Post by The Sandmen on Mar 30, 2012 16:57:08 GMT -5
People are cheering for this fighter. You can hear Rich Franklin chants all around the place!
Kazushi Sakuraba is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
Rich Franklin raises his fists in his corner. He seems confident.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Josh Rosenthal.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The bell announces the first round!
Rich Franklin is opening up on Sakuraba and raining down combinations!
Sakuraba's corner looks worried!
Sakuraba has a small cut in his Right eye
Sakuraba launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Franklin's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that?
Josh Rosenthal didn't see that!
Kazushi Sakuraba closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Sakuraba throws a low kick
He switches targets and lands a superb body kick!
Rich Franklin has found an opening in the defense of Sakuraba, launching a big hook
Bang! That could break Sakuraba's ribs.
The clock says 0:50 in the 1 round
Here comes Rich Franklin with a vicious middle kick!
Kazushi Sakuraba dodges that one moving backwards
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
A right hand from Kazushi Sakuraba
gets deflected.
Rich Franklin tries to show his boxing skills with a one-two combo
and those punches are landing on Sakuraba's face
The clock says 1:10 in the 1 round
Sakuraba showing excellent timing, blasts Rich Franklin with a right hand.
Franklin steps backwards and the punch goes wide.
Franklin tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Rich Franklin chases Sakuraba and launches a few perfect strikes
Sakuraba ducks backwards and avoids them.
Sakuraba moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Hard blow to Franklin's thigh!
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots for a double leg takedown!
Rich Franklin sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
The two exchange wildly
Franklin is connecting with a few punches
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Sakuraba launches a furious low kick!
Rich Franklin blocks
Sakuraba misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rich Franklin charges at Sakuraba throwing flurries left and right.
Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots! Sakuraba is rocked!
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
Inside leg kick from Sakuraba
that goes awry.
Franklin shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Franklin is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Rich Franklin fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Sakuraba's face!
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Good looking punches from Rich Franklin on the ground
They could take their toll on Sakuraba.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rich Franklin looks to posture up and open Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Rich Franklin forces Kazushi Sakuraba to open his guard.
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Franklin moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Rich Franklin realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. 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 Pacific Coliseum (Vancouver, British Columbia) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:25 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin tries a high kick!
Sakuraba was covering for a middle kick but that one almost knocked off his head!
Sakuraba's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
There is a small laceration on Kazushi Sakuraba's Left cheek
Franklin launches a furious hook!
That hits Sakuraba's chin like a wrecking ball! Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the mat.
Franklin is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Kazushi Sakuraba 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.
Franklin is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Rich Franklin steps back and allows Sakuraba to get back to his feet.
Back to the beginning! Kazushi Sakuraba is standing now.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Rich Franklin
Franklin counters with a few fake punches and then backpedals
Crisp uppercut by Franklin followed by a hard jab
Kazushi Sakuraba stumbles back.
Sakuraba's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Shovel hook by Rich Franklin
tags Sakuraba.
Sakuraba's Right cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 4:40 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin attempts a sweep single...
Rich Franklin catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Franklin.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Rich Franklin realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Franklin tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Rich Franklin decides to jump inside Sakuraba's guard.
Sakuraba didn't see that coming. Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba now.
Josh Rosenthal separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That round was a toss up.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Rich Franklin tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Sakuraba is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rich Franklin tries to open Sakuraba's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Rich Franklin. Sakuraba is unable to cover himself now!
Sakuraba's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 0:35 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Franklin cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Sakuraba can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Franklin
He is not able to do it
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Franklin leans back...
He clobbers Kazushi Sakuraba's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
Kazushi Sakuraba seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Rich Franklin!
The clock says 0:55 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rich Franklin pushes Kazushi Sakuraba against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Franklin jumps and tries to free his leg! Sakuraba doesn't allow this but Rich Franklin is able to get half guard here.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rich Franklin tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Rich Franklin manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 1:15 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Rich Franklin looks to pass to mount...
Franklin slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Kazushi Sakuraba.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Franklin tries to open up Kazushi Sakuraba's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Sakuraba in the side of the head
That brutal impact left Sakuraba laid out on the mat! Rich Franklin's corner come in to congratulate him!
Sakuraba's Forehead is beginning to swell
Winner is Rich Franklin by KO (GnP) at 1:35 Round 2
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 3/9 (33%)
Kicks 2/4 (50%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 165 s
Statistics: Rich Franklin
Punches 18/25 (72%)
Kicks 1/2 (50%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 3/3 (100%)
GnP strikes 13/15 (87%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 146 s
Sakuraba had some absorbing moments and he contributed to the enjoyment of the people here at Pacific Coliseum (Vancouver, British Columbia). (61 points)
A highlight reel performance by Franklin from beginning to end! We want this man in all the events! (447 points)
MMA internet sites are about to explode! What an awesome fight!
Kazushi Sakuraba is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
Rich Franklin raises his fists in his corner. He seems confident.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Josh Rosenthal.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The bell announces the first round!
Rich Franklin is opening up on Sakuraba and raining down combinations!
Sakuraba's corner looks worried!
Sakuraba has a small cut in his Right eye
Sakuraba launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Franklin's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that?
Josh Rosenthal didn't see that!
Kazushi Sakuraba closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Sakuraba throws a low kick
He switches targets and lands a superb body kick!
Rich Franklin has found an opening in the defense of Sakuraba, launching a big hook
Bang! That could break Sakuraba's ribs.
The clock says 0:50 in the 1 round
Here comes Rich Franklin with a vicious middle kick!
Kazushi Sakuraba dodges that one moving backwards
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
A right hand from Kazushi Sakuraba
gets deflected.
Rich Franklin tries to show his boxing skills with a one-two combo
and those punches are landing on Sakuraba's face
The clock says 1:10 in the 1 round
Sakuraba showing excellent timing, blasts Rich Franklin with a right hand.
Franklin steps backwards and the punch goes wide.
Franklin tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Rich Franklin chases Sakuraba and launches a few perfect strikes
Sakuraba ducks backwards and avoids them.
Sakuraba moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Hard blow to Franklin's thigh!
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots for a double leg takedown!
Rich Franklin sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
The two exchange wildly
Franklin is connecting with a few punches
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Sakuraba launches a furious low kick!
Rich Franklin blocks
Sakuraba misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rich Franklin charges at Sakuraba throwing flurries left and right.
Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots! Sakuraba is rocked!
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
Inside leg kick from Sakuraba
that goes awry.
Franklin shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Franklin is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Rich Franklin fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Sakuraba's face!
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Good looking punches from Rich Franklin on the ground
They could take their toll on Sakuraba.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rich Franklin looks to posture up and open Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Rich Franklin forces Kazushi Sakuraba to open his guard.
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Franklin moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Rich Franklin realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. 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 Pacific Coliseum (Vancouver, British Columbia) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:25 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin tries a high kick!
Sakuraba was covering for a middle kick but that one almost knocked off his head!
Sakuraba's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
There is a small laceration on Kazushi Sakuraba's Left cheek
Franklin launches a furious hook!
That hits Sakuraba's chin like a wrecking ball! Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the mat.
Franklin is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Kazushi Sakuraba 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.
Franklin is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Rich Franklin steps back and allows Sakuraba to get back to his feet.
Back to the beginning! Kazushi Sakuraba is standing now.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Rich Franklin
Franklin counters with a few fake punches and then backpedals
Crisp uppercut by Franklin followed by a hard jab
Kazushi Sakuraba stumbles back.
Sakuraba's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Shovel hook by Rich Franklin
tags Sakuraba.
Sakuraba's Right cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 4:40 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin attempts a sweep single...
Rich Franklin catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Franklin.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Rich Franklin realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Franklin tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Rich Franklin decides to jump inside Sakuraba's guard.
Sakuraba didn't see that coming. Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba now.
Josh Rosenthal separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That round was a toss up.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Rich Franklin tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Sakuraba is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rich Franklin tries to open Sakuraba's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Rich Franklin. Sakuraba is unable to cover himself now!
Sakuraba's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 0:35 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Franklin cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Sakuraba can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Franklin
He is not able to do it
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Franklin leans back...
He clobbers Kazushi Sakuraba's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
Kazushi Sakuraba seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Rich Franklin!
The clock says 0:55 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rich Franklin pushes Kazushi Sakuraba against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Franklin jumps and tries to free his leg! Sakuraba doesn't allow this but Rich Franklin is able to get half guard here.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rich Franklin tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Rich Franklin manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 1:15 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Rich Franklin looks to pass to mount...
Franklin slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Kazushi Sakuraba.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Franklin tries to open up Kazushi Sakuraba's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Sakuraba in the side of the head
That brutal impact left Sakuraba laid out on the mat! Rich Franklin's corner come in to congratulate him!
Sakuraba's Forehead is beginning to swell
Winner is Rich Franklin by KO (GnP) at 1:35 Round 2
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 3/9 (33%)
Kicks 2/4 (50%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 165 s
Statistics: Rich Franklin
Punches 18/25 (72%)
Kicks 1/2 (50%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 3/3 (100%)
GnP strikes 13/15 (87%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 146 s
Sakuraba had some absorbing moments and he contributed to the enjoyment of the people here at Pacific Coliseum (Vancouver, British Columbia). (61 points)
A highlight reel performance by Franklin from beginning to end! We want this man in all the events! (447 points)
MMA internet sites are about to explode! What an awesome fight!