Post by The Sandmen on Aug 26, 2016 11:23:40 GMT -5
Royce Gracie looks very relaxed.
Ferocious staredown by Sakuraba while Herb Dean recites the rules.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Kazushi Sakuraba is the better fighter in my opinion. It would be an upset if he loses today.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
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Round 1
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Royce Gracie and Kazushi Sakuraba touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
Royce Gracie fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba has a high cardio that helps him make great performances.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Royce is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Royce is trying to counter now!
Big mistake from Kazushi Sakuraba! Royce tries to finish him off with a RNC!
Royce is unable to lock that and Sakuraba breaks the lock
The fighters are clinching.
Royce Gracie launches a few punches towards Sakuraba's ribs while holds him in a double overhooks!
Kazushi Sakuraba receives a couple of blows in the ribs.
The fighters are clinching.
Royce launches a few hard punches to Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs!
Sakuraba struggles and protects himself.
Royce Gracie gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Brutal knees to Royce's face, followed by knees to the body from Kazushi Sakuraba!
Royce doesn't want to finish it now and covers himself!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Sakuraba blocks Royce Gracie's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
Royce ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Royce
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Royce tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Royce Gracie in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Royce Gracie in his guard...
Royce Gracie keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Royce Gracie uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Royce is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba tries to escape from the full mount...
Royce Gracie is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Royce's ribs.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Royce Gracie keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:25 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Royce Gracie goes for an americana!
Sakuraba breaks free.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Royce Gracie goes for an americana!
Sakuraba breaks free.
Royce misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie tries to free his leg
Kazushi Sakuraba moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Royce Gracie attempts a sweep single...
Royce Gracie catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Royce.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Sakuraba leans and gets Royce Gracie's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Royce is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Royce Gracie uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 3:10 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
You have to give credit to the match-maker for putting on such an even fight.
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Royce Gracie uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Royce Gracie uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Royce tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Royce use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba holds Royce Gracie and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
Royce is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Royce Gracie!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Kazushi Sakuraba isolates Royce Gracie's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Royce Gracie is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Royce Gracie to fight back!
Royce Gracie tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in full mount.
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.
Sakuraba seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent.
Kazushi Sakuraba goes with a looping right hand while Royce Gracie jumps back and jabs
Sakuraba seems staggered and Royce Gracie runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a middle kick
Royce Gracie blocks and steps away.
The clock says 4:15 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The clock says 4:25 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba launches a few hard punches to Royce Gracie's ribs!
Royce Gracie's ribs shows the damage! Kazushi Sakuraba is working his opponent ribs!
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba pushes his opponent down and launches a heavy knee to his head in an unorthodox move...
Wow! Big hit towards Royce Gracie's face!
Sakuraba seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent.
Kazushi Sakuraba leans forwards and tries to grapple with Royce
Sakuraba shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Royce Gracie tries for a takedown but can't get it. He decides to pull guard instead...
Royce Gracie wraps him up tight and pulls him into his guard.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
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Round 2
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Sakuraba throws a low kick
He switches targets and lands a superb body kick!
Sakuraba is holding Royce Gracie's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Royce Gracie shows great balance while pushing away Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba steps forward
Royce feints.
Royce Gracie tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Sakuraba is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba can't prevent his opponent from passing. Royce looks to work from half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie tries a kimura
Sakuraba breaks the lock.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
The clock says 1:50 in the 2 round
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie tries to finish with a leg lock!
Sakuraba is able to break the lock.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce struggles on the ground and tries to break Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Royce Gracie is in Sakuraba open guard now
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba throws up a triangle attempt!
Royce Gracie postures up and breaks the triangle.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Royce Gracie to fight back!
Royce Gracie tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
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.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Royce Gracie
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
Royce gets himself into good position and looks to change levels for the takedown...
Kazushi Sakuraba doesn't let Royce Gracie get in on his legs.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish this with a rear naked chocke!
Royce ducks under and pushes away his opponent.
Royce Gracie tries to finish this with a rear naked chocke!
Sakuraba ducks under and pushes away his opponent.
Royce misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Sakuraba jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba launches a few hard punches to Royce Gracie's ribs!
Royce Gracie's ribs shows the damage! Kazushi Sakuraba is working his opponent ribs!
Royce doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Royce forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The clock says 3:15 in the 2 round
The fighters are clinching.
Royce Gracie tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Sakuraba is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
The fighters are clinching.
Royce pushes off of Kazushi Sakuraba and starts launching a flurry of hooks and body shots!
Sakuraba holds his opponent tight while he tries to cool down the action.
Herb Dean sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
Sakuraba tries to grapple
He puts Royce in a double underhook!
The clock says 3:50 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba charge towards Royce Gracie with a flying knee
Royce Gracie got hit in the chest and the impact sent him to the mat
The clock says 4:00 in the 2 round
Sakuraba is standing while Royce is on the ground on his back
Kazushi Sakuraba decides to jump inside Royce's guard.
Royce didn't see that coming. Sakuraba is in open guard over Royce now.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Royce
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Royce Gracie against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Sakuraba jumps and tries to free his leg! Royce doesn't allow this but Kazushi Sakuraba is able to get half guard here.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Royce
Royce Gracie attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Royce
Kazushi Sakuraba hovers above Royce
Good punches to Royce's body.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Royce
Royce Gracie tries to close the guard.
Royce put Kazushi Sakuraba in closed guard.
The clock says 4:55 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Royce
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Royce tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Royce clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Sakuraba breaks the closed guard of Royce Gracie and moves to half guard
Herb Dean 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 3
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Sakuraba looks to be in very good shape.
A bunch of leg kicks from Kazushi Sakuraba
are bothering his opponent.
Royce hyper-extended his left leg
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Royce Gracie tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Royce circles out and slips free of Kazushi Sakuraba's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position.
The clock says 0:35 in the 3 round
Royce Gracie fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Solid kick to the leg from Kazushi Sakuraba
Royce checks it.
Sakuraba is holding Royce Gracie's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Royce Gracie loses balance and goes to the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Royce Gracie manages to switch to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Royce
Sakuraba moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Royce
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg
Royce Gracie moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Kazushi Sakuraba is slowing the pace of the fight a bit and circles around his opponent.
Good front kick from Sakuraba!
Royce stumbles backwards after that one!
The clock says 1:55 in the 3 round
Sakuraba launches a furious low kick!
Royce Gracie blocks
Sakuraba misses a step and Royce Gracie sees an opportunity to counter him!
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a body shot
Royce dodges and catches him with a hard cross.
Kazushi Sakuraba and Royce engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
Sakuraba's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Royce moves backwards and Kazushi Sakuraba is asking him if he came today for fighting or running.
The clock says 2:30 in the 3 round
Royce Gracie tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Royce is in open guard over Sakuraba... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Sakuraba 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 Royce Gracie. 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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Sakuraba steps backwards away from Royce Gracie. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Royce Gracie and Sakuraba engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Royce Gracie is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Royce Gracie jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Sakuraba misses a step and Royce Gracie sees an opportunity to counter him!
Royce Gracie fakes a punch and launches himself over Kazushi Sakuraba
Great move by Royce who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba tries to take Royce Gracie to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Royce is with is back on the ground now.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Royce
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish with a leg lock!
Royce is able to break the lock.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Royce
Sakuraba is in open guard over Royce... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Royce 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 Kazushi Sakuraba. 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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Royce Gracie shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Kazushi Sakuraba is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Royce into his guard.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce breaths deeply while on the ground
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce tries to escape from closed guard...
Sakuraba waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Royce Gracie! He is reversed and nor Kazushi Sakuraba is on half guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Royce
Royce Gracie isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Sakuraba blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Royce's guard.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba sits over his knees and pushes away Royce's leg!
Royce closes his legs around Kazushi Sakuraba's leg. Sakuraba is not able to move away now!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Royce
Royce Gracie throws up a triangle attempt!
Kazushi Sakuraba postures up and breaks the triangle.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Kazushi Sakuraba wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Sakuraba drills Royce Gracie's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Royce
Sakuraba tries to get a side mount...
Royce wraps his leg around Kazushi Sakuraba leg and prevents him from moving.
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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Royce Gracie paws at Sakuraba.
Sakuraba answers with solid punches!
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
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Round 4
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Crisp uppercut by Sakuraba followed by a hard jab
Royce Gracie stumbles back.
The clock says 0:25 in the 4 round
Royce leads with a punch
Kazushi Sakuraba evades but whiffs with a counter.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Royce Gracie tries to take advantage...
Royce moves forward looking for some action
Kazushi Sakuraba struggles a bit before breaking Royce's attemp of grappling
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a middle kick
Royce blocks with his arm! Wow, that was loud!
Kazushi Sakuraba is slowing the pace of the fight a bit and circles around his opponent.
Solid kick to the leg from Kazushi Sakuraba
that visibly pains Royce.
Royce hyper-extended his left leg
Royce Gracie jumps over his opponent and tries to close a flying triangle!
You can see the pain reflected in Sakuraba's eyes...
Royce is locking that Flying triangle cocke...
Sakuraba sprawls and leaps forward, launching his opponent agains the mat.
The clock says 1:00 in the 4 round
Sakuraba grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Kazushi Sakuraba
Royce ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Royce
Royce is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Herb Dean has seen that!
Herb Dean takes away one point from Royce Gracie for headbutt.
Herb Dean halts the fight to give Sakuraba time to recover. Kazushi Sakuraba seems to be ready to fight again. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The two exchange wildly
Royce is connecting with a few punches
The two exchange wildly
Royce is connecting with a few punches
Shovel hook by Kazushi Sakuraba
goes nowhere.
Sakuraba moves forward looking for some action
Kazushi Sakuraba shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Royce Gracie tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Sakuraba is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
The fighters are clinching.
Royce Gracie pushes away Sakuraba trying to keep the fight at striking range
Sakuraba doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Royce Gracie
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba punishes his opponent's thighs with a few knees while in the clinch
Royce holds his opponent and blocks his moves.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Royce Gracie pushes away Sakuraba trying to keep the fight at striking range
Sakuraba doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Royce Gracie
The fighters are clinching.
Royce tries to break the clinch... Kazushi Sakuraba launches a great knee when he finds a narrow space!
Awesome impact! Royce stumbles backwards and Kazushi Sakuraba shoots an incredible takedown!
The clock says 2:40 in the 4 round
A right hand from Kazushi Sakuraba
makes Royce stumble back!
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Royce grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Royce Gracie!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Sakuraba tries to open up Royce Gracie's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Royce in the side of the head
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Sakuraba is moving on the ground...
Royce tries to counter Sakuraba's moves on the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Sakuraba goes for an armbar!
Royce Gracie breaks the lock and pushes away Kazushi Sakuraba, who rolls over his back and gets to standing position.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. 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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Royce grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Royce tries to cover his face,
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Royce tries to move to full mount
Royce succeeds
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Royce Gracie sits high on Kazushi Sakuraba's chest and pulls his leg underneath Sakuraba's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Sakuraba tries to roll out. He's too quick for Royce Gracie and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Royce and it cost him top position.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Royce blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
This round is maybe for Kazushi Sakuraba, but it's close.
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Round 5
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Solid kick to the leg from Kazushi Sakuraba
Royce checks it.
Royce moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Kazushi Sakuraba checks the kick.
Royce misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Royce attempts a shoot
Kazushi Sakuraba hops back and delivers a powerful kick to his head!
Sakuraba jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The fighters are clinching.
0:38 Round 5 and Royce is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Royce tries to launch a knee to the body while in the clinch!
Sakuraba pushes away Royce Gracie before being hit
Sakuraba goes for a low kick..
Royce avoids the deadly blow.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Royce Gracie to fight back!
Royce fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Kazushi Sakuraba didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Royce struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
The clock says 1:15 in the 5 round
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
The clock says 1:25 in the 5 round
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Royce blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to close the guard.
Sakuraba put Royce Gracie in closed guard.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba holds Royce Gracie and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Royce is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Royce Gracie uses his leg to keep his position 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.
Sakuraba moves forward looking for some action
Royce Gracie struggles a bit before breaking Sakuraba's attemp of grappling
Good leg kicks from Royce Gracie.
Sakuraba winces a bit.
A right hand from Kazushi Sakuraba
surprises Royce!
Royce Gracie attempts a sweep single...
Royce Gracie catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Royce.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
The clock says 3:10 in the 5 round
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie is looking to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Royce blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie is looking to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Royce Gracie gets his hips free and moves to half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Royce Gracie!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Sakuraba is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Kazushi Sakuraba moves to better his position on the ground...
Kazushi Sakuraba viciously slams hammer blows to Royce's face!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Sakuraba blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Royce Gracie gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Royce Gracie tries to roll on the ground...
The clock says 4:35 in the 5 round
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Royce Gracie!
The clock says 4:45 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce tries to escape from the full mount...
Kazushi Sakuraba is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Royce cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Sakuraba can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Sakuraba fires a barrage of punches at Royce's head!
This is bad! Sakuraba is just pounding on Royce Gracie's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was an even round for the most part.
Winner is Kazushi Sakuraba by Unanimous decision
Statistics: Royce Gracie
Punches 18/25 (72%)
Kicks 3/4 (75%)
Clinch strikes 3/16 (19%)
Takedowns 8/9 (89%)
GnP strikes 0/2 (0%)
Submissions 10/10 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 751 s
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 11/24 (46%)
Kicks 8/14 (57%)
Clinch strikes 9/21 (43%)
Takedowns 4/6 (67%)
GnP strikes 29/42 (69%)
Submissions 8/8 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 741 s
A good fight. Looks like the Gracie-Hunter still has some Gracie-Hunt left in him. Unlike Mark Hunt, who has nothing of the sort.
Ferocious staredown by Sakuraba while Herb Dean recites the rules.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Kazushi Sakuraba is the better fighter in my opinion. It would be an upset if he loses today.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Royce Gracie and Kazushi Sakuraba touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
Royce Gracie fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba has a high cardio that helps him make great performances.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Royce is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Royce is trying to counter now!
Big mistake from Kazushi Sakuraba! Royce tries to finish him off with a RNC!
Royce is unable to lock that and Sakuraba breaks the lock
The fighters are clinching.
Royce Gracie launches a few punches towards Sakuraba's ribs while holds him in a double overhooks!
Kazushi Sakuraba receives a couple of blows in the ribs.
The fighters are clinching.
Royce launches a few hard punches to Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs!
Sakuraba struggles and protects himself.
Royce Gracie gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Brutal knees to Royce's face, followed by knees to the body from Kazushi Sakuraba!
Royce doesn't want to finish it now and covers himself!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Sakuraba blocks Royce Gracie's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
Royce ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Royce
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Royce tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Royce Gracie in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Royce Gracie in his guard...
Royce Gracie keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Royce Gracie uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Royce is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba tries to escape from the full mount...
Royce Gracie is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Royce's ribs.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Royce Gracie keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:25 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Royce Gracie goes for an americana!
Sakuraba breaks free.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Royce Gracie goes for an americana!
Sakuraba breaks free.
Royce misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie tries to free his leg
Kazushi Sakuraba moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Royce Gracie attempts a sweep single...
Royce Gracie catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Royce.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Sakuraba leans and gets Royce Gracie's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Royce is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Royce Gracie uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 3:10 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
You have to give credit to the match-maker for putting on such an even fight.
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Royce Gracie uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Royce Gracie uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Royce tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Royce use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba holds Royce Gracie and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
Royce is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Royce Gracie!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Kazushi Sakuraba isolates Royce Gracie's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Royce Gracie is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Royce Gracie to fight back!
Royce Gracie tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in full mount.
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.
Sakuraba seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent.
Kazushi Sakuraba goes with a looping right hand while Royce Gracie jumps back and jabs
Sakuraba seems staggered and Royce Gracie runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a middle kick
Royce Gracie blocks and steps away.
The clock says 4:15 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The clock says 4:25 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba launches a few hard punches to Royce Gracie's ribs!
Royce Gracie's ribs shows the damage! Kazushi Sakuraba is working his opponent ribs!
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba pushes his opponent down and launches a heavy knee to his head in an unorthodox move...
Wow! Big hit towards Royce Gracie's face!
Sakuraba seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent.
Kazushi Sakuraba leans forwards and tries to grapple with Royce
Sakuraba shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Royce Gracie tries for a takedown but can't get it. He decides to pull guard instead...
Royce Gracie wraps him up tight and pulls him into his guard.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Sakuraba throws a low kick
He switches targets and lands a superb body kick!
Sakuraba is holding Royce Gracie's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Royce Gracie shows great balance while pushing away Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba steps forward
Royce feints.
Royce Gracie tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Sakuraba is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba can't prevent his opponent from passing. Royce looks to work from half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie tries a kimura
Sakuraba breaks the lock.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
The clock says 1:50 in the 2 round
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie tries to finish with a leg lock!
Sakuraba is able to break the lock.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce struggles on the ground and tries to break Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Royce Gracie is in Sakuraba open guard now
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba throws up a triangle attempt!
Royce Gracie postures up and breaks the triangle.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Royce Gracie to fight back!
Royce Gracie tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
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.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Royce Gracie
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
Royce gets himself into good position and looks to change levels for the takedown...
Kazushi Sakuraba doesn't let Royce Gracie get in on his legs.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish this with a rear naked chocke!
Royce ducks under and pushes away his opponent.
Royce Gracie tries to finish this with a rear naked chocke!
Sakuraba ducks under and pushes away his opponent.
Royce misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Sakuraba jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba launches a few hard punches to Royce Gracie's ribs!
Royce Gracie's ribs shows the damage! Kazushi Sakuraba is working his opponent ribs!
Royce doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Royce forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The clock says 3:15 in the 2 round
The fighters are clinching.
Royce Gracie tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Sakuraba is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
The fighters are clinching.
Royce pushes off of Kazushi Sakuraba and starts launching a flurry of hooks and body shots!
Sakuraba holds his opponent tight while he tries to cool down the action.
Herb Dean sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
Sakuraba tries to grapple
He puts Royce in a double underhook!
The clock says 3:50 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba charge towards Royce Gracie with a flying knee
Royce Gracie got hit in the chest and the impact sent him to the mat
The clock says 4:00 in the 2 round
Sakuraba is standing while Royce is on the ground on his back
Kazushi Sakuraba decides to jump inside Royce's guard.
Royce didn't see that coming. Sakuraba is in open guard over Royce now.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Royce
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Royce Gracie against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Sakuraba jumps and tries to free his leg! Royce doesn't allow this but Kazushi Sakuraba is able to get half guard here.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Royce
Royce Gracie attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Royce
Kazushi Sakuraba hovers above Royce
Good punches to Royce's body.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Royce
Royce Gracie tries to close the guard.
Royce put Kazushi Sakuraba in closed guard.
The clock says 4:55 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Royce
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Royce tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Royce clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Sakuraba breaks the closed guard of Royce Gracie and moves to half guard
Herb Dean 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.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Sakuraba looks to be in very good shape.
A bunch of leg kicks from Kazushi Sakuraba
are bothering his opponent.
Royce hyper-extended his left leg
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Royce Gracie tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Royce circles out and slips free of Kazushi Sakuraba's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position.
The clock says 0:35 in the 3 round
Royce Gracie fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Solid kick to the leg from Kazushi Sakuraba
Royce checks it.
Sakuraba is holding Royce Gracie's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Royce Gracie loses balance and goes to the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Royce Gracie manages to switch to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Royce
Sakuraba moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Royce
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg
Royce Gracie moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Kazushi Sakuraba is slowing the pace of the fight a bit and circles around his opponent.
Good front kick from Sakuraba!
Royce stumbles backwards after that one!
The clock says 1:55 in the 3 round
Sakuraba launches a furious low kick!
Royce Gracie blocks
Sakuraba misses a step and Royce Gracie sees an opportunity to counter him!
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a body shot
Royce dodges and catches him with a hard cross.
Kazushi Sakuraba and Royce engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
Sakuraba's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Royce moves backwards and Kazushi Sakuraba is asking him if he came today for fighting or running.
The clock says 2:30 in the 3 round
Royce Gracie tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Royce is in open guard over Sakuraba... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Sakuraba 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 Royce Gracie. 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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Sakuraba steps backwards away from Royce Gracie. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Royce Gracie and Sakuraba engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Royce Gracie is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Royce Gracie jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Sakuraba misses a step and Royce Gracie sees an opportunity to counter him!
Royce Gracie fakes a punch and launches himself over Kazushi Sakuraba
Great move by Royce who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba tries to take Royce Gracie to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Royce is with is back on the ground now.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Royce
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish with a leg lock!
Royce is able to break the lock.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Royce
Sakuraba is in open guard over Royce... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Royce 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 Kazushi Sakuraba. 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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Royce Gracie shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Kazushi Sakuraba is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Royce into his guard.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce breaths deeply while on the ground
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce tries to escape from closed guard...
Sakuraba waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Royce Gracie! He is reversed and nor Kazushi Sakuraba is on half guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Royce
Royce Gracie isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Sakuraba blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Royce's guard.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba sits over his knees and pushes away Royce's leg!
Royce closes his legs around Kazushi Sakuraba's leg. Sakuraba is not able to move away now!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Royce
Royce Gracie throws up a triangle attempt!
Kazushi Sakuraba postures up and breaks the triangle.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Kazushi Sakuraba wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Sakuraba drills Royce Gracie's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Royce
Sakuraba tries to get a side mount...
Royce wraps his leg around Kazushi Sakuraba leg and prevents him from moving.
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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Royce Gracie paws at Sakuraba.
Sakuraba answers with solid punches!
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Crisp uppercut by Sakuraba followed by a hard jab
Royce Gracie stumbles back.
The clock says 0:25 in the 4 round
Royce leads with a punch
Kazushi Sakuraba evades but whiffs with a counter.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Royce Gracie tries to take advantage...
Royce moves forward looking for some action
Kazushi Sakuraba struggles a bit before breaking Royce's attemp of grappling
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a middle kick
Royce blocks with his arm! Wow, that was loud!
Kazushi Sakuraba is slowing the pace of the fight a bit and circles around his opponent.
Solid kick to the leg from Kazushi Sakuraba
that visibly pains Royce.
Royce hyper-extended his left leg
Royce Gracie jumps over his opponent and tries to close a flying triangle!
You can see the pain reflected in Sakuraba's eyes...
Royce is locking that Flying triangle cocke...
Sakuraba sprawls and leaps forward, launching his opponent agains the mat.
The clock says 1:00 in the 4 round
Sakuraba grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Kazushi Sakuraba
Royce ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Royce
Royce is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Herb Dean has seen that!
Herb Dean takes away one point from Royce Gracie for headbutt.
Herb Dean halts the fight to give Sakuraba time to recover. Kazushi Sakuraba seems to be ready to fight again. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The two exchange wildly
Royce is connecting with a few punches
The two exchange wildly
Royce is connecting with a few punches
Shovel hook by Kazushi Sakuraba
goes nowhere.
Sakuraba moves forward looking for some action
Kazushi Sakuraba shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Royce Gracie tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Sakuraba is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
The fighters are clinching.
Royce Gracie pushes away Sakuraba trying to keep the fight at striking range
Sakuraba doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Royce Gracie
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba punishes his opponent's thighs with a few knees while in the clinch
Royce holds his opponent and blocks his moves.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Royce Gracie pushes away Sakuraba trying to keep the fight at striking range
Sakuraba doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Royce Gracie
The fighters are clinching.
Royce tries to break the clinch... Kazushi Sakuraba launches a great knee when he finds a narrow space!
Awesome impact! Royce stumbles backwards and Kazushi Sakuraba shoots an incredible takedown!
The clock says 2:40 in the 4 round
A right hand from Kazushi Sakuraba
makes Royce stumble back!
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Royce grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Royce Gracie!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Sakuraba tries to open up Royce Gracie's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Royce in the side of the head
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Sakuraba is moving on the ground...
Royce tries to counter Sakuraba's moves on the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Sakuraba goes for an armbar!
Royce Gracie breaks the lock and pushes away Kazushi Sakuraba, who rolls over his back and gets to standing position.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. 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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Royce grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Royce tries to cover his face,
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Royce tries to move to full mount
Royce succeeds
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Royce Gracie sits high on Kazushi Sakuraba's chest and pulls his leg underneath Sakuraba's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Sakuraba tries to roll out. He's too quick for Royce Gracie and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Royce and it cost him top position.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Royce blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
This round is maybe for Kazushi Sakuraba, but it's close.
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Round 5
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Solid kick to the leg from Kazushi Sakuraba
Royce checks it.
Royce moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Kazushi Sakuraba checks the kick.
Royce misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Royce attempts a shoot
Kazushi Sakuraba hops back and delivers a powerful kick to his head!
Sakuraba jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The fighters are clinching.
0:38 Round 5 and Royce is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Royce tries to launch a knee to the body while in the clinch!
Sakuraba pushes away Royce Gracie before being hit
Sakuraba goes for a low kick..
Royce avoids the deadly blow.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Royce Gracie to fight back!
Royce fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Kazushi Sakuraba didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Royce struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
The clock says 1:15 in the 5 round
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
The clock says 1:25 in the 5 round
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Royce blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to close the guard.
Sakuraba put Royce Gracie in closed guard.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba holds Royce Gracie and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Royce is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Royce Gracie uses his leg to keep his position 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.
Sakuraba moves forward looking for some action
Royce Gracie struggles a bit before breaking Sakuraba's attemp of grappling
Good leg kicks from Royce Gracie.
Sakuraba winces a bit.
A right hand from Kazushi Sakuraba
surprises Royce!
Royce Gracie attempts a sweep single...
Royce Gracie catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Royce.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Royce's side.
The clock says 3:10 in the 5 round
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie is looking to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Royce blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce Gracie is looking to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Royce Gracie gets his hips free and moves to half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Royce Gracie!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Sakuraba is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Kazushi Sakuraba moves to better his position on the ground...
Kazushi Sakuraba viciously slams hammer blows to Royce's face!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Sakuraba blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Royce Gracie gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Royce Gracie tries to roll on the ground...
The clock says 4:35 in the 5 round
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Royce is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Royce Gracie!
The clock says 4:45 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce tries to escape from the full mount...
Kazushi Sakuraba is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Royce cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Sakuraba can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Sakuraba fires a barrage of punches at Royce's head!
This is bad! Sakuraba is just pounding on Royce Gracie's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was an even round for the most part.
Winner is Kazushi Sakuraba by Unanimous decision
Statistics: Royce Gracie
Punches 18/25 (72%)
Kicks 3/4 (75%)
Clinch strikes 3/16 (19%)
Takedowns 8/9 (89%)
GnP strikes 0/2 (0%)
Submissions 10/10 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 751 s
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 11/24 (46%)
Kicks 8/14 (57%)
Clinch strikes 9/21 (43%)
Takedowns 4/6 (67%)
GnP strikes 29/42 (69%)
Submissions 8/8 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 741 s
A good fight. Looks like the Gracie-Hunter still has some Gracie-Hunt left in him. Unlike Mark Hunt, who has nothing of the sort.