Post by The Sandmen on Nov 19, 2013 18:31:39 GMT -5
Diego Sanchez looks like he has been waiting for this fight forever.
Dominick Cruz doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
A pretty fair match today. I can't say who will be the one who will be raising his fist after the match.
The referee of the bout is John McCarthy.
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Round 1
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The fight gets underway.
Cruz launches a furious low kick!
Diego receives a hard blow on his left leg!
Diego moves forward and tries a Superman punch!
Bang! That crushes Cruz's face and maybe his hopes of winning this fight too!
Dominick Cruz fakes a punch and launches himself over Diego Sanchez
Great move by Cruz who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz tries to take Diego Sanchez down... Diego stumbles backwards and Dominick Cruz launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Diego's jaw!
Diego's Chin is beginning to swell
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz struggles and launches a few punches to Diego's head
Those punches are hitting! Diego covers his head!
Diego doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Dominick Cruz embrace and tries to move away...
Dominick Cruz pushes Diego forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Diego Sanchez postures up and launches another series of punches!
A lot of them are hitting Cruz hard, who may be wondering how to scape from this!
Crushing shot to Cruz's body! He's holding his side
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Dominick Cruz pushes away Diego trying to keep the fight at striking range
Diego doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Dominick Cruz
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz struggles and launches a few punches to Diego's head
Those punches are hitting! Diego covers his head!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz pushes away Diego trying to keep the fight at striking range
Diego stumbles backwards and Dominick Cruz circles to get the center of the cage
Tremendous strikes from Cruz!
Diego blocks with confidence
Diego tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz launches a kick
but Diego Sanchez avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook!
Cruz's Right cheek is beginning to swell
1:47 Round 1 and Cruz is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Diego leads with a punch
Dominick Cruz evades but whiffs with a counter.
Diego Sanchez paws at Cruz.
Cruz swings ineffectively.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Diego Sanchez tries to take advantage...
Diego Sanchez tries a hook to the body
and hits Cruz ribs hard
Diego moves backwards and Dominick Cruz is asking him if he came today for fighting or running.
Diego Sanchez fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Cruz blocks that. He made it look easy!
Some nice shots from Diego Sanchez
that stun Cruz.
Diego looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Dominick Cruz's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
Diego Sanchez closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Diego moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Dominick Cruz checks the kick.
Dominick Cruz attempts to cut off Diego with punches
Diego reels from the strikes.
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Diego Sanchez can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Diego and Cruz circle around the center of the cage.
The clock says 3:10 in the 1 round
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Diego jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Diego Sanchez pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Diego is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Diego is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Diego Sanchez grapple with Dominick Cruz and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
nice takedown Diego Sanchez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Diego Sanchez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Diego tries to move to full mount!
Cruz won't allow him to take this position easily.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Diego Sanchez in his guard.
Diego Sanchez keeps control and remains in side mount.
Diego Sanchez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Diego Sanchez tries a kimura
Cruz breaks the lock.
Diego Sanchez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Diego Sanchez in his guard.
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to full guard.
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Diego 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 Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland, Ohio) is cheering him!
Diego Sanchez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Diego Sanchez isolates Dominick Cruz's left arm looking for an armbar...
Dominick Cruz manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Diego Sanchez lost his dominant position.
The clock says 4:55 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Cruz tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I don't think either fighter got the better of their opponent that round.
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Round 2
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The clock says 0:10 in the 2 round
The two exchange wildly
Diego is connecting with a few punches
Diego Sanchez tries to bring the fight to the ground
Cruz goes down.
Diego Sanchez is in open guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Diego's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Diego tries to cover his face,
Diego Sanchez is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Diego
He succeeds!
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Diego is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Diego Sanchez!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Diego Sanchez
Diego Sanchez launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Cruz tries to cover his face,
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Diego Sanchez
Diego is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Diego Sanchez tries to roll on the ground...
He makes a reversal!
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Diego is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Diego Sanchez uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Cruz misses a step and Diego Sanchez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Diego tries to open up Dominick Cruz's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Cruz in the side of the head
Cruz's Forehead is beginning to swell
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz is cooling the fight on the ground
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz is taking this opportunity to rest.
The clock says 1:50 in the 2 round
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Diego is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Diego Sanchez!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Diego Sanchez
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Diego struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
John McCarthy 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 2:10 in the 2 round
Cruz pushes Diego Sanchez and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Diego decides to launch some tentative punches
Nothing from this exchange. Diego moves back and takes a deep breath.
Lightning fast low kick from Diego!
Cruz blocks that kick with his leg.
Diego Sanchez gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Dominick Cruz has found an opening in the defense of Diego, launching a big hook
Bang! That could break Diego's ribs.
Cruz moves forward looking for some action
He surprises Diego with a double overhooks!
Dominick Cruz launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Diego blocks and tries to circle around his opponent looking for angles.
The two exchange wildly
Cruz is connecting with a few punches
Diego has a small cut in his Right cheek
Some counter punches against Dominick Cruz
land while he's on his bicycle.
Cruz's Mouth is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 3:35 in the 2 round
Superb haymaker by Diego
that lands on Cruz's face like a cannon ball!
Diego Sanchez throws a combo
Cruz punches back but nobody connects.
Cruz misses a step and Diego Sanchez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Diego Sanchez throws a looping right hand...
That lands on Cruz's chin! That stops Cruz in his tracks!
Diego Sanchez launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Cruz blocks and tries to circle around his opponent looking for angles.
Diego throws a hook
that hits its mark.
Cruz's Nose is beginning to swell
Cruz wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Diego wants nothing of that and pushes Cruz.
The clock says 4:25 in the 2 round
Diego launches a furious low kick!
Cruz blocks.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz goes to the body...
his punches graze Diego's arm.
Diego Sanchez has found an opening in the defense of Cruz, launching a big hook
Dominick Cruz steps backwards and avoids that hook!
The clock says 4:45 in the 2 round
Diego Sanchez throws an uppercut
Cruz slips it.
Diego Sanchez gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Dominick Cruz
The clock says 4:55 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Dominick Cruz positions himself and launches a barrage of punches.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount and his punches are hitting hard Diego's abdomen
John McCarthy tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is clearly for Dominick Cruz.
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Round 3
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Cruz throws a body kick.
Blocked by Diego.
Dominick Cruz fakes a punch and launches himself over Diego Sanchez
Great move by Cruz who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz grapple with Diego Sanchez and tries a Inner leg Sweep
Diego Sanchez managed to maintain his balances and move away from Cruz
Dominick Cruz circles around Diego
Cruz throws a low kick
Diego Sanchez blocks.
Poorly executed technique. Diego Sanchez looks to counter!
Solid shot from Diego Sanchez to the body.
Cruz didn't like that.
Cruz is holding Diego Sanchez's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Diego Sanchez shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Cruz launches a stiff jab!
Diego ducks that one.
As the fight continues it seems that Dominick Cruz is taking the best of the fight.
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Diego Sanchez sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Dominick Cruz and Diego engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Diego Sanchez is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Shovel hook by Dominick Cruz
tags Diego.
Diego launches a kick
Cruz checks it and keeps distance.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Diego Sanchez to fight back!
Dominick Cruz throws a combo
Diego Sanchez ducks under and catches him with a counter straight! Cruz swings again, only to get countered once more! Cruz is looking bad here!
A right hand from Dominick Cruz
misses its target.
Diego Sanchez fakes a move and moves laterally.
Diego throws a hook
that hits its mark.
Solid jabs from Dominick Cruz.
Nice punches.
Diego Sanchez tries a middle kick
Dominick Cruz blocks and steps away.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Diego Sanchez sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Diego Sanchez didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Diego Sanchez isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Cruz blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Diego's guard.
Diego Sanchez gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Dominick Cruz pushes Diego Sanchez against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Cruz jumps and tries to free his leg! Diego doesn't allow this but Dominick Cruz is able to get half guard here.
The clock says 2:50 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Diego
Diego Sanchez attempts to move to full guard
Diego Sanchez manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 3:00 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Diego attempts a triangle from bottom! Dominick Cruz slips out. Diego quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Dominick Cruz slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Diego Sanchez. 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.
Diego cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Cruz can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Cruz avoids a dangerous strike from Diego
and counters with a solid straight!
The clock says 3:20 in the 3 round
Cruz launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Diego's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that?
John McCarthy didn't see the foul!
Diego Sanchez tries a nice one-two combination
He scores!
Bone shattering straight right hand from Diego Sanchez!
Cruz ducks under...
Dominick Cruz circles around Diego
Tremendous strikes from Cruz!
Diego blocks with confidence
Poorly executed technique. Diego Sanchez looks to counter!
Pulverizing punch to Cruz's head!
Cruz slips the punch.
Diego steps backwards away from Dominick Cruz. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Dominick Cruz and Diego engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
Cruz has a small cut in his Chin
Diego Sanchez tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Dominick Cruz jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Cruz leads with a punch
Diego Sanchez evades but whiffs with a counter.
The clock says 4:45 in the 3 round
Diego looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Dominick Cruz's punches
Cruz is on the receiving end of a great combo by Diego.
The clock says 4:55 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Diego Sanchez jumps backwards and frees his leg.
John McCarthy tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I don't think either fighter got the better of their opponent that round.
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Round 4
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Diego and Cruz circle around the center of the cage.
Cruz avoids a dangerous strike from Diego
and counters with a solid straight!
Diego has a small cut in his Right eye
Diego Sanchez moves forward looking for some grappling action
Diego has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Diego is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Diego Sanchez to fight back!
Diego Sanchez locks up a guillotine with an arm in...
Dominick Cruz brings Diego Sanchez down to the ground and pulls his head out.
The clock says 0:55 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Diego
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Diego's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Diego Sanchez to fight back!
Cruz is in closed guard... Diego tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 1:05 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Diego
Diego measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Cruz blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Diego leans and gets Dominick Cruz's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Diego
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Diego Sanchez can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Diego throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Dominick Cruz realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Dominick Cruz is on his feet again.
Cruz is standing while Diego is on the ground on his back
Dominick Cruz steps back and allows Diego to get back to his feet.
Diego Sanchez is on his feet again.
The clock says 1:40 in the 4 round
Diego is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Diego Sanchez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz is moving on the ground...
Diego tries to counter Cruz's moves on the ground.
Diego is trying to counter now!
Diego Sanchez looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Diego Sanchez slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Diego Sanchez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Diego Sanchez pushes Dominick Cruz down and prevents his attempts to escape
Diego Sanchez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Diego tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Diego Sanchez controls the situation despite Dominick Cruz efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Diego Sanchez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz works on the ground with his fingers over Diego's face
Diego shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Diego Sanchez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Diego Sanchez sits high on Dominick Cruz's chest and pulls his leg underneath Cruz's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Cruz tries to roll out. He's too quick for Diego Sanchez and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Diego and it cost him top position.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Diego
Cruz use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Diego Sanchez holds Dominick Cruz and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Diego tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Diego switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Cruz struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Diego
Cruz is in closed guard... Diego tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Diego Sanchez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Diego Sanchez in his guard...
Diego Sanchez rolls him over and takes his back!
Diego is in rear mount over Cruz
Diego Sanchez isolates an arm looking for an armbar from the back...
Cruz locks his hands and forces his weight on top of Diego Sanchez unil he can pull his arm free! Diego lost his dominant position.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz has Diego controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Diego is unable to move under Cruz control.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Diego Sanchez fakes a punch and launches himself over Dominick Cruz
Great move by Diego who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Diego Sanchez embrace and tries to move away...
Diego Sanchez pushes Cruz forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Poorly executed technique. Diego Sanchez looks to counter!
Diego doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Dominick Cruz embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Diego who put distance between them
Dominick Cruz and Diego engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Dominick Cruz is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
The clock says 3:55 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Diego's chin
Diego Sanchez moves forward and launches a low kick.
Hard blow to Cruz's right thigh
Cruz tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Cruz is clinching with Diego.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Diego Sanchez is absolutely terrifying with his power in the clinch, and is violently punishing Cruz with uppercuts!
Cruz is taking more than he can endure. This could end soon if Cruz is unable to escape!
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Right eye
The fighters are clinching.
Diego doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Dominick Cruz embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Diego who put distance between them
Dominick Cruz takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Diego is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Diego Sanchez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Diego Sanchez looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Diego Sanchez slides his knee across and gets to mount.
John McCarthy separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
The round is for Diego, who walks calmly to his corner.
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Round 5
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Diego Sanchez fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
The clock says 0:25 in the 5 round
Diego Sanchez and Cruz engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Diego Sanchez is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Bone shattering straight right hand from Diego Sanchez!
Cruz ducks under...
The clock says 0:50 in the 5 round
Diego Sanchez is opening up on Cruz and raining down combinations!
Cruz's corner looks worried!
An overhand right from Diego Sanchez that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall!
Cruz moves forward and closes the distance while blocking the punch.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Brutal combination from Dominick Cruz!
Diego moves aside and dodges.
Diego Sanchez fakes a punch and launches himself over Cruz!
Nice move by Diego who clinches and pushes Cruz against the cage
The fighters are clinching.
Diego pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and launches a few sick punches
Cruz blocks and pushes away his opponent creating space between them.
Diego misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Diego Sanchez sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Cruz throws a lazy kick
Diego dodges and fires an uppercut that almost puts him in to orbit!
Cruz's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Quick hook by Dominick Cruz
glances off Diego's arms.
Diego is trying to counter now!
A solid combination from Diego Sanchez
connects with Cruz.
Cruz throws a lazy kick
Diego dodges and fires an uppercut that almost puts him in to orbit!
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Left eye
The clock says 1:55 in the 5 round
Diego Sanchez fakes a move and moves laterally.
Some nice shots from Diego Sanchez
that stun Cruz.
Diego leads with a punch
Dominick Cruz avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut!
Diego Sanchez is slowing the pace of the fight a bit and circles around his opponent.
Diego goes to the body...
He punishes Cruz's ribs with a couple of hooks.
Hard blow to Cruz's mid-section, he seems hurt
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Diego Sanchez didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Cruz throws a few hammer fists to the face of Diego Sanchez
Solid shots!
Diego has a small cut in his Chin
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Dominick Cruz is taking out his mouthpiece to breathe...
Dominick Cruz aggressively and repeatedly punches Diego.
He needs to do something soon or the referee will stop the fight!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Cruz tries to jump to side mount.
Diego Sanchez jumps and show some wrestling skills as he positions himself for continuing the fight in side control.
The clock says 3:00 in the 5 round
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Diego is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Diego Sanchez uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz is a bloody mess!
Diego is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Diego Sanchez!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Diego Sanchez
You can see Diego's blood making stains in the mat.
Cruz gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Diego Sanchez! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Diego Sanchez doesn't defend himself!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Diego Sanchez
Cruz doesn't stop bleeding.
Diego doesn't stop bleeding.
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Diego struggles and frees his leg!
The clock says 3:30 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Diego
Diego Sanchez attempts to move to full guard
Diego Sanchez manages to switch to full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Diego doesn't stop bleeding.
Diego tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Diego
Cruz doesn't stop bleeding.
Diego tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Cruz tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 4:00 in the 5 round
Cruz has some bruises after a few exchanges with his opponent.
Diego doesn't stop bleeding.
Dominick Cruz tries a nice one-two combination
that gets blocked.
Diego tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Superb haymaker by Diego
that lands on Cruz's face like a cannon ball!
Diego Sanchez is doing his best Floyd Mayweather impression by not engaging.
Cruz is swinging for the fences!
Diego backpedals and creates space. Dominick Cruz is asking him if he is going to fight!
Diego is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
You can see Diego's blood making stains in the mat.
Cruz doesn't stop bleeding.
Diego Sanchez throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
Cruz doesn't stop bleeding.
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Diego struggles... Dominick Cruz is unable to take him down
Diego is trying to counter now!
A left hook from Diego
grazes the chin of Cruz.
Diego doesn't stop bleeding.
Diego wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Diego.
Winner is Diego Sanchez by Split decision
Statistics: Diego Sanchez
Punches 49/71 (69%)
Kicks 1/5 (20%)
Clinch strikes 6/11 (55%)
Takedowns 3/4 (75%)
GnP strikes 6/9 (67%)
Submissions 9/9 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 450 s
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 27/70 (39%)
Kicks 1/3 (33%)
Clinch strikes 6/13 (46%)
Takedowns 3/9 (33%)
GnP strikes 17/24 (71%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 441 s
These two go to war every time. Some people (k, one person) might complain they fight each other too much, but when the fights are good, who cares? That said, I'm not really sure how a judge scored this for Cruz, as Diego began turning it on later in the fight, and out-damaged Cruz by a ratio of about 2:1. The only downfall with these two though is they are both so damned tough that they hammer it out but neither is that close to being finished. Cruz came the closest near the very end of the fight to being finished, dropping to about 50% health, but that was only in about the last 1-2 mins of the fight. Otherwise, these two are just too damned tough to be finished.
Dominick Cruz doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
A pretty fair match today. I can't say who will be the one who will be raising his fist after the match.
The referee of the bout is John McCarthy.
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Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
Cruz launches a furious low kick!
Diego receives a hard blow on his left leg!
Diego moves forward and tries a Superman punch!
Bang! That crushes Cruz's face and maybe his hopes of winning this fight too!
Dominick Cruz fakes a punch and launches himself over Diego Sanchez
Great move by Cruz who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz tries to take Diego Sanchez down... Diego stumbles backwards and Dominick Cruz launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Diego's jaw!
Diego's Chin is beginning to swell
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz struggles and launches a few punches to Diego's head
Those punches are hitting! Diego covers his head!
Diego doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Dominick Cruz embrace and tries to move away...
Dominick Cruz pushes Diego forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Diego Sanchez postures up and launches another series of punches!
A lot of them are hitting Cruz hard, who may be wondering how to scape from this!
Crushing shot to Cruz's body! He's holding his side
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Dominick Cruz pushes away Diego trying to keep the fight at striking range
Diego doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Dominick Cruz
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz struggles and launches a few punches to Diego's head
Those punches are hitting! Diego covers his head!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz pushes away Diego trying to keep the fight at striking range
Diego stumbles backwards and Dominick Cruz circles to get the center of the cage
Tremendous strikes from Cruz!
Diego blocks with confidence
Diego tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz launches a kick
but Diego Sanchez avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook!
Cruz's Right cheek is beginning to swell
1:47 Round 1 and Cruz is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Diego leads with a punch
Dominick Cruz evades but whiffs with a counter.
Diego Sanchez paws at Cruz.
Cruz swings ineffectively.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Diego Sanchez tries to take advantage...
Diego Sanchez tries a hook to the body
and hits Cruz ribs hard
Diego moves backwards and Dominick Cruz is asking him if he came today for fighting or running.
Diego Sanchez fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Cruz blocks that. He made it look easy!
Some nice shots from Diego Sanchez
that stun Cruz.
Diego looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Dominick Cruz's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
Diego Sanchez closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Diego moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Dominick Cruz checks the kick.
Dominick Cruz attempts to cut off Diego with punches
Diego reels from the strikes.
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Diego Sanchez can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Diego and Cruz circle around the center of the cage.
The clock says 3:10 in the 1 round
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Diego jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Diego Sanchez pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Diego is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Diego is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Diego Sanchez grapple with Dominick Cruz and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
nice takedown Diego Sanchez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Diego Sanchez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Diego tries to move to full mount!
Cruz won't allow him to take this position easily.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Diego Sanchez in his guard.
Diego Sanchez keeps control and remains in side mount.
Diego Sanchez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Diego Sanchez tries a kimura
Cruz breaks the lock.
Diego Sanchez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Diego Sanchez in his guard.
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to full guard.
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Diego 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 Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland, Ohio) is cheering him!
Diego Sanchez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Diego Sanchez isolates Dominick Cruz's left arm looking for an armbar...
Dominick Cruz manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Diego Sanchez lost his dominant position.
The clock says 4:55 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Cruz tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I don't think either fighter got the better of their opponent that round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 2 round
The two exchange wildly
Diego is connecting with a few punches
Diego Sanchez tries to bring the fight to the ground
Cruz goes down.
Diego Sanchez is in open guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Diego's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Diego tries to cover his face,
Diego Sanchez is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Diego
He succeeds!
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Diego is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Diego Sanchez!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Diego Sanchez
Diego Sanchez launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Cruz tries to cover his face,
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Diego Sanchez
Diego is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Diego Sanchez tries to roll on the ground...
He makes a reversal!
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Diego is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Diego Sanchez uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Cruz misses a step and Diego Sanchez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Diego tries to open up Dominick Cruz's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Cruz in the side of the head
Cruz's Forehead is beginning to swell
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz is cooling the fight on the ground
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz is taking this opportunity to rest.
The clock says 1:50 in the 2 round
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Diego is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Diego Sanchez!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Diego Sanchez
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Diego struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
John McCarthy 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 2:10 in the 2 round
Cruz pushes Diego Sanchez and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Diego decides to launch some tentative punches
Nothing from this exchange. Diego moves back and takes a deep breath.
Lightning fast low kick from Diego!
Cruz blocks that kick with his leg.
Diego Sanchez gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Dominick Cruz has found an opening in the defense of Diego, launching a big hook
Bang! That could break Diego's ribs.
Cruz moves forward looking for some action
He surprises Diego with a double overhooks!
Dominick Cruz launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Diego blocks and tries to circle around his opponent looking for angles.
The two exchange wildly
Cruz is connecting with a few punches
Diego has a small cut in his Right cheek
Some counter punches against Dominick Cruz
land while he's on his bicycle.
Cruz's Mouth is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 3:35 in the 2 round
Superb haymaker by Diego
that lands on Cruz's face like a cannon ball!
Diego Sanchez throws a combo
Cruz punches back but nobody connects.
Cruz misses a step and Diego Sanchez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Diego Sanchez throws a looping right hand...
That lands on Cruz's chin! That stops Cruz in his tracks!
Diego Sanchez launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Cruz blocks and tries to circle around his opponent looking for angles.
Diego throws a hook
that hits its mark.
Cruz's Nose is beginning to swell
Cruz wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Diego wants nothing of that and pushes Cruz.
The clock says 4:25 in the 2 round
Diego launches a furious low kick!
Cruz blocks.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz goes to the body...
his punches graze Diego's arm.
Diego Sanchez has found an opening in the defense of Cruz, launching a big hook
Dominick Cruz steps backwards and avoids that hook!
The clock says 4:45 in the 2 round
Diego Sanchez throws an uppercut
Cruz slips it.
Diego Sanchez gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Dominick Cruz
The clock says 4:55 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Dominick Cruz positions himself and launches a barrage of punches.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount and his punches are hitting hard Diego's abdomen
John McCarthy tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is clearly for Dominick Cruz.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Cruz throws a body kick.
Blocked by Diego.
Dominick Cruz fakes a punch and launches himself over Diego Sanchez
Great move by Cruz who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz grapple with Diego Sanchez and tries a Inner leg Sweep
Diego Sanchez managed to maintain his balances and move away from Cruz
Dominick Cruz circles around Diego
Cruz throws a low kick
Diego Sanchez blocks.
Poorly executed technique. Diego Sanchez looks to counter!
Solid shot from Diego Sanchez to the body.
Cruz didn't like that.
Cruz is holding Diego Sanchez's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Diego Sanchez shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Cruz launches a stiff jab!
Diego ducks that one.
As the fight continues it seems that Dominick Cruz is taking the best of the fight.
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Diego Sanchez sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Dominick Cruz and Diego engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Diego Sanchez is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Shovel hook by Dominick Cruz
tags Diego.
Diego launches a kick
Cruz checks it and keeps distance.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Diego Sanchez to fight back!
Dominick Cruz throws a combo
Diego Sanchez ducks under and catches him with a counter straight! Cruz swings again, only to get countered once more! Cruz is looking bad here!
A right hand from Dominick Cruz
misses its target.
Diego Sanchez fakes a move and moves laterally.
Diego throws a hook
that hits its mark.
Solid jabs from Dominick Cruz.
Nice punches.
Diego Sanchez tries a middle kick
Dominick Cruz blocks and steps away.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Diego Sanchez sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Diego Sanchez didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Diego Sanchez isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Cruz blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Diego's guard.
Diego Sanchez gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Dominick Cruz pushes Diego Sanchez against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Cruz jumps and tries to free his leg! Diego doesn't allow this but Dominick Cruz is able to get half guard here.
The clock says 2:50 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Diego
Diego Sanchez attempts to move to full guard
Diego Sanchez manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 3:00 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Diego attempts a triangle from bottom! Dominick Cruz slips out. Diego quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Dominick Cruz slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Diego Sanchez. 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.
Diego cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Cruz can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Cruz avoids a dangerous strike from Diego
and counters with a solid straight!
The clock says 3:20 in the 3 round
Cruz launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Diego's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that?
John McCarthy didn't see the foul!
Diego Sanchez tries a nice one-two combination
He scores!
Bone shattering straight right hand from Diego Sanchez!
Cruz ducks under...
Dominick Cruz circles around Diego
Tremendous strikes from Cruz!
Diego blocks with confidence
Poorly executed technique. Diego Sanchez looks to counter!
Pulverizing punch to Cruz's head!
Cruz slips the punch.
Diego steps backwards away from Dominick Cruz. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Dominick Cruz and Diego engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
Cruz has a small cut in his Chin
Diego Sanchez tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Dominick Cruz jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Cruz leads with a punch
Diego Sanchez evades but whiffs with a counter.
The clock says 4:45 in the 3 round
Diego looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Dominick Cruz's punches
Cruz is on the receiving end of a great combo by Diego.
The clock says 4:55 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Diego Sanchez jumps backwards and frees his leg.
John McCarthy tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I don't think either fighter got the better of their opponent that round.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Diego and Cruz circle around the center of the cage.
Cruz avoids a dangerous strike from Diego
and counters with a solid straight!
Diego has a small cut in his Right eye
Diego Sanchez moves forward looking for some grappling action
Diego has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Diego is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Diego Sanchez to fight back!
Diego Sanchez locks up a guillotine with an arm in...
Dominick Cruz brings Diego Sanchez down to the ground and pulls his head out.
The clock says 0:55 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Diego
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Diego's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Diego Sanchez to fight back!
Cruz is in closed guard... Diego tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 1:05 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Diego
Diego measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Cruz blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Diego leans and gets Dominick Cruz's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Diego
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Diego Sanchez can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Diego throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Dominick Cruz realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Dominick Cruz is on his feet again.
Cruz is standing while Diego is on the ground on his back
Dominick Cruz steps back and allows Diego to get back to his feet.
Diego Sanchez is on his feet again.
The clock says 1:40 in the 4 round
Diego is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Diego Sanchez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz is moving on the ground...
Diego tries to counter Cruz's moves on the ground.
Diego is trying to counter now!
Diego Sanchez looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Diego Sanchez slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Diego Sanchez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Diego Sanchez pushes Dominick Cruz down and prevents his attempts to escape
Diego Sanchez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Diego tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Diego Sanchez controls the situation despite Dominick Cruz efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Diego Sanchez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz works on the ground with his fingers over Diego's face
Diego shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Diego Sanchez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Diego Sanchez sits high on Dominick Cruz's chest and pulls his leg underneath Cruz's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Cruz tries to roll out. He's too quick for Diego Sanchez and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Diego and it cost him top position.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Diego
Cruz use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Diego Sanchez holds Dominick Cruz and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Diego tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Diego switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Cruz struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Diego
Cruz is in closed guard... Diego tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Diego Sanchez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Diego Sanchez in his guard...
Diego Sanchez rolls him over and takes his back!
Diego is in rear mount over Cruz
Diego Sanchez isolates an arm looking for an armbar from the back...
Cruz locks his hands and forces his weight on top of Diego Sanchez unil he can pull his arm free! Diego lost his dominant position.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz has Diego controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Diego is unable to move under Cruz control.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Diego Sanchez fakes a punch and launches himself over Dominick Cruz
Great move by Diego who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Diego Sanchez embrace and tries to move away...
Diego Sanchez pushes Cruz forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Poorly executed technique. Diego Sanchez looks to counter!
Diego doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Dominick Cruz embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Diego who put distance between them
Dominick Cruz and Diego engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Dominick Cruz is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
The clock says 3:55 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Diego's chin
Diego Sanchez moves forward and launches a low kick.
Hard blow to Cruz's right thigh
Cruz tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Cruz is clinching with Diego.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Diego Sanchez is absolutely terrifying with his power in the clinch, and is violently punishing Cruz with uppercuts!
Cruz is taking more than he can endure. This could end soon if Cruz is unable to escape!
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Right eye
The fighters are clinching.
Diego doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Dominick Cruz embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Diego who put distance between them
Dominick Cruz takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Diego is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Diego Sanchez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Diego Sanchez looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Diego Sanchez slides his knee across and gets to mount.
John McCarthy separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
The round is for Diego, who walks calmly to his corner.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Diego Sanchez fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
The clock says 0:25 in the 5 round
Diego Sanchez and Cruz engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Diego Sanchez is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Bone shattering straight right hand from Diego Sanchez!
Cruz ducks under...
The clock says 0:50 in the 5 round
Diego Sanchez is opening up on Cruz and raining down combinations!
Cruz's corner looks worried!
An overhand right from Diego Sanchez that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall!
Cruz moves forward and closes the distance while blocking the punch.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Brutal combination from Dominick Cruz!
Diego moves aside and dodges.
Diego Sanchez fakes a punch and launches himself over Cruz!
Nice move by Diego who clinches and pushes Cruz against the cage
The fighters are clinching.
Diego pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and launches a few sick punches
Cruz blocks and pushes away his opponent creating space between them.
Diego misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Diego Sanchez sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Cruz throws a lazy kick
Diego dodges and fires an uppercut that almost puts him in to orbit!
Cruz's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Quick hook by Dominick Cruz
glances off Diego's arms.
Diego is trying to counter now!
A solid combination from Diego Sanchez
connects with Cruz.
Cruz throws a lazy kick
Diego dodges and fires an uppercut that almost puts him in to orbit!
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Left eye
The clock says 1:55 in the 5 round
Diego Sanchez fakes a move and moves laterally.
Some nice shots from Diego Sanchez
that stun Cruz.
Diego leads with a punch
Dominick Cruz avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut!
Diego Sanchez is slowing the pace of the fight a bit and circles around his opponent.
Diego goes to the body...
He punishes Cruz's ribs with a couple of hooks.
Hard blow to Cruz's mid-section, he seems hurt
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Diego Sanchez didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Cruz throws a few hammer fists to the face of Diego Sanchez
Solid shots!
Diego has a small cut in his Chin
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Dominick Cruz is taking out his mouthpiece to breathe...
Dominick Cruz aggressively and repeatedly punches Diego.
He needs to do something soon or the referee will stop the fight!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Cruz tries to jump to side mount.
Diego Sanchez jumps and show some wrestling skills as he positions himself for continuing the fight in side control.
The clock says 3:00 in the 5 round
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Diego is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Diego Sanchez uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Diego Sanchez is in closed guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz is a bloody mess!
Diego is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Diego Sanchez!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Diego Sanchez
You can see Diego's blood making stains in the mat.
Cruz gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Diego Sanchez! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Diego Sanchez doesn't defend himself!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Diego Sanchez
Cruz doesn't stop bleeding.
Diego doesn't stop bleeding.
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Diego struggles and frees his leg!
The clock says 3:30 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Diego
Diego Sanchez attempts to move to full guard
Diego Sanchez manages to switch to full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Diego
Diego doesn't stop bleeding.
Diego tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Diego
Cruz doesn't stop bleeding.
Diego tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Cruz tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 4:00 in the 5 round
Cruz has some bruises after a few exchanges with his opponent.
Diego doesn't stop bleeding.
Dominick Cruz tries a nice one-two combination
that gets blocked.
Diego tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Superb haymaker by Diego
that lands on Cruz's face like a cannon ball!
Diego Sanchez is doing his best Floyd Mayweather impression by not engaging.
Cruz is swinging for the fences!
Diego backpedals and creates space. Dominick Cruz is asking him if he is going to fight!
Diego is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
You can see Diego's blood making stains in the mat.
Cruz doesn't stop bleeding.
Diego Sanchez throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
Cruz doesn't stop bleeding.
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Diego struggles... Dominick Cruz is unable to take him down
Diego is trying to counter now!
A left hook from Diego
grazes the chin of Cruz.
Diego doesn't stop bleeding.
Diego wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Diego.
Winner is Diego Sanchez by Split decision
Statistics: Diego Sanchez
Punches 49/71 (69%)
Kicks 1/5 (20%)
Clinch strikes 6/11 (55%)
Takedowns 3/4 (75%)
GnP strikes 6/9 (67%)
Submissions 9/9 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 450 s
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 27/70 (39%)
Kicks 1/3 (33%)
Clinch strikes 6/13 (46%)
Takedowns 3/9 (33%)
GnP strikes 17/24 (71%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 441 s
These two go to war every time. Some people (k, one person) might complain they fight each other too much, but when the fights are good, who cares? That said, I'm not really sure how a judge scored this for Cruz, as Diego began turning it on later in the fight, and out-damaged Cruz by a ratio of about 2:1. The only downfall with these two though is they are both so damned tough that they hammer it out but neither is that close to being finished. Cruz came the closest near the very end of the fight to being finished, dropping to about 50% health, but that was only in about the last 1-2 mins of the fight. Otherwise, these two are just too damned tough to be finished.