Post by The Sandmen on Jul 5, 2017 21:04:51 GMT -5
Shinya Aoki raises his fists in his corner. He seems confident.
Dominick Cruz looks calm but knows he has a tough fight coming up.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is John McCarthy.
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Round 1
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Shinya Aoki and Dominick Cruz touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
Dominick Cruz goes with a looping right hand while Shinya Aoki jumps back and jabs
Aoki seems staggered and Dominick Cruz runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Aoki is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Dominick Cruz cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Dominick Cruz keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Dominick Cruz doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Shinya Aoki creates enough space to control Dominick Cruz's leg.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Shinya Aoki rolls over himself and stands up while Dominick Cruz rolls on his back.
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Dominick Cruz. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 1:45 in the 1 round
Aoki leads with a punch
Dominick Cruz avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut!
There is a small laceration on Shinya Aoki's Forehead
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Shinya Aoki jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch and launches himself over Dominick Cruz
Great move by Aoki who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Shinya Aoki pushes away Cruz trying to keep the fight at striking range
Cruz doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Shinya Aoki
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz postures up and launches another series of punches!
Aoki pushes his opponent forward and blocks most of Dominick Cruz's offensive.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki shoots and grab one of Dominick Cruz's leg, attempting to take him down with a Single Leg
Cruz lose his balance and falls to the mat
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
The clock says 2:20 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Shinya Aoki pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Dominick Cruz struggles not allowing Shinya Aoki improve his position.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground
Aoki cannot take advantage in the ground
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki is in open guard over Cruz... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Cruz rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Aoki blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Cruz's guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries a kimura
Cruz breaks the lock.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Cruz breaks free.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz tries to show some ground skills
Aoki uses his strength to keep Aoki at a disadvantage
John McCarthy 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.
Aoki looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Dominick Cruz's punches
Aoki is on the receiving end of a great combo by Cruz.
Aoki grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Shinya Aoki
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to finish with a leg lock!
Cruz is able to break the lock.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to finish with a leg lock!
Cruz is able to break the lock.
The clock says 4:00 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Dominick Cruz struggles not allowing Shinya Aoki improve his position.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Aoki is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki tries to move to full mount!
Cruz won't allow him to take this position easily.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Aoki is locking that North South Choke...
That North South Choke looks tight...
Cruz struggles to free himself
Cruz pushes Shinya Aoki forward against his back and breaks the lock!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) is cheering him!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Shinya Aoki manages to switch to half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Aoki switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Cruz struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
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Round 2
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Cruz seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent.
Cruz decides to launch some tentative punches
Dominick Cruz takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Aoki tries to grapple
He puts Cruz in a double underhook!
Dominick Cruz pushes away Aoki trying to keep the fight at striking range
Aoki doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Dominick Cruz
The clock says 0:55 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz tries to dirty boxing while holds Aoki against cage
Aoki is aware of his surroundings and scapes from the clinch.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
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 Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass to half guard...
Dominick Cruz can't prevent his opponent from passing. Aoki looks to work from half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki isolates Dominick Cruz's right arm looking for an armbar...
Cruz struggles to free himself
Dominick Cruz manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Aoki's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Aoki doesn't fight back!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Aoki 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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz goes with a looping right hand while Shinya Aoki jumps back and jabs
Cruz only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Shinya Aoki is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Cruz into his guard.
The clock says 2:05 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz looks to posture up and open Shinya Aoki's guard...
Shinya Aoki has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Shinya Aoki holds Dominick Cruz and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Cruz blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Aoki's guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Aoki switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Cruz struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
The clock says 2:45 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Shinya Aoki's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Shinya Aoki regains half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz tries to free his leg
Dominick Cruz uses some of his skill by jumping out of Aoki's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Shinya Aoki sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
John McCarthy 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.
The clock says 3:35 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Aoki struggles... Dominick Cruz is unable to take him down
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki moves forward looking for some action
He surprises Cruz with a double overhooks!
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Shinya Aoki sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Shinya Aoki gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Cruz spins out, but Shinya Aoki was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
That Armbar to Triangle looks tight...
You can see the pain reflected in Cruz's eyes...
Cruz is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Cruz is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Aoki tries to hit Dominick Cruz with a kick to his knee from the ground.
Nice kick. Cruz steps backwards trying to find a way to use his advantage now.
Cruz is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Cruz decides to go after his opponent and jumps inside Aoki's guard.
Aoki tries to fight back with his feet and Cruz just needs another plan now.
Cruz is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Shinya Aoki kicks his legs trying to keep Dominick Cruz away.
Dominick Cruz takes a kick to the body.
Cruz is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Dominick Cruz opts to go after his opponent and jumps inside Aoki's guard.
Aoki fights back with his feet, forcing Cruz to try something else.
Cruz is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Cruz opts to jump inside Aoki's guard.
Aoki fights back with his feet, forcing Cruz to try something else.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki tries to hit Dominick Cruz with a kick to his knee from the ground.
Nice kick. Cruz steps backwards trying to find a way to use his advantage now.
Cruz is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Cruz opts to jump inside Aoki's guard.
Aoki didn't see that coming. Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki now.
John McCarthy tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That was an even round for the most part.
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Round 3
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Aoki moves forward looking for some action
Shinya Aoki shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz tries to control Shinya Aoki in the clinch and use his dirty boxing
Cruz pushes the back of Shinya Aoki's head with one hand and punches his head a few times with the other, that surely hurts him
The clock says 0:30 in the 3 round
The fighters are clinching.
Shinya Aoki is in good position and is looking to change levels for the takedown...
Aoki catches an ankle and Cruz is tripped to the mat!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki looks to posture up and open Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki forces Dominick Cruz to open his guard.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to finish with a leg lock!
Cruz is able to break the lock.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
1:07 Round 3 and Aoki is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Shinya Aoki tries to finish with a leg lock!
That leglock looks tight...
Aoki is locking that leglock...
You can see the pain reflected in Cruz's eyes...
Crippling lock!
Cruz is able to break the lock.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
The clock says 1:25 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Dominick Cruz. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz and Aoki engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Shinya Aoki didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Cruz spins out, but Shinya Aoki was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Cruz is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Cruz climbs to his feet and is standing now.
The clock says 2:00 in the 3 round
Cruz is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Dominick Cruz creates space and allows Shinya Aoki to stand up.
Back to the beginning! Shinya Aoki is standing now.
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Aoki is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
The clock says 2:25 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz storms over Aoki with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Shinya Aoki blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
That Shoulder Lock from Shinya Aoki appears to be unbreakable
Cruz tries to break the lock slamming Shinya Aoki against the mat!
Shinya Aoki doesn't allow Dominick Cruz to escape. He is tightening the Shoulder Lock
Cruz pulls his arm out of danger.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Aoki's face!
Shinya Aoki blocks the elbows and tries to cool down the fight.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Aoki uses his forearms to block the impact!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Aoki misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Cruz fires a barrage of punches at Aoki's head!
The punches go wide.
The clock says 3:20 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Aoki's face!
Shinya Aoki blocks the elbows and tries to cool down the fight.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
John McCarthy 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.
The clock says 3:30 in the 3 round
Crisp uppercut by Cruz followed by a hard jab
Aoki deflects the blows.
The match-makers did a great job of pairing up these two evenly matched warriors.
Cruz pushes Shinya Aoki and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
The clock says 3:50 in the 3 round
Not a desiderable position that Aoki is in now. Dominick Cruz is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Dominick Cruz tries a nice one-two combination
that gets blocked.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch and launches himself over Cruz!
Nice move by Aoki who clinches and pushes Cruz against the cage
Shinya Aoki tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Aoki circles out and slips free of Dominick Cruz's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position.
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki and Cruz engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Aoki is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 4:35 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki looks to pass to mount...
Aoki slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Dominick Cruz.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki catch Dominick Cruz's left arm and tries a kimura
Punishing hold!
That kimura looks tight...
Dominick Cruz holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle he catches Dominick Cruz's arm and tries an armbar!
Cruz's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Cruz struggles to free himself
Cruz hold his own hand and breaks Aoki's lock. He rolls over himself and launches over Shinya Aoki.
John McCarthy separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
Dominick Cruz has to be confident that he won that round.
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Round 4
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Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Shinya Aoki sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Shinya Aoki manages to switch to full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Shinya Aoki blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Shinya Aoki blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Not a desiderable position that Aoki is in now. Dominick Cruz is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Shinya Aoki blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki takes a deep breath as he passes his arm over Dominick Cruz shoulder and pushes his left arm againts the mat!
Dominick Cruz breaks that americana attempt!
The clock says 1:05 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Not a desiderable position that Aoki is in now. Dominick Cruz is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Cruz tries to escape from the full mount...
Cruz struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
John McCarthy 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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 1:30 in the 4 round
Cruz launches a hook to the body
Shinya Aoki moves aside looking for a counter...
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Bone shattering straight right hand from Shinya Aoki!
Cruz is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Cruz's Left cheek is beginning to swell
Cruz looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Shinya Aoki's punches
Cruz is on the receiving end of a great combo by Aoki.
Cruz has a small cut in his Left cheek
Dominick Cruz takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Crushing shot to Cruz's body! He's holding his side
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Dominick Cruz regains full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz is cooling the fight on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to free his leg...
Cruz rolls on the ground and moves to side mount! Awesome maneuver!
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.
A left hook from Cruz
falls short.
A left hook from Cruz
falls short.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Tremendous strikes from Aoki!
Some big punches are landing!
Cruz pushes Shinya Aoki and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Shinya Aoki circles around Cruz
Aoki decides to launch some tentative punches
Shinya Aoki takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Cruz looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Shinya Aoki's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
Aoki is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 3:55 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Dominick Cruz can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Dominick Cruz takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shinya Aoki!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Aoki struggles and frees his leg!
The clock says 4:35 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Cruz breaths deeply while on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz storms over Aoki with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Shinya Aoki blocks them all showing some great skills here.
John McCarthy 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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Several good body shots
are evaded by Aoki.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Cruz goes down.
That punishment by Shinya Aoki has left Cruz staggered! Shinya Aoki should try push forward now and finish this!
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
Dominick Cruz has to be confident that he won that round.
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Round 5
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Aoki looks to be in very good shape.
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
0:21 Round 5 and Cruz is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz 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 Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Dominick Cruz regains full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
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 Cruz
Shinya Aoki isolates Dominick Cruz's right arm looking for an armbar...
Dominick Cruz manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Cruz breaks free.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki tries to free his leg...
Shinya Aoki uses some of his skill by jumping out of Cruz's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to show some ground skills
Dominick Cruz put Aoki in half guard.
The clock says 2:00 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Cruz from the side mount!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
John McCarthy 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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:30 in the 5 round
Good leg kicks from Dominick Cruz.
Shinya Aoki defends with ease.
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Dominick Cruz keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:55 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
This match is even... This could go the distance.
Cruz tries to move to full mount!
Aoki won't allow him to take this position easily.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz looks to pass to mount...
Cruz slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Shinya Aoki.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Aoki struggles and frees his leg!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki throws up a triangle attempt!
Dominick Cruz postures up and breaks the triangle.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Cruz is countered by Shinya Aoki.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki opts to go after his opponent and jumps inside Cruz's guard.
Cruz didn't see that coming. Aoki is in open guard over Cruz now.
John McCarthy 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.
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Dominick Cruz just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Aoki quickly defends.
Aoki steps backwards away from Dominick Cruz. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Aoki steps backwards away from Dominick Cruz. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Aoki studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
John McCarthy 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 Shinya Aoki by Split decision
Statistics: Shinya Aoki
Punches 18/26 (69%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 9/9 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 22/22 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 970 s
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 13/43 (30%)
Kicks 0/3 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/11 (27%)
Takedowns 5/4 (125%)
GnP strikes 5/73 (7%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 893 s
Split?
Dominick Cruz looks calm but knows he has a tough fight coming up.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is John McCarthy.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Shinya Aoki and Dominick Cruz touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
Dominick Cruz goes with a looping right hand while Shinya Aoki jumps back and jabs
Aoki seems staggered and Dominick Cruz runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Aoki is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Dominick Cruz cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Dominick Cruz keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Dominick Cruz doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Shinya Aoki creates enough space to control Dominick Cruz's leg.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Shinya Aoki rolls over himself and stands up while Dominick Cruz rolls on his back.
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Dominick Cruz. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 1:45 in the 1 round
Aoki leads with a punch
Dominick Cruz avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut!
There is a small laceration on Shinya Aoki's Forehead
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Shinya Aoki jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch and launches himself over Dominick Cruz
Great move by Aoki who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Shinya Aoki pushes away Cruz trying to keep the fight at striking range
Cruz doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Shinya Aoki
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz postures up and launches another series of punches!
Aoki pushes his opponent forward and blocks most of Dominick Cruz's offensive.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki shoots and grab one of Dominick Cruz's leg, attempting to take him down with a Single Leg
Cruz lose his balance and falls to the mat
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
The clock says 2:20 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Shinya Aoki pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Dominick Cruz struggles not allowing Shinya Aoki improve his position.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground
Aoki cannot take advantage in the ground
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki is in open guard over Cruz... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Cruz rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Aoki blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Cruz's guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries a kimura
Cruz breaks the lock.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Cruz breaks free.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz tries to show some ground skills
Aoki uses his strength to keep Aoki at a disadvantage
John McCarthy 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.
Aoki looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Dominick Cruz's punches
Aoki is on the receiving end of a great combo by Cruz.
Aoki grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Shinya Aoki
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to finish with a leg lock!
Cruz is able to break the lock.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to finish with a leg lock!
Cruz is able to break the lock.
The clock says 4:00 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Dominick Cruz struggles not allowing Shinya Aoki improve his position.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Aoki is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki tries to move to full mount!
Cruz won't allow him to take this position easily.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Aoki is locking that North South Choke...
That North South Choke looks tight...
Cruz struggles to free himself
Cruz pushes Shinya Aoki forward against his back and breaks the lock!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) is cheering him!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Shinya Aoki manages to switch to half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Aoki switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Cruz struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Cruz seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent.
Cruz decides to launch some tentative punches
Dominick Cruz takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Aoki tries to grapple
He puts Cruz in a double underhook!
Dominick Cruz pushes away Aoki trying to keep the fight at striking range
Aoki doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Dominick Cruz
The clock says 0:55 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz tries to dirty boxing while holds Aoki against cage
Aoki is aware of his surroundings and scapes from the clinch.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
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 Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass to half guard...
Dominick Cruz can't prevent his opponent from passing. Aoki looks to work from half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki isolates Dominick Cruz's right arm looking for an armbar...
Cruz struggles to free himself
Dominick Cruz manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Aoki's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Aoki doesn't fight back!
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Aoki 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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz goes with a looping right hand while Shinya Aoki jumps back and jabs
Cruz only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Shinya Aoki is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Cruz into his guard.
The clock says 2:05 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz looks to posture up and open Shinya Aoki's guard...
Shinya Aoki has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Shinya Aoki holds Dominick Cruz and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Cruz blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Aoki's guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Aoki switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Cruz struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
The clock says 2:45 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Shinya Aoki's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Shinya Aoki regains half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz tries to free his leg
Dominick Cruz uses some of his skill by jumping out of Aoki's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Shinya Aoki sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
John McCarthy 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.
The clock says 3:35 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Aoki struggles... Dominick Cruz is unable to take him down
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki moves forward looking for some action
He surprises Cruz with a double overhooks!
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Shinya Aoki sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Shinya Aoki gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Cruz spins out, but Shinya Aoki was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
That Armbar to Triangle looks tight...
You can see the pain reflected in Cruz's eyes...
Cruz is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Cruz is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Aoki tries to hit Dominick Cruz with a kick to his knee from the ground.
Nice kick. Cruz steps backwards trying to find a way to use his advantage now.
Cruz is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Cruz decides to go after his opponent and jumps inside Aoki's guard.
Aoki tries to fight back with his feet and Cruz just needs another plan now.
Cruz is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Shinya Aoki kicks his legs trying to keep Dominick Cruz away.
Dominick Cruz takes a kick to the body.
Cruz is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Dominick Cruz opts to go after his opponent and jumps inside Aoki's guard.
Aoki fights back with his feet, forcing Cruz to try something else.
Cruz is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Cruz opts to jump inside Aoki's guard.
Aoki fights back with his feet, forcing Cruz to try something else.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki tries to hit Dominick Cruz with a kick to his knee from the ground.
Nice kick. Cruz steps backwards trying to find a way to use his advantage now.
Cruz is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Cruz opts to jump inside Aoki's guard.
Aoki didn't see that coming. Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki now.
John McCarthy tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That was an even round for the most part.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Aoki moves forward looking for some action
Shinya Aoki shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz tries to control Shinya Aoki in the clinch and use his dirty boxing
Cruz pushes the back of Shinya Aoki's head with one hand and punches his head a few times with the other, that surely hurts him
The clock says 0:30 in the 3 round
The fighters are clinching.
Shinya Aoki is in good position and is looking to change levels for the takedown...
Aoki catches an ankle and Cruz is tripped to the mat!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki looks to posture up and open Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki forces Dominick Cruz to open his guard.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to finish with a leg lock!
Cruz is able to break the lock.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
1:07 Round 3 and Aoki is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Shinya Aoki tries to finish with a leg lock!
That leglock looks tight...
Aoki is locking that leglock...
You can see the pain reflected in Cruz's eyes...
Crippling lock!
Cruz is able to break the lock.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
The clock says 1:25 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Dominick Cruz. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz and Aoki engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Cruz fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Shinya Aoki didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Cruz spins out, but Shinya Aoki was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Cruz is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Cruz climbs to his feet and is standing now.
The clock says 2:00 in the 3 round
Cruz is standing while Aoki is on the ground on his back
Dominick Cruz creates space and allows Shinya Aoki to stand up.
Back to the beginning! Shinya Aoki is standing now.
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Aoki is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
The clock says 2:25 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz storms over Aoki with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Shinya Aoki blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
That Shoulder Lock from Shinya Aoki appears to be unbreakable
Cruz tries to break the lock slamming Shinya Aoki against the mat!
Shinya Aoki doesn't allow Dominick Cruz to escape. He is tightening the Shoulder Lock
Cruz pulls his arm out of danger.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Aoki's face!
Shinya Aoki blocks the elbows and tries to cool down the fight.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Aoki uses his forearms to block the impact!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Aoki misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Cruz fires a barrage of punches at Aoki's head!
The punches go wide.
The clock says 3:20 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Aoki's face!
Shinya Aoki blocks the elbows and tries to cool down the fight.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
John McCarthy 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.
The clock says 3:30 in the 3 round
Crisp uppercut by Cruz followed by a hard jab
Aoki deflects the blows.
The match-makers did a great job of pairing up these two evenly matched warriors.
Cruz pushes Shinya Aoki and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
The clock says 3:50 in the 3 round
Not a desiderable position that Aoki is in now. Dominick Cruz is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Dominick Cruz tries a nice one-two combination
that gets blocked.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch and launches himself over Cruz!
Nice move by Aoki who clinches and pushes Cruz against the cage
Shinya Aoki tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Aoki circles out and slips free of Dominick Cruz's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position.
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki and Cruz engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Aoki is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 4:35 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki looks to pass to mount...
Aoki slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Dominick Cruz.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki catch Dominick Cruz's left arm and tries a kimura
Punishing hold!
That kimura looks tight...
Dominick Cruz holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle he catches Dominick Cruz's arm and tries an armbar!
Cruz's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Cruz struggles to free himself
Cruz hold his own hand and breaks Aoki's lock. He rolls over himself and launches over Shinya Aoki.
John McCarthy separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
Dominick Cruz has to be confident that he won that round.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Shinya Aoki sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Shinya Aoki manages to switch to full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Shinya Aoki blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Shinya Aoki blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Not a desiderable position that Aoki is in now. Dominick Cruz is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Shinya Aoki blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki takes a deep breath as he passes his arm over Dominick Cruz shoulder and pushes his left arm againts the mat!
Dominick Cruz breaks that americana attempt!
The clock says 1:05 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Not a desiderable position that Aoki is in now. Dominick Cruz is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Cruz tries to escape from the full mount...
Cruz struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
John McCarthy 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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 1:30 in the 4 round
Cruz launches a hook to the body
Shinya Aoki moves aside looking for a counter...
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Bone shattering straight right hand from Shinya Aoki!
Cruz is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Cruz's Left cheek is beginning to swell
Cruz looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Shinya Aoki's punches
Cruz is on the receiving end of a great combo by Aoki.
Cruz has a small cut in his Left cheek
Dominick Cruz takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Crushing shot to Cruz's body! He's holding his side
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Dominick Cruz regains full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz is cooling the fight on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to free his leg...
Cruz rolls on the ground and moves to side mount! Awesome maneuver!
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.
A left hook from Cruz
falls short.
A left hook from Cruz
falls short.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Tremendous strikes from Aoki!
Some big punches are landing!
Cruz pushes Shinya Aoki and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Shinya Aoki circles around Cruz
Aoki decides to launch some tentative punches
Shinya Aoki takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Cruz looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Shinya Aoki's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
Aoki is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 3:55 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Dominick Cruz can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Dominick Cruz takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shinya Aoki!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Aoki struggles and frees his leg!
The clock says 4:35 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Cruz breaths deeply while on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz storms over Aoki with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Shinya Aoki blocks them all showing some great skills here.
John McCarthy 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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Several good body shots
are evaded by Aoki.
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Cruz goes down.
That punishment by Shinya Aoki has left Cruz staggered! Shinya Aoki should try push forward now and finish this!
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
Dominick Cruz has to be confident that he won that round.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Aoki looks to be in very good shape.
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
0:21 Round 5 and Cruz is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz 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 Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Dominick Cruz regains full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
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 Cruz
Shinya Aoki isolates Dominick Cruz's right arm looking for an armbar...
Dominick Cruz manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Cruz breaks free.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki tries to free his leg...
Shinya Aoki uses some of his skill by jumping out of Cruz's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to show some ground skills
Dominick Cruz put Aoki in half guard.
The clock says 2:00 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Cruz from the side mount!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
John McCarthy 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 Budweiser Gardens (London, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:30 in the 5 round
Good leg kicks from Dominick Cruz.
Shinya Aoki defends with ease.
Cruz is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Dominick Cruz keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:55 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
This match is even... This could go the distance.
Cruz tries to move to full mount!
Aoki won't allow him to take this position easily.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Dominick Cruz looks to pass to mount...
Cruz slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Shinya Aoki.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Aoki struggles and frees his leg!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki throws up a triangle attempt!
Dominick Cruz postures up and breaks the triangle.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Cruz launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Cruz is countered by Shinya Aoki.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki opts to go after his opponent and jumps inside Cruz's guard.
Cruz didn't see that coming. Aoki is in open guard over Cruz now.
John McCarthy 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.
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Dominick Cruz just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Aoki quickly defends.
Aoki steps backwards away from Dominick Cruz. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Aoki steps backwards away from Dominick Cruz. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Aoki studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
John McCarthy 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 Shinya Aoki by Split decision
Statistics: Shinya Aoki
Punches 18/26 (69%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 9/9 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 22/22 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 970 s
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 13/43 (30%)
Kicks 0/3 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/11 (27%)
Takedowns 5/4 (125%)
GnP strikes 5/73 (7%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 893 s
Split?
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!