Post by The Sandmen on Jun 6, 2012 13:47:16 GMT -5
Dominick Cruz looks very relaxed.
Urijah Faber looks like he has been waiting for this fight forever.
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 Dan Miragliotta.
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Round 1
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Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
The clock says 0:10 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz moves forward looking for some grappling action
Cruz has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Urijah Faber is absolutely terrifying with his power in the clinch, and is violently punishing Cruz with uppercuts!
Cruz is taking more than he can endure. This could end soon if Cruz is unable to escape!
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz grapple with Urijah Faber and tries a Inner leg Sweep
Urijah Faber falls hard on the mat with Dominick Cruz on top of him
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Faber
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Dominick Cruz fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
The clock says 0:55 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Faber
Urijah Faber attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Faber
Urijah Faber attempts to move to full guard
Urijah Faber manages to switch to full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Faber
Faber tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Faber
Dominick Cruz pushes Urijah Faber against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Urijah Faber struggles not allowing Dominick Cruz improve his position.
The clock says 1:35 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Faber
Cruz moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Faber
Dominick Cruz tries to free his leg...
Dominick Cruz uses some of his skill by jumping out of Faber's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Faber measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Cruz blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Dominick Cruz tries to open Faber's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Dominick Cruz. Faber is unable to cover himself now!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Dominick Cruz fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Faber's face!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Faber tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Dominick Cruz 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 Faber's moves.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Urijah Faber. 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.
The clock says 2:40 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz and Faber engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
Faber has a small cut in his Left cheek
Dominick Cruz goes with a looping right hand while Urijah Faber jumps back and jabs
Faber seems staggered and Dominick Cruz runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Faber's Left cheek is beginning to swell
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz catches Urijah Faber's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Cruz.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Faber
Urijah Faber launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Dominick Cruz uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Faber misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Cruz use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Saitama Super Arena (Saitama, Japan) is cheering him!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Faber sure knows how to turn you into a pretzel. He can finish the fight anytime while on the ground.
Urijah Faber attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Dominick Cruz keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Deep breaths from Urijah Faber who tries a hammer punch to Cruz's ribs.
That hit Cruz who moves on the ground in order to protect himself
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Urijah Faber...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber tries to roll on the ground...
He makes a reversal!
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Faber tries to escape from the closed guard
Urijah Faber any adventage in the ground.
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Faber tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Cruz leans and gets Urijah Faber's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
The clock says 4:15 in the 1 round
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz holds Urijah Faber's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Faber misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Faber is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Urijah Faber!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Faber tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Dominick Cruz doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Urijah Faber gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Faber
Faber tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Faber
Cruz is in closed guard... Faber tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Faber misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Dominick Cruz fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
You have to give that round to Dominick Cruz.
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Round 2
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The clock says 0:10 in the 2 round
Cruz wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Faber wants nothing of that and pushes Cruz.
Solid jabs from Urijah Faber.
Cruz defends.
Cruz is holding Urijah Faber's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Urijah Faber loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Dominick Cruz keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Urijah Faber manages to switch to half guard.
The clock says 1:05 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Faber
Faber tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Faber's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Dan Miragliotta knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Faber
Cruz launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Urijah Faber rolls over himself and stands up while Dominick Cruz rolls on his back.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Dominick Cruz. 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.
Dominick Cruz tries a middle kick
Urijah Faber blocks and steps away.
Cruz is holding Urijah Faber's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Urijah Faber loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Faber tries to show some ground skills
Urijah Faber put Cruz in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Faber
Urijah Faber attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Faber
Urijah Faber launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Dominick Cruz uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz pushes Faber's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Faber rolls and he's now on half guard over Dominick Cruz. Nice reversal.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Stand up! This is what Cruz's cornermen are shouting. Urijah Faber is a submission master and he can finish the fight if you mess with him on the ground.
Urijah Faber pushes Cruz's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Faber who is in full mount! Cruz is in trouble now!
Urijah Faber is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Faber's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Faber tries to cover his face,
Urijah Faber is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Urijah Faber in his guard...
Dominick Cruz moves to half guard.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Cruz put Urijah Faber in closed guard.
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Faber's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Faber's side.
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber tries to better his position on the ground...
Faber breaks the closed guard of Dominick Cruz and moves to half guard
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz launches a few weak punches
Faber blocks them effectively.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to show some ground skills
Dominick Cruz put Faber in half guard.
The clock says 3:55 in the 2 round
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Faber's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Faber blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Faber's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Faber tries to cover his face,
Faber's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 4:25 in the 2 round
Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Faber's cheek from the guard.
Urijah Faber uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Urijah Faber to fight back!
Urijah Faber pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Faber jumps and tries to free his leg! Cruz doesn't allow this but Urijah Faber is able to get half guard here.
The clock says 4:35 in the 2 round
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Cruz put Urijah Faber in closed guard.
The clock says 4:45 in the 2 round
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber looks to posture up and open Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber is looking to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Dominick Cruz has to be confident that he won that round.
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Round 3
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The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Urijah Faber attempts a sweep single...
Urijah Faber catches Dominick Cruz's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Faber.
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Urijah Faber can't find an opening in his opponent's guard!
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Faber is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Urijah Faber uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Saitama Super Arena (Saitama, Japan) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 0:30 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz charges at Faber throwing flurries left and right.
Urijah Faber gets out of the way.
Faber is trying to counter now!
Faber is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz shows great balance while pushing away Urijah Faber
Solid low kick from Urijah Faber.
Cruz deflects it.
Urijah Faber throws a punch
that gets deflected.
Cruz begins to launch a barrage of punches over Faber
this is getting worse and worse for Faber
Dominick Cruz throws a looping left hand...
Faber moves aside and dodges.
Faber tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Faber is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Urijah Faber in his guard.
Urijah Faber keeps control and remains in side mount.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Urijah Faber looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Urijah Faber slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Urijah Faber is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Urijah Faber rolls Dominick Cruz to his stomach and takes his back!
Faber is in rear mount over Cruz
Faber tries to get a hook in!
Cruz rolls on the ground and manages to get a half guard!
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz has Faber controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Showing some ground skills he transitions to a side mount.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Faber positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Cruz's being punished here!
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Urijah Faber throws a flurry of punches at Cruz...
A lot of them are hitting Cruz's face
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Urijah Faber in his guard.
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to half guard.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
The clock says 2:50 in the 3 round
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Faber's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Faber blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Faber tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Urijah Faber aggressively and repeatedly punches Cruz.
Good job by Cruz blocking and slipping the blows.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Faber's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Faber's side.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber tries to free his leg...
Cruz rolls on the ground and moves to side mount! Awesome maneuver!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Urijah Faber...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Faber struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Dominick Cruz rolls Urijah Faber to his stomach and takes his back!
Cruz is in rear mount over Faber
Faber has Cruz controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Cruz is unable to move under Faber control.
Cruz is in rear mount over Faber
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Faber's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Faber tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Faber has Cruz controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Cruz is unable to move under Faber control.
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Dominick Cruz moves forward looking for some grappling action
Cruz has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz struggles and launches a few punches to Faber's head
Those punches are hitting! Faber covers his head!
Urijah Faber pushes away Cruz trying to keep the fight at striking range
Cruz doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Urijah Faber
The clock says 4:55 in the 3 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz shoots and grab both of Urijah Faber's leg, attempting to take him down with a Double Leg
Urijah Faber managed to pull back his leg from Dominick Cruz's grip and move away from him
Dan Miragliotta separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
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Round 4
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Bone shattering straight right hand from Urijah Faber!
Cruz ducks under...
The clock says 0:25 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz and Faber engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
The clock says 0:35 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz fakes a punch and launches himself over Urijah Faber
Great move by Cruz who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Faber is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Faber tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Urijah Faber tries a Foot Sweep takedown on Dominick Cruz
well done Cruz falls hard on the mat
Faber is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Faber opts to jump inside Cruz's guard.
Cruz didn't see that coming. Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz now.
Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Faber jumps and tries to free his leg! Cruz doesn't allow this but Urijah Faber is able to get half guard here.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Faber launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Cruz is covering himself! Faber tries to force the situation and Cruz clumsily gives his back!
Faber is in rear mount over Cruz
Faber throws a few hammer fists to the face of Dominick Cruz
Solid shots!
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Left cheek
Faber is in rear mount over Cruz
Urijah Faber slides his arm under Dominick Cruz's chin and locks the rear naked choke!
Dominick Cruz pulls down on Urijah Faber's hand and staves off danger
Faber is in rear mount over Cruz
Cruz has given his back to Urijah Faber who is trying to get one hook in!
Urijah Faber has one hook in!
Faber is in rear mount over Cruz with one hook in
Cruz has to use some of his skills to escape safely from this position...
Dominick Cruz uses his ground skills to free one of his legs while working on the ground.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Dominick Cruz. 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 Saitama Super Arena (Saitama, Japan) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:05 in the 4 round
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The clock says 2:15 in the 4 round
Urijah Faber tries to bring the fight to the ground
Cruz goes down.
Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Faber
He succeeds!
The clock says 2:40 in the 4 round
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber is looking to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Faber tries to open up Cruz with a few strikes with his right elbow...
Some nice shots are landing and Cruz is trying to block them with his hands...
Cruz's Right cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Right cheek
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Faber struggles on the ground and tries to break Dominick Cruz's guard...
Urijah Faber is in Cruz open guard now
Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Urijah Faber a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Cruz uses his forearms to block the impact!
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz tries to close his guard around Faber
He is not able to do it
Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz
Faber moves on the ground
Urijah Faber moves to side mount
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Faber is hurt... He should be looking to avoid more damage or he will lose this fight.
Urijah Faber looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Urijah Faber slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Urijah Faber is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Urijah Faber a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Cruz's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Dan Miragliotta knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Urijah Faber is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Faber tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Cruz struggles and frees his leg!
The clock says 4:00 in the 4 round
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Faber tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Cruz from the side mount!
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Not a desiderable position that Faber is in now. Dominick Cruz is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Urijah Faber in his guard.
Urijah Faber keeps control and remains in side mount.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Urijah Faber in his guard.
Urijah Faber keeps control and remains in side mount.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Urijah Faber looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Urijah Faber slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Urijah Faber is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Urijah Faber isolates Dominick Cruz's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Dominick Cruz is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Urijah Faber gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Dominick Cruz tries to roll on the ground...
Faber knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Saitama Super Arena (Saitama, Japan) are cheering for the fighters.
Urijah Faber and Cruz engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Urijah Faber is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
The clock says 4:55 in the 4 round
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Urijah Faber can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Urijah Faber and Cruz engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
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Round 5
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Dominick Cruz and Faber 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 left hand from Urijah Faber!
Cruz ducks under...
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
The clock says 0:45 in the 5 round
Faber is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to show some ground skills
Dominick Cruz put Faber in half guard.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber pushes Cruz's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Faber who is in full mount! Cruz is in trouble now!
The clock says 1:15 in the 5 round
Urijah Faber is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to escape from the full mount...
Urijah Faber is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Urijah Faber in his guard.
Urijah Faber keeps control and remains in side mount.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Faber's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Faber's side.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Urijah Faber a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Cruz uses his forearms to block the impact!
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz tries to show some ground skills
Dominick Cruz put Faber in half guard.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber tries to free his leg
Dominick Cruz moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Saitama Super Arena (Saitama, Japan) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:15 in the 5 round
Cruz steps backwards away from Urijah Faber. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Faber grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Urijah Faber
The clock says 2:35 in the 5 round
Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz has some bruises after a few exchanges with his opponent.
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Faber's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Faber tries to cover his face,
Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Urijah Faber a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Cruz uses his forearms to block the impact!
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz tries to close his guard around Faber
He succeeds!
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Faber is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Urijah Faber!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Faber's being punished here!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 3:35 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Cruz tries to cover his face,
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Dominick Cruz controls the situation despite Urijah Faber efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Cruz is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta didn't see the foul!
The clock says 4:05 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber tries to roll on the ground...
He makes a reversal!
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Faber is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Urijah Faber!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Dominick Cruz controls the situation despite Urijah Faber efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Cruz catch Urijah Faber's left arm and tries a kimura
Urijah Faber holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Faber tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Faber measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Cruz blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
The clock says 4:45 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Deep breaths from Urijah Faber who tries a hammer punch to Cruz's ribs.
Cruz blocks those punches
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz tries to open up Urijah Faber's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Faber in the side of the head
Faber's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Dominick Cruz rolls Urijah Faber to his stomach and takes his back!
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
Dominick Cruz has to be confident that he won that round.
Winner is Dominick Cruz by Unanimous decision
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 20/38 (53%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/4 (75%)
Takedowns 3/3 (100%)
GnP strikes 25/43 (58%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 1130 s
Statistics: Urijah Faber
Punches 15/25 (60%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/3 (100%)
Takedowns 5/6 (83%)
GnP strikes 17/41 (41%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 1117 s
Great fight where, thankfully, stamina was not an issue. With both guys having amazing stamina and recovery, this probably would have taken about 9 rounds to get a finish. Maybe one day we'll see this rivalry in a more complete, multi-round epic title fight or some such? Who knows... either way, good stuff gents.
Urijah Faber looks like he has been waiting for this fight forever.
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 Dan Miragliotta.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
The clock says 0:10 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz moves forward looking for some grappling action
Cruz has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Urijah Faber is absolutely terrifying with his power in the clinch, and is violently punishing Cruz with uppercuts!
Cruz is taking more than he can endure. This could end soon if Cruz is unable to escape!
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz grapple with Urijah Faber and tries a Inner leg Sweep
Urijah Faber falls hard on the mat with Dominick Cruz on top of him
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Faber
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Dominick Cruz fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
The clock says 0:55 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Faber
Urijah Faber attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Faber
Urijah Faber attempts to move to full guard
Urijah Faber manages to switch to full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Faber
Faber tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Faber
Dominick Cruz pushes Urijah Faber against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Urijah Faber struggles not allowing Dominick Cruz improve his position.
The clock says 1:35 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Faber
Cruz moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Faber
Dominick Cruz tries to free his leg...
Dominick Cruz uses some of his skill by jumping out of Faber's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Faber measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Cruz blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Dominick Cruz tries to open Faber's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Dominick Cruz. Faber is unable to cover himself now!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Dominick Cruz fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Faber's face!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Faber tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Dominick Cruz 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 Faber's moves.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Urijah Faber. 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.
The clock says 2:40 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz and Faber engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
Faber has a small cut in his Left cheek
Dominick Cruz goes with a looping right hand while Urijah Faber jumps back and jabs
Faber seems staggered and Dominick Cruz runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Faber's Left cheek is beginning to swell
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz catches Urijah Faber's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Cruz.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Faber
Urijah Faber launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Dominick Cruz uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Faber misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Cruz use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Saitama Super Arena (Saitama, Japan) is cheering him!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Faber sure knows how to turn you into a pretzel. He can finish the fight anytime while on the ground.
Urijah Faber attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Dominick Cruz keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Deep breaths from Urijah Faber who tries a hammer punch to Cruz's ribs.
That hit Cruz who moves on the ground in order to protect himself
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Urijah Faber...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber tries to roll on the ground...
He makes a reversal!
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Faber tries to escape from the closed guard
Urijah Faber any adventage in the ground.
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Faber tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Cruz leans and gets Urijah Faber's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
The clock says 4:15 in the 1 round
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz holds Urijah Faber's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Faber misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Faber is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Urijah Faber!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Faber tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Dominick Cruz doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Urijah Faber gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Faber
Faber tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Faber
Cruz is in closed guard... Faber tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Faber misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Dominick Cruz fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
You have to give that round to Dominick Cruz.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 2 round
Cruz wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Faber wants nothing of that and pushes Cruz.
Solid jabs from Urijah Faber.
Cruz defends.
Cruz is holding Urijah Faber's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Urijah Faber loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Dominick Cruz keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Urijah Faber manages to switch to half guard.
The clock says 1:05 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Faber
Faber tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Faber's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Dan Miragliotta knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Faber
Cruz launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Urijah Faber rolls over himself and stands up while Dominick Cruz rolls on his back.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Dominick Cruz. 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.
Dominick Cruz tries a middle kick
Urijah Faber blocks and steps away.
Cruz is holding Urijah Faber's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Urijah Faber loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Faber tries to show some ground skills
Urijah Faber put Cruz in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Faber
Urijah Faber attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Faber
Urijah Faber launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Dominick Cruz uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz pushes Faber's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Faber rolls and he's now on half guard over Dominick Cruz. Nice reversal.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Stand up! This is what Cruz's cornermen are shouting. Urijah Faber is a submission master and he can finish the fight if you mess with him on the ground.
Urijah Faber pushes Cruz's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Faber who is in full mount! Cruz is in trouble now!
Urijah Faber is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Faber's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Faber tries to cover his face,
Urijah Faber is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Urijah Faber in his guard...
Dominick Cruz moves to half guard.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Cruz put Urijah Faber in closed guard.
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Faber's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Faber's side.
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber tries to better his position on the ground...
Faber breaks the closed guard of Dominick Cruz and moves to half guard
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz launches a few weak punches
Faber blocks them effectively.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to show some ground skills
Dominick Cruz put Faber in half guard.
The clock says 3:55 in the 2 round
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Faber's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Faber blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Faber's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Faber tries to cover his face,
Faber's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 4:25 in the 2 round
Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Faber's cheek from the guard.
Urijah Faber uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Urijah Faber to fight back!
Urijah Faber pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Faber jumps and tries to free his leg! Cruz doesn't allow this but Urijah Faber is able to get half guard here.
The clock says 4:35 in the 2 round
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Cruz put Urijah Faber in closed guard.
The clock says 4:45 in the 2 round
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber looks to posture up and open Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber is looking to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Dominick Cruz has to be confident that he won that round.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Urijah Faber attempts a sweep single...
Urijah Faber catches Dominick Cruz's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Faber.
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Urijah Faber can't find an opening in his opponent's guard!
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Faber is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Urijah Faber uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Saitama Super Arena (Saitama, Japan) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 0:30 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz charges at Faber throwing flurries left and right.
Urijah Faber gets out of the way.
Faber is trying to counter now!
Faber is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz shows great balance while pushing away Urijah Faber
Solid low kick from Urijah Faber.
Cruz deflects it.
Urijah Faber throws a punch
that gets deflected.
Cruz begins to launch a barrage of punches over Faber
this is getting worse and worse for Faber
Dominick Cruz throws a looping left hand...
Faber moves aside and dodges.
Faber tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Faber is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Urijah Faber in his guard.
Urijah Faber keeps control and remains in side mount.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Urijah Faber looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Urijah Faber slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Urijah Faber is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Urijah Faber rolls Dominick Cruz to his stomach and takes his back!
Faber is in rear mount over Cruz
Faber tries to get a hook in!
Cruz rolls on the ground and manages to get a half guard!
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz has Faber controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Showing some ground skills he transitions to a side mount.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Faber positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Cruz's being punished here!
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Urijah Faber throws a flurry of punches at Cruz...
A lot of them are hitting Cruz's face
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Urijah Faber in his guard.
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to half guard.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
The clock says 2:50 in the 3 round
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Faber's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Faber blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Faber tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Urijah Faber aggressively and repeatedly punches Cruz.
Good job by Cruz blocking and slipping the blows.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Faber's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Faber's side.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber tries to free his leg...
Cruz rolls on the ground and moves to side mount! Awesome maneuver!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Urijah Faber
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Urijah Faber...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Faber struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Dominick Cruz rolls Urijah Faber to his stomach and takes his back!
Cruz is in rear mount over Faber
Faber has Cruz controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Cruz is unable to move under Faber control.
Cruz is in rear mount over Faber
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Faber's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Faber tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Faber has Cruz controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Cruz is unable to move under Faber control.
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Dominick Cruz moves forward looking for some grappling action
Cruz has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz struggles and launches a few punches to Faber's head
Those punches are hitting! Faber covers his head!
Urijah Faber pushes away Cruz trying to keep the fight at striking range
Cruz doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Urijah Faber
The clock says 4:55 in the 3 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz shoots and grab both of Urijah Faber's leg, attempting to take him down with a Double Leg
Urijah Faber managed to pull back his leg from Dominick Cruz's grip and move away from him
Dan Miragliotta separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Bone shattering straight right hand from Urijah Faber!
Cruz ducks under...
The clock says 0:25 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz and Faber engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
The clock says 0:35 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz fakes a punch and launches himself over Urijah Faber
Great move by Cruz who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Faber is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Faber tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Urijah Faber tries a Foot Sweep takedown on Dominick Cruz
well done Cruz falls hard on the mat
Faber is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Faber opts to jump inside Cruz's guard.
Cruz didn't see that coming. Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz now.
Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Faber jumps and tries to free his leg! Cruz doesn't allow this but Urijah Faber is able to get half guard here.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Faber launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Cruz is covering himself! Faber tries to force the situation and Cruz clumsily gives his back!
Faber is in rear mount over Cruz
Faber throws a few hammer fists to the face of Dominick Cruz
Solid shots!
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Left cheek
Faber is in rear mount over Cruz
Urijah Faber slides his arm under Dominick Cruz's chin and locks the rear naked choke!
Dominick Cruz pulls down on Urijah Faber's hand and staves off danger
Faber is in rear mount over Cruz
Cruz has given his back to Urijah Faber who is trying to get one hook in!
Urijah Faber has one hook in!
Faber is in rear mount over Cruz with one hook in
Cruz has to use some of his skills to escape safely from this position...
Dominick Cruz uses his ground skills to free one of his legs while working on the ground.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Dominick Cruz. 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 Saitama Super Arena (Saitama, Japan) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:05 in the 4 round
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The clock says 2:15 in the 4 round
Urijah Faber tries to bring the fight to the ground
Cruz goes down.
Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Faber
He succeeds!
The clock says 2:40 in the 4 round
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber is looking to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Faber tries to open up Cruz with a few strikes with his right elbow...
Some nice shots are landing and Cruz is trying to block them with his hands...
Cruz's Right cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Right cheek
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Faber struggles on the ground and tries to break Dominick Cruz's guard...
Urijah Faber is in Cruz open guard now
Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Urijah Faber a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Cruz uses his forearms to block the impact!
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz tries to close his guard around Faber
He is not able to do it
Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz
Faber moves on the ground
Urijah Faber moves to side mount
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Faber is hurt... He should be looking to avoid more damage or he will lose this fight.
Urijah Faber looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Urijah Faber slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Urijah Faber is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Urijah Faber a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Cruz's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Dan Miragliotta knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Urijah Faber is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Faber tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Cruz struggles and frees his leg!
The clock says 4:00 in the 4 round
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Faber tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Cruz from the side mount!
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Not a desiderable position that Faber is in now. Dominick Cruz is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Urijah Faber in his guard.
Urijah Faber keeps control and remains in side mount.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Urijah Faber in his guard.
Urijah Faber keeps control and remains in side mount.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Urijah Faber looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Urijah Faber slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Urijah Faber is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Urijah Faber isolates Dominick Cruz's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Dominick Cruz is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Urijah Faber gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Dominick Cruz tries to roll on the ground...
Faber knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Saitama Super Arena (Saitama, Japan) are cheering for the fighters.
Urijah Faber and Cruz engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Urijah Faber is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
The clock says 4:55 in the 4 round
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Urijah Faber can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Urijah Faber and Cruz engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Dominick Cruz and Faber 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 left hand from Urijah Faber!
Cruz ducks under...
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
The clock says 0:45 in the 5 round
Faber is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to show some ground skills
Dominick Cruz put Faber in half guard.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber pushes Cruz's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Faber who is in full mount! Cruz is in trouble now!
The clock says 1:15 in the 5 round
Urijah Faber is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to escape from the full mount...
Urijah Faber is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Urijah Faber in his guard.
Urijah Faber keeps control and remains in side mount.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Faber's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Faber's side.
Urijah Faber is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Urijah Faber a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Cruz uses his forearms to block the impact!
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz tries to show some ground skills
Dominick Cruz put Faber in half guard.
Urijah Faber is in half guard over Cruz
Urijah Faber tries to free his leg
Dominick Cruz moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Saitama Super Arena (Saitama, Japan) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:15 in the 5 round
Cruz steps backwards away from Urijah Faber. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Faber grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Urijah Faber
The clock says 2:35 in the 5 round
Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz has some bruises after a few exchanges with his opponent.
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Faber's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Faber tries to cover his face,
Urijah Faber is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Urijah Faber a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Cruz uses his forearms to block the impact!
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz tries to close his guard around Faber
He succeeds!
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Faber is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Urijah Faber!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Faber's being punished here!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 3:35 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Cruz tries to cover his face,
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Dominick Cruz controls the situation despite Urijah Faber efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Cruz is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta didn't see the foul!
The clock says 4:05 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber tries to roll on the ground...
He makes a reversal!
Urijah Faber is in closed guard over Cruz
Faber is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Urijah Faber!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Dominick Cruz controls the situation despite Urijah Faber efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Cruz catch Urijah Faber's left arm and tries a kimura
Urijah Faber holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Faber tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Faber measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Cruz blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
The clock says 4:45 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Deep breaths from Urijah Faber who tries a hammer punch to Cruz's ribs.
Cruz blocks those punches
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz tries to open up Urijah Faber's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Faber in the side of the head
Faber's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Dominick Cruz rolls Urijah Faber to his stomach and takes his back!
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
Dominick Cruz has to be confident that he won that round.
Winner is Dominick Cruz by Unanimous decision
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 20/38 (53%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/4 (75%)
Takedowns 3/3 (100%)
GnP strikes 25/43 (58%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 1130 s
Statistics: Urijah Faber
Punches 15/25 (60%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/3 (100%)
Takedowns 5/6 (83%)
GnP strikes 17/41 (41%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 1117 s
Great fight where, thankfully, stamina was not an issue. With both guys having amazing stamina and recovery, this probably would have taken about 9 rounds to get a finish. Maybe one day we'll see this rivalry in a more complete, multi-round epic title fight or some such? Who knows... either way, good stuff gents.