Post by The Sandmen on May 26, 2016 8:51:43 GMT -5
Dominick Cruz looks at the ground while he does his calming exercises. He knows he can not fail this night.
Shinya Aoki doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
A pretty fair match today. I can't say who will be the one who will be raising his fist after the match.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Cruz and Aoki move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Dominick Cruz throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki launches a low kick
that gets blocked quickly.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Brilliant combination from Dominick Cruz
Aoki is showing some dodging skills avoiding that ones.
Shinya Aoki tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Dominick Cruz jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Dominick Cruz leans forwards and tries to grapple with Aoki
Aoki wants to mantain the distance and ducks that one.
The clock says 0:40 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Aoki goes down.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Cruz blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Aoki's guard.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Good looking punches from Dominick Cruz on the ground
They could take their toll on Aoki.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
As the fight continues it seems that Shinya Aoki is taking the best of the fight.
Shinya Aoki gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Cruz spins out, but Shinya Aoki was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Cruz is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. 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.
Cruz tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Aoki moves backwards and circles around Dominick Cruz.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki tries to finish this with a rear naked chocke!
Cruz ducks under and pushes away his opponent.
Brilliant combination from Dominick Cruz
Aoki is showing some dodging skills avoiding that ones.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Aoki is clinching with Cruz.
The clock says 1:35 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Aoki gets himself into good position and looks to change levels for the takedown...
Aoki gets hold of a leg and trips Cruz to the mat!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Aoki ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki 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.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:40 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground
Aoki cannot take advantage in the ground
Aoki misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
Aoki's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki is in open guard over Cruz... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Cruz rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Aoki is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki isolates Dominick Cruz's left arm looking for an armbar...
Dominick Cruz manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to show some ground skills
Dominick Cruz put Aoki in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Shinya Aoki pushes Cruz's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Cruz rolls and he's now on half guard over Shinya Aoki. Nice reversal.
The clock says 4:10 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Aoki reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Cruz blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz sits over his knees and pushes away Aoki's leg!
Dominick Cruz is able to put away his leg and then jumps to side mount.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki 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 referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Dominick Cruz swings...
hard impact to Aoki's face!
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz moves on the ground
Dominick Cruz moves to side mount
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Cruz.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Aoki tries to grapple
He puts Cruz in a double underhook!
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Aoki is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch to Dominick Cruz ribs and the tries to trip him
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground
Cruz's Nose is beginning to swell
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Nose
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki struggles on the ground and tries to break Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki is in Cruz open guard now
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
0:44 Round 2 and Cruz is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Cruz breaths deeply while on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to finish with a leg lock!
Cruz is able to break the lock.
The clock says 1:10 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to move to full mount
Aoki succeeds
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Shinya Aoki doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki takes a deep breath as he passes his arm over Dominick Cruz shoulder and pushes his arm againts the mat!
Dominick Cruz breaks that americana attempt!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz looks to be in very good shape.
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Dominick Cruz creates enough space to control Shinya Aoki's leg.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Aoki wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Aoki moves forward and holds Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Aoki is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki tries to pull guard on Dominick Cruz...
He manages to bring him to the ground in his guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Aoki's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Aoki leans and gets Dominick Cruz's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Dominick Cruz realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Herb Dean 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The two exchange wildly
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Good movement from Cruz
who is bobbing and weaving.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Aoki moves forward and holds Cruz
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz jump forward with his knee rising
Shinya Aokisaw that coming and move away from danger
The fighters are clinching.
Aoki tries to take Dominick Cruz to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Cruz is with is back on the ground now.
Cruz's Mouth is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki is in open guard over Cruz... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Cruz rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Aoki struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
The clock says 3:30 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
The clock says 4:00 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki is in open guard over Cruz... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Cruz rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz attempts to cut off Aoki with punches
Aoki avoids getting cornered.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki tries to grapple
He puts Cruz in a double underhook!
The fighters are clinching.
Dominick Cruz fakes a few punches and advance towards Aoki trying to take him down with a Advancing Leg Sweep
Aoki pushes Dominick Cruz and circle away keeping himself within striking range
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Shinya Aoki is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Cruz into his guard.
Hard blow to Aoki's mid-section, he seems hurt
The clock says 4:45 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Aoki uses his forearms to block the impact!
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Cruz spins out, but Shinya Aoki was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Cruz is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Herb Dean 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
You have to give that round to Dominick Cruz.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Aoki is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz shows great balance while pushing away Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch and launches himself over Dominick Cruz
Cruz counters with a few fake punches and then backpedals
The clock says 0:35 in the 3 round
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Shinya Aoki didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Aoki is being hit hard and trys to escape! He has to give his back!
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki
Aoki has Cruz controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Cruz is unable to move under Aoki control.
The clock says 1:00 in the 3 round
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki
Aoki has given his back to Dominick Cruz who is trying to get one hook in!
Dominick Cruz has one hook in!
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with one hook in
1:09 Round 3 and Cruz is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Dominick Cruz isolates an arm looking for an armbar from the back...
Aoki locks his hands and forces his weight on top of Dominick Cruz unil he can pull his arm free! Cruz lost his dominant position.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki is trying to escape from the rear mount.
Cruz tries to use some of his tricky moves but Cruz's is smart enough to counter him.
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with one hook in
Aoki is trying to escape from the rear mount.
Cruz tries to use some of his tricky moves but Cruz's is smart enough to counter him.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz is looking to end this fight with strikes
He starts to pound away at Shinya Aoki, who is barely covering up!
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with one hook in
Cruz is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Herb Dean didn't see the foul!
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with one hook in
Cruz has one hook in and is trying to get the second one! If he succeed things are goint to get very bad for Aoki.
Nicely done! Cruz now has two hooks in! The end may be near!
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with two hooks in
Shinya Aoki 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 Cruz's moves.
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with two hooks in
Aoki has to use some of his skills to escape safely from this position...
Aoki is unable to find a way to escape from this.
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with two hooks in
Aoki tries to stand up!
Cruz doesn't allow him!
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz goes with a looping right hand while Shinya Aoki jumps back and jabs
Aoki seems staggered and Dominick Cruz runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Dominick Cruz throws a punch
that finds an opening in the defense of Aoki.
The clock says 2:40 in the 3 round
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Shinya Aoki didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Aoki ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz breaths deeply while on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz tries to jump to side mount.
Shinya Aoki closed his guard around Dominick Cruz.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's head and looking for angles...
Ouch! What a powerful knee by Dominick Cruz! That one hits Dominick Cruz cheek like a hammer!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Aoki is being hit hard and trys to escape! He has to give his back!
There is a small laceration on Shinya Aoki's Left cheek
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Aoki's being punished here!
Aoki's Nose is beginning to swell
There is a small laceration on Shinya Aoki's Nose
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki
Aoki has given his back to Dominick Cruz who is trying to get one hook in!
Dominick Cruz has one hook in!
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with one hook in
Dominick Cruz wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Cruz drills Shinya Aoki's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Aoki has a small cut in his Nose
The clock says 4:00 in the 3 round
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with one hook in
Shinya Aoki continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Dominick Cruz storms over Aoki with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Cruz doesn't stop and viciously hits again and again Aoki's face with his elbows!
There is a small laceration on Shinya Aoki's Nose
The clock says 4:05 in the 3 round
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with one hook in
Dominick Cruz wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Cruz drills Shinya Aoki's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
The ref pulls off Dominick Cruz! Aoki seems confused and a bit dazed as the bell sounds the bout over.
Winner is Dominick Cruz by TKO (GnP) at 4:15 Round 3
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 10/28 (36%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/2 (50%)
Takedowns 6/7 (86%)
GnP strikes 39/60 (65%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/2 (0%)
Time on the ground 537 s
Statistics: Shinya Aoki
Punches 1/5 (20%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 4/7 (57%)
GnP strikes 0/2 (0%)
Submissions 13/13 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 3/3 (100%)
Time on the ground 537 s
Aoki has absolutely not been himself since losing the belt. He was in this fight for a round or so, then he just stopped doing anything and let Cruz do his thing. Having the belt for like, 18 title defences seems to have taken away his hunger. Cruz, however, is hungry as fuck and didn't let Aoki off the hook none what so ever for that little gaff. There's a new sheriff in town, and it's anyone but Aoki.
Shinya Aoki doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
A pretty fair match today. I can't say who will be the one who will be raising his fist after the match.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Cruz and Aoki move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Dominick Cruz throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki launches a low kick
that gets blocked quickly.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Brilliant combination from Dominick Cruz
Aoki is showing some dodging skills avoiding that ones.
Shinya Aoki tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Dominick Cruz jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Dominick Cruz leans forwards and tries to grapple with Aoki
Aoki wants to mantain the distance and ducks that one.
The clock says 0:40 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Aoki goes down.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Cruz blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Aoki's guard.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Good looking punches from Dominick Cruz on the ground
They could take their toll on Aoki.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
As the fight continues it seems that Shinya Aoki is taking the best of the fight.
Shinya Aoki gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Cruz spins out, but Shinya Aoki was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Cruz is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. 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.
Cruz tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Aoki moves backwards and circles around Dominick Cruz.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki tries to finish this with a rear naked chocke!
Cruz ducks under and pushes away his opponent.
Brilliant combination from Dominick Cruz
Aoki is showing some dodging skills avoiding that ones.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Aoki is clinching with Cruz.
The clock says 1:35 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Aoki gets himself into good position and looks to change levels for the takedown...
Aoki gets hold of a leg and trips Cruz to the mat!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Aoki ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki 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.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:40 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground
Aoki cannot take advantage in the ground
Aoki misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
Aoki's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki is in open guard over Cruz... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Cruz rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Aoki is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki isolates Dominick Cruz's left arm looking for an armbar...
Dominick Cruz manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to show some ground skills
Dominick Cruz put Aoki in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Shinya Aoki pushes Cruz's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Cruz rolls and he's now on half guard over Shinya Aoki. Nice reversal.
The clock says 4:10 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Aoki reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Cruz blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz sits over his knees and pushes away Aoki's leg!
Dominick Cruz is able to put away his leg and then jumps to side mount.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki 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 referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Dominick Cruz swings...
hard impact to Aoki's face!
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz moves on the ground
Dominick Cruz moves to side mount
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Cruz.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Aoki tries to grapple
He puts Cruz in a double underhook!
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Aoki is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch to Dominick Cruz ribs and the tries to trip him
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground
Cruz's Nose is beginning to swell
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Nose
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki struggles on the ground and tries to break Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki is in Cruz open guard now
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
0:44 Round 2 and Cruz is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Cruz breaths deeply while on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to finish with a leg lock!
Cruz is able to break the lock.
The clock says 1:10 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to move to full mount
Aoki succeeds
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Shinya Aoki doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki takes a deep breath as he passes his arm over Dominick Cruz shoulder and pushes his arm againts the mat!
Dominick Cruz breaks that americana attempt!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz looks to be in very good shape.
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Dominick Cruz creates enough space to control Shinya Aoki's leg.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Aoki wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Aoki moves forward and holds Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Aoki is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki tries to pull guard on Dominick Cruz...
He manages to bring him to the ground in his guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Aoki's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Aoki leans and gets Dominick Cruz's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Dominick Cruz realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Herb Dean 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The two exchange wildly
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Good movement from Cruz
who is bobbing and weaving.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Aoki moves forward and holds Cruz
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz jump forward with his knee rising
Shinya Aokisaw that coming and move away from danger
The fighters are clinching.
Aoki tries to take Dominick Cruz to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Cruz is with is back on the ground now.
Cruz's Mouth is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki is in open guard over Cruz... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Cruz rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Aoki struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
The clock says 3:30 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
The clock says 4:00 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki is in open guard over Cruz... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Cruz rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz attempts to cut off Aoki with punches
Aoki avoids getting cornered.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki tries to grapple
He puts Cruz in a double underhook!
The fighters are clinching.
Dominick Cruz fakes a few punches and advance towards Aoki trying to take him down with a Advancing Leg Sweep
Aoki pushes Dominick Cruz and circle away keeping himself within striking range
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Shinya Aoki is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Cruz into his guard.
Hard blow to Aoki's mid-section, he seems hurt
The clock says 4:45 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Aoki uses his forearms to block the impact!
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Cruz spins out, but Shinya Aoki was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Cruz is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Herb Dean 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
You have to give that round to Dominick Cruz.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Aoki is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz shows great balance while pushing away Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch and launches himself over Dominick Cruz
Cruz counters with a few fake punches and then backpedals
The clock says 0:35 in the 3 round
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Shinya Aoki didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Aoki is being hit hard and trys to escape! He has to give his back!
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki
Aoki has Cruz controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Cruz is unable to move under Aoki control.
The clock says 1:00 in the 3 round
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki
Aoki has given his back to Dominick Cruz who is trying to get one hook in!
Dominick Cruz has one hook in!
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with one hook in
1:09 Round 3 and Cruz is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Dominick Cruz isolates an arm looking for an armbar from the back...
Aoki locks his hands and forces his weight on top of Dominick Cruz unil he can pull his arm free! Cruz lost his dominant position.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki is trying to escape from the rear mount.
Cruz tries to use some of his tricky moves but Cruz's is smart enough to counter him.
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with one hook in
Aoki is trying to escape from the rear mount.
Cruz tries to use some of his tricky moves but Cruz's is smart enough to counter him.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz is looking to end this fight with strikes
He starts to pound away at Shinya Aoki, who is barely covering up!
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with one hook in
Cruz is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Herb Dean didn't see the foul!
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with one hook in
Cruz has one hook in and is trying to get the second one! If he succeed things are goint to get very bad for Aoki.
Nicely done! Cruz now has two hooks in! The end may be near!
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with two hooks in
Shinya Aoki 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 Cruz's moves.
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with two hooks in
Aoki has to use some of his skills to escape safely from this position...
Aoki is unable to find a way to escape from this.
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with two hooks in
Aoki tries to stand up!
Cruz doesn't allow him!
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz goes with a looping right hand while Shinya Aoki jumps back and jabs
Aoki seems staggered and Dominick Cruz runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Dominick Cruz throws a punch
that finds an opening in the defense of Aoki.
The clock says 2:40 in the 3 round
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Shinya Aoki didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Aoki ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz breaths deeply while on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz tries to jump to side mount.
Shinya Aoki closed his guard around Dominick Cruz.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's head and looking for angles...
Ouch! What a powerful knee by Dominick Cruz! That one hits Dominick Cruz cheek like a hammer!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Aoki is being hit hard and trys to escape! He has to give his back!
There is a small laceration on Shinya Aoki's Left cheek
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Aoki's being punished here!
Aoki's Nose is beginning to swell
There is a small laceration on Shinya Aoki's Nose
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki
Aoki has given his back to Dominick Cruz who is trying to get one hook in!
Dominick Cruz has one hook in!
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with one hook in
Dominick Cruz wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Cruz drills Shinya Aoki's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Aoki has a small cut in his Nose
The clock says 4:00 in the 3 round
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with one hook in
Shinya Aoki continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Dominick Cruz storms over Aoki with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Cruz doesn't stop and viciously hits again and again Aoki's face with his elbows!
There is a small laceration on Shinya Aoki's Nose
The clock says 4:05 in the 3 round
Cruz is in rear mount over Aoki with one hook in
Dominick Cruz wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Cruz drills Shinya Aoki's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
The ref pulls off Dominick Cruz! Aoki seems confused and a bit dazed as the bell sounds the bout over.
Winner is Dominick Cruz by TKO (GnP) at 4:15 Round 3
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 10/28 (36%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/2 (50%)
Takedowns 6/7 (86%)
GnP strikes 39/60 (65%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/2 (0%)
Time on the ground 537 s
Statistics: Shinya Aoki
Punches 1/5 (20%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 4/7 (57%)
GnP strikes 0/2 (0%)
Submissions 13/13 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 3/3 (100%)
Time on the ground 537 s
Aoki has absolutely not been himself since losing the belt. He was in this fight for a round or so, then he just stopped doing anything and let Cruz do his thing. Having the belt for like, 18 title defences seems to have taken away his hunger. Cruz, however, is hungry as fuck and didn't let Aoki off the hook none what so ever for that little gaff. There's a new sheriff in town, and it's anyone but Aoki.