Post by The Sandmen on Sept 18, 2013 2:45:58 GMT -5
Royce Gracie looks like he has been waiting for this fight forever.
Rich Franklin looks like he has been waiting for this fight forever.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Franklin is the fighter that will win today if we pay attention to the bets.
The referee of the bout is Mario Yamasaki.
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Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
Franklin throws a one-two combo then fakes a move to fire a big right hand on the chin!
The strikes hit home!
Royce throws a one-two combo then fakes a move to fire a big right hand on the chin!
The strikes hit home!
Royce leads with a punch
Rich Franklin avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut!
Brilliant combination from Rich Franklin
that forces Royce to try and defend better.
Royce's Mouth is beginning to swell
Royce has a small cut in his Mouth
Brilliant combination from Royce Gracie
Franklin is showing some dodging skills avoiding that ones.
Crisp uppercut by Franklin followed by a hard jab
Royce deflects the blows.
Royce tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Royce jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Royce Gracie pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Royce doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rich Franklin embrace and tries to move away...
Rich Franklin pushes Royce forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The clock says 1:20 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Royce doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rich Franklin embrace and tries to move away...
Rich Franklin pushes Royce forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Royce clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Rich Franklin locks up a guillotine and tries to pull guard...
Royce Gracie slips his head out and ends up in Rich Franklin's guard.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Royce Gracie cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Royce is moving on the ground...
Franklin tries to counter Royce's moves on the ground.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Rich Franklin attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Royce Gracie keeps control and remains in side mount.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Royce Gracie looks to mount Rich Franklin...
Royce Gracie slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Royce tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Franklin struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Royce tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Franklin struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Poorly executed technique. Rich Franklin looks to counter!
Franklin launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Royce's ribs.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Royce blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin tries to roll to his side and trap Royce Gracie in his guard...
Rich Franklin gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
The clock says 2:50 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
He successfully moves to half guard!
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Royce tries to cover his face,
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Franklin
Royce Gracie hooks Franklin's left leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Rich Franklin manages to kick Royce away and scrambles on top!
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Royce
Royce tries to close his guard around Franklin
He succeeds!
The clock says 3:50 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Royce
Rich Franklin is looking to pass Royce Gracie's guard...
Rich Franklin gets his hips free and moves to half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Royce
Rich Franklin pushes Royce's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Franklin who is in full mount! Royce is in trouble now!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Franklin blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Royce clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Rich Franklin fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Royce's face!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Royce Gracie. 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 Shanghai Arena (Shanghai, China) are cheering for the fighters.
Surprise roundhouse punch by Franklin.
It looks like Royce was hit by a bus!
The clock says 4:40 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin moves forward looking for some grappling action
Franklin has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Royce Gracie pushes away Franklin trying to keep the fight at striking range
Franklin doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Royce Gracie
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Royce takes a break to breathe while holding Rich Franklin.
Mario Yamasaki separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
Mario Yamasaki tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That was a close round.
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Round 2
=========================================
Quick hook by Rich Franklin
glances off Royce's arms.
Franklin misses a step and Royce Gracie sees an opportunity to counter him!
Royce is holding Rich Franklin's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Rich Franklin manages to switch to half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin attempts to move to full guard
Rich Franklin manages to switch to full guard.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Royce tries to cover his face,
Royce's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
There is a small laceration on Royce Gracie's Left cheek
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Franklin
Royce Gracie looks to posture up and open Rich Franklin's guard...
Royce Gracie forces Rich Franklin to open his guard.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Franklin
Royce Gracie tries to pass to half guard...
Rich Franklin's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Franklin
Royce Gracie looks to posture up and open Rich Franklin's guard...
Royce Gracie forces Rich Franklin to open his guard.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Royce can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Royce moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Royce misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Franklin measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Franklin
Royce is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Royce Gracie!
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie tries to roll to his side and trap Rich Franklin in his guard...
Royce Gracie gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Rich Franklin moves to better his position on the ground...
Rich Franklin wraps his arms around his opponents' and tries to switch positions
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Royce Gracie tries a kimura
Franklin breaks the lock.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Rich Franklin attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Royce Gracie keeps control and remains in side mount.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Franklin measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Royce blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Rich Franklin gets sloppy and Royce Gracie tries to take advantage...
Royce tries to move to full mount!
Franklin won't allow him to take this position easily.
Mario Yamasaki 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 clock says 2:40 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin leans forwards and tries to grapple with Royce
Franklin shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin takes a break to breathe while holding Royce Gracie.
Mario Yamasaki separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
A right hand from Royce Gracie
makes Franklin stumble back!
Franklin's Right cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Rich Franklin moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense.
Franklin and Royce circle around the center of the cage.
Royce Gracie tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Franklin is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Franklin
Royce use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Rich Franklin holds Royce Gracie and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Royce misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Royce is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Royce Gracie!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Rich Franklin throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Royce breaks the lock showing some skills...
The clock says 4:05 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Rich Franklin tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Royce is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce tries to escape from the full mount...
Rich Franklin is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Rich Franklin looks to pass to mount...
Franklin slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Royce Gracie.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Franklin tries to open up Royce with a few strikes with his right elbow...
Some nice shots are landing and Royce is trying to block them with his hands...
Royce's Right eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Franklin cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Royce can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Royce is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Rich Franklin pushes Royce Gracie down and prevents his attempts to escape
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
Royce Gracie tries to roll to his side and trap Rich Franklin in his guard...
Rich Franklin keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Mario Yamasaki tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That round was a toss up.
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Round 3
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Some counter punches against Rich Franklin
almost hit him as he moves away.
Royce Gracie gets sloppy and Rich Franklin tries to take advantage...
Franklin is swinging for the fences!
A hit that almost breaks Royce's jaw!
There is a small laceration on Royce Gracie's Right cheek
Franklin avoids a dangerous strike from Royce
and counters with a solid straight!
Rich Franklin throws a looping right hand...
That lands on Royce's chin! That stops Royce in his tracks!
Royce's Left eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Franklin leads with a punch
Royce Gracie evades but whiffs with a counter.
Royce Gracie tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Rich Franklin jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Royce misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Franklin wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Franklin moves forward and holds Royce
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Royce Gracie tries for a takedown but can't get it. He decides to pull guard instead...
Royce Gracie wraps him up tight and pulls him into his guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Royce
Royce Gracie overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Franklin pulls his arm out of danger.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Royce
Franklin tries to escape from the closed guard
Franklin succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe
The clock says 1:35 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Royce
Franklin launches a barrage of elbows over Royce's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Royce doesn't fight back!
Royce's Right cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Royce
Royce tries to close his guard around Franklin
He is not able to do it
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Royce
Royce tries to close his guard around Franklin
He is not able to do it
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Royce
Royce Gracie 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 Franklin's moves.
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Royce
Royce switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Franklin struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Poorly executed technique. Rich Franklin looks to counter!
Rich Franklin tries to pass to half guard...
Royce Gracie can't prevent his opponent from passing. Franklin looks to work from half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Royce
Royce doesn't stop bleeding.
Franklin tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Rich Franklin keeps control and remains in side mount.
Mario Yamasaki 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 two exchange wildly
Franklin is connecting with a few punches
Rich Franklin tries a high kick!
Royce was covering for a middle kick but that one almost knocked off his head!
Royce has a small cut in his Left cheek
Royce Gracie is a bloody mess!
Rich Franklin tries a hook to the body
and hits Royce ribs hard
The clock says 3:25 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin and Royce engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Rich Franklin is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
The two exchange wildly
Franklin is connecting with a few punches
Royce Gracie tries a hook to the body
but Franklin manages to dodge it
Royce Gracie gets sloppy and Rich Franklin tries to take advantage...
Rich Franklin moves forward looking for some grappling action
Franklin has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Royce Gracie's corner is turning out to be his worst enemy! Franklin is throwing a flurry of punches!
Royce Gracie just can't get away!
Royce doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rich Franklin embrace and tries to move away...
Rich Franklin pushes Royce forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Royce seems a bit groggy... his movements are not very coordinated now.
The clock says 4:05 in the 3 round
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin slightly pushes Royce into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
Mario Yamasaki sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Royce follows Rich Franklin
only to get counter punched in a big way! Royce needs to stop playing Rich Franklin's game or he'll get knocked out!
Down Royce goes! He's out cold! That phenomenal knock out has put the rest of Rich Franklin's divison on notice!
Royce's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Winner is Rich Franklin by KO (Punch) at 4:23 Round 3
Statistics: Royce Gracie
Punches 2/14 (14%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)
Takedowns 2/3 (67%)
GnP strikes 0/2 (0%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 516 s
Statistics: Rich Franklin
Punches 22/29 (76%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 3/5 (60%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 20/34 (59%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 516 s
Royce has some really good pieces, and I think given the right treatment he will be a star soon. That said, these were Franklin's riches to attain. Whatever that means.
Rich Franklin looks like he has been waiting for this fight forever.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Franklin is the fighter that will win today if we pay attention to the bets.
The referee of the bout is Mario Yamasaki.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
Franklin throws a one-two combo then fakes a move to fire a big right hand on the chin!
The strikes hit home!
Royce throws a one-two combo then fakes a move to fire a big right hand on the chin!
The strikes hit home!
Royce leads with a punch
Rich Franklin avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut!
Brilliant combination from Rich Franklin
that forces Royce to try and defend better.
Royce's Mouth is beginning to swell
Royce has a small cut in his Mouth
Brilliant combination from Royce Gracie
Franklin is showing some dodging skills avoiding that ones.
Crisp uppercut by Franklin followed by a hard jab
Royce deflects the blows.
Royce tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Royce jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Royce Gracie pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Royce doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rich Franklin embrace and tries to move away...
Rich Franklin pushes Royce forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The clock says 1:20 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Royce doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rich Franklin embrace and tries to move away...
Rich Franklin pushes Royce forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Royce clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Rich Franklin locks up a guillotine and tries to pull guard...
Royce Gracie slips his head out and ends up in Rich Franklin's guard.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Royce Gracie cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Royce is moving on the ground...
Franklin tries to counter Royce's moves on the ground.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Rich Franklin attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Royce Gracie keeps control and remains in side mount.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Royce Gracie looks to mount Rich Franklin...
Royce Gracie slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Royce tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Franklin struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Royce tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Franklin struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Poorly executed technique. Rich Franklin looks to counter!
Franklin launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Royce's ribs.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Royce blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin tries to roll to his side and trap Royce Gracie in his guard...
Rich Franklin gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
The clock says 2:50 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
He successfully moves to half guard!
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Royce tries to cover his face,
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Franklin
Royce Gracie hooks Franklin's left leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Rich Franklin manages to kick Royce away and scrambles on top!
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Royce
Royce tries to close his guard around Franklin
He succeeds!
The clock says 3:50 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Royce
Rich Franklin is looking to pass Royce Gracie's guard...
Rich Franklin gets his hips free and moves to half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Royce
Rich Franklin pushes Royce's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Franklin who is in full mount! Royce is in trouble now!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Franklin blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Royce clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Rich Franklin fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Royce's face!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Royce Gracie. 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 Shanghai Arena (Shanghai, China) are cheering for the fighters.
Surprise roundhouse punch by Franklin.
It looks like Royce was hit by a bus!
The clock says 4:40 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin moves forward looking for some grappling action
Franklin has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Royce Gracie pushes away Franklin trying to keep the fight at striking range
Franklin doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Royce Gracie
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Royce takes a break to breathe while holding Rich Franklin.
Mario Yamasaki separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
Mario Yamasaki tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That was a close round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Quick hook by Rich Franklin
glances off Royce's arms.
Franklin misses a step and Royce Gracie sees an opportunity to counter him!
Royce is holding Rich Franklin's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Rich Franklin manages to switch to half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin attempts to move to full guard
Rich Franklin manages to switch to full guard.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Royce tries to cover his face,
Royce's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
There is a small laceration on Royce Gracie's Left cheek
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Franklin
Royce Gracie looks to posture up and open Rich Franklin's guard...
Royce Gracie forces Rich Franklin to open his guard.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Franklin
Royce Gracie tries to pass to half guard...
Rich Franklin's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Franklin
Royce Gracie looks to posture up and open Rich Franklin's guard...
Royce Gracie forces Rich Franklin to open his guard.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Royce can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Royce moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Royce misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Franklin measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Franklin
Royce is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Royce Gracie!
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie tries to roll to his side and trap Rich Franklin in his guard...
Royce Gracie gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Rich Franklin moves to better his position on the ground...
Rich Franklin wraps his arms around his opponents' and tries to switch positions
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Royce Gracie tries a kimura
Franklin breaks the lock.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Rich Franklin attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Royce Gracie keeps control and remains in side mount.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Franklin measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Royce blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Rich Franklin gets sloppy and Royce Gracie tries to take advantage...
Royce tries to move to full mount!
Franklin won't allow him to take this position easily.
Mario Yamasaki 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 clock says 2:40 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin leans forwards and tries to grapple with Royce
Franklin shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin takes a break to breathe while holding Royce Gracie.
Mario Yamasaki separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
A right hand from Royce Gracie
makes Franklin stumble back!
Franklin's Right cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Rich Franklin moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense.
Franklin and Royce circle around the center of the cage.
Royce Gracie tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Franklin is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Franklin
Royce use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Rich Franklin holds Royce Gracie and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Royce misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Royce is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Royce Gracie!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Rich Franklin throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Royce breaks the lock showing some skills...
The clock says 4:05 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Rich Franklin tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Royce is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce tries to escape from the full mount...
Rich Franklin is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Rich Franklin looks to pass to mount...
Franklin slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Royce Gracie.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Franklin tries to open up Royce with a few strikes with his right elbow...
Some nice shots are landing and Royce is trying to block them with his hands...
Royce's Right eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Franklin cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Royce can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Royce is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Rich Franklin pushes Royce Gracie down and prevents his attempts to escape
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
Royce Gracie tries to roll to his side and trap Rich Franklin in his guard...
Rich Franklin keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Mario Yamasaki tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That round was a toss up.
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Round 3
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The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Some counter punches against Rich Franklin
almost hit him as he moves away.
Royce Gracie gets sloppy and Rich Franklin tries to take advantage...
Franklin is swinging for the fences!
A hit that almost breaks Royce's jaw!
There is a small laceration on Royce Gracie's Right cheek
Franklin avoids a dangerous strike from Royce
and counters with a solid straight!
Rich Franklin throws a looping right hand...
That lands on Royce's chin! That stops Royce in his tracks!
Royce's Left eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Franklin leads with a punch
Royce Gracie evades but whiffs with a counter.
Royce Gracie tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Rich Franklin jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Royce misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Franklin wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Franklin moves forward and holds Royce
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Royce Gracie tries for a takedown but can't get it. He decides to pull guard instead...
Royce Gracie wraps him up tight and pulls him into his guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Royce
Royce Gracie overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Franklin pulls his arm out of danger.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Royce
Franklin tries to escape from the closed guard
Franklin succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe
The clock says 1:35 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Royce
Franklin launches a barrage of elbows over Royce's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Royce doesn't fight back!
Royce's Right cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Royce
Royce tries to close his guard around Franklin
He is not able to do it
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Royce
Royce tries to close his guard around Franklin
He is not able to do it
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Royce
Royce Gracie 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 Franklin's moves.
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Royce
Royce switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Franklin struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Poorly executed technique. Rich Franklin looks to counter!
Rich Franklin tries to pass to half guard...
Royce Gracie can't prevent his opponent from passing. Franklin looks to work from half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Royce
Royce doesn't stop bleeding.
Franklin tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Rich Franklin keeps control and remains in side mount.
Mario Yamasaki 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 two exchange wildly
Franklin is connecting with a few punches
Rich Franklin tries a high kick!
Royce was covering for a middle kick but that one almost knocked off his head!
Royce has a small cut in his Left cheek
Royce Gracie is a bloody mess!
Rich Franklin tries a hook to the body
and hits Royce ribs hard
The clock says 3:25 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin and Royce engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Rich Franklin is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
The two exchange wildly
Franklin is connecting with a few punches
Royce Gracie tries a hook to the body
but Franklin manages to dodge it
Royce Gracie gets sloppy and Rich Franklin tries to take advantage...
Rich Franklin moves forward looking for some grappling action
Franklin has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Royce Gracie's corner is turning out to be his worst enemy! Franklin is throwing a flurry of punches!
Royce Gracie just can't get away!
Royce doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rich Franklin embrace and tries to move away...
Rich Franklin pushes Royce forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Royce seems a bit groggy... his movements are not very coordinated now.
The clock says 4:05 in the 3 round
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin slightly pushes Royce into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
Mario Yamasaki sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Royce follows Rich Franklin
only to get counter punched in a big way! Royce needs to stop playing Rich Franklin's game or he'll get knocked out!
Down Royce goes! He's out cold! That phenomenal knock out has put the rest of Rich Franklin's divison on notice!
Royce's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Winner is Rich Franklin by KO (Punch) at 4:23 Round 3
Statistics: Royce Gracie
Punches 2/14 (14%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)
Takedowns 2/3 (67%)
GnP strikes 0/2 (0%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 516 s
Statistics: Rich Franklin
Punches 22/29 (76%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 3/5 (60%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 20/34 (59%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 516 s
Royce has some really good pieces, and I think given the right treatment he will be a star soon. That said, these were Franklin's riches to attain. Whatever that means.