Post by The Sandmen on May 10, 2012 14:43:40 GMT -5
Kazushi Sakuraba! Kazushi Sakuraba! This is what the people are chanting here.
Ferocious staredown by Leben while Herb Dean recites the rules.
Ferocious staredown by Sakuraba while Herb Dean recites the rules.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Kazushi Sakuraba is the better fighter in my opinion. It would be an upset if he loses today.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Leben and Sakuraba move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Leben begins to launch a barrage of punches over Sakuraba
this is getting worse and worse for Sakuraba
Sakuraba's Mouth is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Leben moves forward looking for some action
Chris Leben shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The fighters are clinching.
One, two, three! Sakuraba doesn't stop launching those knees in the clinch!
Devastating knee that lands on Leben's chin! That pop was heard throughout the arena! The crowd erupts!
The fighters are clinching.
Chris Leben launches a few punches towards Sakuraba's ribs while holds him in a double overhooks!
Sakuraba seems unaffected... those punches doesn't carry any power!
Herb Dean sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
The clock says 0:55 in the 1 round
Chris Leben tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba swings and Leben has to retreat
Kazushi Sakuraba seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots for a double leg takedown!
Chris Leben sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Chris Leben tries to take advantage...
Chris Leben shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Kazushi Sakuraba is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Leben into his guard.
Chris Leben is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Leben is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Chris Leben!
The clock says 1:30 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Chris Leben
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Leben is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
The clock says 1:40 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Chris Leben
Leben is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Sakuraba's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Chris Leben is in half guard over Sakuraba
Chris Leben hovers above Sakuraba
Good punches to Sakuraba's body.
Chris Leben is in half guard over Sakuraba
Chris Leben tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Chris Leben manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Chris Leben is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Chris Leben in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:20 in the 1 round
Chris Leben is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Chris Leben wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Leben drills Kazushi Sakuraba's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Chris Leben is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba is taking this opportunity to rest.
Chris Leben is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Not a desiderable position that Leben is in now. Kazushi Sakuraba is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Leben spins out, but Kazushi Sakuraba was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Leben is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Kazushi Sakuraba closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Chris Leben
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba tries to take Chris Leben down... Leben stumbles backwards and Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Leben's jaw!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Leben doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Leben forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Chris Leben gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Big mistake from Chris Leben! Sakuraba tries to finish him off with a RNC!
Sakuraba is unable to lock that and Leben breaks the lock
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Leben launches a few hard punches to Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs!
Sakuraba struggles and protects himself.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba launches a few hard punches to Chris Leben's ribs!
Chris Leben's ribs shows the damage! Kazushi Sakuraba is working his opponent ribs!
The fighters are clinching.
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes away Leben trying to keep the fight at striking range
Leben stumbles backwards and Kazushi Sakuraba circles to get the center of the cage
Inside leg kick from Leben
that lands on Kazushi Sakuraba's leg.
The clock says 4:10 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple
Great move by Kazushi Sakuraba who pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks.
Leben doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Leben forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
a flying knee from Kazushi Sakuraba towards Leben
Chris Leben was hit in the abdomen, powerful strike sents him to the mat
Sakuraba is standing while Leben is on the ground on his back
Leben tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Back to the beginning! Chris Leben is standing now.
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts a sweep single...
Kazushi Sakuraba catches Chris Leben's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Leben
Sakuraba is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Sakuraba breaks the closed guard of Chris Leben and moves to half guard
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
That round was a toss up.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 2 round
Chris Leben leans forwards and tries to grapple with Sakuraba
Leben shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Chris Leben tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Sakuraba is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Leben misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Sakuraba circles out and slips free of Chris Leben's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position.
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
Sakuraba moves forward looking for some action
Kazushi Sakuraba shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The fighters are clinching.
Kazushi Sakuraba is controlling the clinch and launches a vicious knee!
Crushing blow to Leben's face.
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Chris Leben embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Sakuraba who put distance between them
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Leben!
Nice move by Sakuraba who clinches and pushes Leben against the cage
The clock says 1:20 in the 2 round
The fighters are clinching.
Leben struggles and launches a few punches to Sakuraba's head
Nothing from this... Chris Leben seems frustrated.
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes away Leben trying to keep the fight at striking range
Leben doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Kazushi Sakuraba
The fighters are clinching.
Leben struggles and launches a few punches to Sakuraba's head
Those punches are hitting! Sakuraba covers his head!
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Chris Leben embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Sakuraba who put distance between them
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Chris Leben chases Sakuraba and launches a few perfect strikes
Here we go! Sakuraba steps backwards when those punches connect with his face
Sakuraba is holding Chris Leben's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Chris Leben loses balance and goes to the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Chris Leben
Kazushi Sakuraba moves to better his position on the ground...
Kazushi Sakuraba viciously slams hammer blows to Leben's face!
The clock says 2:25 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Chris Leben
Kazushi Sakuraba goes for an americana!
Leben breaks free.
Leben is trying to counter now!
Chris Leben attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Chris Leben manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:35 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Leben
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Leben tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Chris Leben is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Leben's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Leben
Kazushi Sakuraba isolates Chris Leben's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Chris Leben is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Leben
Chris Leben attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Leben
Chris Leben attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Leben
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg
Chris Leben moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a combo
Chris Leben ducks under and catches him with a counter straight! Sakuraba swings again, only to get countered once more! Sakuraba is looking bad here!
Sakuraba has a small cut in his Nose
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Leben tries to break the clinch... Kazushi Sakuraba launches a great knee when he finds a narrow space!
Awesome impact! Leben stumbles backwards and Kazushi Sakuraba shoots an incredible takedown!
Sakuraba moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Hard blow to Leben's thigh!
Leben hyper-extended his leg
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Chris Leben
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
The fighters are clinching.
Leben struggles and launches a few punches to Sakuraba's head
Nothing from this... Chris Leben seems frustrated.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
One, two, three! Sakuraba doesn't stop launching those knees in the clinch!
Devastating knee that lands on Leben's chin! That pop was heard throughout the arena! The crowd erupts!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Chris Leben pushes away Sakuraba trying to keep the fight at striking range
Sakuraba doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Chris Leben
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes away Leben trying to keep the fight at striking range
Leben doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Kazushi Sakuraba
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Leben is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Chris Leben tries to take advantage...
Leben doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Leben forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Leben tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba down... Sakuraba stumbles backwards and Chris Leben launches a few punches...
Kazushi Sakuraba dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was an even round for the most part.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Sakuraba wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Sakuraba moves forward and holds Leben
Chris Leben tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Sakuraba is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Chris Leben embrace and tries to move away...
Chris Leben pushes Sakuraba forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba pushes off of Chris Leben and starts launching a flurry of hooks and body shots!
Leben stumbles backwards but Kazushi Sakuraba chases him and continues the rain of blows!
Leben has a small cut in his Right eye
The fighters are clinching.
Chris Leben slightly pushes Sakuraba into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
Herb Dean sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
Sakuraba throws a lazy kick
Leben blocks and keeps his distance.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Brutal-looking high kick from Kazushi Sakuraba!
You could hear the impact from the back seats!
Leben's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Chris Leben and Sakuraba engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
Bone shattering straight right hand from Kazushi Sakuraba!
Leben is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Chris Leben moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense.
Chris Leben and Sakuraba engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
Sakuraba fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Chris Leben didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Leben
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish with a leg lock!
Leben hyper-extended his left leg
Punishing hold!
Sakuraba is locking that leglock...
Punishing hold!
That leglock from Kazushi Sakuraba appears to be unbreakable
Leben is able to break the lock.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Leben
Sakuraba is in open guard over Leben... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
That Kneebar looks tight...
That Kneebar from Kazushi Sakuraba appears to be unbreakable
Crippling lock!
You can see the pain reflected in Leben's eyes...
You can see the pain reflected in Leben's eyes...
Chris Leben screams in pain and taps! Herb Dean forces Sakuraba to break the lock.
Winner is Kazushi Sakuraba by Submission (Kneebar) at 2:14 Round 3
Statistics: Chris Leben
Punches 23/31 (74%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 2/20 (10%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 4/4 (100%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 225 s
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 13/13 (100%)
Kicks 2/2 (100%)
Clinch strikes 13/22 (59%)
Takedowns 3/4 (75%)
GnP strikes 3/3 (100%)
Submissions 7/7 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 218 s
Gotta say, I love Sakuraba, but I did NOT see this coming. Thought Leben would KO him within 2 rounds. Sakuraba came out and destroyed him after round 2. Good times.
Ferocious staredown by Leben while Herb Dean recites the rules.
Ferocious staredown by Sakuraba while Herb Dean recites the rules.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Kazushi Sakuraba is the better fighter in my opinion. It would be an upset if he loses today.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Leben and Sakuraba move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Leben begins to launch a barrage of punches over Sakuraba
this is getting worse and worse for Sakuraba
Sakuraba's Mouth is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Leben moves forward looking for some action
Chris Leben shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The fighters are clinching.
One, two, three! Sakuraba doesn't stop launching those knees in the clinch!
Devastating knee that lands on Leben's chin! That pop was heard throughout the arena! The crowd erupts!
The fighters are clinching.
Chris Leben launches a few punches towards Sakuraba's ribs while holds him in a double overhooks!
Sakuraba seems unaffected... those punches doesn't carry any power!
Herb Dean sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
The clock says 0:55 in the 1 round
Chris Leben tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba swings and Leben has to retreat
Kazushi Sakuraba seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots for a double leg takedown!
Chris Leben sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Chris Leben tries to take advantage...
Chris Leben shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Kazushi Sakuraba is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Leben into his guard.
Chris Leben is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Leben is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Chris Leben!
The clock says 1:30 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Chris Leben
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Leben is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
The clock says 1:40 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Chris Leben
Leben is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Sakuraba's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Chris Leben is in half guard over Sakuraba
Chris Leben hovers above Sakuraba
Good punches to Sakuraba's body.
Chris Leben is in half guard over Sakuraba
Chris Leben tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Chris Leben manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Chris Leben is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Chris Leben in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:20 in the 1 round
Chris Leben is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Chris Leben wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Leben drills Kazushi Sakuraba's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Chris Leben is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba is taking this opportunity to rest.
Chris Leben is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Not a desiderable position that Leben is in now. Kazushi Sakuraba is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Leben spins out, but Kazushi Sakuraba was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Leben is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Kazushi Sakuraba closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Chris Leben
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba tries to take Chris Leben down... Leben stumbles backwards and Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Leben's jaw!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Leben doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Leben forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Chris Leben gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Big mistake from Chris Leben! Sakuraba tries to finish him off with a RNC!
Sakuraba is unable to lock that and Leben breaks the lock
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Leben launches a few hard punches to Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs!
Sakuraba struggles and protects himself.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba launches a few hard punches to Chris Leben's ribs!
Chris Leben's ribs shows the damage! Kazushi Sakuraba is working his opponent ribs!
The fighters are clinching.
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes away Leben trying to keep the fight at striking range
Leben stumbles backwards and Kazushi Sakuraba circles to get the center of the cage
Inside leg kick from Leben
that lands on Kazushi Sakuraba's leg.
The clock says 4:10 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple
Great move by Kazushi Sakuraba who pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks.
Leben doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Leben forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
a flying knee from Kazushi Sakuraba towards Leben
Chris Leben was hit in the abdomen, powerful strike sents him to the mat
Sakuraba is standing while Leben is on the ground on his back
Leben tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Back to the beginning! Chris Leben is standing now.
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts a sweep single...
Kazushi Sakuraba catches Chris Leben's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Leben
Sakuraba is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Sakuraba breaks the closed guard of Chris Leben and moves to half guard
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
That round was a toss up.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 2 round
Chris Leben leans forwards and tries to grapple with Sakuraba
Leben shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Chris Leben tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Sakuraba is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Leben misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Sakuraba circles out and slips free of Chris Leben's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position.
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
Sakuraba moves forward looking for some action
Kazushi Sakuraba shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The fighters are clinching.
Kazushi Sakuraba is controlling the clinch and launches a vicious knee!
Crushing blow to Leben's face.
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Chris Leben embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Sakuraba who put distance between them
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Leben!
Nice move by Sakuraba who clinches and pushes Leben against the cage
The clock says 1:20 in the 2 round
The fighters are clinching.
Leben struggles and launches a few punches to Sakuraba's head
Nothing from this... Chris Leben seems frustrated.
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes away Leben trying to keep the fight at striking range
Leben doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Kazushi Sakuraba
The fighters are clinching.
Leben struggles and launches a few punches to Sakuraba's head
Those punches are hitting! Sakuraba covers his head!
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Chris Leben embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Sakuraba who put distance between them
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Chris Leben chases Sakuraba and launches a few perfect strikes
Here we go! Sakuraba steps backwards when those punches connect with his face
Sakuraba is holding Chris Leben's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Chris Leben loses balance and goes to the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Chris Leben
Kazushi Sakuraba moves to better his position on the ground...
Kazushi Sakuraba viciously slams hammer blows to Leben's face!
The clock says 2:25 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Chris Leben
Kazushi Sakuraba goes for an americana!
Leben breaks free.
Leben is trying to counter now!
Chris Leben attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Chris Leben manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:35 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Leben
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Leben tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Chris Leben is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Leben's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Leben
Kazushi Sakuraba isolates Chris Leben's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Chris Leben is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Leben
Chris Leben attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Leben
Chris Leben attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Leben
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg
Chris Leben moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a combo
Chris Leben ducks under and catches him with a counter straight! Sakuraba swings again, only to get countered once more! Sakuraba is looking bad here!
Sakuraba has a small cut in his Nose
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Leben tries to break the clinch... Kazushi Sakuraba launches a great knee when he finds a narrow space!
Awesome impact! Leben stumbles backwards and Kazushi Sakuraba shoots an incredible takedown!
Sakuraba moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Hard blow to Leben's thigh!
Leben hyper-extended his leg
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Chris Leben
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
The fighters are clinching.
Leben struggles and launches a few punches to Sakuraba's head
Nothing from this... Chris Leben seems frustrated.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
One, two, three! Sakuraba doesn't stop launching those knees in the clinch!
Devastating knee that lands on Leben's chin! That pop was heard throughout the arena! The crowd erupts!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Chris Leben pushes away Sakuraba trying to keep the fight at striking range
Sakuraba doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Chris Leben
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes away Leben trying to keep the fight at striking range
Leben doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Kazushi Sakuraba
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Leben is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Chris Leben tries to take advantage...
Leben doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Leben forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Leben tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba down... Sakuraba stumbles backwards and Chris Leben launches a few punches...
Kazushi Sakuraba dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was an even round for the most part.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Sakuraba wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Sakuraba moves forward and holds Leben
Chris Leben tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Sakuraba is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Chris Leben embrace and tries to move away...
Chris Leben pushes Sakuraba forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba pushes off of Chris Leben and starts launching a flurry of hooks and body shots!
Leben stumbles backwards but Kazushi Sakuraba chases him and continues the rain of blows!
Leben has a small cut in his Right eye
The fighters are clinching.
Chris Leben slightly pushes Sakuraba into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
Herb Dean sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
Sakuraba throws a lazy kick
Leben blocks and keeps his distance.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Brutal-looking high kick from Kazushi Sakuraba!
You could hear the impact from the back seats!
Leben's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Chris Leben and Sakuraba engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
Bone shattering straight right hand from Kazushi Sakuraba!
Leben is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Chris Leben moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense.
Chris Leben and Sakuraba engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
Sakuraba fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Chris Leben didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Leben
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish with a leg lock!
Leben hyper-extended his left leg
Punishing hold!
Sakuraba is locking that leglock...
Punishing hold!
That leglock from Kazushi Sakuraba appears to be unbreakable
Leben is able to break the lock.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Leben
Sakuraba is in open guard over Leben... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
That Kneebar looks tight...
That Kneebar from Kazushi Sakuraba appears to be unbreakable
Crippling lock!
You can see the pain reflected in Leben's eyes...
You can see the pain reflected in Leben's eyes...
Chris Leben screams in pain and taps! Herb Dean forces Sakuraba to break the lock.
Winner is Kazushi Sakuraba by Submission (Kneebar) at 2:14 Round 3
Statistics: Chris Leben
Punches 23/31 (74%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 2/20 (10%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 4/4 (100%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 225 s
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 13/13 (100%)
Kicks 2/2 (100%)
Clinch strikes 13/22 (59%)
Takedowns 3/4 (75%)
GnP strikes 3/3 (100%)
Submissions 7/7 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 218 s
Gotta say, I love Sakuraba, but I did NOT see this coming. Thought Leben would KO him within 2 rounds. Sakuraba came out and destroyed him after round 2. Good times.