Post by The Sandmen on Jul 20, 2016 18:54:56 GMT -5
ManMMA Lightweight Championship
Gilbert Melendez glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.
Dominick Cruz is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
Now Gilbert Melendez put his title in contention against Cruz.
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 Josh Rosenthal.
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Round 1
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The fight gets underway.
Gilbert Melendez moves forward looking for some grappling action
Melendez has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz pushes away Melendez trying to keep the fight at striking range
Melendez doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Dominick Cruz
Melendez tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Gilbert Melendez is absolutely terrifying with his power in the clinch, and is violently punishing Cruz with uppercuts!
Nothing that Cruz must fear as he blocks nicely
The fighters are clinching.
Gilbert Melendez grapple with Dominick Cruz and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
nice takedown Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard.
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 1:00 in the 1 round
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Melendez 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 The Covered Hall (Cairo, Egypt) is cheering him!
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Gilbert Melendez slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 1:20 in the 1 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Melendez gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Dominick Cruz! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Dominick Cruz doesn't defend himself!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz works on the ground with his fingers over Melendez's face
Melendez shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
He successfully moves to half guard!
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
Cruz measures the resilience of Melendez's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Melendez's side.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Melendez delivers a few accurate elbows!
Dominick Cruz blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz measures the resilience of Melendez's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Melendez's side.
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Melendez positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Cruz's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard 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.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Melendez's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Melendez's side.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Melendez tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Gilbert Melendez fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
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 tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Gilbert Melendez fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Gilbert Melendez 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! Josh Rosenthal knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Melendez is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Cruz's ribs.
Cruz blocks Gilbert Melendez's moves and tries to reverse the situation.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Melendez tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Dominick Cruz moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense.
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
A solid combination from Gilbert Melendez
connects with Cruz.
Dominick Cruz goes with a looping right hand while Gilbert Melendez jumps back and jabs
Melendez seems staggered and Dominick Cruz runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and moves laterally.
Cruz looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Gilbert Melendez's punches
Cruz is on the receiving end of a great combo by Melendez.
Melendez launches a hook to the body
Bang! Cruz stops that one with his ribs!
Middle kick from Melendez.
The kick just misses.
Cruz gets a grip on his opponent
and barrels forward, spiking him on his head!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Dominick Cruz storms over Melendez with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Gilbert Melendez blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Melendez tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Melendez tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
The match-makers did a great job of pairing up these two evenly matched warriors.
Dominick Cruz tries to pass to half guard...
Gilbert Melendez's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Josh Rosenthal separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
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Round 2
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 2 round
Nice fight between these two warriors. Anyone could be the winner.
Gilbert Melendez moves forward and launches a low kick.
Hard blow to Cruz's left thigh
The clock says 0:20 in the 2 round
Good front kick from Melendez!
Dominick Cruz blocks
Melendez clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
The clock says 0:30 in the 2 round
Lightning fast low kick from Melendez!
Cruz blocks that kick with his leg.
Cruz has a high cardio that helps him make great performances.
Dominick Cruz swings...
...no good.
Melendez has a high cardio that helps him make great performances.
Gilbert Melendez tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Cruz is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Cruz
1:03 Round 2 and Melendez is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Gilbert Melendez a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Cruz uses his forearms to block the impact!
The clock says 1:10 in the 2 round
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Cruz
Gilbert Melendez pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Melendez jumps and tries to free his leg! Cruz doesn't allow this but Gilbert Melendez is able to get half guard here.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Melendez's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Melendez blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Melendez is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Gilbert Melendez tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Gilbert Melendez keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Cruz put Gilbert Melendez in closed guard.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Melendez is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Gilbert Melendez uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Melendez is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Gilbert Melendez uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Gilbert Melendez looks to counter!
Melendez throws a few hammer fists to the face of Dominick Cruz
Blocked by Cruz.
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 The Covered Hall (Cairo, Egypt) are cheering for the fighters.
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Melendez is trying to counter now!
Gilbert Melendez charges at Cruz throwing flurries left and right.
Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots! Cruz is rocked!
Melendez pushes Dominick Cruz and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Gilbert Melendez sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Gilbert Melendez fires an unorthodox punch to Cruz's torso
that goes wide.
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Gilbert Melendez sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Cruz misses a step and Gilbert Melendez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Gilbert Melendez shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Melendez into his guard.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Melendez's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Melendez tries to cover his face,
Melendez's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Gilbert Melendez tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Gilbert Melendez manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
The clock says 3:50 in the 2 round
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 open guard over Cruz
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Gilbert Melendez can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Gilbert Melendez pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Melendez jumps and tries to free his leg! Cruz doesn't allow this but Gilbert Melendez is able to get half guard here.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Gilbert Melendez keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Melendez's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Melendez tries to cover his face,
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Melendez 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!
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Melendez sits over his knees and pushes away Cruz's leg!
Gilbert Melendez is able to put away his leg and then jumps to side mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to show some ground skills
Melendez uses his strength to keep Melendez at a disadvantage
Josh Rosenthal tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Gilbert Melendez has to be confident that he won that round.
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Round 3
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You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Gilbert Melendez can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Melendez looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Dominick Cruz's punches
Cruz is on the receiving end of a great combo by Melendez.
The clock says 0:25 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Gilbert Melendez is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Cruz into his guard.
Crushing shot to Melendez's body! He's holding his side
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Melendez
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Gilbert Melendez regains full guard.
The clock says 0:50 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Melendez
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Melendez leans and gets Dominick Cruz's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Melendez tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz is in closed guard... Melendez tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Melendez
Melendez cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Cruz can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Cruz tries to escape from closed guard...
Melendez waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Dominick Cruz! He is reversed and nor Gilbert Melendez is on half guard!
The clock says 1:10 in the 3 round
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Cruz measures the resilience of Melendez's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Melendez's side.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Melendez's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Melendez blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Gilbert Melendez hovers above Cruz
Good punches to Cruz's body.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard 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 1:35 in the 3 round
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
The clock says 1:45 in the 3 round
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard 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.
Poorly executed technique. Gilbert Melendez looks to counter!
Melendez tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Melendez tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Melendez's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Melendez's side.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Melendez goes for an armbar!
Dominick Cruz breaks the lock and pushes away Gilbert Melendez, who rolls over his back and gets to standing position.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Gilbert Melendez. 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 The Covered Hall (Cairo, Egypt) are cheering for the fighters.
Cruz launches a stiff jab!
Melendez ducks that one.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Dominick Cruz paws at Melendez.
Melendez answers with solid punches!
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Cruz throws a lazy kick
Melendez blocks and keeps his distance.
Gilbert Melendez gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Melendez won't budge, forcing Cruz to pull guard.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Melendez's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Melendez blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Melendez is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Gilbert Melendez uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Melendez tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Gilbert Melendez launches a few punches to Cruz
Cruz covers himself well and then rolls on the ground. Great reversal!
The clock says 3:15 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Cruz moves on the ground..
...he makes no progress.
Poorly executed technique. Gilbert Melendez looks to counter!
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
Dominick Cruz is looking to pass Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Gilbert Melendez has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
The clock says 3:45 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Melendez
Dominick Cruz tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz breaks the closed guard of Gilbert Melendez and moves to half guard
The clock says 3:55 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert 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 side mount over Gilbert 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 side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz is looking to end this fight with strikes
Melendez anticipates his moves and avoids danger.
Poorly executed technique. Gilbert Melendez looks to counter!
Melendez tries to show some ground skills
Cruz uses his strength to keep Cruz at a disadvantage
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 The Covered Hall (Cairo, Egypt) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Melendez goes down.
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
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Melendez's being punished here!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Melendez
Nice fight between these two warriors. Anyone could be the winner.
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Gilbert Melendez blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Cruz misses a step and Gilbert Melendez sees an opportunity to counter him!
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.
Josh Rosenthal tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is maybe for Gilbert Melendez, but it's close.
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Round 4
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The clock says 0:10 in the 4 round
Cruz is trying to lift Melendez!
Brilliant side slam!
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
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 is trying to counter now!
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Gilbert Melendez...
Gilbert Melendez sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Melendez is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
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 half guard over Melendez
Cruz launches a couple of fast knees to Gilbert Melendez's ribs!
Melendez moves on the ground and keeps Dominick Cruz's knees at bay with his arms.
The clock says 1:05 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Melendez
Deep breaths from Gilbert Melendez 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 half guard over Melendez
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Gilbert Melendez can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Gilbert Melendez attempts to move to full guard
Gilbert Melendez manages to switch to full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Melendez
Melendez is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Josh Rosenthal didn't see that!
The clock says 1:40 in the 4 round
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
Cruz tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Gilbert Melendez doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in The Covered Hall (Cairo, Egypt) are cheering for the fighters.
Cruz steps forward
Gilbert Melendez catches him with an uppercut to the face!
Dominick Cruz closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Melendez won't budge, forcing Cruz to pull guard.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Gilbert Melendez 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! Josh Rosenthal knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Gilbert Melendez seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Gilbert Melendez tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Gilbert Melendez manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Not a desiderable position that Melendez is in now. Dominick Cruz is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Cruz measures the resilience of Melendez's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Melendez's side.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Gilbert Melendez pushes Cruz's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Melendez who is in full mount! Cruz is in trouble now!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Melendez catch Dominick Cruz's right arm and tries a kimura
Crippling lock!
Dominick Cruz holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
The clock says 3:20 in the 4 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez tries to better his position on the ground...
Melendez is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez sits high on Dominick Cruz's chest and pulls his leg underneath Cruz's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Cruz tries to roll out. He's too quick for Gilbert Melendez and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Melendez and it cost him top position.
Dominick Cruz is in closed 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 closed guard over Melendez
Deep breaths from Gilbert Melendez who tries a hammer punch to Cruz's ribs.
That hit Cruz who moves on the ground in order to protect himself
The clock says 3:55 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Melendez
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 Melendez's moves.
The clock says 4:05 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Melendez
Cruz tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Josh Rosenthal 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 The Covered Hall (Cairo, Egypt) are cheering for the fighters.
Melendez and Cruz circle around the center of the cage.
The clock says 4:25 in the 4 round
Melendez launches a furious hook!
That hits Cruz's chin like a wrecking ball! Cruz loses balance and goes to the mat.
Melendez is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Cruz tries to hit Gilbert Melendez with a kick to his knee from the ground.
Melendez dodges that
Melendez is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Melendez cartwheels towards Cruz!
He lands in side mount over a surprised Dominick Cruz.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez looks to pass to mount...
Melendez slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Dominick Cruz.
Josh Rosenthal separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
The round is for Melendez, who walks calmly to his corner.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Gilbert Melendez fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Cruz blocks that. It was easy!
Melendez clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Cruz jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Melendez sees what was coming and ducks under his opponent and moves aside
The clock says 0:25 in the 5 round
Brutal combination from Dominick Cruz!
Melendez moves aside and dodges.
Cruz misses a step and Gilbert Melendez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Melendez is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez positions himself and launches a barrage of punches.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount and his punches are hitting hard Cruz's ribs
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard...
Gilbert Melendez rolls him over and takes his back!
Melendez is in rear mount over Cruz
Gilbert Melendez aggressively and repeatedly punches Cruz.
He needs to do something soon or the referee will stop the fight!
Melendez is in rear mount over Cruz
Cruz has Melendez controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Melendez is unable to move under Cruz control.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Gilbert Melendez aggressively and repeatedly punches Cruz.
Good job by Cruz blocking and slipping the blows.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Melendez's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Melendez blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
The clock says 1:40 in the 5 round
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Melendez's Forehead is beginning to swell
Josh Rosenthal saw it!
Josh Rosenthal takes away one point from Dominick Cruz for headbutt.
Josh Rosenthal allows Melendez time to recover... 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 The Covered Hall (Cairo, Egypt) are cheering for the fighters.
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Poorly executed technique. Gilbert Melendez looks to counter!
Quick hook by Gilbert Melendez
Good shot! Cruz has reasons to be worried.
Cruz moves forward looking for some action
Gilbert Melendez doesn't want to engage and backpedals
Cruz decides to launch some tentative punches
Nothing from this exchange. Cruz moves back and takes a deep breath.
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Gilbert Melendez just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Cruz may be in trouble!
Cruz's Right eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Not a desiderable position that Melendez is in now. Dominick Cruz is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Melendez struggles... Dominick Cruz is unable to take him down
The clock says 2:30 in the 5 round
A right hand from Gilbert Melendez
makes Cruz stumble back!
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Forehead
Dominick Cruz's mind is definitely in the fight, Melendez just got nailed! Dominick Cruz saw an opening and delivered a big right hand
Melendez moves aside and dodges.
Melendez is trying to counter now!
Bone shattering straight right hand from Gilbert Melendez!
Cruz is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Melendez fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Dominick Cruz didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Melendez's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Melendez blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
The clock says 3:10 in the 5 round
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Cruz
Melendez moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Gilbert Melendez pushes Cruz's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Melendez who is in full mount! Cruz is in trouble now!
The clock says 3:30 in the 5 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Gilbert Melendez pushes Dominick Cruz down and prevents his attempts to escape
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard...
Gilbert Melendez keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick 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.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Gilbert Melendez tries to better his position on the ground...
Melendez is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard...
Gilbert Melendez rolls him over and takes his back!
Melendez is in rear mount over Cruz
Cruz has given his back to Gilbert Melendez who is trying to get one hook in!
Gilbert Melendez has one hook in!
Melendez is in rear mount over Cruz with one hook in
Gilbert Melendez storms over Cruz with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Melendez doesn't stop and viciously hits again and again Cruz's face with his elbows!
Josh Rosenthal has seen enough! The fight is over! Cruz was not intelligently defending himself!
Winner is Gilbert Melendez by TKO (Elbows) at 4:36 Round 5
Statistics: Gilbert Melendez
Punches 26/36 (72%)
Kicks 1/4 (25%)
Clinch strikes 1/4 (25%)
Takedowns 3/3 (100%)
GnP strikes 39/78 (50%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 1005 s
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 4/17 (24%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/3 (33%)
Takedowns 1/5 (20%)
GnP strikes 19/62 (31%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 1024 s
Gilbert Melendez defends the Lightweight title!
Holy shit. So with this, Gilbert proves beyond a doubt he is for real. I thought Cruz would walk through him like a rock through wet paper.