Post by The Sandmen on Sept 12, 2016 9:00:42 GMT -5
ManMMA Lightweight Championship
Gilbert Melendez looks very relaxed.
Ferocious staredown by Aoki while Steve Mazzagatti recites the rules.
And here we go with the title fight!
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 Steve Mazzagatti.
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Round 1
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Melendez and Aoki move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Gilbert Melendez's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Melendez holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Poorly executed technique. Gilbert Melendez looks to counter!
Aoki is in closed guard... Melendez tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Melendez holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Poorly executed technique. Gilbert Melendez looks to counter!
Aoki is in closed guard... Melendez tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 0:40 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Aoki tries to escape from closed guard...
Melendez waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Shinya Aoki! He is reversed and nor Gilbert Melendez is on half guard!
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Aoki
Melendez sits over his knees and pushes away Aoki's leg!
Aoki closes his legs around Gilbert Melendez's leg. Melendez is not able to move away now!
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki 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.
Steve Mazzagatti 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.
Crisp uppercut by Aoki followed by a hard jab
Melendez deflects the blows.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Gilbert Melendez fakes a punch and launches himself over Aoki!
Nice move by Melendez who clinches and pushes Aoki against the cage
The fighters are clinching.
Melendez and Shinya Aoki are cliched up against the cage. Melendez steps for a throw
Shinya Aoki is gets thrown to the mat but gets right back up
Shinya Aoki tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Aoki circles out and slips free of Gilbert Melendez's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position.
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Gilbert Melendez is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Aoki tries to escape from the closed guard
Shinya Aoki any adventage in the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Deep breaths from Gilbert Melendez who tries a hammer punch to Aoki's ribs.
That hit Aoki who moves on the ground in order to protect himself
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Melendez measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Melendez measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Melendez holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Melendez is trying to counter now!
Aoki is in closed guard... Melendez tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shinya Aoki!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Gilbert Melendez hovers above Aoki
Shinya Aoki stops him from throwing strikes.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Melendez catch Shinya Aoki's left arm and tries a kimura
Shinya Aoki holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard...
Shinya Aoki moves to half guard.
The clock says 3:05 in the 1 round
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Aoki
Melendez positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Aoki's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Aoki
Melendez is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Aoki's ribs.
Aoki blocks Gilbert Melendez's moves and tries to reverse the situation.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Shinya Aoki attempts to move to full guard
Gilbert Melendez keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Steve Mazzagatti stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:20 in the 1 round
Gilbert Melendez goes with a looping right hand while Shinya Aoki jumps back and jabs
Melendez only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
Shinya Aoki is slowing the pace of the fight a bit and circles around his opponent.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Gilbert Melendez's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Aoki is in closed guard... Melendez tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Melendez misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki looks to posture up and open Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Gilbert Melendez has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Aoki use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Gilbert Melendez holds Shinya Aoki and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Aoki tries to escape from closed guard...
Melendez waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Shinya Aoki! He is reversed and nor Gilbert Melendez is on half guard!
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Aoki
Melendez leans back...
Aoki eyes him warily.
Melendez misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Melendez blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Aoki's guard.
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.
Melendez launches a stiff jab!
Aoki ducks that one.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Gilbert Melendez launches a body shot
Aoki evades.
Several good body shots
are evaded by Aoki.
Aoki fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Melendez sprawls and remains on his feet.
Melendez tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Gilbert Melendez fakes a punch and launches himself over Shinya Aoki
Aoki counters with a few fake punches and then backpedals
Gilbert Melendez leans forwards and tries to grapple with Aoki
Aoki wants to mantain the distance and ducks that one.
Melendez clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Shinya Aoki fires an unorthodox punch to Melendez's torso
that goes wide.
Steve Mazzagatti tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is maybe for Shinya Aoki, but it's close.
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Round 2
=========================================
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Gilbert Melendez's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Aoki is in closed guard... Melendez tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shinya Aoki!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Gilbert Melendez doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Melendez is trying to counter now!
Melendez throws a few hammer fists to the face of Shinya Aoki
Solid shots!
The clock says 1:10 in the 2 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki 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 continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
Melendez's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Crisp uppercut by Melendez followed by a hard jab
Shinya Aoki stumbles back.
The clock says 1:40 in the 2 round
Melendez is holding Shinya Aoki's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Gilbert Melendez throws a lot of punches
some strikes get through.
Aoki's Right cheek is beginning to swell
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Shinya Aoki work his BJJ game.
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard.
Gilbert Melendez keeps control and remains in side mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Melendez is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Aoki's ribs.
Aoki blocks Gilbert Melendez's moves and tries to reverse the situation.
The clock says 2:25 in the 2 round
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Gilbert Melendez looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Gilbert Melendez slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Gilbert Melendez takes a deep breath as he passes his arm over Shinya Aoki shoulder and pushes his arm againts the mat!
Shinya Aoki breaks that americana attempt!
Melendez misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki 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 Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll on the ground...
He makes a reversal!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Aoki tries to escape from the closed guard
Shinya Aoki any adventage in the ground.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Aoki is in closed guard... Melendez tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shinya Aoki!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki 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.
Steve Mazzagatti 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.
Shinya Aoki fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
Melendez blocks and pushes his opponent.
Aoki misses a step and Gilbert Melendez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki leads with a punch
Gilbert Melendez evades but whiffs with a counter.
The clock says 3:30 in the 2 round
Bone shattering straight right hand from Gilbert Melendez!
Aoki ducks under...
Aoki follows Gilbert Melendez
Melendez fakes a move.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Shinya Aoki attempts to cut off Melendez with punches
Melendez reels from the strikes.
A right hand from Gilbert Melendez
surprises Aoki!
Aoki wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Aoki moves forward and holds Melendez
Gilbert Melendez tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Melendez circles out and slips free of Shinya Aoki's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position.
Aoki throws a lazy kick
Melendez dodges and fires an uppercut that almost puts him in to orbit!
The clock says 4:25 in the 2 round
Melendez wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Aoki doesn't want anything like this as he moves backwards
Shinya Aoki throws a combo
Melendez punches back but nobody connects.
Melendez avoids a dangerous strike from Aoki
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Gilbert Melendez gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki avoids a dangerous strike from Melendez
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Aoki pushes Gilbert Melendez and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Aoki.
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Round 3
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Crisp uppercut by Melendez followed by a hard jab
Shinya Aoki stumbles back.
Aoki has a small cut in his Right eye
The clock says 0:25 in the 3 round
Not a desiderable position that Aoki is in now. Gilbert Melendez is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Shinya Aoki paws at Melendez.
Melendez answers with solid punches!
Aoki is holding Gilbert Melendez's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez loses balance and goes to the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez tries to turn into his oponent...
Shinya Aoki tries to sprawl back but he is too slow. Melendez scrammbles out and gets back to his feet!
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Melendez moves forward looking for some action
He surprises Aoki with a double overhooks!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Not a desiderable position that Aoki is in now. Gilbert Melendez is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Gilbert Melendez launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 1:30 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Melendez measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Melendez measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Gilbert Melendez manages to switch to half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Melendez
2:18 Round 3 and Aoki is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Aoki launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Aoki is countered by Gilbert Melendez.
Aoki misses a step and Gilbert Melendez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Melendez opts to jump inside Aoki's guard.
Aoki fights back with his feet, forcing Melendez to try something else.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Gilbert Melendez sees and opening and traps him in full guard.
Steve Mazzagatti has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Not a desiderable position that Aoki is in now. Gilbert Melendez is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Aoki steps forward
Gilbert Melendez catches him with an uppercut to the face!
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Melendez goes down.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Melendez
Shinya Aoki tries to pass to half guard...
Gilbert Melendez's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Aoki struggles on the ground and tries to break Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Melendez doesn't want to free his opponent and Aoki continues in closed guard
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Melendez measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Shinya Aoki looks to posture up and open Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Gilbert Melendez has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Aoki 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 Shinya Aoki's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Aoki tries to escape from closed guard...
Aoki struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Melendez
Aoki shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Melendez pushes Shinya Aoki forward against his back and breaks the lock!
Steve Mazzagatti has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Aoki pushes Gilbert Melendez and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Some counter punches against Shinya Aoki
almost hit him as he moves away.
A punch from Gilbert Melendez
grazes Aoki's left cheek.
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Melendez won't budge, forcing Aoki to pull guard.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Gilbert Melendez has to be confident that he won that round.
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Round 4
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The clock says 0:10 in the 4 round
Aoki grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Melendez
Melendez tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Melendez
Melendez tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Melendez
Melendez tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Melendez
Melendez launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Aoki's ribs.
Aoki ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Melendez
Melendez measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Melendez
Melendez measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Melendez
Gilbert Melendez attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Melendez
Aoki looks to be in very good shape.
Shinya Aoki tries to free his leg
Gilbert Melendez 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.
The two exchange wildly
Melendez is connecting with a few punches
Gilbert Melendez fakes a move and moves laterally.
Surprise roundhouse punch by Melendez.
It looks like Aoki was hit by a bus!
Aoki pushes Gilbert Melendez and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Melendez won't budge, forcing Aoki to pull guard.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Aoki
Melendez tries to open up Aoki with a few strikes with his right elbow...
Some nice shots are landing and Aoki is trying to block them with his hands...
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Aoki
Gilbert Melendez looks to posture up and open Shinya Aoki's guard...
Shinya Aoki has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Aoki
Melendez tries to escape from closed guard...
Aoki waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Gilbert Melendez! He is reversed and nor Shinya Aoki is on half guard!
The clock says 2:55 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Melendez
Aoki is taking this opportunity to rest.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Melendez
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 3:10 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Shinya Aoki tries a kimura
That kimura looks tight...
Crippling lock!
Melendez breaks the lock.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Gilbert Melendez manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 3:40 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Melendez holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Gilbert Melendez can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Aoki is in closed guard... Melendez tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Gilbert Melendez gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Melendez holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Steve Mazzagatti 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.
Melendez begins to launch a barrage of punches over Aoki
Shinya Aoki is smart enough to duck backwards
Melendez steps backwards away from Shinya Aoki. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
The clock says 4:25 in the 4 round
Both fighters circle around the center of the cage.
Aoki is holding Gilbert Melendez's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez loses balance and goes to the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Shinya Aoki looks to pass to mount...
Melendez creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 4:55 in the 4 round
Melendez is holding Shinya Aoki's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki shows great balance while pushing away Gilbert Melendez
Melendez misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Melendez sees what was coming and ducks under his opponent and moves aside
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
The round is for Melendez, who walks calmly to his corner.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
Gilbert Melendez sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Melendez avoids a dangerous strike from Aoki
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Gilbert Melendez gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Good movement from Aoki
who is bobbing and weaving.
The clock says 0:30 in the 5 round
Aoki throws a lazy kick
Melendez dodges and fires an uppercut that almost puts him in to orbit!
Aoki grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Melendez struggles... Shinya Aoki is unable to take him down
The clock says 0:50 in the 5 round
Some counter punches against Gilbert Melendez
almost hit him as he moves away.
The clock says 1:00 in the 5 round
Gilbert Melendez just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Aoki may be in trouble!
Gilbert Melendez just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Aoki may be in trouble!
Aoki's Right eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Gilbert Melendez seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Gilbert Melendez tries a nice one-two combination
He scores!
The clock says 1:30 in the 5 round
Melendez looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Shinya Aoki's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
The clock says 1:40 in the 5 round
Aoki grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Melendez struggles... Shinya Aoki is unable to take him down
Melendez is trying to counter now!
A right hand from Gilbert Melendez
gets deflected.
Aoki is holding Gilbert Melendez's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez shows great balance while pushing away Shinya Aoki
Melendez pushes Shinya Aoki and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Melendez launches a flurry of punches
Aoki slips out of danger.
Gilbert Melendez fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Aoki's chin
The clock says 2:40 in the 5 round
Aoki and Melendez circle around the center of the cage.
Shinya Aoki tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Gilbert Melendez jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Melendez jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Gilbert Melendez pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The fighters are clinching.
Aoki gets himself into good position and looks to change levels for the takedown...
Aoki gets hold of a leg and trips Melendez to the mat!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Aoki struggles on the ground and tries to break Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Melendez doesn't want to free his opponent and Aoki continues in closed guard
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Aoki is in closed guard... Melendez tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shinya Aoki!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Melendez leans back...
He clobbers Shinya Aoki's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Melendez is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Aoki's ribs.
Aoki blocks Gilbert Melendez's moves and tries to reverse the situation.
Melendez clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Shinya Aoki 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 Shinya Aoki
Gilbert Melendez throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Aoki breaks the lock showing some skills...
Melendez misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Gilbert Melendez pushes Shinya Aoki down and prevents his attempts to escape
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Gilbert Melendez pushes Shinya Aoki down and prevents his attempts to escape
Aoki misses a step and Gilbert Melendez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Pitty-pat punches from Melendez
They're bothering Aoki even though they aren't hurting him.
Aoki's Mouth is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 4:00 in the 5 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Melendez positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Aoki's being punished here!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Melendez positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Aoki's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
The clock says 4:15 in the 5 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Gilbert Melendez isolates Shinya Aoki's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Shinya Aoki is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
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.
Aoki tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Aoki is clinching with Melendez.
Gilbert Melendez tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Melendez circles out and slips free of Shinya Aoki's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position.
Shovel hook by Gilbert Melendez
goes nowhere.
Gilbert Melendez fakes a punch and launches himself over Aoki!
Shinya Aoki is smart enough to avoid the clinch game by Melendez and pushes him away!
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Gilbert Melendez's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Melendez measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Melendez
Aoki tries to escape from the closed guard
Shinya Aoki any adventage in the ground.
Melendez tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Aoki is in closed guard... Melendez tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Gilbert Melendez has to be confident that he won that round.
=========================================
Round 6
=========================================
Gilbert Melendez closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Gilbert Melendez tries a nice one-two combination
He scores!
Gilbert Melendez seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Tremendous strikes from Melendez!
Some big punches are landing!
Some nice shots from Gilbert Melendez
miss their mark.
Shovel hook by Gilbert Melendez
goes nowhere.
A wicked punch by Gilbert Melendez
rocks Aoki!
Gilbert Melendez tries to bring the fight to the ground
Aoki goes down.
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Aoki
Melendez fires a barrage of punches at Aoki's head!
This is bad! Melendez is just pounding on Shinya Aoki's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Aoki
Melendez is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Aoki's ribs.
Aoki is noticing that and his face shows the pain.
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Aoki
Melendez tries to open up Shinya Aoki's defense faking a few punches.
Shinya Aoki wraps his arms around Melendez's arms and counters the punches.
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Steve Mazzagatti halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in The O2 Dublin (Dublin, Ireland) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 1:40 in the 6 round
Shinya Aoki gets ahold of Gilbert Melendez's arm, leaps into the air, and wraps his leg around his left shoulder in a flying omoplata attempt!
That Flying Omoplata from Shinya Aoki appears to be unbreakable
Shinya Aoki cannot lock it up. Gilbert Melendez smiles to acknowledge the audacious submission attempt. Shinya Aoki remains on the ground with his opponent standing over him.
Melendez is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Aoki tries to hit Gilbert Melendez with a kick to his knee from the ground.
Melendez dodges that
The clock says 1:55 in the 6 round
Melendez is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Shinya Aoki kicks his legs trying to keep Gilbert Melendez away.
No damage done by those kicks.
Melendez is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Aoki tries to hit Gilbert Melendez with a kick to his knee from the ground.
Melendez dodges that
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Melendez cartwheels towards Aoki!
He lands in side mount over a surprised Shinya Aoki.
The clock says 2:15 in the 6 round
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard.
Gilbert Melendez keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:25 in the 6 round
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard.
Gilbert Melendez keeps control and remains in side mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to show some ground skills
Melendez uses his strength to keep Melendez at a disadvantage
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Melendez throws a few hammer fists to the face of Shinya Aoki
Solid shots!
Steve Mazzagatti has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in The O2 Dublin (Dublin, Ireland) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:45 in the 6 round
Melendez fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Shinya Aoki didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Aoki
Melendez tries to open up Shinya Aoki's defense faking a few punches.
Shinya Aoki wraps his arms around Melendez's arms and counters the punches.
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Aoki
Not a desiderable position that Aoki is in now. Gilbert Melendez is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Gilbert Melendez tries to pass to half guard...
Shinya Aoki's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Aoki
Melendez is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Gilbert Melendez!
The clock says 3:20 in the 6 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Melendez launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Aoki's ribs.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Aoki fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle he catches Gilbert Melendez's arm and tries an armbar!
Melendez hold his own hand and breaks Aoki's lock. He rolls over himself and launches over Shinya Aoki.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to move on the ground and shows Gilbert Melendez a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Aoki uses his forearms to block the impact!
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard.
Gilbert Melendez keeps control and remains in side mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard.
Gilbert Melendez keeps control and remains in side mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Gilbert Melendez fakes some punches
Aoki ties him up.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Gilbert Melendez storms over Aoki with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Melendez doesn't stop and viciously hits again and again Aoki's face with his elbows!
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to move on the ground and shows Gilbert Melendez a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Aoki uses his forearms to block the impact!
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki tries to show some ground skills
Melendez uses his strength to keep Melendez at a disadvantage
The clock says 4:30 in the 6 round
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Melendez tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in The O2 Dublin (Dublin, Ireland) are cheering for the fighters.
Gilbert Melendez tries to bring the fight to the ground
Aoki goes down.
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Aoki
Gilbert Melendez moves to better his position on the ground...
Gilbert Melendez wraps his arms around his opponents' and tries to switch positions
Melendez clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Aoki switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Melendez struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Steve Mazzagatti tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Melendez is the winner of this round.
=========================================
Round 7
=========================================
Melendez feints and moves forward to hit with a hook
what a crushing shot!
Aoki's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 0:20 in the 7 round
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
Gilbert Melendez throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
Aoki's Chin is beginning to swell
The two exchange wildly
Melendez is connecting with a few punches
Gilbert Melendez fakes a punch and launches himself over Aoki!
Nice move by Melendez who clinches and pushes Aoki against the cage
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Aoki pushes down Gilbert Melendez and tries to pull guard
Melendez breaks the lock and Shinya Aoki falls to the ground!
Melendez is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Shinya Aoki launches an up-kick intended for Gilbert Melendez's head...
Melendez leans out of the way.
Melendez is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Gilbert Melendez creates space and allows Shinya Aoki to stand up.
Back to the beginning! Shinya Aoki is standing now.
Melendez launches a hook to the body
Bang! Aoki stops that one with his ribs!
Brilliant combination from Gilbert Melendez
that forces Aoki to try and defend better.
There is a small laceration on Shinya Aoki's Mouth
That punishment by Gilbert Melendez has left Aoki staggered! Gilbert Melendez should try push forward now and finish this!
Both fighters circle around the center of the cage.
Brilliant combination from Gilbert Melendez
that forces Aoki to try and defend better.
Shinya Aoki launches a body shot
Melendez dodges and catches him with a hard cross.
Melendez is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 2:20 in the 7 round
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Melendez launches a barrage of elbows over Aoki's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Aoki doesn't fight back!
Steve Mazzagatti has seen enough! The fight is over! Aoki was not intelligently defending himself!
Winner is Gilbert Melendez by TKO (Elbows) at 2:30 Round 7
Statistics: Gilbert Melendez
Punches 51/95 (54%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)
Takedowns 5/6 (83%)
GnP strikes 47/123 (38%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/4 (50%)
Time on the ground 996 s
Statistics: Shinya Aoki
Punches 16/33 (48%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 10/18 (56%)
GnP strikes 0/6 (0%)
Submissions 7/7 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 1039 s
Gilbert Melendez defends the Lightweight title!
Epic rematch. Lived up to the hype for sure. The story of this one was Giblert shutting down AOki's submission-attempt opportunities. I mean, this is Shinya Aoki, and he only managed to lock in 7 submission attempts in 7 rounds! That is insane! Giblert has cemented his legacy as a legit-as-fuck ManMMA champion, and is now just simply building on that. Very impressed with how he kinda quietly turned himself into one of the best on ManMMA.