Shinya Aoki
Punches 3/8 (38%)
Kicks 0/3 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/4 (75%)
Takedowns 7/9 (78%)
GnP strikes 0/9 (0%)
Submissions 15/15 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Damage caused 1637,27
Clinch Damage 139,19
Ground Damage 829,67
Time on the ground 1088 s
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 2/19 (11%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/6 (0%)
Takedowns 8/10 (80%)
GnP strikes 17/80 (21%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Damage caused 744,66
Clinch Damage 0
Ground Damage 455,1
Time on the ground 1088 s
There it is, folks. That split decision you wanted. Despite Aoki doing more than twice as much damage as Cruz, one judge thinks Cruz won this fight. Therefore, we can all agree it was "close", which we could not have done had this been a unanimous decision, nor a draw, nor a majority decision, nor a majority draw.