Post by The Sandmen on Sept 13, 2013 19:16:40 GMT -5
Kazushi Sakuraba glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.
Luke Rockhold is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Sakuraba 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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Sakuraba and Rockhold move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rockhold launches a few hard punches to Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs!
Sakuraba struggles and protects himself.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Rockhold is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
The fighters are clinching.
Rockhold takes a break to breathe while holding Kazushi Sakuraba.
Herb Dean sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to bring the fight to the ground
Rockhold goes down.
Hard blow to Rockhold's mid-section, he seems hurt
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Rockhold rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Poorly executed technique. Luke Rockhold looks to counter!
Rockhold switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Sakuraba struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Luke Rockhold can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Rockhold measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Sakuraba's side.
The clock says 1:20 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Rockhold tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He succeeds!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to posture up and open Luke Rockhold's guard...
Luke Rockhold has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba struggles on the ground and tries to break Luke Rockhold's guard...
Rockhold doesn't want to free his opponent and Sakuraba continues in closed guard
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to pass Luke Rockhold's guard...
Luke Rockhold has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Arena Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia) is cheering him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Rockhold tries to show some ground skills
Luke Rockhold put Sakuraba in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg
Kazushi Sakuraba uses some of his skill by jumping out of Rockhold's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
The clock says 2:35 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Rockhold tries to show some ground skills
Luke Rockhold put Sakuraba in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Luke Rockhold attempts to move to full guard
Luke Rockhold manages to switch to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Rockhold is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Herb Dean has seen that!
Herb Dean takes away one point from Luke Rockhold for headbutt.
Herb Dean allows Sakuraba time to recover... 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 Arena Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:05 in the 1 round
Luke Rockhold shoots for a double leg takedown!
Kazushi Sakuraba sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Sakuraba goes to the body...
He punishes Rockhold's ribs with a couple of hooks.
Crushing shot to Rockhold's body! He's holding his side
Luke Rockhold fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Sakuraba blocks that. He made it look easy!
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba moves forward looking for some action
He surprises Rockhold with a double overhooks!
Luke Rockhold throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
Rockhold decides to launch some tentative punches
Kazushi Sakuraba takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
A right hand from Luke Rockhold
surprises Sakuraba!
Sakuraba's Nose is beginning to swell
Solid kick to the leg from Luke Rockhold
that visibly pains Sakuraba.
Luke Rockhold tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Rockhold struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
The clock says 4:30 in the 1 round
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba can't prevent his opponent from passing. Rockhold looks to work from half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Luke Rockhold keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is maybe for Luke Rockhold, but it's close.
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Round 2
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Luke Rockhold attempts a sweep single...
Luke Rockhold catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Rockhold.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is taking this opportunity to rest.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Rockhold struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Brutal-looking high kick from Kazushi Sakuraba!
You could hear the impact from the back seats!
Rockhold launches a furious hook!
That hits Sakuraba's chin like a wrecking ball! Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the mat.
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Rockhold decides to go after his opponent and jumps inside Sakuraba's guard.
Sakuraba did not see that coming! Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba now.
The clock says 1:15 in the 2 round
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Rockhold's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Rockhold tries to cover his face,
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Rockhold
He is not able to do it
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
The clock says 1:45 in the 2 round
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Rockhold blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to move on the ground and shows Luke Rockhold a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Sakuraba's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Herb Dean knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is taking this opportunity to rest.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Luke Rockhold breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Luke Rockhold tries to take advantage...
Rockhold moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba throws up a triangle attempt!
Luke Rockhold postures up and breaks the triangle.
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 Arena Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:40 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba paws at Rockhold.
Rockhold answers with solid punches!
Several good body shots
land on Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a middle kick
Rockhold blocks with his arm! Wow, that was loud!
Kazushi Sakuraba takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a low kick
that almost wrenches Rockhold's knee!
Kazushi Sakuraba takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
The clock says 3:40 in the 2 round
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Luke Rockhold launches a rapid series of punches
that glance off Sakuraba's arms.
A left hook from Sakuraba
falls short.
Rockhold tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a body shot
Rockhold evades.
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts a sweep single...
Kazushi Sakuraba catches Luke Rockhold's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Sakuraba.
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Rockhold tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Luke Rockhold in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Rockhold's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rockhold's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Sakuraba who is in full mount! Rockhold is in trouble now!
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Kazushi Sakuraba has to be confident that he won that round.
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Round 3
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Kazushi Sakuraba attempts a sweep single...
Kazushi Sakuraba catches Luke Rockhold's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Rockhold tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Sakuraba struggles and frees his leg!
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Rockhold's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Rockhold tries to cover his face,
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to free his leg
Kazushi Sakuraba moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Luke Rockhold is opening up on Sakuraba and raining down combinations!
Sakuraba's corner looks worried!
Solid low kick from Luke Rockhold.
Sakuraba deflects it.
Sakuraba decides to launch some tentative punches
Kazushi Sakuraba takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Middle kick from Sakuraba.
Rockhold receives a solid kick right below his ribs.
Rockhold tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Sakuraba moves backwards and circles around Luke Rockhold.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Luke Rockhold
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a knee towards Luke Rockhold's left tight
Rockhold struggles and blocks the impact.
The fighters are clinching.
Luke Rockhold slightly pushes Sakuraba into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
The referee intervenes to break the clinch.
Luke Rockhold tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba won't budge, forcing Rockhold to pull guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Rockhold tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
The clock says 2:35 in the 3 round
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Luke Rockhold in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Rockhold blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Luke Rockhold tries to take advantage...
Luke Rockhold tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries an armbar from the bottom!
Luke Rockhold breaks the lock and moves himself to side control.
Rockhold tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Luke Rockhold looks to posture up and open Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Rockhold is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
Sakuraba misses a step and Luke Rockhold sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rockhold measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Sakuraba blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Arena Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia) are cheering for the fighters.
Tremendous strikes from Sakuraba!
Some big punches are landing!
Rockhold has a small cut in his Chin
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Rockhold!
Nice move by Sakuraba who clinches and pushes Rockhold against the cage
The clock says 3:40 in the 3 round
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba tries to take Luke Rockhold to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Rockhold is with his back on the ground now.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish with a leg lock!
Rockhold is able to break the lock.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Luke Rockhold can't prevent his opponent from passing. Sakuraba looks to work from half guard.
The clock says 4:05 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Luke Rockhold gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rockhold's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Sakuraba who is in full mount! Rockhold is in trouble now!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba moves to better his position on the ground...
Kazushi Sakuraba viciously slams hammer blows to Rockhold's face!
Rockhold's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Kazushi Sakuraba controls the situation despite Luke Rockhold efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Not a desiderable position that Sakuraba is in now. Luke Rockhold is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Rockhold is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Sakuraba's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba works on the ground with his fingers over Rockhold's face
Rockhold shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
You have to give that round to Luke Rockhold.
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Round 4
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Kazushi Sakuraba is measuring Rockhold with his jab.
Good accuracy on his part.
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Luke Rockhold can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Luke Rockhold tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
The clock says 0:35 in the 4 round
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold launches a barrage of elbows over Sakuraba's face!
Kazushi Sakuraba blocks the elbows and tries to cool down the fight.
The clock says 0:45 in the 4 round
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
The fight is still up for grabs at this point.
Sakuraba moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Luke Rockhold breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Luke Rockhold to fight back!
Luke Rockhold tries to free his leg
Luke Rockhold uses some of his skill by jumping out of Sakuraba's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Luke Rockhold in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold pushes Sakuraba's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Sakuraba rolls and he's now on half guard over Luke Rockhold. Nice reversal.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Rockhold's face!
Rockhold has a small cut in his Forehead
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg
Kazushi Sakuraba uses some of his skill by jumping out of Rockhold's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
The clock says 2:05 in the 4 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Sakuraba is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Kazushi Sakuraba can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Sakuraba gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Luke Rockhold! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Luke Rockhold doesn't defend himself!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Rockhold breaks the lock showing some skills...
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Luke Rockhold to fight back!
Luke Rockhold tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Luke Rockhold gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Sakuraba's moves.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Deep breaths from Luke Rockhold who tries a hammer punch to Sakuraba's ribs.
Sakuraba blocks those punches
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Rockhold tries to stand up!
Sakuraba doesn't allow him!
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Arena Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia) are cheering for the fighters.
Brilliant combination from Luke Rockhold
that forces Sakuraba to try and defend better.
The clock says 3:10 in the 4 round
Rockhold launches a hook to the body
Kazushi Sakuraba moves aside looking for a counter...
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Solid low kick from Kazushi Sakuraba.
Rockhold deflects it.
Rockhold fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Kazushi Sakuraba didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
The clock says 3:25 in the 4 round
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Rockhold pulls his arm out of danger.
Sakuraba misses a step and Luke Rockhold sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rockhold tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Sakuraba from the side mount!
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Luke Rockhold slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
He successfully moves to half guard!
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Stand up! This is what Rockhold's cornermen are shouting. Kazushi Sakuraba is a submission master and he can finish the fight if you mess with him on the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Luke Rockhold in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Sakuraba from the side mount!
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Kazushi Sakuraba takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That round was a toss up.
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Round 5
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Luke Rockhold goes with a looping right hand while Kazushi Sakuraba jumps back and jabs
Sakuraba seems staggered and Luke Rockhold runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Sakuraba moves forward looking for some action
Kazushi Sakuraba shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rockhold doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rockhold forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Kazushi Sakuraba gets control of Luke Rockhold's neck and attempts a guillotine!
Luke Rockhold shakes him off and staves off danger.
The fighters are clinching.
Rockhold launches a few hard punches to Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs!
Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs shows the damage! Luke Rockhold is working his opponent ribs!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba tries to take Luke Rockhold down... Rockhold stumbles backwards and Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches...
Luke Rockhold dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Rockhold is trying to counter now!
Luke Rockhold fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Sakuraba's chin
Rockhold fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Kazushi Sakuraba didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
The clock says 1:25 in the 5 round
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold moves on the ground
Luke Rockhold moves to side mount
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Luke Rockhold in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Luke Rockhold in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba moves to half guard.
The clock says 2:00 in the 5 round
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Rockhold
He succeeds!
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Luke Rockhold fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Sakuraba from the side mount!
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Rockhold's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Rockhold blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba is a submission wizard. He has forgotten more BJJ than most fighters have learned.
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Luke Rockhold in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to half guard.
The clock says 3:10 in the 5 round
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Stand up! This is what Sakuraba's cornermen are shouting. Luke Rockhold is a submission master and he can finish the fight if you mess with him on the ground.
Luke Rockhold tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Rockhold's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Rockhold tries to cover his face,
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 3:35 in the 5 round
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to better his position on the ground...
Sakuraba holds Luke Rockhold's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Kazushi Sakuraba overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Rockhold pulls his arm out of danger.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Rockhold blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Sakuraba's guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Rockhold struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Luke Rockhold tries to take advantage...
Rockhold tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is moving on the ground...
Rockhold tries to counter Sakuraba's moves on the ground.
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Rockhold's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Kazushi Sakuraba work his BJJ game.
Luke Rockhold tries to turn away and scramble out. Kazushi Sakuraba takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke!
He can't lock it up. Luke Rockhold spins out and gets back to his feet.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Luke Rockhold to fight back!
Rockhold throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Kazushi Sakuraba realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. 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.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
Rockhold blocks and pushes his opponent.
Sakuraba misses a step and Luke Rockhold sees an opportunity to counter him!
Luke Rockhold has found an opening in the defense of Sakuraba, launching a big hook
Bang! That could break Sakuraba's ribs.
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Rockhold pushes his opponent and keep the fight at striking range
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That was a close round.
The fight ends in a draw between Kazushi Sakuraba and Luke Rockhold.
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 11/15 (73%)
Kicks 4/6 (67%)
Clinch strikes 0/6 (0%)
Takedowns 4/4 (100%)
GnP strikes 15/20 (75%)
Submissions 18/18 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 952 s
Statistics: Luke Rockhold
Punches 23/43 (53%)
Kicks 1/2 (50%)
Clinch strikes 4/9 (44%)
Takedowns 5/7 (71%)
GnP strikes 3/11 (27%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 940 s
...awesome. Look forward to cleaning up this mess at the next event.
Luke Rockhold is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Sakuraba is the fighter that will win today if we pay attention to the bets.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Sakuraba and Rockhold move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rockhold launches a few hard punches to Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs!
Sakuraba struggles and protects himself.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Rockhold is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
The fighters are clinching.
Rockhold takes a break to breathe while holding Kazushi Sakuraba.
Herb Dean sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to bring the fight to the ground
Rockhold goes down.
Hard blow to Rockhold's mid-section, he seems hurt
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Rockhold rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Poorly executed technique. Luke Rockhold looks to counter!
Rockhold switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Sakuraba struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Luke Rockhold can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Rockhold measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Sakuraba's side.
The clock says 1:20 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Rockhold tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He succeeds!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to posture up and open Luke Rockhold's guard...
Luke Rockhold has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba struggles on the ground and tries to break Luke Rockhold's guard...
Rockhold doesn't want to free his opponent and Sakuraba continues in closed guard
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to pass Luke Rockhold's guard...
Luke Rockhold has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Arena Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia) is cheering him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Rockhold tries to show some ground skills
Luke Rockhold put Sakuraba in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg
Kazushi Sakuraba uses some of his skill by jumping out of Rockhold's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
The clock says 2:35 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Rockhold tries to show some ground skills
Luke Rockhold put Sakuraba in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Luke Rockhold attempts to move to full guard
Luke Rockhold manages to switch to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Rockhold is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Herb Dean has seen that!
Herb Dean takes away one point from Luke Rockhold for headbutt.
Herb Dean allows Sakuraba time to recover... 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 Arena Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:05 in the 1 round
Luke Rockhold shoots for a double leg takedown!
Kazushi Sakuraba sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Sakuraba goes to the body...
He punishes Rockhold's ribs with a couple of hooks.
Crushing shot to Rockhold's body! He's holding his side
Luke Rockhold fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Sakuraba blocks that. He made it look easy!
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba moves forward looking for some action
He surprises Rockhold with a double overhooks!
Luke Rockhold throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
Rockhold decides to launch some tentative punches
Kazushi Sakuraba takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
A right hand from Luke Rockhold
surprises Sakuraba!
Sakuraba's Nose is beginning to swell
Solid kick to the leg from Luke Rockhold
that visibly pains Sakuraba.
Luke Rockhold tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Rockhold struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
The clock says 4:30 in the 1 round
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba can't prevent his opponent from passing. Rockhold looks to work from half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Luke Rockhold keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is maybe for Luke Rockhold, but it's close.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Luke Rockhold attempts a sweep single...
Luke Rockhold catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Rockhold.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is taking this opportunity to rest.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Rockhold struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Brutal-looking high kick from Kazushi Sakuraba!
You could hear the impact from the back seats!
Rockhold launches a furious hook!
That hits Sakuraba's chin like a wrecking ball! Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the mat.
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Rockhold decides to go after his opponent and jumps inside Sakuraba's guard.
Sakuraba did not see that coming! Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba now.
The clock says 1:15 in the 2 round
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Rockhold's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Rockhold tries to cover his face,
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Rockhold
He is not able to do it
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
The clock says 1:45 in the 2 round
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Rockhold blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to move on the ground and shows Luke Rockhold a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Sakuraba's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Herb Dean knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is taking this opportunity to rest.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Luke Rockhold breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Luke Rockhold tries to take advantage...
Rockhold moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba throws up a triangle attempt!
Luke Rockhold postures up and breaks the triangle.
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 Arena Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:40 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba paws at Rockhold.
Rockhold answers with solid punches!
Several good body shots
land on Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a middle kick
Rockhold blocks with his arm! Wow, that was loud!
Kazushi Sakuraba takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a low kick
that almost wrenches Rockhold's knee!
Kazushi Sakuraba takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
The clock says 3:40 in the 2 round
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Luke Rockhold launches a rapid series of punches
that glance off Sakuraba's arms.
A left hook from Sakuraba
falls short.
Rockhold tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a body shot
Rockhold evades.
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts a sweep single...
Kazushi Sakuraba catches Luke Rockhold's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Sakuraba.
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Rockhold tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Luke Rockhold in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Rockhold's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rockhold's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Sakuraba who is in full mount! Rockhold is in trouble now!
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Kazushi Sakuraba has to be confident that he won that round.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts a sweep single...
Kazushi Sakuraba catches Luke Rockhold's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Rockhold tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Sakuraba struggles and frees his leg!
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Rockhold's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Rockhold tries to cover his face,
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to free his leg
Kazushi Sakuraba moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Luke Rockhold is opening up on Sakuraba and raining down combinations!
Sakuraba's corner looks worried!
Solid low kick from Luke Rockhold.
Sakuraba deflects it.
Sakuraba decides to launch some tentative punches
Kazushi Sakuraba takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Middle kick from Sakuraba.
Rockhold receives a solid kick right below his ribs.
Rockhold tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Sakuraba moves backwards and circles around Luke Rockhold.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Luke Rockhold
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a knee towards Luke Rockhold's left tight
Rockhold struggles and blocks the impact.
The fighters are clinching.
Luke Rockhold slightly pushes Sakuraba into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
The referee intervenes to break the clinch.
Luke Rockhold tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba won't budge, forcing Rockhold to pull guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Rockhold tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
The clock says 2:35 in the 3 round
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Luke Rockhold in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Rockhold blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Luke Rockhold tries to take advantage...
Luke Rockhold tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries an armbar from the bottom!
Luke Rockhold breaks the lock and moves himself to side control.
Rockhold tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Luke Rockhold looks to posture up and open Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Rockhold is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
Sakuraba misses a step and Luke Rockhold sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rockhold measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Sakuraba blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Arena Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia) are cheering for the fighters.
Tremendous strikes from Sakuraba!
Some big punches are landing!
Rockhold has a small cut in his Chin
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Rockhold!
Nice move by Sakuraba who clinches and pushes Rockhold against the cage
The clock says 3:40 in the 3 round
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba tries to take Luke Rockhold to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Rockhold is with his back on the ground now.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish with a leg lock!
Rockhold is able to break the lock.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Luke Rockhold can't prevent his opponent from passing. Sakuraba looks to work from half guard.
The clock says 4:05 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Luke Rockhold gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rockhold's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Sakuraba who is in full mount! Rockhold is in trouble now!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba moves to better his position on the ground...
Kazushi Sakuraba viciously slams hammer blows to Rockhold's face!
Rockhold's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Kazushi Sakuraba controls the situation despite Luke Rockhold efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Not a desiderable position that Sakuraba is in now. Luke Rockhold is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Rockhold is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Sakuraba's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba works on the ground with his fingers over Rockhold's face
Rockhold shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
You have to give that round to Luke Rockhold.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Kazushi Sakuraba is measuring Rockhold with his jab.
Good accuracy on his part.
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Luke Rockhold can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Luke Rockhold tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
The clock says 0:35 in the 4 round
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold launches a barrage of elbows over Sakuraba's face!
Kazushi Sakuraba blocks the elbows and tries to cool down the fight.
The clock says 0:45 in the 4 round
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
The fight is still up for grabs at this point.
Sakuraba moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Luke Rockhold breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Luke Rockhold to fight back!
Luke Rockhold tries to free his leg
Luke Rockhold uses some of his skill by jumping out of Sakuraba's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Luke Rockhold in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold pushes Sakuraba's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Sakuraba rolls and he's now on half guard over Luke Rockhold. Nice reversal.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Rockhold's face!
Rockhold has a small cut in his Forehead
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg
Kazushi Sakuraba uses some of his skill by jumping out of Rockhold's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
The clock says 2:05 in the 4 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Sakuraba is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Kazushi Sakuraba can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Sakuraba gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Luke Rockhold! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Luke Rockhold doesn't defend himself!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Rockhold breaks the lock showing some skills...
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Luke Rockhold to fight back!
Luke Rockhold tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Luke Rockhold gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Sakuraba's moves.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Deep breaths from Luke Rockhold who tries a hammer punch to Sakuraba's ribs.
Sakuraba blocks those punches
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Rockhold tries to stand up!
Sakuraba doesn't allow him!
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Arena Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia) are cheering for the fighters.
Brilliant combination from Luke Rockhold
that forces Sakuraba to try and defend better.
The clock says 3:10 in the 4 round
Rockhold launches a hook to the body
Kazushi Sakuraba moves aside looking for a counter...
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Solid low kick from Kazushi Sakuraba.
Rockhold deflects it.
Rockhold fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Kazushi Sakuraba didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
The clock says 3:25 in the 4 round
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Rockhold pulls his arm out of danger.
Sakuraba misses a step and Luke Rockhold sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rockhold tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Sakuraba from the side mount!
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Luke Rockhold slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
He successfully moves to half guard!
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Stand up! This is what Rockhold's cornermen are shouting. Kazushi Sakuraba is a submission master and he can finish the fight if you mess with him on the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Luke Rockhold in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Sakuraba from the side mount!
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Kazushi Sakuraba takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That round was a toss up.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Luke Rockhold goes with a looping right hand while Kazushi Sakuraba jumps back and jabs
Sakuraba seems staggered and Luke Rockhold runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Sakuraba moves forward looking for some action
Kazushi Sakuraba shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rockhold doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rockhold forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Kazushi Sakuraba gets control of Luke Rockhold's neck and attempts a guillotine!
Luke Rockhold shakes him off and staves off danger.
The fighters are clinching.
Rockhold launches a few hard punches to Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs!
Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs shows the damage! Luke Rockhold is working his opponent ribs!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba tries to take Luke Rockhold down... Rockhold stumbles backwards and Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches...
Luke Rockhold dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Rockhold is trying to counter now!
Luke Rockhold fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Sakuraba's chin
Rockhold fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Kazushi Sakuraba didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
The clock says 1:25 in the 5 round
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold moves on the ground
Luke Rockhold moves to side mount
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Luke Rockhold in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Luke Rockhold in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba moves to half guard.
The clock says 2:00 in the 5 round
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Rockhold
He succeeds!
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Luke Rockhold fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Sakuraba from the side mount!
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Rockhold's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Rockhold blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba is a submission wizard. He has forgotten more BJJ than most fighters have learned.
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Luke Rockhold in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to half guard.
The clock says 3:10 in the 5 round
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Stand up! This is what Sakuraba's cornermen are shouting. Luke Rockhold is a submission master and he can finish the fight if you mess with him on the ground.
Luke Rockhold tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Rockhold's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Rockhold tries to cover his face,
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 3:35 in the 5 round
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to better his position on the ground...
Sakuraba holds Luke Rockhold's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Kazushi Sakuraba overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Rockhold pulls his arm out of danger.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Rockhold blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Sakuraba's guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Rockhold struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Luke Rockhold tries to take advantage...
Rockhold tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is moving on the ground...
Rockhold tries to counter Sakuraba's moves on the ground.
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Luke Rockhold is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Rockhold's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Kazushi Sakuraba work his BJJ game.
Luke Rockhold tries to turn away and scramble out. Kazushi Sakuraba takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke!
He can't lock it up. Luke Rockhold spins out and gets back to his feet.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Luke Rockhold to fight back!
Rockhold throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Kazushi Sakuraba realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. 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.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
Rockhold blocks and pushes his opponent.
Sakuraba misses a step and Luke Rockhold sees an opportunity to counter him!
Luke Rockhold has found an opening in the defense of Sakuraba, launching a big hook
Bang! That could break Sakuraba's ribs.
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Rockhold pushes his opponent and keep the fight at striking range
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That was a close round.
The fight ends in a draw between Kazushi Sakuraba and Luke Rockhold.
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 11/15 (73%)
Kicks 4/6 (67%)
Clinch strikes 0/6 (0%)
Takedowns 4/4 (100%)
GnP strikes 15/20 (75%)
Submissions 18/18 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 952 s
Statistics: Luke Rockhold
Punches 23/43 (53%)
Kicks 1/2 (50%)
Clinch strikes 4/9 (44%)
Takedowns 5/7 (71%)
GnP strikes 3/11 (27%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 940 s
...awesome. Look forward to cleaning up this mess at the next event.