Post by The Sandmen on Jun 14, 2018 8:51:43 GMT -5
Dominick Cruz looks like he has been waiting for this fight forever.
Jeremy Stephens glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Cruz and Stephens move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Jeremy Stephens sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Cruz is holding Jeremy Stephens's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Jeremy Stephens loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Jeremy Stephens
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Jeremy Stephens...
Jeremy Stephens takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Cruz is in closed guard... Stephens tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Jeremy Stephens is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Jeremy Stephens in his guard...
Jeremy Stephens keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Jeremy Stephens is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Jeremy Stephens in his guard...
Dominick Cruz gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Jeremy Stephens is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Stephens's ribs.
Jeremy Stephens is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Jeremy Stephens aggressively and repeatedly punches Cruz.
Good job by Cruz blocking and slipping the blows.
Jeremy Stephens gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Dominick Cruz tries to roll on the ground...
Stephens knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Jeremy Stephens is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Stephens tries to open up Dominick Cruz's defense faking a few punches.
Dominick Cruz wraps his arms around Stephens's arms and counters the punches.
Jeremy Stephens gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Cruz tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Jeremy Stephens doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Jeremy Stephens is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Stephens throws a few hammer fists to the face of Dominick Cruz
Blocked by Cruz.
Jeremy Stephens is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Jeremy Stephens in his guard...
Dominick Cruz gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Jeremy Stephens is in open guard over Cruz
Stephens moves on the ground
Stephens cannot take advantage in the ground
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Stephens's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Stephens tries to cover his face,
Jeremy Stephens is in open guard over Cruz
Stephens moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Jeremy Stephens is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Jeremy Stephens keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Jeremy Stephens is in half guard over Cruz
Stephens leans back...
Cruz eyes him warily.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Jeremy Stephens keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Herb Dean 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.
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz catches Jeremy Stephens's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Cruz.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Jeremy Stephens launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Dominick Cruz uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Stephens leans and gets Dominick Cruz's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Dominick Cruz looks to posture up and open Jeremy Stephens's guard...
Dominick Cruz forces Jeremy Stephens to open his guard.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Dominick Cruz tries to pass to half guard...
Jeremy Stephens's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
The clock says 3:30 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Dominick Cruz pushes Jeremy Stephens against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Jeremy Stephens struggles not allowing Dominick Cruz improve his position.
Cruz misses a step and Jeremy Stephens sees an opportunity to counter him!
Jeremy Stephens launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Dominick Cruz uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Stephens tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
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 Coliseo Amauta (Lima, Peru) are cheering for the fighters.
Jeremy Stephens chases Cruz and launches a few perfect strikes
Here we go! Cruz steps backwards when those punches connect with his face
Stephens dodges a strike and counters with a crushing hook
that almost lifts Cruz from the ground!
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Right eye
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Jeremy Stephens is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Cruz into his guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Stephens is moving on the ground...
Cruz tries to counter Stephens's moves on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Jeremy Stephens's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Jeremy Stephens regains full guard.
The clock says 4:30 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Cruz breaths deeply while on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Stephens measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Cruz blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Stephens clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Stephens leans and gets Dominick Cruz's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Stephens leans and gets Dominick Cruz's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Jeremy Stephens to fight back!
Cruz is in closed guard... Stephens tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Coliseo Amauta (Lima, Peru) are cheering for the fighters.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Jeremy Stephens has to be confident that he won that round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Dominick Cruz goes with a looping right hand while Jeremy Stephens jumps back and jabs
Cruz seems staggered and Jeremy Stephens runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Jeremy Stephens goes with a looping right hand while Dominick Cruz jumps back and jabs
Cruz seems staggered and Jeremy Stephens runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz catches Jeremy Stephens's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Cruz.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Stephens tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Stephens's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Herb Dean knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Stephens's being punished here!
The clock says 1:00 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Stephens tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Jeremy Stephens. 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 Coliseo Amauta (Lima, Peru) are cheering for the fighters.
Stephens feints and moves forward to hit with a hook
Cruz moves aside and dodges.
The clock says 1:20 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Stephens is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Cruz is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Stephens's ribs.
Stephens is noticing that and his face shows the pain.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Good looking punches from Dominick Cruz on the ground
They could take their toll on Stephens.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Stephens's being punished here!
Stephens's Forehead is beginning to swell
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Stephens tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Stephens's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Herb Dean knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
The clock says 2:05 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Stephens measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Cruz's side.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Dominick Cruz pushes Jeremy Stephens against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Cruz jumps and tries to free his leg! Stephens doesn't allow this but Dominick Cruz is able to get half guard here.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Stephens
Cruz tries to free his leg...
Stephens doesn't allow any movement here! He's cooling the fight on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Jeremy Stephens looks to counter!
Jeremy Stephens attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Stephens
Cruz launches a couple of fast knees to Jeremy Stephens's ribs!
Great moves by Dominick Cruz! Stephens must do something now if he wants to escape from that position!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Stephens
Stephens tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Jeremy Stephens. 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 Coliseo Amauta (Lima, Peru) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and moves laterally.
Cruz is holding Jeremy Stephens's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Jeremy Stephens loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Jeremy Stephens
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Stephens's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Stephens doesn't fight back!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Jeremy Stephens
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Jeremy Stephens...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
Dominick Cruz is a submission wizard. He has forgotten more BJJ than most fighters have learned.
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Stephens is being hit hard and trys to escape! He has to give his back!
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens
Stephens has Cruz controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Showing some ground skills Stephens manages to escape from that position and climb to his feet along Cruz
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Coliseo Amauta (Lima, Peru) are cheering for the fighters.
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Dominick Cruz
The clock says 4:05 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Cruz tries to move to full mount
Cruz succeeds
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
Stephens measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Cruz blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Dominick Cruz tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
Jeremy Stephens tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Dominick Cruz rolls Jeremy Stephens to his stomach and takes his back!
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens
Dominick Cruz slides his arm under Jeremy Stephens's chin and locks the rear naked choke!
You can see the pain reflected in Stephens's eyes...
Crippling lock!
Jeremy Stephens pulls down on Dominick Cruz's hand and staves off danger
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens
Cruz tries to get a hook in!
Things get worse for Stephens! Cruz has one hook in and keeps working!
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens with one hook in
Stephens is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Jeremy Stephens launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Dominick Cruz uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Cruz.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Stephens is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Jeremy Stephens is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Jeremy Stephens tries to open Cruz's guard...
Cruz breaks the lock and covers himself from Stephens's punches
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Jeremy Stephens in his guard.
Jeremy Stephens keeps control and remains in side mount.
Jeremy Stephens is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Jeremy Stephens in his guard.
Jeremy Stephens keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 0:45 in the 3 round
Jeremy Stephens is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Stephens tries to open up Dominick Cruz's defense faking a few punches.
Dominick Cruz wraps his arms around Stephens's arms and counters the punches.
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Some nice shots from Jeremy Stephens
miss their mark.
Solid kick to the leg from Jeremy Stephens
Cruz checks it.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Quick hook by Dominick Cruz
Good shot! Stephens has reasons to be worried.
Cruz looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Jeremy Stephens's punches
Stephens is on the receiving end of a great combo by Cruz.
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz catches Jeremy Stephens's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Cruz.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Cruz is in closed guard... Stephens tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Stephens tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Stephens's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Herb Dean knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
There is a small laceration on Jeremy Stephens's Forehead
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Jeremy Stephens doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Cruz's moves.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Stephens tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Stephens's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Herb Dean knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
There is a small laceration on Jeremy Stephens's Forehead
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Cruz tries to escape from closed guard...
Cruz struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Stephens
Cruz tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Stephens from the side mount!
The clock says 2:40 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Jeremy Stephens
Jeremy Stephens doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Cruz's moves.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Jeremy Stephens
Cruz launches a vicious knee to Jeremy Stephens's head!
Bang! You can hear Jeremy Stephens's coner yelling to their fighter to escape now!
There is a small laceration on Jeremy Stephens's Left eye
That punishment by Dominick Cruz has left Stephens staggered! Dominick Cruz should try push forward now and finish this!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Jeremy Stephens
Dominick Cruz looks to pass to mount...
Cruz slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Jeremy Stephens.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
Cruz fires a barrage of punches at Stephens's head!
This is bad! Cruz is just pounding on Jeremy Stephens's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Stephens has a small cut in his Right eye
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Dominick Cruz controls the situation despite Jeremy Stephens efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
You can see Stephens's blood making stains in the mat.
Cruz catch Jeremy Stephens's left arm and tries a kimura
That kimura from Dominick Cruz appears to be unbreakable
You can see the pain reflected in Stephens's eyes...
That kimura looks tight...
Punishing hold!
Punishing hold!
Stephens Hyper-extended his left arm
Crippling lock!
Cruz is locking that kimura...
Jeremy Stephens holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
BJJ! That is what must be passing through Stephens's mind right now. Nobody wants to stay long in that position with a submission artist like Cruz
Jeremy Stephens continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Good looking punches from Dominick Cruz on the ground
They could take their toll on Stephens.
There is a small laceration on Jeremy Stephens's Forehead
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
Stephens doesn't stop bleeding.
Stephens tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Stephens's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Herb Dean knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Stephens's Forehead is beginning to swell
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
Jeremy Stephens tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Dominick Cruz rolls Jeremy Stephens to his stomach and takes his back!
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens
Dominick Cruz tries to get his arm under Jeremy Stephens's chin but can't do it. He locks his arms over Jeremy Stephens's neck and tries to finish him with a neck crank!
Punishing hold!
That Neck Crank from Dominick Cruz appears to be unbreakable
Stephens struggles to free himself
That Neck Crank looks tight...
Stephens struggles to free himself
That Neck Crank from Dominick Cruz appears to be unbreakable
Cruz is locking that Neck Crank...
Cruz is locking that Neck Crank...
Jeremy Stephens easily defends the attempt.
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens
Cruz tries to get a hook in!
Things get worse for Stephens! Cruz has one hook in and keeps working!
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens with one hook in
Jeremy Stephens's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Cruz has one hook in and is trying to get the second one! If he succeed things are goint to get very bad for Stephens.
Nicely done! Cruz now has two hooks in! The end may be near!
The clock says 4:25 in the 3 round
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens with two hooks in
Stephens doesn't stop bleeding.
Cruz tenatively looks for a way to finish his opponent! This is a nightmare for Stephens!
Cruz has one of his arm over Jeremy Stephens's shoulder and is ready for a RNC!
The clock says 4:30 in the 3 round
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens with two hooks in
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Stephens's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Stephens doesn't fight back!
The ref pulls off Dominick Cruz! Stephens seems confused and a bit dazed as the bell sounds the bout over.
Stephens's Right eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Stephens has a small cut in his Right eye
Winner is Dominick Cruz by TKO (Elbows) at 4:37 Round 3
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 4/7 (57%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 8/9 (89%)
GnP strikes 40/49 (82%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 678 s
Statistics: Jeremy Stephens
Punches 12/24 (50%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 2/39 (5%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 678 s
I would have been sooo curious to see how this would have gone before Cruz's upgrades. They were smart, and definitely helped him work Stephens' weaknesses in this fight. Could he have done it without the fine-tune? We will never know. But with it, he owned Jeremy in this one.
Jeremy Stephens glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Cruz and Stephens move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Jeremy Stephens sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Cruz is holding Jeremy Stephens's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Jeremy Stephens loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Jeremy Stephens
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Jeremy Stephens...
Jeremy Stephens takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Cruz is in closed guard... Stephens tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Jeremy Stephens is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Jeremy Stephens in his guard...
Jeremy Stephens keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Jeremy Stephens is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Jeremy Stephens in his guard...
Dominick Cruz gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Jeremy Stephens is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Stephens's ribs.
Jeremy Stephens is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Jeremy Stephens aggressively and repeatedly punches Cruz.
Good job by Cruz blocking and slipping the blows.
Jeremy Stephens gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Dominick Cruz tries to roll on the ground...
Stephens knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Jeremy Stephens is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Stephens tries to open up Dominick Cruz's defense faking a few punches.
Dominick Cruz wraps his arms around Stephens's arms and counters the punches.
Jeremy Stephens gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Cruz tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Jeremy Stephens doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Jeremy Stephens is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Stephens throws a few hammer fists to the face of Dominick Cruz
Blocked by Cruz.
Jeremy Stephens is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Jeremy Stephens in his guard...
Dominick Cruz gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Jeremy Stephens is in open guard over Cruz
Stephens moves on the ground
Stephens cannot take advantage in the ground
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Stephens's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Stephens tries to cover his face,
Jeremy Stephens is in open guard over Cruz
Stephens moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Jeremy Stephens is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Jeremy Stephens keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Jeremy Stephens is in half guard over Cruz
Stephens leans back...
Cruz eyes him warily.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Jeremy Stephens keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Herb Dean 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.
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz catches Jeremy Stephens's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Cruz.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Jeremy Stephens launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Dominick Cruz uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Stephens leans and gets Dominick Cruz's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Dominick Cruz looks to posture up and open Jeremy Stephens's guard...
Dominick Cruz forces Jeremy Stephens to open his guard.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Dominick Cruz tries to pass to half guard...
Jeremy Stephens's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
The clock says 3:30 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Dominick Cruz pushes Jeremy Stephens against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Jeremy Stephens struggles not allowing Dominick Cruz improve his position.
Cruz misses a step and Jeremy Stephens sees an opportunity to counter him!
Jeremy Stephens launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Dominick Cruz uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Stephens tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
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 Coliseo Amauta (Lima, Peru) are cheering for the fighters.
Jeremy Stephens chases Cruz and launches a few perfect strikes
Here we go! Cruz steps backwards when those punches connect with his face
Stephens dodges a strike and counters with a crushing hook
that almost lifts Cruz from the ground!
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Right eye
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Jeremy Stephens is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Cruz into his guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Stephens is moving on the ground...
Cruz tries to counter Stephens's moves on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Jeremy Stephens's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Jeremy Stephens regains full guard.
The clock says 4:30 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Cruz breaths deeply while on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Stephens measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Cruz blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Stephens clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Stephens leans and gets Dominick Cruz's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Stephens leans and gets Dominick Cruz's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Jeremy Stephens to fight back!
Cruz is in closed guard... Stephens tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Coliseo Amauta (Lima, Peru) are cheering for the fighters.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Jeremy Stephens has to be confident that he won that round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Dominick Cruz goes with a looping right hand while Jeremy Stephens jumps back and jabs
Cruz seems staggered and Jeremy Stephens runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Jeremy Stephens goes with a looping right hand while Dominick Cruz jumps back and jabs
Cruz seems staggered and Jeremy Stephens runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz catches Jeremy Stephens's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Cruz.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Stephens tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Stephens's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Herb Dean knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Stephens's being punished here!
The clock says 1:00 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Stephens tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Jeremy Stephens. 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 Coliseo Amauta (Lima, Peru) are cheering for the fighters.
Stephens feints and moves forward to hit with a hook
Cruz moves aside and dodges.
The clock says 1:20 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Stephens is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Cruz is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Stephens's ribs.
Stephens is noticing that and his face shows the pain.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Good looking punches from Dominick Cruz on the ground
They could take their toll on Stephens.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Stephens's being punished here!
Stephens's Forehead is beginning to swell
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Stephens tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Stephens's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Herb Dean knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
The clock says 2:05 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Stephens measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Cruz's side.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Dominick Cruz pushes Jeremy Stephens against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Cruz jumps and tries to free his leg! Stephens doesn't allow this but Dominick Cruz is able to get half guard here.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Stephens
Cruz tries to free his leg...
Stephens doesn't allow any movement here! He's cooling the fight on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Jeremy Stephens looks to counter!
Jeremy Stephens attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Stephens
Cruz launches a couple of fast knees to Jeremy Stephens's ribs!
Great moves by Dominick Cruz! Stephens must do something now if he wants to escape from that position!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Stephens
Stephens tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Jeremy Stephens. 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 Coliseo Amauta (Lima, Peru) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and moves laterally.
Cruz is holding Jeremy Stephens's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Jeremy Stephens loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Jeremy Stephens
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Stephens's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Stephens doesn't fight back!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Jeremy Stephens
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Jeremy Stephens...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
Dominick Cruz is a submission wizard. He has forgotten more BJJ than most fighters have learned.
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Stephens is being hit hard and trys to escape! He has to give his back!
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens
Stephens has Cruz controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Showing some ground skills Stephens manages to escape from that position and climb to his feet along Cruz
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Coliseo Amauta (Lima, Peru) are cheering for the fighters.
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Dominick Cruz
The clock says 4:05 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Stephens
Cruz tries to move to full mount
Cruz succeeds
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
Stephens measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Cruz blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Dominick Cruz tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
Jeremy Stephens tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Dominick Cruz rolls Jeremy Stephens to his stomach and takes his back!
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens
Dominick Cruz slides his arm under Jeremy Stephens's chin and locks the rear naked choke!
You can see the pain reflected in Stephens's eyes...
Crippling lock!
Jeremy Stephens pulls down on Dominick Cruz's hand and staves off danger
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens
Cruz tries to get a hook in!
Things get worse for Stephens! Cruz has one hook in and keeps working!
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens with one hook in
Stephens is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Jeremy Stephens launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Dominick Cruz uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Cruz.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Stephens is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Jeremy Stephens is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Jeremy Stephens tries to open Cruz's guard...
Cruz breaks the lock and covers himself from Stephens's punches
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Jeremy Stephens in his guard.
Jeremy Stephens keeps control and remains in side mount.
Jeremy Stephens is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Jeremy Stephens in his guard.
Jeremy Stephens keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 0:45 in the 3 round
Jeremy Stephens is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Stephens tries to open up Dominick Cruz's defense faking a few punches.
Dominick Cruz wraps his arms around Stephens's arms and counters the punches.
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Some nice shots from Jeremy Stephens
miss their mark.
Solid kick to the leg from Jeremy Stephens
Cruz checks it.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Quick hook by Dominick Cruz
Good shot! Stephens has reasons to be worried.
Cruz looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Jeremy Stephens's punches
Stephens is on the receiving end of a great combo by Cruz.
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz catches Jeremy Stephens's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Cruz.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Cruz is in closed guard... Stephens tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Stephens tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Stephens's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Herb Dean knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
There is a small laceration on Jeremy Stephens's Forehead
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Jeremy Stephens doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Cruz's moves.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Stephens tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Stephens's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Herb Dean knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
There is a small laceration on Jeremy Stephens's Forehead
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Stephens
Cruz tries to escape from closed guard...
Cruz struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Stephens
Cruz tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Stephens from the side mount!
The clock says 2:40 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Jeremy Stephens
Jeremy Stephens doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Cruz's moves.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Jeremy Stephens
Cruz launches a vicious knee to Jeremy Stephens's head!
Bang! You can hear Jeremy Stephens's coner yelling to their fighter to escape now!
There is a small laceration on Jeremy Stephens's Left eye
That punishment by Dominick Cruz has left Stephens staggered! Dominick Cruz should try push forward now and finish this!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Jeremy Stephens
Dominick Cruz looks to pass to mount...
Cruz slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Jeremy Stephens.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
Cruz fires a barrage of punches at Stephens's head!
This is bad! Cruz is just pounding on Jeremy Stephens's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Stephens has a small cut in his Right eye
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Dominick Cruz controls the situation despite Jeremy Stephens efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
You can see Stephens's blood making stains in the mat.
Cruz catch Jeremy Stephens's left arm and tries a kimura
That kimura from Dominick Cruz appears to be unbreakable
You can see the pain reflected in Stephens's eyes...
That kimura looks tight...
Punishing hold!
Punishing hold!
Stephens Hyper-extended his left arm
Crippling lock!
Cruz is locking that kimura...
Jeremy Stephens holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
BJJ! That is what must be passing through Stephens's mind right now. Nobody wants to stay long in that position with a submission artist like Cruz
Jeremy Stephens continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Good looking punches from Dominick Cruz on the ground
They could take their toll on Stephens.
There is a small laceration on Jeremy Stephens's Forehead
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
Stephens doesn't stop bleeding.
Stephens tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Stephens's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks his head against the mat! Herb Dean knows he may be calling off the fight soon!
Stephens's Forehead is beginning to swell
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Jeremy Stephens
Jeremy Stephens tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Dominick Cruz rolls Jeremy Stephens to his stomach and takes his back!
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens
Dominick Cruz tries to get his arm under Jeremy Stephens's chin but can't do it. He locks his arms over Jeremy Stephens's neck and tries to finish him with a neck crank!
Punishing hold!
That Neck Crank from Dominick Cruz appears to be unbreakable
Stephens struggles to free himself
That Neck Crank looks tight...
Stephens struggles to free himself
That Neck Crank from Dominick Cruz appears to be unbreakable
Cruz is locking that Neck Crank...
Cruz is locking that Neck Crank...
Jeremy Stephens easily defends the attempt.
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens
Cruz tries to get a hook in!
Things get worse for Stephens! Cruz has one hook in and keeps working!
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens with one hook in
Jeremy Stephens's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Cruz has one hook in and is trying to get the second one! If he succeed things are goint to get very bad for Stephens.
Nicely done! Cruz now has two hooks in! The end may be near!
The clock says 4:25 in the 3 round
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens with two hooks in
Stephens doesn't stop bleeding.
Cruz tenatively looks for a way to finish his opponent! This is a nightmare for Stephens!
Cruz has one of his arm over Jeremy Stephens's shoulder and is ready for a RNC!
The clock says 4:30 in the 3 round
Cruz is in rear mount over Stephens with two hooks in
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Stephens's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Stephens doesn't fight back!
The ref pulls off Dominick Cruz! Stephens seems confused and a bit dazed as the bell sounds the bout over.
Stephens's Right eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Stephens has a small cut in his Right eye
Winner is Dominick Cruz by TKO (Elbows) at 4:37 Round 3
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 4/7 (57%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 8/9 (89%)
GnP strikes 40/49 (82%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 678 s
Statistics: Jeremy Stephens
Punches 12/24 (50%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 2/39 (5%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 678 s
I would have been sooo curious to see how this would have gone before Cruz's upgrades. They were smart, and definitely helped him work Stephens' weaknesses in this fight. Could he have done it without the fine-tune? We will never know. But with it, he owned Jeremy in this one.
lol
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!