Post by The Sandmen on Jun 13, 2014 16:43:03 GMT -5
Cung Le is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
Lyoto Machida is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his scrap.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Le is not prefered by the MMA media to win tonight. He will have to do his best to score a win.
Lyoto Machida comes with a 3 fight winning streak.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
Lyoto Machida seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Both fighters circle around the center of the cage.
Lyoto shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Le attempts a shoot
Lyoto Machida hops back and delivers a powerful kick to his head!
Le's Left eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Le has a small cut in his Left eye
Cung Le closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Cung Le fakes a punch and launches himself over Lyoto!
Nice move by Le who clinches and pushes Lyoto against the cage
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Lyoto pushes his opponent down and launches a heavy knee to his head in an unorthodox move...
Wow! Big hit towards Cung Le's face!
Solid shot from Cung Le to the body.
Lyoto didn't like that.
The clock says 1:00 in the 1 round
Cung Le fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
Lyoto blocks and pushes his opponent.
Lyoto tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Le launches a kick
but Lyoto Machida avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook!
Le looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Lyoto Machida's punches
Lyoto is on the receiving end of a great combo by Le.
High kick from Lyoto Machida!
Le seems to be done!
The clock says 1:30 in the 1 round
These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect.
The clock says 1:40 in the 1 round
Le tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Le is clinching with Lyoto.
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
a flying knee from Cung Le towards Lyoto
Lyoto Machida was hit in the abdomen, powerful strike sents him to the mat
Crushing shot to Lyoto's body! He's holding his side
Le is standing while Lyoto is on the ground on his back
Le launches a kick to Lyoto's thigh
Lyoto checks that kick!
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Le is standing while Lyoto is on the ground on his back
Le moves backwards and gestures for Lyoto Machida to stand up.
Lyoto climbs to his feet and is standing now.
Lyoto steps backwards away from Cung Le. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Cung Le jumps in the air and tries a flying knee!
Lyoto blocks with his arms and moves laterally looking for a counter
Le clumsily fails here and it's time for Lyoto Machida to fight back!
Lyoto Machida launches a few punches to Le's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Le tries to cover his face,
Lyoto and Le circle around the center of the cage.
Good leg kicks from Cung Le.
Lyoto Machida defends with ease.
The clock says 3:05 in the 1 round
Some nice shots from Cung Le
miss their mark.
Lyoto Machida tries a high kick!
Le was covering for a middle kick but that one almost knocked off his head!
The clock says 3:25 in the 1 round
Lyoto Machida fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Lyoto Machida tries a high kick!
Le blocks. Wow, that could have finished this match.
Le steps backwards away from Lyoto Machida. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Good front kick from Le!
Lyoto stumbles backwards after that one!
Le launches a hook to the body
Lyoto Machida moves aside looking for a counter...
Lyoto tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Le moves to shoot
Lyoto misses a knee.
Cung Le shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Lyoto Machida is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Le into his guard.
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Le tries to launch a few punches to Lyoto Machida
Lyoto is able to achieve closed guard and counter Cung Le's punches.
Poorly executed technique. Lyoto Machida looks to counter!
Lyoto Machida launches a few punches to Le's cheek from the guard.
Cung Le uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Cung Le looks to posture up and open Lyoto Machida's guard...
Lyoto Machida has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Cung Le is cooling the fight on the ground
The clock says 4:50 in the 1 round
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Lyoto Machida launches a few punches to Le's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Le tries to cover his face,
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
A bad move from Cung Le
allows Lyoto to land a solid head kick.
Le moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Lyoto Machida checks the kick.
Le clumsily fails here and it's time for Lyoto Machida to fight back!
Lyoto Machida wants this win. He unleashes a kick.
Brutal high kick to Le!
There is a small laceration on Cung Le's Left eye
As the fight continues it seems that Cung Le is taking the best of the fight.
Cung Le goes with a looping right hand while Lyoto Machida jumps back and jabs
Le only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
0:37 Round 2 and Lyoto is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Lightning fast low kick from Lyoto!
Loud pop! I'm sure that hurts!
The clock says 1:00 in the 2 round
Lyoto moves backwards and Cung Le is asking him if he came today for fighting or running.
Le looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Lyoto Machida's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
Nice punches from Cung Le.
Even nicer blocks from Lyoto.
The two exchange wildly
Lyoto is connecting with a few punches
Le's Right eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Solid kick to the leg from Lyoto Machida
that visibly pains Le.
Lyoto spins around and tries a spinning back kick!
Le ducks under and hesitates for a moment...
Lyoto Machida was tooling Cung Le for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Cung Le lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Lyoto Machida goes with a looping right hand while Cung Le jumps back and jabs
Lyoto only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
Cung Le takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Lyoto Machida was tooling Cung Le for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Cung Le lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Lyoto Machida fakes a punch and launches himself over Cung Le
Great move by Lyoto who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Le launches a few hard punches to Lyoto Machida's ribs!
Lyoto Machida's ribs shows the damage! Cung Le is working his opponent ribs!
The fighters are clinching.
One, two, three! Le doesn't stop launching those knees in the clinch!
Lyoto blocks and then pushes away Cung Le!
Poorly executed technique. Lyoto Machida looks to counter!
Lyoto showing excellent timing, blasts Cung Le with a right hand.
Great hook by Lyoto Machida! Cung Le is caught off balance and slips to the ground!
Lyoto is standing while Le is on the ground on his back
Lyoto Machida was tooling Cung Le for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Cung Le lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Lyoto moves backwards and gestures for Cung Le to stand up.
Le climbs to his feet and is standing now.
Le launches a flurry of punches
Lyoto slips out of danger.
Lyoto avoids a dangerous strike from Le
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Le launches a furious low kick!
Lyoto blocks.
The clock says 3:35 in the 2 round
Brutal-looking high kick from Cung Le!
You could hear the impact from the back seats!
Cung Le shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Lyoto Machida is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Le into his guard.
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Cung Le launches a few punches to Lyoto
Lyoto holds Cung Le's arms and blocks the punches!
Poorly executed technique. Lyoto Machida looks to counter!
Le is in closed guard... Lyoto tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Cung Le!
Lyoto Machida is in full mount over Cung Le
Cung Le tries to roll to his side and trap Lyoto Machida in his guard...
Cung Le gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
The clock says 4:15 in the 2 round
Lyoto Machida is in open guard over Le
Lyoto moves on the ground
Lyoto Machida moves to side mount
Lyoto Machida is in side mount over Cung Le
Cung Le attempts to trap Lyoto Machida in his guard.
Lyoto Machida keeps control and remains in side mount.
Lyoto Machida is in side mount over Cung Le
Lyoto has some bruises after a few exchanges with his opponent.
Lyoto Machida hooks Le's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Cung Le manages to kick Lyoto away and scrambles on top!
Cung Le is in open guard over Lyoto
Cung Le pushes Lyoto Machida against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Le jumps and tries to free his leg! Lyoto doesn't allow this but Cung Le is able to get half guard here.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
That was a close round.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Lyoto launches a hook to the body
Bang! Le stops that one with his ribs!
Hard blow to Le's mid-section, he seems hurt
Lyoto Machida goes with a looping right hand while Cung Le jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Le seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
The clock says 0:30 in the 3 round
Lyoto wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Lyoto moves forward and holds Le
The clock says 0:40 in the 3 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Brutal knees to Lyoto's face, followed by knees to the body from Cung Le!
Bang! Lyoto can take many more shots like that!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Le tries to break the clinch... Lyoto Machida launches a great knee when he finds a narrow space!
Le breaks the clinch and the knee goes wide!
Lyoto Machida is in open guard over Le
Lyoto is taking this opportunity to rest.
Lyoto Machida is in open guard over Le
Le tries to close his guard around Lyoto
He succeeds!
Lyoto Machida is in closed guard over Le
Lyoto is in closed guard... Le tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Lyoto Machida!
Cung Le is in full mount over Lyoto Machida
Lyoto Machida tries to roll to his side and trap Cung Le in his guard...
Lyoto Machida gets his hips out and gets to full guard.
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Cung Le is cooling the fight on the ground
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Cung Le tries to better his position on the ground...
Le breaks the closed guard of Lyoto Machida and moves to half guard
Cung Le is in side mount over Lyoto Machida
Lyoto Machida attempts to trap Cung Le in his guard.
Lyoto Machida manages to switch to full guard.
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Lyoto measures the resilience of Le's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Le blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Lyoto launches a furious low kick!
Le receives a hard blow on his right leg!
Le hyper-extended his leg
Solid low kick from Lyoto Machida.
Le deflects it.
Lyoto clumsily fails here and it's time for Cung Le to fight back!
Le moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Hard blow to Lyoto's thigh!
High kick from Cung Le!
He misses narrowly!
Cung Le paws at Lyoto.
Lyoto answers with solid punches!
Bone shattering straight left hand from Lyoto Machida!
Le ducks under...
A high kick from Cung Le
falls short of the mark.
Le misses a step and Lyoto Machida sees an opportunity to counter him!
Brutal combination from Lyoto Machida!
Le moves aside and dodges.
The clock says 3:35 in the 3 round
Cung Le paws at Lyoto.
Lyoto swings ineffectively.
Both fighters circle around the center of the cage.
Inside leg kick from Lyoto
that lands on Cung Le's leg.
Inside leg kick from Le
that goes awry.
Le grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Lyoto struggles... Cung Le is unable to take him down
Cung Le gets sloppy and Lyoto Machida tries to take advantage...
Lyoto goes to the body...
his punches graze Le's arm.
A bad move from Cung Le
allows Lyoto to land a solid head kick.
Le has a small cut in his Forehead
The clock says 4:35 in the 3 round
Le moves forward looking for some action
Lyoto Machida struggles a bit before breaking Le's attemp of grappling
Lyoto Machida throws a looping left hand...
Le moves aside and dodges.
Cung Le tries to bring the fight to the ground
Lyoto won't budge, forcing Le to pull guard.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Nice punches from Lyoto Machida.
Even nicer blocks from Le.
The clock says 0:20 in the 4 round
Lyoto Machida fakes a move and moves laterally.
Middle kick from Lyoto.
The kick just misses.
Middle kick from Le.
Lyoto receives a solid kick right below his ribs.
Lyoto studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
Le lifts his opponent off the ground!
Brilliant side slam!
The clock says 1:05 in the 4 round
Cung Le is in side mount over Lyoto Machida
Cung Le looks to pass to mount...
Lyoto creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Lyoto Machida fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
That almost wrenches Cung Le! I'm sure that his liver will be sore tomorrow.
Cung Le continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Lyoto is holding Cung Le's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Cung Le loses balance and goes to the ground.
Lyoto Machida is in side mount over Cung Le
Le launches a few weak punches
Lyoto blocks them effectively.
Le clumsily fails here and it's time for Lyoto Machida to fight back!
Lyoto Machida looks to mount Cung Le...
Cung Le sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
Lyoto Machida is in half guard over Le
Cung Le is cooling the fight on the ground
Lyoto Machida is in half guard over Le
Le doesn't stop bleeding.
Lyoto Machida tries to free his leg
Lyoto Machida uses some of his skill by jumping out of Le's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
The clock says 2:15 in the 4 round
Lyoto Machida is in side mount over Cung Le
Cung Le is cooling the fight on the ground
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Lyoto Machida goes with a looping right hand while Cung Le jumps back and jabs
Le seems staggered and Lyoto Machida runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Cung Le continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Le looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Lyoto Machida's punches
Lyoto is on the receiving end of a great combo by Le.
A bunch of leg kicks from Cung Le
are blocked by Lyoto.
Poorly executed technique. Lyoto Machida looks to counter!
Lyoto Machida launches a low kick
that gets blocked quickly.
Good leg kicks from Cung Le.
Lyoto winces a bit.
The clock says 3:15 in the 4 round
Lyoto goes for a low kick..
Le avoids the deadly blow.
The clock says 3:25 in the 4 round
Lyoto steps backwards and lowers his arms while breathing heavily... He seems tired.
Le launches a kick
Lyoto checks it and keeps distance.
Poorly executed technique. Cung Le looks to counter!
Cung Le jabs at Lyoto
hitting his chest.
You can see Le's blood making stains in the mat.
Lyoto Machida launches a low kick
that almost wrenches Le's knee!
The clock says 3:50 in the 4 round
Cung Le's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Solid kick to the leg from Cung Le
that visibly pains Lyoto.
Lyoto Machida fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
You can see Le's blood making stains in the mat.
Cung Le fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
That almost wrenches Lyoto Machida! I'm sure that his liver will be sore tomorrow.
The clock says 4:20 in the 4 round
You can see Le's blood making stains in the mat.
Le moves forward looking for some action
Cung Le shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Brutal knees to Lyoto's face, followed by knees to the body from Cung Le!
Bang! Lyoto can take many more shots like that!
Lyoto Machida tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Le is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
The fighters are clinching.
Lyoto tries to take Cung Le to the ground from the clinch...
Le shows his sprawl skills and remains on his feet.
Lyoto clumsily fails here and it's time for Cung Le to fight back!
Lyoto Machida's corner is turning out to be his worst enemy! Le is throwing a flurry of punches!
Lyoto Machida just can't get away!
The fighters are clinching.
Lyoto Machida launches a knee while holding Le's in a double underhooks...
Cung Le pushes Lyoto Machida and that knee goes nowhere!
Le launches a flurry of punches
but only manages to land glancing blows.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Lyoto Machida has to be confident that he won that round.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Lyoto Machida chases Le and launches a few perfect strikes
Le ducks backwards and avoids them.
Lyoto Machida and Le engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Cung Le is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Cung Le launches a low kick
that almost wrenches Lyoto's knee!
Le launches a furious low kick!
Lyoto blocks.
Lyoto tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Lyoto Machida tries a hook to the body
but Le manages to dodge it
Le jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Cung Le pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The clock says 0:50 in the 5 round
The fighters are clinching.
Cung Le continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Lyoto pushes his opponent down and launches a heavy knee to his head in an unorthodox move...
Le easily blocks and looks for a counter!
Cung Le fakes a punch and launches himself over Lyoto!
Nice move by Le who clinches and pushes Lyoto against the cage
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cung Le's prefered weapon is his fearsome clinch strikes. Lyoto's need to think if he has the right gameplan if he thought to exchange there.
Le tries to take Lyoto Machida down... Lyoto stumbles backwards and Cung Le launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Lyoto's jaw!
Lyoto's Chin is beginning to swell
Lyoto doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Cung Le embrace and tries to move away...
Cung Le pushes Lyoto forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Le tries to break the clinch... Lyoto Machida launches a great knee when he finds a narrow space!
Le breaks the clinch and the knee goes wide!
Lyoto Machida is in open guard over Le
Le tries to close his guard around Lyoto
He is not able to do it
The clock says 1:45 in the 5 round
Lyoto Machida is in open guard over Le
Le launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Lyoto's ribs.
Lyoto ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Lyoto Machida is in open guard over Le
Le tries to close his guard around Lyoto
He succeeds!
Lyoto Machida is in closed guard over Le
Lyoto breaths deeply while on the ground
Lyoto Machida is in closed guard over Le
Lyoto tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Le leans and gets Lyoto Machida's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Lyoto Machida is in closed guard over Le
Lyoto Machida tries to better his position on the ground...
Lyoto breaks the closed guard of Cung Le and moves to half guard
The clock says 2:45 in the 5 round
Lyoto Machida is in side mount over Cung Le
Lyoto Machida looks to pass to mount...
Le creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 2:55 in the 5 round
Middle kick from Lyoto.
The kick just misses.
Lyoto Machida is taking out his mouthpiece to breathe...
Lyoto looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Cung Le's punches
Lyoto measures the resilience of Le's chin with an uppercut while Le lands some great crosses.
You can see Le's blood making stains in the mat.
Cung Le shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Lyoto Machida is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Le into his guard.
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Cung Le looks to posture up and open Lyoto Machida's guard...
Cung Le forces Lyoto Machida to open his guard.
Cung Le is in open guard over Lyoto
Cung Le's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Le moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Cung Le is in half guard over Lyoto
Lyoto is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
Lyoto Machida tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Lyoto clumsily fails here and it's time for Cung Le to fight back!
Cung Le positions himself and launches a barrage of punches.
Cung Le is in full mount and his punches are hitting hard Lyoto's ribs
Cung Le is in full mount over Lyoto Machida
Cung Le is a bloody mess!
Cung Le launches a few punches to Lyoto
Weak punches. He needs to improve his position!
Lyoto has a small cut in his Forehead
The clock says 4:05 in the 5 round
Cung Le is in full mount over Lyoto Machida
Lyoto tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
He successfully moves to half guard!
Cung Le is in half guard over Lyoto
Cung Le launches a few punches to Lyoto
Lyoto covers himself well and then rolls on the ground. Great reversal!
Lyoto Machida is in open guard over Le
Le tries to close his guard around Lyoto
He succeeds!
Lyoto Machida is in closed guard over Le
Lyoto breaths deeply while on the ground
The clock says 4:50 in the 5 round
Lyoto Machida is in closed guard over Le
Lyoto tries to escape from closed guard...
Lyoto struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Lyoto Machida is in half guard over Le
Deep breaths from Cung Le who tries a hammer punch to Lyoto's ribs.
Lyoto blocks those punches
Le misses a step and Lyoto Machida sees an opportunity to counter him!
Lyoto Machida pushes Le's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Le rolls and he's now on half guard over Lyoto Machida. Nice reversal.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
This round is maybe for Lyoto Machida.
Winner is Lyoto Machida by Split decision
Statistics: Cung Le
Punches 20/49 (41%)
Kicks 10/25 (40%)
Clinch strikes 16/28 (57%)
Takedowns 2/2 (100%)
GnP strikes 7/26 (27%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 3/3 (100%)
Time on the ground 444 s
Statistics: Lyoto Machida
Punches 23/62 (37%)
Kicks 12/21 (57%)
Clinch strikes 1/5 (20%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 4/11 (36%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 456 s
This might sound kind of silly, but this fight reminded me of Breaking Bad. At first, it wasn't THAT bad, it was watchable, and it kept your interest, but it was definitely building to something. Then it started to pick up and move into higher gear, and turn into a fight. Then from there it started turning into a fast fight to the death. Then it turned into a "Holy shit!" fest, with damaging fight-ending shots going both ways. Then it came to a crazy and dramatic conclusion.
By the end was practically dead even. At the end of the fight, Le had more health left, and more stamina left. Machida had done a sliver more damage. Cung Le was completely comfounded by Machida's evasive style. I believe at one point his kicks were sitting at 0/8. But Cung started landing more and more as the fight went on and he was able to make a fight out of it. Very cool fight. In the end, I guess the judges though Machida did a bit more, or was a bit more effective with his striking/offence, as he gets the split nod. Good stuff.
Lyoto Machida is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his scrap.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Le is not prefered by the MMA media to win tonight. He will have to do his best to score a win.
Lyoto Machida comes with a 3 fight winning streak.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
Lyoto Machida seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Both fighters circle around the center of the cage.
Lyoto shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Le attempts a shoot
Lyoto Machida hops back and delivers a powerful kick to his head!
Le's Left eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Le has a small cut in his Left eye
Cung Le closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Cung Le fakes a punch and launches himself over Lyoto!
Nice move by Le who clinches and pushes Lyoto against the cage
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Lyoto pushes his opponent down and launches a heavy knee to his head in an unorthodox move...
Wow! Big hit towards Cung Le's face!
Solid shot from Cung Le to the body.
Lyoto didn't like that.
The clock says 1:00 in the 1 round
Cung Le fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
Lyoto blocks and pushes his opponent.
Lyoto tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Le launches a kick
but Lyoto Machida avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook!
Le looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Lyoto Machida's punches
Lyoto is on the receiving end of a great combo by Le.
High kick from Lyoto Machida!
Le seems to be done!
The clock says 1:30 in the 1 round
These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect.
The clock says 1:40 in the 1 round
Le tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Le is clinching with Lyoto.
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
a flying knee from Cung Le towards Lyoto
Lyoto Machida was hit in the abdomen, powerful strike sents him to the mat
Crushing shot to Lyoto's body! He's holding his side
Le is standing while Lyoto is on the ground on his back
Le launches a kick to Lyoto's thigh
Lyoto checks that kick!
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Le is standing while Lyoto is on the ground on his back
Le moves backwards and gestures for Lyoto Machida to stand up.
Lyoto climbs to his feet and is standing now.
Lyoto steps backwards away from Cung Le. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Cung Le jumps in the air and tries a flying knee!
Lyoto blocks with his arms and moves laterally looking for a counter
Le clumsily fails here and it's time for Lyoto Machida to fight back!
Lyoto Machida launches a few punches to Le's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Le tries to cover his face,
Lyoto and Le circle around the center of the cage.
Good leg kicks from Cung Le.
Lyoto Machida defends with ease.
The clock says 3:05 in the 1 round
Some nice shots from Cung Le
miss their mark.
Lyoto Machida tries a high kick!
Le was covering for a middle kick but that one almost knocked off his head!
The clock says 3:25 in the 1 round
Lyoto Machida fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Lyoto Machida tries a high kick!
Le blocks. Wow, that could have finished this match.
Le steps backwards away from Lyoto Machida. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Good front kick from Le!
Lyoto stumbles backwards after that one!
Le launches a hook to the body
Lyoto Machida moves aside looking for a counter...
Lyoto tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Le moves to shoot
Lyoto misses a knee.
Cung Le shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Lyoto Machida is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Le into his guard.
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Le tries to launch a few punches to Lyoto Machida
Lyoto is able to achieve closed guard and counter Cung Le's punches.
Poorly executed technique. Lyoto Machida looks to counter!
Lyoto Machida launches a few punches to Le's cheek from the guard.
Cung Le uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Cung Le looks to posture up and open Lyoto Machida's guard...
Lyoto Machida has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Cung Le is cooling the fight on the ground
The clock says 4:50 in the 1 round
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Lyoto Machida launches a few punches to Le's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Le tries to cover his face,
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
A bad move from Cung Le
allows Lyoto to land a solid head kick.
Le moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Lyoto Machida checks the kick.
Le clumsily fails here and it's time for Lyoto Machida to fight back!
Lyoto Machida wants this win. He unleashes a kick.
Brutal high kick to Le!
There is a small laceration on Cung Le's Left eye
As the fight continues it seems that Cung Le is taking the best of the fight.
Cung Le goes with a looping right hand while Lyoto Machida jumps back and jabs
Le only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
0:37 Round 2 and Lyoto is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Lightning fast low kick from Lyoto!
Loud pop! I'm sure that hurts!
The clock says 1:00 in the 2 round
Lyoto moves backwards and Cung Le is asking him if he came today for fighting or running.
Le looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Lyoto Machida's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
Nice punches from Cung Le.
Even nicer blocks from Lyoto.
The two exchange wildly
Lyoto is connecting with a few punches
Le's Right eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Solid kick to the leg from Lyoto Machida
that visibly pains Le.
Lyoto spins around and tries a spinning back kick!
Le ducks under and hesitates for a moment...
Lyoto Machida was tooling Cung Le for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Cung Le lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Lyoto Machida goes with a looping right hand while Cung Le jumps back and jabs
Lyoto only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
Cung Le takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Lyoto Machida was tooling Cung Le for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Cung Le lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Lyoto Machida fakes a punch and launches himself over Cung Le
Great move by Lyoto who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Le launches a few hard punches to Lyoto Machida's ribs!
Lyoto Machida's ribs shows the damage! Cung Le is working his opponent ribs!
The fighters are clinching.
One, two, three! Le doesn't stop launching those knees in the clinch!
Lyoto blocks and then pushes away Cung Le!
Poorly executed technique. Lyoto Machida looks to counter!
Lyoto showing excellent timing, blasts Cung Le with a right hand.
Great hook by Lyoto Machida! Cung Le is caught off balance and slips to the ground!
Lyoto is standing while Le is on the ground on his back
Lyoto Machida was tooling Cung Le for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Cung Le lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Lyoto moves backwards and gestures for Cung Le to stand up.
Le climbs to his feet and is standing now.
Le launches a flurry of punches
Lyoto slips out of danger.
Lyoto avoids a dangerous strike from Le
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Le launches a furious low kick!
Lyoto blocks.
The clock says 3:35 in the 2 round
Brutal-looking high kick from Cung Le!
You could hear the impact from the back seats!
Cung Le shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Lyoto Machida is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Le into his guard.
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Cung Le launches a few punches to Lyoto
Lyoto holds Cung Le's arms and blocks the punches!
Poorly executed technique. Lyoto Machida looks to counter!
Le is in closed guard... Lyoto tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Cung Le!
Lyoto Machida is in full mount over Cung Le
Cung Le tries to roll to his side and trap Lyoto Machida in his guard...
Cung Le gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
The clock says 4:15 in the 2 round
Lyoto Machida is in open guard over Le
Lyoto moves on the ground
Lyoto Machida moves to side mount
Lyoto Machida is in side mount over Cung Le
Cung Le attempts to trap Lyoto Machida in his guard.
Lyoto Machida keeps control and remains in side mount.
Lyoto Machida is in side mount over Cung Le
Lyoto has some bruises after a few exchanges with his opponent.
Lyoto Machida hooks Le's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Cung Le manages to kick Lyoto away and scrambles on top!
Cung Le is in open guard over Lyoto
Cung Le pushes Lyoto Machida against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Le jumps and tries to free his leg! Lyoto doesn't allow this but Cung Le is able to get half guard here.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
That was a close round.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Lyoto launches a hook to the body
Bang! Le stops that one with his ribs!
Hard blow to Le's mid-section, he seems hurt
Lyoto Machida goes with a looping right hand while Cung Le jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Le seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
The clock says 0:30 in the 3 round
Lyoto wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Lyoto moves forward and holds Le
The clock says 0:40 in the 3 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Brutal knees to Lyoto's face, followed by knees to the body from Cung Le!
Bang! Lyoto can take many more shots like that!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Le tries to break the clinch... Lyoto Machida launches a great knee when he finds a narrow space!
Le breaks the clinch and the knee goes wide!
Lyoto Machida is in open guard over Le
Lyoto is taking this opportunity to rest.
Lyoto Machida is in open guard over Le
Le tries to close his guard around Lyoto
He succeeds!
Lyoto Machida is in closed guard over Le
Lyoto is in closed guard... Le tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Lyoto Machida!
Cung Le is in full mount over Lyoto Machida
Lyoto Machida tries to roll to his side and trap Cung Le in his guard...
Lyoto Machida gets his hips out and gets to full guard.
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Cung Le is cooling the fight on the ground
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Cung Le tries to better his position on the ground...
Le breaks the closed guard of Lyoto Machida and moves to half guard
Cung Le is in side mount over Lyoto Machida
Lyoto Machida attempts to trap Cung Le in his guard.
Lyoto Machida manages to switch to full guard.
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Lyoto measures the resilience of Le's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Le blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Lyoto launches a furious low kick!
Le receives a hard blow on his right leg!
Le hyper-extended his leg
Solid low kick from Lyoto Machida.
Le deflects it.
Lyoto clumsily fails here and it's time for Cung Le to fight back!
Le moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Hard blow to Lyoto's thigh!
High kick from Cung Le!
He misses narrowly!
Cung Le paws at Lyoto.
Lyoto answers with solid punches!
Bone shattering straight left hand from Lyoto Machida!
Le ducks under...
A high kick from Cung Le
falls short of the mark.
Le misses a step and Lyoto Machida sees an opportunity to counter him!
Brutal combination from Lyoto Machida!
Le moves aside and dodges.
The clock says 3:35 in the 3 round
Cung Le paws at Lyoto.
Lyoto swings ineffectively.
Both fighters circle around the center of the cage.
Inside leg kick from Lyoto
that lands on Cung Le's leg.
Inside leg kick from Le
that goes awry.
Le grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Lyoto struggles... Cung Le is unable to take him down
Cung Le gets sloppy and Lyoto Machida tries to take advantage...
Lyoto goes to the body...
his punches graze Le's arm.
A bad move from Cung Le
allows Lyoto to land a solid head kick.
Le has a small cut in his Forehead
The clock says 4:35 in the 3 round
Le moves forward looking for some action
Lyoto Machida struggles a bit before breaking Le's attemp of grappling
Lyoto Machida throws a looping left hand...
Le moves aside and dodges.
Cung Le tries to bring the fight to the ground
Lyoto won't budge, forcing Le to pull guard.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Nice punches from Lyoto Machida.
Even nicer blocks from Le.
The clock says 0:20 in the 4 round
Lyoto Machida fakes a move and moves laterally.
Middle kick from Lyoto.
The kick just misses.
Middle kick from Le.
Lyoto receives a solid kick right below his ribs.
Lyoto studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
Le lifts his opponent off the ground!
Brilliant side slam!
The clock says 1:05 in the 4 round
Cung Le is in side mount over Lyoto Machida
Cung Le looks to pass to mount...
Lyoto creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Lyoto Machida fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
That almost wrenches Cung Le! I'm sure that his liver will be sore tomorrow.
Cung Le continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Lyoto is holding Cung Le's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Cung Le loses balance and goes to the ground.
Lyoto Machida is in side mount over Cung Le
Le launches a few weak punches
Lyoto blocks them effectively.
Le clumsily fails here and it's time for Lyoto Machida to fight back!
Lyoto Machida looks to mount Cung Le...
Cung Le sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
Lyoto Machida is in half guard over Le
Cung Le is cooling the fight on the ground
Lyoto Machida is in half guard over Le
Le doesn't stop bleeding.
Lyoto Machida tries to free his leg
Lyoto Machida uses some of his skill by jumping out of Le's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
The clock says 2:15 in the 4 round
Lyoto Machida is in side mount over Cung Le
Cung Le is cooling the fight on the ground
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Lyoto Machida goes with a looping right hand while Cung Le jumps back and jabs
Le seems staggered and Lyoto Machida runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Cung Le continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Le looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Lyoto Machida's punches
Lyoto is on the receiving end of a great combo by Le.
A bunch of leg kicks from Cung Le
are blocked by Lyoto.
Poorly executed technique. Lyoto Machida looks to counter!
Lyoto Machida launches a low kick
that gets blocked quickly.
Good leg kicks from Cung Le.
Lyoto winces a bit.
The clock says 3:15 in the 4 round
Lyoto goes for a low kick..
Le avoids the deadly blow.
The clock says 3:25 in the 4 round
Lyoto steps backwards and lowers his arms while breathing heavily... He seems tired.
Le launches a kick
Lyoto checks it and keeps distance.
Poorly executed technique. Cung Le looks to counter!
Cung Le jabs at Lyoto
hitting his chest.
You can see Le's blood making stains in the mat.
Lyoto Machida launches a low kick
that almost wrenches Le's knee!
The clock says 3:50 in the 4 round
Cung Le's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Solid kick to the leg from Cung Le
that visibly pains Lyoto.
Lyoto Machida fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
You can see Le's blood making stains in the mat.
Cung Le fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
That almost wrenches Lyoto Machida! I'm sure that his liver will be sore tomorrow.
The clock says 4:20 in the 4 round
You can see Le's blood making stains in the mat.
Le moves forward looking for some action
Cung Le shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Brutal knees to Lyoto's face, followed by knees to the body from Cung Le!
Bang! Lyoto can take many more shots like that!
Lyoto Machida tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Le is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
The fighters are clinching.
Lyoto tries to take Cung Le to the ground from the clinch...
Le shows his sprawl skills and remains on his feet.
Lyoto clumsily fails here and it's time for Cung Le to fight back!
Lyoto Machida's corner is turning out to be his worst enemy! Le is throwing a flurry of punches!
Lyoto Machida just can't get away!
The fighters are clinching.
Lyoto Machida launches a knee while holding Le's in a double underhooks...
Cung Le pushes Lyoto Machida and that knee goes nowhere!
Le launches a flurry of punches
but only manages to land glancing blows.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Lyoto Machida has to be confident that he won that round.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Lyoto Machida chases Le and launches a few perfect strikes
Le ducks backwards and avoids them.
Lyoto Machida and Le engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Cung Le is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Cung Le launches a low kick
that almost wrenches Lyoto's knee!
Le launches a furious low kick!
Lyoto blocks.
Lyoto tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Lyoto Machida tries a hook to the body
but Le manages to dodge it
Le jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Cung Le pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The clock says 0:50 in the 5 round
The fighters are clinching.
Cung Le continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Lyoto pushes his opponent down and launches a heavy knee to his head in an unorthodox move...
Le easily blocks and looks for a counter!
Cung Le fakes a punch and launches himself over Lyoto!
Nice move by Le who clinches and pushes Lyoto against the cage
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cung Le's prefered weapon is his fearsome clinch strikes. Lyoto's need to think if he has the right gameplan if he thought to exchange there.
Le tries to take Lyoto Machida down... Lyoto stumbles backwards and Cung Le launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Lyoto's jaw!
Lyoto's Chin is beginning to swell
Lyoto doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Cung Le embrace and tries to move away...
Cung Le pushes Lyoto forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Le tries to break the clinch... Lyoto Machida launches a great knee when he finds a narrow space!
Le breaks the clinch and the knee goes wide!
Lyoto Machida is in open guard over Le
Le tries to close his guard around Lyoto
He is not able to do it
The clock says 1:45 in the 5 round
Lyoto Machida is in open guard over Le
Le launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Lyoto's ribs.
Lyoto ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Lyoto Machida is in open guard over Le
Le tries to close his guard around Lyoto
He succeeds!
Lyoto Machida is in closed guard over Le
Lyoto breaths deeply while on the ground
Lyoto Machida is in closed guard over Le
Lyoto tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Le leans and gets Lyoto Machida's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Lyoto Machida is in closed guard over Le
Lyoto Machida tries to better his position on the ground...
Lyoto breaks the closed guard of Cung Le and moves to half guard
The clock says 2:45 in the 5 round
Lyoto Machida is in side mount over Cung Le
Lyoto Machida looks to pass to mount...
Le creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 2:55 in the 5 round
Middle kick from Lyoto.
The kick just misses.
Lyoto Machida is taking out his mouthpiece to breathe...
Lyoto looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Cung Le's punches
Lyoto measures the resilience of Le's chin with an uppercut while Le lands some great crosses.
You can see Le's blood making stains in the mat.
Cung Le shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Lyoto Machida is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Le into his guard.
Cung Le is in closed guard over Lyoto
Cung Le looks to posture up and open Lyoto Machida's guard...
Cung Le forces Lyoto Machida to open his guard.
Cung Le is in open guard over Lyoto
Cung Le's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Le moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Cung Le is in half guard over Lyoto
Lyoto is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
Lyoto Machida tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Lyoto clumsily fails here and it's time for Cung Le to fight back!
Cung Le positions himself and launches a barrage of punches.
Cung Le is in full mount and his punches are hitting hard Lyoto's ribs
Cung Le is in full mount over Lyoto Machida
Cung Le is a bloody mess!
Cung Le launches a few punches to Lyoto
Weak punches. He needs to improve his position!
Lyoto has a small cut in his Forehead
The clock says 4:05 in the 5 round
Cung Le is in full mount over Lyoto Machida
Lyoto tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
He successfully moves to half guard!
Cung Le is in half guard over Lyoto
Cung Le launches a few punches to Lyoto
Lyoto covers himself well and then rolls on the ground. Great reversal!
Lyoto Machida is in open guard over Le
Le tries to close his guard around Lyoto
He succeeds!
Lyoto Machida is in closed guard over Le
Lyoto breaths deeply while on the ground
The clock says 4:50 in the 5 round
Lyoto Machida is in closed guard over Le
Lyoto tries to escape from closed guard...
Lyoto struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Lyoto Machida is in half guard over Le
Deep breaths from Cung Le who tries a hammer punch to Lyoto's ribs.
Lyoto blocks those punches
Le misses a step and Lyoto Machida sees an opportunity to counter him!
Lyoto Machida pushes Le's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Le rolls and he's now on half guard over Lyoto Machida. Nice reversal.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
This round is maybe for Lyoto Machida.
Winner is Lyoto Machida by Split decision
Statistics: Cung Le
Punches 20/49 (41%)
Kicks 10/25 (40%)
Clinch strikes 16/28 (57%)
Takedowns 2/2 (100%)
GnP strikes 7/26 (27%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 3/3 (100%)
Time on the ground 444 s
Statistics: Lyoto Machida
Punches 23/62 (37%)
Kicks 12/21 (57%)
Clinch strikes 1/5 (20%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 4/11 (36%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 456 s
This might sound kind of silly, but this fight reminded me of Breaking Bad. At first, it wasn't THAT bad, it was watchable, and it kept your interest, but it was definitely building to something. Then it started to pick up and move into higher gear, and turn into a fight. Then from there it started turning into a fast fight to the death. Then it turned into a "Holy shit!" fest, with damaging fight-ending shots going both ways. Then it came to a crazy and dramatic conclusion.
By the end was practically dead even. At the end of the fight, Le had more health left, and more stamina left. Machida had done a sliver more damage. Cung Le was completely comfounded by Machida's evasive style. I believe at one point his kicks were sitting at 0/8. But Cung started landing more and more as the fight went on and he was able to make a fight out of it. Very cool fight. In the end, I guess the judges though Machida did a bit more, or was a bit more effective with his striking/offence, as he gets the split nod. Good stuff.
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!