Post by The Sandmen on Jan 5, 2015 17:08:08 GMT -5
Chris Leben doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
Jon Fitch glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.
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 John McCarthy.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
Fitch cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Leben can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Leben moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Jon Fitch checks the kick.
As the fight continues it seems that Chris Leben is taking the best of the fight.
Chris Leben throws a looping right hand...
That lands on Fitch's chin! That stops Fitch in his tracks!
Fitch's Left eye is beginning to swell
There is a small laceration on Jon Fitch's Left eye
Chris Leben moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense.
Leben wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Leben moves forward and holds Fitch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Fitch has a high cardio that helps him make great performances.
Fitch struggles and launches a few punches to Leben's head
Those punches are hitting! Leben covers his head!
Leben has a small cut in his Right eye
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Fitch launches a few hard punches to Chris Leben's ribs!
Chris Leben's ribs shows the damage! Jon Fitch is working his opponent ribs!
The fighters are clinching.
Leben tries to take Jon Fitch down... Fitch stumbles backwards and Chris Leben launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Fitch's jaw!
The fighters are clinching.
Leben doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Jon Fitch embrace and tries to move away...
Jon Fitch pushes Leben forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Leben doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Jon Fitch embrace and tries to move away...
Jon Fitch pushes Leben forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Leben clumsily fails here and it's time for Jon Fitch to fight back!
Big mistake from Chris Leben! Fitch tries to finish him off with a RNC!
Fitch is unable to lock that and Leben breaks the lock
The clock says 1:35 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Jon Fitch tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Fitch circles out and slips free of Chris Leben's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position.
Surprise roundhouse punch by Leben.
Jon Fitch's reflexes save him!
Poorly executed technique. Jon Fitch looks to counter!
Jon Fitch throws a looping left hand...
Leben moves aside and dodges.
Jon Fitch circles around Leben
Jon Fitch leans forwards and tries to grapple with Leben
Fitch shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The fighters are clinching.
Leben doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Jon Fitch embrace and tries to move away...
Jon Fitch pushes Leben forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Fitch is trying to counter now!
Jon Fitch locks up a guillotine and tries to pull guard...
Chris Leben slips his head out and ends up in Jon Fitch's guard.
Chris Leben is in closed guard over Fitch
Leben leans back...
Fitch eyes him warily.
Chris Leben gets sloppy and Jon Fitch tries to take advantage...
Fitch attempts a triangle from bottom! Chris Leben slips out. Fitch quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Chris Leben slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Chris Leben is on his feet again.
Leben is standing while Fitch is on the ground on his back
Jon Fitch 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 Leben's moves.
The clock says 2:35 in the 1 round
Leben is standing while Fitch is on the ground on his back
Fitch tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Jon Fitch is on his feet again.
The clock says 2:45 in the 1 round
Jon Fitch throws a looping left hand...
That lands on Leben's chin! That stops Leben in his tracks!
Fitch feints and moves forward to hit with a hook
what a crushing shot!
Leben cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Fitch can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Jon Fitch launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Leben blocks the jabs but the last punch hits hard on Chris Leben's cheek! Leben stumbles and the falls to the mat!
Fitch is standing while Leben is on the ground on his back
Fitch opts to jump inside Leben's guard.
Leben didn't see that coming. Jon Fitch is in open guard over Leben now.
Jon Fitch is in open guard over Leben
Jon Fitch tries to pass to half guard...
Chris Leben can't prevent his opponent from passing. Fitch looks to work from half guard.
Jon Fitch is in half guard over Leben
Jon Fitch pushes Leben's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Fitch who is in full mount! Leben is in trouble now!
Jon Fitch is in full mount over Chris Leben
Chris Leben tries to roll to his side and trap Jon Fitch in his guard...
Chris Leben moves to half guard.
Jon Fitch is in half guard over Leben
Jon Fitch is cooling the fight on the ground
Jon Fitch is in half guard over Leben
Chris Leben launches a few punches to Fitch's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Fitch tries to cover his face,
The clock says 4:05 in the 1 round
Jon Fitch is in half guard over Leben
Jon Fitch tries to free his leg...
Jon Fitch uses some of his skill by jumping out of Leben's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Jon Fitch is in side mount over Chris Leben
Chris Leben launches a few punches to Fitch's cheek from the guard.
Jon Fitch uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Leben clumsily fails here and it's time for Jon Fitch to fight back!
Jon Fitch looks to mount Chris Leben...
Jon Fitch slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Jon Fitch is in full mount over Chris Leben
Chris Leben tries to roll to his side and trap Jon Fitch in his guard...
Jon Fitch keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Jon Fitch is in full mount over Chris Leben
Leben is moving on the ground...
Fitch tries to counter Leben's moves on the ground.
Leben misses a step and Jon Fitch sees an opportunity to counter him!
Chris Leben tries to roll to his side and trap Jon Fitch in his guard...
Jon Fitch rolls him over and takes his back!
Fitch is in rear mount over Leben
Fitch positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Leben's being punished here!
Leben has a small cut in his Left cheek
The clock says 4:55 in the 1 round
Fitch is in rear mount over Leben
Leben has Fitch controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Fitch is unable to move under Leben control.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
That was a close round.
The cutman is working on Leben's face.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 2 round
Leben moves forward looking for some action
Jon Fitch struggles a bit before breaking Leben's attemp of grappling
The clock says 0:20 in the 2 round
The two exchange wildly
Fitch is connecting with a few punches
Chris Leben circles around Fitch
Leben throws a one-two combo then fakes a move to fire a big right hand on the chin!
The strikes hit home!
Bone shattering straight right hand from Chris Leben!
Fitch ducks under...
Fitch tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Jon Fitch tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Leben is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Jon Fitch is in open guard over Leben
Fitch tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Jon Fitch is in half guard over Leben
Leben measures the resilience of Fitch's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Fitch blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Jon Fitch is in half guard over Leben
Jon Fitch tries to free his leg
Jon Fitch uses some of his skill by jumping out of Leben's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Jon Fitch is in side mount over Chris Leben
Fitch doesn't like the idea of just stalling on the ground
Chris Leben gets sloppy and Jon Fitch tries to take advantage...
Jon Fitch looks to mount Chris Leben...
Jon Fitch slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Jon Fitch is in full mount over Chris Leben
Leben is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Fitch's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
The clock says 1:40 in the 2 round
Chris Leben is in half guard over Fitch
Chris Leben tries to free his leg...
Chris Leben uses some of his skill by jumping out of Fitch's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Chris Leben is in side mount over Jon Fitch
Leben fires a barrage of punches at Fitch's head!
The punches go wide.
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Chris Leben is in side mount over Jon Fitch
Leben is taking this opportunity to rest.
The clock says 2:10 in the 2 round
Chris Leben is in side mount over Jon Fitch
Leben tries to move to full mount!
Fitch won't allow him to take this position easily.
Fitch is trying to counter now!
Fitch launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Leben's ribs.
Chris Leben is in side mount over Jon Fitch
Chris Leben looks to mount Jon Fitch...
Chris Leben slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Chris Leben is in full mount over Jon Fitch
Leben launches a barrage of elbows over Fitch's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Fitch doesn't fight back!
The clock says 2:35 in the 2 round
Chris Leben is in full mount over Jon Fitch
Jon Fitch doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Jon Fitch. 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 Carrier Dome (Syracuse, New York) are cheering for the fighters.
An overhand right from Chris Leben that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall!
Bang! Fitch's stops that one with his face! How is Fitch standing?!
Chris Leben charges at Fitch throwing flurries left and right.
Jon Fitch gets out of the way.
Incredible haymaker from Jon Fitch!
You can see Chris Leben's head being snapped backwards!
Leben moves forward looking for some action
Jon Fitch struggles a bit before breaking Leben's attemp of grappling
Leben steps backwards away from Jon Fitch. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Fitch feints and moves forward to hit with a hook
what a crushing shot!
Leben's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Jon Fitch fakes a punch and launches himself over Leben!
Nice move by Fitch who clinches and pushes Leben against the cage
Leben doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Jon Fitch embrace and tries to move away...
Jon Fitch pushes Leben forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The clock says 3:55 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Jon Fitch fakes a punch to Chris Leben ribs and the tries to trip him
Chris Leben loses balance and goes to the ground
Leben has a small cut in his Chin
Jon Fitch is in closed guard over Leben
Fitch tries to escape from closed guard...
Fitch struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Jon Fitch is in half guard over Leben
Leben measures the resilience of Fitch's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Fitch blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Chris Leben gets sloppy and Jon Fitch tries to take advantage...
Fitch sits over his knees and pushes away Leben's leg!
Jon Fitch is able to put away his leg and then jumps to side mount.
Jon Fitch is in side mount over Chris Leben
Chris Leben launches a few punches to Fitch's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Fitch tries to cover his face,
Jon Fitch is in side mount over Chris Leben
Chris Leben attempts to trap Jon Fitch in his guard.
Jon Fitch keeps control and remains in side mount.
Jon Fitch is in side mount over Chris Leben
Chris Leben launches a few punches to Fitch's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Fitch tries to cover his face,
Jon Fitch is in side mount over Chris Leben
Jon Fitch looks to mount Chris Leben...
Jon Fitch slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
That round was a toss up.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Chris Leben continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
A shot seen throughout the arena!
Fitch stumbles back, his corner is screaming! Chris Leben is coming in again!
Chris Leben goes with a looping right hand while Jon Fitch jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Fitch seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
Leben has a small cut in his Mouth
Leben moves forward looking for some action
Chris Leben shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Leben tries to take Jon Fitch to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Fitch is with his back on the ground now.
The clock says 0:45 in the 3 round
Chris Leben is in open guard over Fitch
Chris Leben continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Leben tries to move to full mount
Leben's ground game is not enough to provide him any advantage
Poorly executed technique. Jon Fitch looks to counter!
Jon Fitch launches a few punches to Leben's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Leben tries to cover his face,
Chris Leben is in open guard over Fitch
Chris Leben is a bloody mess!
Chris Leben tries to pass to half guard...
Jon Fitch's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Chris Leben is in open guard over Fitch
Chris Leben tries to pass to half guard...
Jon Fitch can't prevent his opponent from passing. Leben looks to work from half guard.
Chris Leben is in half guard over Fitch
Jon Fitch tries to close the guard.
Fitch put Chris Leben in closed guard.
Chris Leben is in closed guard over Fitch
Leben doesn't stop bleeding.
Leben is in closed guard... Fitch tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Chris Leben!
Jon Fitch is in full mount over Chris Leben
Leben measures the resilience of Fitch's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Fitch's side.
Jon Fitch is in full mount over Chris Leben
Chris Leben's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Fitch throws a few hammer fists to the face of Chris Leben
Solid shots!
Jon Fitch is in full mount over Chris Leben
Fitch goes for an armbar!
Fitch is locking that Armbar...
That Armbar looks tight...
Leben's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
You can see the pain reflected in Leben's eyes...
That Armbar from Jon Fitch appears to be unbreakable
Crippling lock!
You can see the pain reflected in Leben's eyes...
That Armbar from Jon Fitch appears to be unbreakable
John McCarthy breaks Jon Fitch's lock! This is over! Leben didn't want to tap but the ref decided he wouldn't be able to escape from it!
Winner is Jon Fitch by Submission (Armbar) at 2:09 Round 3
Statistics: Chris Leben
Punches 8/18 (44%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/4 (25%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 11/29 (38%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 384 s
Statistics: Jon Fitch
Punches 10/14 (71%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 5/7 (71%)
Takedowns 2/2 (100%)
GnP strikes 11/13 (85%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 396 s
Very good fight, with both guys digging deep and pushing the other to the limit. Leben had a massive "I punch you and it hurts you bad" advantage, whereas Jon had a notable "I will take you down pretty much any time I want" advantage. So, yes, striker vs. grappler. Fitch got Leben down. A few times. Then finished.
Jon Fitch glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.
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 John McCarthy.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
Fitch cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Leben can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Leben moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Jon Fitch checks the kick.
As the fight continues it seems that Chris Leben is taking the best of the fight.
Chris Leben throws a looping right hand...
That lands on Fitch's chin! That stops Fitch in his tracks!
Fitch's Left eye is beginning to swell
There is a small laceration on Jon Fitch's Left eye
Chris Leben moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense.
Leben wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Leben moves forward and holds Fitch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Fitch has a high cardio that helps him make great performances.
Fitch struggles and launches a few punches to Leben's head
Those punches are hitting! Leben covers his head!
Leben has a small cut in his Right eye
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Fitch launches a few hard punches to Chris Leben's ribs!
Chris Leben's ribs shows the damage! Jon Fitch is working his opponent ribs!
The fighters are clinching.
Leben tries to take Jon Fitch down... Fitch stumbles backwards and Chris Leben launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Fitch's jaw!
The fighters are clinching.
Leben doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Jon Fitch embrace and tries to move away...
Jon Fitch pushes Leben forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Leben doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Jon Fitch embrace and tries to move away...
Jon Fitch pushes Leben forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Leben clumsily fails here and it's time for Jon Fitch to fight back!
Big mistake from Chris Leben! Fitch tries to finish him off with a RNC!
Fitch is unable to lock that and Leben breaks the lock
The clock says 1:35 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Jon Fitch tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Fitch circles out and slips free of Chris Leben's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position.
Surprise roundhouse punch by Leben.
Jon Fitch's reflexes save him!
Poorly executed technique. Jon Fitch looks to counter!
Jon Fitch throws a looping left hand...
Leben moves aside and dodges.
Jon Fitch circles around Leben
Jon Fitch leans forwards and tries to grapple with Leben
Fitch shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The fighters are clinching.
Leben doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Jon Fitch embrace and tries to move away...
Jon Fitch pushes Leben forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Fitch is trying to counter now!
Jon Fitch locks up a guillotine and tries to pull guard...
Chris Leben slips his head out and ends up in Jon Fitch's guard.
Chris Leben is in closed guard over Fitch
Leben leans back...
Fitch eyes him warily.
Chris Leben gets sloppy and Jon Fitch tries to take advantage...
Fitch attempts a triangle from bottom! Chris Leben slips out. Fitch quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Chris Leben slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Chris Leben is on his feet again.
Leben is standing while Fitch is on the ground on his back
Jon Fitch 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 Leben's moves.
The clock says 2:35 in the 1 round
Leben is standing while Fitch is on the ground on his back
Fitch tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Jon Fitch is on his feet again.
The clock says 2:45 in the 1 round
Jon Fitch throws a looping left hand...
That lands on Leben's chin! That stops Leben in his tracks!
Fitch feints and moves forward to hit with a hook
what a crushing shot!
Leben cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Fitch can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Jon Fitch launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Leben blocks the jabs but the last punch hits hard on Chris Leben's cheek! Leben stumbles and the falls to the mat!
Fitch is standing while Leben is on the ground on his back
Fitch opts to jump inside Leben's guard.
Leben didn't see that coming. Jon Fitch is in open guard over Leben now.
Jon Fitch is in open guard over Leben
Jon Fitch tries to pass to half guard...
Chris Leben can't prevent his opponent from passing. Fitch looks to work from half guard.
Jon Fitch is in half guard over Leben
Jon Fitch pushes Leben's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Fitch who is in full mount! Leben is in trouble now!
Jon Fitch is in full mount over Chris Leben
Chris Leben tries to roll to his side and trap Jon Fitch in his guard...
Chris Leben moves to half guard.
Jon Fitch is in half guard over Leben
Jon Fitch is cooling the fight on the ground
Jon Fitch is in half guard over Leben
Chris Leben launches a few punches to Fitch's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Fitch tries to cover his face,
The clock says 4:05 in the 1 round
Jon Fitch is in half guard over Leben
Jon Fitch tries to free his leg...
Jon Fitch uses some of his skill by jumping out of Leben's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Jon Fitch is in side mount over Chris Leben
Chris Leben launches a few punches to Fitch's cheek from the guard.
Jon Fitch uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Leben clumsily fails here and it's time for Jon Fitch to fight back!
Jon Fitch looks to mount Chris Leben...
Jon Fitch slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Jon Fitch is in full mount over Chris Leben
Chris Leben tries to roll to his side and trap Jon Fitch in his guard...
Jon Fitch keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Jon Fitch is in full mount over Chris Leben
Leben is moving on the ground...
Fitch tries to counter Leben's moves on the ground.
Leben misses a step and Jon Fitch sees an opportunity to counter him!
Chris Leben tries to roll to his side and trap Jon Fitch in his guard...
Jon Fitch rolls him over and takes his back!
Fitch is in rear mount over Leben
Fitch positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Leben's being punished here!
Leben has a small cut in his Left cheek
The clock says 4:55 in the 1 round
Fitch is in rear mount over Leben
Leben has Fitch controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Fitch is unable to move under Leben control.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
That was a close round.
The cutman is working on Leben's face.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 2 round
Leben moves forward looking for some action
Jon Fitch struggles a bit before breaking Leben's attemp of grappling
The clock says 0:20 in the 2 round
The two exchange wildly
Fitch is connecting with a few punches
Chris Leben circles around Fitch
Leben throws a one-two combo then fakes a move to fire a big right hand on the chin!
The strikes hit home!
Bone shattering straight right hand from Chris Leben!
Fitch ducks under...
Fitch tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Jon Fitch tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Leben is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Jon Fitch is in open guard over Leben
Fitch tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Jon Fitch is in half guard over Leben
Leben measures the resilience of Fitch's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Fitch blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Jon Fitch is in half guard over Leben
Jon Fitch tries to free his leg
Jon Fitch uses some of his skill by jumping out of Leben's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Jon Fitch is in side mount over Chris Leben
Fitch doesn't like the idea of just stalling on the ground
Chris Leben gets sloppy and Jon Fitch tries to take advantage...
Jon Fitch looks to mount Chris Leben...
Jon Fitch slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Jon Fitch is in full mount over Chris Leben
Leben is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Fitch's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
The clock says 1:40 in the 2 round
Chris Leben is in half guard over Fitch
Chris Leben tries to free his leg...
Chris Leben uses some of his skill by jumping out of Fitch's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Chris Leben is in side mount over Jon Fitch
Leben fires a barrage of punches at Fitch's head!
The punches go wide.
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Chris Leben is in side mount over Jon Fitch
Leben is taking this opportunity to rest.
The clock says 2:10 in the 2 round
Chris Leben is in side mount over Jon Fitch
Leben tries to move to full mount!
Fitch won't allow him to take this position easily.
Fitch is trying to counter now!
Fitch launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Leben's ribs.
Chris Leben is in side mount over Jon Fitch
Chris Leben looks to mount Jon Fitch...
Chris Leben slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Chris Leben is in full mount over Jon Fitch
Leben launches a barrage of elbows over Fitch's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Fitch doesn't fight back!
The clock says 2:35 in the 2 round
Chris Leben is in full mount over Jon Fitch
Jon Fitch doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Jon Fitch. 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 Carrier Dome (Syracuse, New York) are cheering for the fighters.
An overhand right from Chris Leben that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall!
Bang! Fitch's stops that one with his face! How is Fitch standing?!
Chris Leben charges at Fitch throwing flurries left and right.
Jon Fitch gets out of the way.
Incredible haymaker from Jon Fitch!
You can see Chris Leben's head being snapped backwards!
Leben moves forward looking for some action
Jon Fitch struggles a bit before breaking Leben's attemp of grappling
Leben steps backwards away from Jon Fitch. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Fitch feints and moves forward to hit with a hook
what a crushing shot!
Leben's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Jon Fitch fakes a punch and launches himself over Leben!
Nice move by Fitch who clinches and pushes Leben against the cage
Leben doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Jon Fitch embrace and tries to move away...
Jon Fitch pushes Leben forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The clock says 3:55 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Jon Fitch fakes a punch to Chris Leben ribs and the tries to trip him
Chris Leben loses balance and goes to the ground
Leben has a small cut in his Chin
Jon Fitch is in closed guard over Leben
Fitch tries to escape from closed guard...
Fitch struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Jon Fitch is in half guard over Leben
Leben measures the resilience of Fitch's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Fitch blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Chris Leben gets sloppy and Jon Fitch tries to take advantage...
Fitch sits over his knees and pushes away Leben's leg!
Jon Fitch is able to put away his leg and then jumps to side mount.
Jon Fitch is in side mount over Chris Leben
Chris Leben launches a few punches to Fitch's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Fitch tries to cover his face,
Jon Fitch is in side mount over Chris Leben
Chris Leben attempts to trap Jon Fitch in his guard.
Jon Fitch keeps control and remains in side mount.
Jon Fitch is in side mount over Chris Leben
Chris Leben launches a few punches to Fitch's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Fitch tries to cover his face,
Jon Fitch is in side mount over Chris Leben
Jon Fitch looks to mount Chris Leben...
Jon Fitch slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
That round was a toss up.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Chris Leben continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
A shot seen throughout the arena!
Fitch stumbles back, his corner is screaming! Chris Leben is coming in again!
Chris Leben goes with a looping right hand while Jon Fitch jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Fitch seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
Leben has a small cut in his Mouth
Leben moves forward looking for some action
Chris Leben shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Leben tries to take Jon Fitch to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Fitch is with his back on the ground now.
The clock says 0:45 in the 3 round
Chris Leben is in open guard over Fitch
Chris Leben continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Leben tries to move to full mount
Leben's ground game is not enough to provide him any advantage
Poorly executed technique. Jon Fitch looks to counter!
Jon Fitch launches a few punches to Leben's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Leben tries to cover his face,
Chris Leben is in open guard over Fitch
Chris Leben is a bloody mess!
Chris Leben tries to pass to half guard...
Jon Fitch's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Chris Leben is in open guard over Fitch
Chris Leben tries to pass to half guard...
Jon Fitch can't prevent his opponent from passing. Leben looks to work from half guard.
Chris Leben is in half guard over Fitch
Jon Fitch tries to close the guard.
Fitch put Chris Leben in closed guard.
Chris Leben is in closed guard over Fitch
Leben doesn't stop bleeding.
Leben is in closed guard... Fitch tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Chris Leben!
Jon Fitch is in full mount over Chris Leben
Leben measures the resilience of Fitch's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Fitch's side.
Jon Fitch is in full mount over Chris Leben
Chris Leben's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Fitch throws a few hammer fists to the face of Chris Leben
Solid shots!
Jon Fitch is in full mount over Chris Leben
Fitch goes for an armbar!
Fitch is locking that Armbar...
That Armbar looks tight...
Leben's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
You can see the pain reflected in Leben's eyes...
That Armbar from Jon Fitch appears to be unbreakable
Crippling lock!
You can see the pain reflected in Leben's eyes...
That Armbar from Jon Fitch appears to be unbreakable
John McCarthy breaks Jon Fitch's lock! This is over! Leben didn't want to tap but the ref decided he wouldn't be able to escape from it!
Winner is Jon Fitch by Submission (Armbar) at 2:09 Round 3
Statistics: Chris Leben
Punches 8/18 (44%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/4 (25%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 11/29 (38%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 384 s
Statistics: Jon Fitch
Punches 10/14 (71%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 5/7 (71%)
Takedowns 2/2 (100%)
GnP strikes 11/13 (85%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 396 s
Very good fight, with both guys digging deep and pushing the other to the limit. Leben had a massive "I punch you and it hurts you bad" advantage, whereas Jon had a notable "I will take you down pretty much any time I want" advantage. So, yes, striker vs. grappler. Fitch got Leben down. A few times. Then finished.