Post by The Sandmen on Jun 19, 2012 11:56:23 GMT -5
Ferocious staredown by Melendez while Herb Dean recites the rules.
Dominick Cruz is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his scrap.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
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 Herb Dean.
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Round 1
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Gilbert Melendez and Dominick Cruz touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
Gilbert Melendez fakes a punch and launches himself over Dominick Cruz
Great move by Melendez who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Melendez is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz shoots and grab one of Gilbert Melendez's leg, attempting to take him down with a Single Leg
Melendez lose his balance and falls to the mat
The clock says 0:30 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Dominick Cruz throws a lot of punches
some strikes get through.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Melendez measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Cruz's side.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Melendez tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Melendez
Cruz is in closed guard... Melendez tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Melendez gets a good position on the ground. ..
Cruz holds Gilbert Melendez arms and counters his opponent punches.
Melendez clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard...
Dominick Cruz gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
The clock says 1:30 in the 1 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Gilbert Melendez rolls Dominick Cruz to his stomach and takes his back!
Melendez is in rear mount over Cruz
Good looking punches from Gilbert Melendez on the ground
They could take their toll on Cruz.
Melendez is in rear mount over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Melendez's cheek from the guard.
Gilbert Melendez uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 1:55 in the 1 round
Melendez is in rear mount over Cruz
Cruz tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Herb Dean 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 attempts to cut off Melendez with punches
Melendez avoids getting cornered.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Melendez begins to launch a barrage of punches over Cruz
this is getting worse and worse for Cruz
Gilbert Melendez fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Cruz's chin
Melendez is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz shows great balance while pushing away Gilbert Melendez
The clock says 2:35 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz and Melendez engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
The clock says 2:45 in the 1 round
The two exchange wildly
Both fighters are missing terribly.
The clock says 2:55 in the 1 round
Cruz tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Cruz is clinching with Melendez.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Melendez and Dominick Cruz are cliched up against the cage. Melendez steps for a throw
Dominick Cruz is flat on his back. great Judo technique shown!
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez looks to pass to mount...
Cruz creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in GM Place (Vancouver, British Columbia) are cheering for the fighters.
Melendez showing excellent timing, blasts Dominick Cruz with a right hand.
Cruz steps backwards and the punch goes wide.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
An overhand right from Dominick Cruz that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall!
Melendez moves forward and closes the distance while blocking the punch.
Cruz jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Dominick Cruz pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Gilbert Melendez throws a wild flurry of punches while in the clinch!
Dominick Cruz pushes away Melendez and breaks the clinch.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Solid shot from Dominick Cruz to the body.
Melendez blocks in time.
The clock says 4:05 in the 1 round
Gilbert Melendez goes with a looping right hand while Dominick Cruz jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Cruz seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
Middle kick from Cruz.
Melendez receives a solid kick right below his ribs.
Brilliant combination from Dominick Cruz
that forces Melendez to try and defend better.
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Melendez's chin
Melendez has a small cut in his Chin
Cruz launches a furious hook!
That hits Melendez's chin like a wrecking ball! Melendez loses balance and goes to the mat.
Cruz is standing while Melendez is on the ground on his back
Gilbert Melendez 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.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
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Round 2
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Dominick Cruz just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Melendez quickly defends.
Poorly executed technique. Gilbert Melendez looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz throws a combo
Melendez punches back but nobody connects.
Dominick Cruz is slowing the pace of the fight a bit and circles around his opponent.
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 Melendez
Melendez tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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 open guard over Melendez
Melendez launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Cruz's ribs.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Dominick Cruz pushes Gilbert Melendez against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Gilbert Melendez struggles not allowing Dominick Cruz improve his position.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Melendez 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 open guard over Melendez
Melendez tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Cruz moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Melendez 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 1:40 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
You have to give credit to the match-maker for putting on such an even fight.
Cruz tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Cruz is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Melendez's ribs.
Melendez blocks Dominick Cruz's moves and tries to reverse the situation.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Gilbert Melendez attempts to move to full guard
Gilbert Melendez manages to switch to full guard.
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 2:05 in the 2 round
Good front kick from Cruz!
Melendez stumbles backwards after that one!
Dominick Cruz circles around Melendez
Cruz launches a hook to the body
Bang! Melendez stops that one with his ribs!
The clock says 2:25 in the 2 round
Melendez goes to the body...
his punches graze Cruz's arm.
Gilbert Melendez tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Dominick Cruz jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Some nice shots from Gilbert Melendez
miss their mark.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Melendez steps forward
Cruz feints.
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 Melendez
Cruz moves on the ground
Dominick Cruz moves to side mount
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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 side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Gilbert Melendez...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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!
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Dominick Cruz controls the situation despite Gilbert Melendez efforts for escaping from the full mount.
The clock says 3:50 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Melendez struggles and frees his leg!
The clock says 4:15 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Cruz is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Melendez's ribs.
Melendez is noticing that and his face shows the pain.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
The clock says 4:35 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Melendez measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Cruz's side.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Dominick Cruz pushes Melendez's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Cruz who is in full mount! Melendez is in trouble now!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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.
Herb Dean 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 3
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Gilbert Melendez and Cruz engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Dominick Cruz is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Melendez's Left cheek is beginning to swell
Gilbert Melendez moves forward looking for some grappling action
Cruz pushes his opponent and keep the fight at striking range
Cruz shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Both fighters circle around the center of the cage.
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Melendez is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Melendez is being hit hard and trys to escape! He has to give his back!
The clock says 1:05 in the 3 round
Cruz is in rear mount over Melendez
Cruz tries to end this with a RNC!
Melendez manages to roll on the ground and break the lock
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to full guard.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Melendez is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Gilbert Melendez!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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!
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Dominick Cruz controls the situation despite Gilbert Melendez efforts for escaping from the full mount.
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz catch Gilbert Melendez's left arm and tries a kimura
Gilbert Melendez holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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 Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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 2:20 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Melendez is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Melendez is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Dominick Cruz pushes Gilbert Melendez down and prevents his attempts to escape
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Cruz drills Gilbert Melendez's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Melendez's Nose is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Melendez has a small cut in his Nose
Gilbert Melendez seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Dominick Cruz!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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.
Herb Dean 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 GM Place (Vancouver, British Columbia) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:50 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz paws at Melendez.
Melendez swings ineffectively.
Melendez decides to launch some tentative punches
Dominick Cruz takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Bone shattering straight right hand from Dominick Cruz!
Melendez is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and moves laterally.
Cruz moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Hard blow to Melendez's thigh!
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Cruz moves forward looking for some action
He surprises Melendez with a double overhooks!
The clock says 3:35 in the 3 round
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Gilbert Melendez didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Dominick Cruz tries to pass to half guard...
Gilbert Melendez can't prevent his opponent from passing. Cruz looks to work from half guard.
The clock says 3:55 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Cruz tries to open up Gilbert Melendez's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Melendez in the side of the head
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Cruz tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
The clock says 4:25 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Melendez can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Melendez 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.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz throws a few hammer fists to the face of Gilbert Melendez
Solid shots!
The clock says 4:35 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Terrible one sided match... Melendez was not ready to fight a fighter of Dominick Cruz caliber.
Dominick Cruz looks to pass to mount...
Cruz slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Gilbert Melendez.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Melendez's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Melendez struggles to free himself
Cruz is locking that armbar...
That armbar from Dominick Cruz appears to be unbreakable
That armbar looks tight...
That armbar from Dominick Cruz appears to be unbreakable
You can see the pain reflected in Melendez's eyes...
That armbar looks tight...
That armbar from Dominick Cruz appears to be unbreakable
Melendez's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Herb Dean breaks Dominick Cruz's lock! This is over! Melendez didn't want to tap but the ref decided he wouldn't be able to escape from it!
Winner is Dominick Cruz by Submission (armbar) at 4:56 Round 3
Statistics: Gilbert Melendez
Punches 13/34 (38%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/4 (0%)
Takedowns 0/2 (0%)
GnP strikes 13/45 (29%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 516 s
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 17/38 (45%)
Kicks 3/3 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 4/4 (100%)
GnP strikes 16/25 (64%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 509 s
I said it would be hard to top Fedor-Cain, but this fight was very close. A great first round from Melendez had him looking like the winner (Cruz held his own, but was losing). Second round Cruz was able to level things up a bit, taking an overall edge in the fight as a whole, thanks to a great round of effort. After that, Cruz-control. And that was it. I think I still give the FotN edge to Fedor-Cain though.
Dominick Cruz is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his scrap.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
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 Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Gilbert Melendez and Dominick Cruz touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
Gilbert Melendez fakes a punch and launches himself over Dominick Cruz
Great move by Melendez who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Melendez is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz shoots and grab one of Gilbert Melendez's leg, attempting to take him down with a Single Leg
Melendez lose his balance and falls to the mat
The clock says 0:30 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Dominick Cruz throws a lot of punches
some strikes get through.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Melendez measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Cruz's side.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Melendez tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Melendez
Cruz is in closed guard... Melendez tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Melendez gets a good position on the ground. ..
Cruz holds Gilbert Melendez arms and counters his opponent punches.
Melendez clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard...
Dominick Cruz gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
The clock says 1:30 in the 1 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Gilbert Melendez rolls Dominick Cruz to his stomach and takes his back!
Melendez is in rear mount over Cruz
Good looking punches from Gilbert Melendez on the ground
They could take their toll on Cruz.
Melendez is in rear mount over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Melendez's cheek from the guard.
Gilbert Melendez uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 1:55 in the 1 round
Melendez is in rear mount over Cruz
Cruz tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Herb Dean 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 attempts to cut off Melendez with punches
Melendez avoids getting cornered.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Melendez begins to launch a barrage of punches over Cruz
this is getting worse and worse for Cruz
Gilbert Melendez fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Cruz's chin
Melendez is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz shows great balance while pushing away Gilbert Melendez
The clock says 2:35 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz and Melendez engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
The clock says 2:45 in the 1 round
The two exchange wildly
Both fighters are missing terribly.
The clock says 2:55 in the 1 round
Cruz tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Cruz is clinching with Melendez.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Melendez and Dominick Cruz are cliched up against the cage. Melendez steps for a throw
Dominick Cruz is flat on his back. great Judo technique shown!
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez looks to pass to mount...
Cruz creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in GM Place (Vancouver, British Columbia) are cheering for the fighters.
Melendez showing excellent timing, blasts Dominick Cruz with a right hand.
Cruz steps backwards and the punch goes wide.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
An overhand right from Dominick Cruz that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall!
Melendez moves forward and closes the distance while blocking the punch.
Cruz jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Dominick Cruz pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Gilbert Melendez throws a wild flurry of punches while in the clinch!
Dominick Cruz pushes away Melendez and breaks the clinch.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Solid shot from Dominick Cruz to the body.
Melendez blocks in time.
The clock says 4:05 in the 1 round
Gilbert Melendez goes with a looping right hand while Dominick Cruz jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Cruz seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
Middle kick from Cruz.
Melendez receives a solid kick right below his ribs.
Brilliant combination from Dominick Cruz
that forces Melendez to try and defend better.
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Melendez's chin
Melendez has a small cut in his Chin
Cruz launches a furious hook!
That hits Melendez's chin like a wrecking ball! Melendez loses balance and goes to the mat.
Cruz is standing while Melendez is on the ground on his back
Gilbert Melendez 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.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Dominick Cruz just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Melendez quickly defends.
Poorly executed technique. Gilbert Melendez looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz throws a combo
Melendez punches back but nobody connects.
Dominick Cruz is slowing the pace of the fight a bit and circles around his opponent.
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 Melendez
Melendez tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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 open guard over Melendez
Melendez launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Cruz's ribs.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Dominick Cruz pushes Gilbert Melendez against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Gilbert Melendez struggles not allowing Dominick Cruz improve his position.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Melendez 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 open guard over Melendez
Melendez tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Cruz moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Melendez 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 1:40 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
You have to give credit to the match-maker for putting on such an even fight.
Cruz tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Cruz is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Melendez's ribs.
Melendez blocks Dominick Cruz's moves and tries to reverse the situation.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Gilbert Melendez attempts to move to full guard
Gilbert Melendez manages to switch to full guard.
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 2:05 in the 2 round
Good front kick from Cruz!
Melendez stumbles backwards after that one!
Dominick Cruz circles around Melendez
Cruz launches a hook to the body
Bang! Melendez stops that one with his ribs!
The clock says 2:25 in the 2 round
Melendez goes to the body...
his punches graze Cruz's arm.
Gilbert Melendez tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Dominick Cruz jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Some nice shots from Gilbert Melendez
miss their mark.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Melendez steps forward
Cruz feints.
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 Melendez
Cruz moves on the ground
Dominick Cruz moves to side mount
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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 side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Gilbert Melendez...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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!
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Dominick Cruz controls the situation despite Gilbert Melendez efforts for escaping from the full mount.
The clock says 3:50 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Melendez struggles and frees his leg!
The clock says 4:15 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Cruz is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Melendez's ribs.
Melendez is noticing that and his face shows the pain.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
The clock says 4:35 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Melendez measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Cruz's side.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Dominick Cruz pushes Melendez's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Cruz who is in full mount! Melendez is in trouble now!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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.
Herb Dean 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 3
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Gilbert Melendez and Cruz engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Dominick Cruz is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Melendez's Left cheek is beginning to swell
Gilbert Melendez moves forward looking for some grappling action
Cruz pushes his opponent and keep the fight at striking range
Cruz shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Both fighters circle around the center of the cage.
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Melendez is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Melendez is being hit hard and trys to escape! He has to give his back!
The clock says 1:05 in the 3 round
Cruz is in rear mount over Melendez
Cruz tries to end this with a RNC!
Melendez manages to roll on the ground and break the lock
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to full guard.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Melendez is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Gilbert Melendez!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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!
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Dominick Cruz controls the situation despite Gilbert Melendez efforts for escaping from the full mount.
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz catch Gilbert Melendez's left arm and tries a kimura
Gilbert Melendez holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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 Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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 2:20 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Melendez is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Melendez is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Dominick Cruz pushes Gilbert Melendez down and prevents his attempts to escape
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Cruz drills Gilbert Melendez's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Melendez's Nose is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Melendez has a small cut in his Nose
Gilbert Melendez seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Dominick Cruz!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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.
Herb Dean 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 GM Place (Vancouver, British Columbia) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:50 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz paws at Melendez.
Melendez swings ineffectively.
Melendez decides to launch some tentative punches
Dominick Cruz takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Bone shattering straight right hand from Dominick Cruz!
Melendez is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and moves laterally.
Cruz moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Hard blow to Melendez's thigh!
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Cruz moves forward looking for some action
He surprises Melendez with a double overhooks!
The clock says 3:35 in the 3 round
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Gilbert Melendez didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Dominick Cruz tries to pass to half guard...
Gilbert Melendez can't prevent his opponent from passing. Cruz looks to work from half guard.
The clock says 3:55 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Cruz tries to open up Gilbert Melendez's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Melendez in the side of the head
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Cruz tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
The clock says 4:25 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Melendez can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Melendez 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.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz throws a few hammer fists to the face of Gilbert Melendez
Solid shots!
The clock says 4:35 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Terrible one sided match... Melendez was not ready to fight a fighter of Dominick Cruz caliber.
Dominick Cruz looks to pass to mount...
Cruz slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Gilbert Melendez.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Melendez's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Melendez struggles to free himself
Cruz is locking that armbar...
That armbar from Dominick Cruz appears to be unbreakable
That armbar looks tight...
That armbar from Dominick Cruz appears to be unbreakable
You can see the pain reflected in Melendez's eyes...
That armbar looks tight...
That armbar from Dominick Cruz appears to be unbreakable
Melendez's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Herb Dean breaks Dominick Cruz's lock! This is over! Melendez didn't want to tap but the ref decided he wouldn't be able to escape from it!
Winner is Dominick Cruz by Submission (armbar) at 4:56 Round 3
Statistics: Gilbert Melendez
Punches 13/34 (38%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/4 (0%)
Takedowns 0/2 (0%)
GnP strikes 13/45 (29%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 516 s
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 17/38 (45%)
Kicks 3/3 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 4/4 (100%)
GnP strikes 16/25 (64%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 509 s
I said it would be hard to top Fedor-Cain, but this fight was very close. A great first round from Melendez had him looking like the winner (Cruz held his own, but was losing). Second round Cruz was able to level things up a bit, taking an overall edge in the fight as a whole, thanks to a great round of effort. After that, Cruz-control. And that was it. I think I still give the FotN edge to Fedor-Cain though.