Post by The Sandmen on Feb 20, 2019 10:36:21 GMT -5
Kazushi Sakuraba glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.
Demian Maia is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his scrap.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Kazushi Sakuraba is the favourite by the betting sites on internet.
The referee of the bout is Josh Rosenthal.
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Round 1
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The bell announces the first round!
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a punch
that gets deflected.
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Sakuraba grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba moves on the ground
Sakuraba cannot take advantage in the ground
Maia tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Maia tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Demian Maia isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
You can see the pain reflected in Sakuraba's eyes...
Kazushi Sakuraba lifts his opponent from the ground displaying great power! And down he goes!
Demian Maia doesn't break the lock and Kazushi Sakuraba is running out of time!
Sakuraba blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Maia's guard.
The clock says 0:50 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Maia rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Demian Maia to fight back!
Demian Maia sits up and gets an arm around Sakuraba's neck!
Sakuraba pushes Demian Maia back to the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Demian Maia's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Maia holds Kazushi Sakuraba's head against his chin in the closed guard.
The clock says 1:25 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to pass Demian Maia's guard...
Demian Maia has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Josh Rosenthal 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.
A solid combination from Kazushi Sakuraba
mostly hits air.
Sakuraba misses a step and Demian Maia sees an opportunity to counter him!
A solid combination from Demian Maia
connects with Sakuraba.
The clock says 1:40 in the 1 round
Demian Maia tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Maia moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Maia pulls his arm out of danger.
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia goes for an americana!
Sakuraba breaks free.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries a kimura
Sakuraba breaks the lock.
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Maia's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Maia blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Demian Maia tries to take advantage...
Maia tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Demian Maia is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries to better his position on the ground...
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground...
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Maia throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Kazushi Sakuraba realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Demian Maia. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
3:03 Round 1 and Maia is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Maia moves forward looking for some action
Demian Maia shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots and grab both of Demian Maia's leg, attempting to take him down with a Double Leg
Demian Maia managed to pull back his leg from Kazushi Sakuraba's grip and move away from him
Josh Rosenthal separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
Sakuraba grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba tries to move to full mount
Sakuraba's ground game is not enough to provide him any advantage
Sakuraba misses a step and Demian Maia sees an opportunity to counter him!
Maia tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He succeeds!
The clock says 3:50 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass Demian Maia's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba passes momentarily but Demian Maia regains full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Maia tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Sakuraba tries to escape from the closed guard
Kazushi Sakuraba any adventage in the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba tries to open up Demian Maia's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Maia in the side of the head
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Maia tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Kazushi Sakuraba positions himself and launches a barrage of punches.
Maia covers himself well
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Maia tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba fires a barrage of punches at Maia's head!
The punches go wide.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Maia tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Demian Maia is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Maia's cheek from the guard.
Demian Maia uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Josh Rosenthal 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 Olympic Hall Juan Antonio Samaranch (Sarajevo, Bosnia) are cheering for the fighters.
Josh Rosenthal tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Sakuraba is the winner of this round.
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Round 2
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The two exchange wildly
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Demian Maia tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba won't budge, forcing Maia to pull guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Maia leans and gets Kazushi Sakuraba's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass Demian Maia's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba passes momentarily but Demian Maia regains full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba tries to escape from closed guard...
Maia waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Kazushi Sakuraba! He is reversed and nor Demian Maia is on half guard!
The clock says 1:05 in the 2 round
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Maia's cheek from the guard.
Demian Maia uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 1:15 in the 2 round
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Maia's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Maia's side.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Demian Maia passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains half guard.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Demian Maia to fight back!
Maia sits over his knees and pushes away Sakuraba's leg!
Sakuraba closes his legs around Demian Maia's leg. Maia is not able to move away now!
The clock says 1:50 in the 2 round
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Maia's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Maia's side.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Maia tries to open up Kazushi Sakuraba's defense faking a few punches.
Kazushi Sakuraba wraps his arms around Maia's arms and counters the punches.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to turn in and scramble out. Demian Maia timed him perfectly and locks up a guillotine!
Kazushi Sakuraba slips his head out and manages to gain top control.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Maia's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Maia blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Maia tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Maia sits over his knees and pushes away Sakuraba's leg!
Sakuraba closes his legs around Demian Maia's leg. Maia is not able to move away now!
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Sakuraba grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Demian Maia launches a few punches to Sakuraba's cheek from the guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Maia clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Demian Maia's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
The clock says 2:50 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Maia rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Maia is trying to counter now!
Maia switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Sakuraba struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Maia throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Kazushi Sakuraba realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Kazushi Sakuraba decides to jump inside Maia's guard.
Maia didn't see that coming. Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia now.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba moves to better his position on the ground...
Kazushi Sakuraba viciously slams hammer blows to Maia's face!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba tries to move to full mount
Sakuraba's ground game is not enough to provide him any advantage
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba tries to open up Demian Maia's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Maia in the side of the head
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Demian Maia isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Sakuraba blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Maia's guard.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Maia rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Maia tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Maia attempts a triangle from bottom! Kazushi Sakuraba slips out. Maia quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Kazushi Sakuraba slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:55 in the 2 round
Demian Maia attempts a sweep single...
Demian Maia catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Maia.
Crushing shot to Sakuraba's body! He's holding his side
Demian Maia is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia is looking to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
Demian Maia is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to move on the ground and shows Demian Maia a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Sakuraba uses his forearms to block the impact!
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Kazushi Sakuraba isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Maia blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Sakuraba's guard.
The clock says 4:30 in the 2 round
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba sits up and gets an arm around Maia's neck!
Maia pushes Kazushi Sakuraba back to the ground.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Maia's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Maia blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Josh Rosenthal 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.
Josh Rosenthal tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is clearly for Kazushi Sakuraba.
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Round 3
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The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
A high kick from Kazushi Sakuraba
falls short of the mark.
Sakuraba launches a stiff jab!
Maia ducks that one.
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Demian Maia tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Sakuraba is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Maia moves on the ground..
...he makes no progress.
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Sakuraba rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Sakuraba climbs to his feet and is standing now.
Sakuraba is standing while Maia is on the ground on his back
Sakuraba opts to jump inside Maia's guard.
Maia fights back with his feet, forcing Sakuraba to try something else.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Demian Maia is on his feet again.
The two exchange wildly
Sakuraba is connecting with a few punches
Sakuraba fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Maia sprawls and remains on his feet.
Demian Maia closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Maia launches a stiff jab!
Sakuraba ducks that one.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Body kick by Kazushi Sakuraba...
is blocked.
Maia is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to turn away and scramble out. Demian Maia takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke!
He can't lock it up. Kazushi Sakuraba spins out and gets back to his feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Olympic Hall Juan Antonio Samaranch (Sarajevo, Bosnia) are cheering for the fighters.
Demian Maia tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia is cooling the fight on the ground
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba throws up a triangle attempt!
Demian Maia postures up and breaks the triangle.
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Demian Maia breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Maia grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Demian Maia
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba can't prevent his opponent from passing. Maia looks to work from half guard.
The clock says 3:00 in the 3 round
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Demian Maia passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains half guard.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Maia is moving on the ground...
Sakuraba tries to counter Maia's moves on the ground.
Maia clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Demian Maia keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia goes for an americana!
Sakuraba breaks free.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Maia struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Maia launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Maia is countered by Kazushi Sakuraba.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia pushes Sakuraba's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Sakuraba rolls and he's now on half guard over Demian Maia. Nice reversal.
Josh Rosenthal 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.
Demian Maia attempts a sweep single...
Demian Maia catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Maia.
Demian Maia is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Maia tries to escape from closed guard...
Sakuraba waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Demian Maia! He is reversed and nor Kazushi Sakuraba is on half guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Maia
Demian Maia attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 4:10 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Maia
Sakuraba fires a barrage of punches at Maia's head!
The punches go wide.
The clock says 4:20 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Maia
Demian Maia attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba hooks Maia's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Demian Maia manages to kick Sakuraba away and scrambles on top!
Sakuraba misses a step and Demian Maia sees an opportunity to counter him!
Demian Maia attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Josh Rosenthal 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 Olympic Hall Juan Antonio Samaranch (Sarajevo, Bosnia) are cheering for the fighters.
A punch from Kazushi Sakuraba
whizzes past Maia.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a middle kick
Demian Maia blocks and steps away.
Josh Rosenthal tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is maybe for Kazushi Sakuraba, but it's close.
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Round 4
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Sakuraba fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Maia sprawls and remains on his feet.
Sakuraba misses a step and Demian Maia sees an opportunity to counter him!
Demian Maia fakes a punch and launches himself over Sakuraba!
Nice move by Maia who clinches and pushes Sakuraba against the cage
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba slightly pushes Maia into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
Josh Rosenthal separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
Maia is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Sakuraba Hyper-extended his arm
The clock says 0:50 in the 4 round
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Demian Maia looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Kazushi Sakuraba takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Maia
He is not able to do it
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia pushes Kazushi Sakuraba against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Kazushi Sakuraba struggles not allowing Demian Maia improve his position.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Maia's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Maia tries to cover his face,
Maia's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Maia moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
The clock says 1:35 in the 4 round
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia goes for an americana!
Sakuraba breaks free.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to turn away and scramble out. Demian Maia takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke!
He can't lock it up. Kazushi Sakuraba spins out and gets back to his feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Demian Maia shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Kazushi Sakuraba is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Maia into his guard.
Demian Maia is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Demian Maia passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains full guard.
The clock says 2:10 in the 4 round
Demian Maia is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Demian Maia cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
The clock says 2:20 in the 4 round
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Demian Maia looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Demian Maia slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Demian Maia is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Demian Maia doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Demian Maia is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Demian Maia in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
The clock says 2:55 in the 4 round
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Maia tries to move to full mount
Maia's ground game is not enough to provide him any advantage
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries to finish with a leg lock!
Sakuraba is able to break the lock.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba tries an armbar from the bottom!
Demian Maia breaks the lock and moves himself to side control.
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries a kimura
Sakuraba breaks the lock.
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Maia tries to move to full mount!
Sakuraba won't allow him to take this position easily.
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Demian Maia hooks Sakuraba's left leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to kick Maia away and scrambles on top!
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.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to bring the fight to the ground
Maia goes down.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba works on the ground with his fingers over Maia's face
Maia shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
The clock says 4:00 in the 4 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Demian Maia! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Demian Maia doesn't defend himself!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Demian Maia
Blocked by Maia.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Maia tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba tries to improve position.
Maia adjusts and closes his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Demian Maia overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Sakuraba pulls his arm out of danger.
Maia misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes some punches
Maia ties him up.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba struggles on the ground and tries to break Demian Maia's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba is in Maia open guard now
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Demian Maia launches a few punches to Sakuraba's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Sakuraba tries to cover his face,
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
This round is clearly for Kazushi Sakuraba.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Maia is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Demian Maia looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Kazushi Sakuraba takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Maia
He is not able to do it
The clock says 0:50 in the 5 round
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia pushes Kazushi Sakuraba against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Kazushi Sakuraba struggles not allowing Demian Maia improve his position.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Maia's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Maia's side.
The clock says 1:00 in the 5 round
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Maia's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Maia's side.
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Maia
He is not able to do it
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Deep breaths from Kazushi Sakuraba who tries a hammer punch to Maia's ribs.
That hit Maia who moves on the ground in order to protect himself
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Punishing hold!
Maia's left arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
That armbar from Kazushi Sakuraba appears to be unbreakable
Demian Maia breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Olympic Hall Juan Antonio Samaranch (Sarajevo, Bosnia) are cheering for the fighters.
Sakuraba fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Demian Maia didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Maia tries an armbar from the bottom!
Kazushi Sakuraba breaks the lock and moves himself to side control.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Demian Maia's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Demian Maia
Solid shots!
Maia has a small cut in his Right cheek
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Maia is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
Maia tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
The clock says 2:25 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Maia tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Maia attempts a triangle from bottom! Kazushi Sakuraba slips out. Maia quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Kazushi Sakuraba slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Maia clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Sakuraba cartwheels towards Maia!
He lands in side mount over a surprised Demian Maia.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Demian Maia
Maia cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Sakuraba can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Demian Maia tries to turn in and scramble out. Kazushi Sakuraba timed him perfectly and locks up a guillotine!
Punishing hold!
Demian Maia slips his head out and manages to gain top control.
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Maia tries to jump to side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba jumps and show some wrestling skills as he positions himself for continuing the fight in side control.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Maia moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Kazushi Sakuraba breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Demian Maia gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Good looking punches from Kazushi Sakuraba on the ground
deflected by Maia.
Josh Rosenthal 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 Olympic Hall Juan Antonio Samaranch (Sarajevo, Bosnia) are cheering for the fighters.
Sakuraba is holding Demian Maia's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Demian Maia loses balance and goes to the ground.
Maia Hyper-extended his left arm
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Demian Maia
Demian Maia attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps control and remains in side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Demian Maia
Demian Maia attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 3:50 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Demian Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to mount Demian Maia...
Kazushi Sakuraba slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Demian Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Maia breaks the lock showing some skills...
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Demian Maia
Demian Maia tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 4:20 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Demian Maia
Maia is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Demian Maia down and prevents his attempts to escape
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba is looking to end this fight with strikes
He starts to pound away at Demian Maia, who is barely covering up!
The clock says 4:30 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Demian Maia
Sakuraba leans back...
He clobbers Demian Maia's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
Maia has a small cut in his Nose
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Demian Maia
Sakuraba fires a barrage of punches at Maia's head!
This is bad! Sakuraba is just pounding on Demian Maia's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Demian Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Sakuraba is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Josh Rosenthal tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Kazushi Sakuraba has to be confident that he won that round.
Winner is Kazushi Sakuraba by Unanimous decision
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 6/11 (55%)
Kicks 0/3 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/2 (0%)
Takedowns 6/8 (75%)
GnP strikes 40/77 (52%)
Submissions 15/15 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 1121 s
Statistics: Demian Maia
Punches 2/8 (25%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/2 (0%)
Takedowns 10/11 (91%)
GnP strikes 2/11 (18%)
Submissions 22/22 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 1134 s
Maia did better than I expected, but he was on the edge of losing when the final bell rang. He had almost nothing left.
Demian Maia is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his scrap.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Kazushi Sakuraba is the favourite by the betting sites on internet.
The referee of the bout is Josh Rosenthal.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The bell announces the first round!
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a punch
that gets deflected.
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Sakuraba grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba moves on the ground
Sakuraba cannot take advantage in the ground
Maia tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Maia tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Demian Maia isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
You can see the pain reflected in Sakuraba's eyes...
Kazushi Sakuraba lifts his opponent from the ground displaying great power! And down he goes!
Demian Maia doesn't break the lock and Kazushi Sakuraba is running out of time!
Sakuraba blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Maia's guard.
The clock says 0:50 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Maia rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Demian Maia to fight back!
Demian Maia sits up and gets an arm around Sakuraba's neck!
Sakuraba pushes Demian Maia back to the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Demian Maia's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Maia holds Kazushi Sakuraba's head against his chin in the closed guard.
The clock says 1:25 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to pass Demian Maia's guard...
Demian Maia has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Josh Rosenthal 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.
A solid combination from Kazushi Sakuraba
mostly hits air.
Sakuraba misses a step and Demian Maia sees an opportunity to counter him!
A solid combination from Demian Maia
connects with Sakuraba.
The clock says 1:40 in the 1 round
Demian Maia tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Maia moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Maia pulls his arm out of danger.
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia goes for an americana!
Sakuraba breaks free.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries a kimura
Sakuraba breaks the lock.
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Maia's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Maia blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Demian Maia tries to take advantage...
Maia tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Demian Maia is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries to better his position on the ground...
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground...
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Maia throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Kazushi Sakuraba realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Demian Maia. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
3:03 Round 1 and Maia is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Maia moves forward looking for some action
Demian Maia shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots and grab both of Demian Maia's leg, attempting to take him down with a Double Leg
Demian Maia managed to pull back his leg from Kazushi Sakuraba's grip and move away from him
Josh Rosenthal separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
Sakuraba grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba tries to move to full mount
Sakuraba's ground game is not enough to provide him any advantage
Sakuraba misses a step and Demian Maia sees an opportunity to counter him!
Maia tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He succeeds!
The clock says 3:50 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass Demian Maia's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba passes momentarily but Demian Maia regains full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Maia tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Sakuraba tries to escape from the closed guard
Kazushi Sakuraba any adventage in the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba tries to open up Demian Maia's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Maia in the side of the head
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Maia tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Kazushi Sakuraba positions himself and launches a barrage of punches.
Maia covers himself well
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Maia tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba fires a barrage of punches at Maia's head!
The punches go wide.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Maia tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Demian Maia is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Maia's cheek from the guard.
Demian Maia uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Josh Rosenthal 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 Olympic Hall Juan Antonio Samaranch (Sarajevo, Bosnia) are cheering for the fighters.
Josh Rosenthal tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Sakuraba is the winner of this round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
The two exchange wildly
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Demian Maia tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba won't budge, forcing Maia to pull guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Maia leans and gets Kazushi Sakuraba's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass Demian Maia's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba passes momentarily but Demian Maia regains full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba tries to escape from closed guard...
Maia waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Kazushi Sakuraba! He is reversed and nor Demian Maia is on half guard!
The clock says 1:05 in the 2 round
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Maia's cheek from the guard.
Demian Maia uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 1:15 in the 2 round
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Maia's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Maia's side.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Demian Maia passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains half guard.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Demian Maia to fight back!
Maia sits over his knees and pushes away Sakuraba's leg!
Sakuraba closes his legs around Demian Maia's leg. Maia is not able to move away now!
The clock says 1:50 in the 2 round
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Maia's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Maia's side.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Maia tries to open up Kazushi Sakuraba's defense faking a few punches.
Kazushi Sakuraba wraps his arms around Maia's arms and counters the punches.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to turn in and scramble out. Demian Maia timed him perfectly and locks up a guillotine!
Kazushi Sakuraba slips his head out and manages to gain top control.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Maia's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Maia blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Maia tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Maia sits over his knees and pushes away Sakuraba's leg!
Sakuraba closes his legs around Demian Maia's leg. Maia is not able to move away now!
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Sakuraba grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Demian Maia launches a few punches to Sakuraba's cheek from the guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Maia clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Demian Maia's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
The clock says 2:50 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Maia rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Maia is trying to counter now!
Maia switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Sakuraba struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Maia throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Kazushi Sakuraba realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Kazushi Sakuraba decides to jump inside Maia's guard.
Maia didn't see that coming. Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia now.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba moves to better his position on the ground...
Kazushi Sakuraba viciously slams hammer blows to Maia's face!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba tries to move to full mount
Sakuraba's ground game is not enough to provide him any advantage
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba tries to open up Demian Maia's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Maia in the side of the head
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Demian Maia isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Sakuraba blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Maia's guard.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Maia rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Maia tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Maia attempts a triangle from bottom! Kazushi Sakuraba slips out. Maia quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Kazushi Sakuraba slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:55 in the 2 round
Demian Maia attempts a sweep single...
Demian Maia catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Maia.
Crushing shot to Sakuraba's body! He's holding his side
Demian Maia is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia is looking to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
Demian Maia is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to move on the ground and shows Demian Maia a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Sakuraba uses his forearms to block the impact!
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Kazushi Sakuraba isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Maia blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Sakuraba's guard.
The clock says 4:30 in the 2 round
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba sits up and gets an arm around Maia's neck!
Maia pushes Kazushi Sakuraba back to the ground.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Maia's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Maia blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Josh Rosenthal 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.
Josh Rosenthal tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is clearly for Kazushi Sakuraba.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
A high kick from Kazushi Sakuraba
falls short of the mark.
Sakuraba launches a stiff jab!
Maia ducks that one.
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Demian Maia tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Sakuraba is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Maia moves on the ground..
...he makes no progress.
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Sakuraba rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Sakuraba climbs to his feet and is standing now.
Sakuraba is standing while Maia is on the ground on his back
Sakuraba opts to jump inside Maia's guard.
Maia fights back with his feet, forcing Sakuraba to try something else.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Demian Maia is on his feet again.
The two exchange wildly
Sakuraba is connecting with a few punches
Sakuraba fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Maia sprawls and remains on his feet.
Demian Maia closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Maia launches a stiff jab!
Sakuraba ducks that one.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Body kick by Kazushi Sakuraba...
is blocked.
Maia is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to turn away and scramble out. Demian Maia takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke!
He can't lock it up. Kazushi Sakuraba spins out and gets back to his feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Olympic Hall Juan Antonio Samaranch (Sarajevo, Bosnia) are cheering for the fighters.
Demian Maia tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia is cooling the fight on the ground
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba throws up a triangle attempt!
Demian Maia postures up and breaks the triangle.
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Demian Maia breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Maia grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Demian Maia
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba can't prevent his opponent from passing. Maia looks to work from half guard.
The clock says 3:00 in the 3 round
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Demian Maia passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains half guard.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Maia is moving on the ground...
Sakuraba tries to counter Maia's moves on the ground.
Maia clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Demian Maia keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia goes for an americana!
Sakuraba breaks free.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Maia struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Maia launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Maia is countered by Kazushi Sakuraba.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia pushes Sakuraba's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Sakuraba rolls and he's now on half guard over Demian Maia. Nice reversal.
Josh Rosenthal 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.
Demian Maia attempts a sweep single...
Demian Maia catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Maia.
Demian Maia is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Maia tries to escape from closed guard...
Sakuraba waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Demian Maia! He is reversed and nor Kazushi Sakuraba is on half guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Maia
Demian Maia attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 4:10 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Maia
Sakuraba fires a barrage of punches at Maia's head!
The punches go wide.
The clock says 4:20 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Maia
Demian Maia attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba hooks Maia's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Demian Maia manages to kick Sakuraba away and scrambles on top!
Sakuraba misses a step and Demian Maia sees an opportunity to counter him!
Demian Maia attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Josh Rosenthal 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 Olympic Hall Juan Antonio Samaranch (Sarajevo, Bosnia) are cheering for the fighters.
A punch from Kazushi Sakuraba
whizzes past Maia.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a middle kick
Demian Maia blocks and steps away.
Josh Rosenthal tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is maybe for Kazushi Sakuraba, but it's close.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Sakuraba fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Maia sprawls and remains on his feet.
Sakuraba misses a step and Demian Maia sees an opportunity to counter him!
Demian Maia fakes a punch and launches himself over Sakuraba!
Nice move by Maia who clinches and pushes Sakuraba against the cage
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba slightly pushes Maia into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
Josh Rosenthal separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
Maia is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Sakuraba Hyper-extended his arm
The clock says 0:50 in the 4 round
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Demian Maia looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Kazushi Sakuraba takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Maia
He is not able to do it
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia pushes Kazushi Sakuraba against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Kazushi Sakuraba struggles not allowing Demian Maia improve his position.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Maia's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Maia tries to cover his face,
Maia's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Maia moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
The clock says 1:35 in the 4 round
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia goes for an americana!
Sakuraba breaks free.
Demian Maia is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to turn away and scramble out. Demian Maia takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke!
He can't lock it up. Kazushi Sakuraba spins out and gets back to his feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Demian Maia shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Kazushi Sakuraba is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Maia into his guard.
Demian Maia is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Demian Maia passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains full guard.
The clock says 2:10 in the 4 round
Demian Maia is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Demian Maia cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
The clock says 2:20 in the 4 round
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Demian Maia looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Demian Maia slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Demian Maia is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Demian Maia doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Demian Maia is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Demian Maia in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
The clock says 2:55 in the 4 round
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Maia tries to move to full mount
Maia's ground game is not enough to provide him any advantage
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries to finish with a leg lock!
Sakuraba is able to break the lock.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba tries an armbar from the bottom!
Demian Maia breaks the lock and moves himself to side control.
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Demian Maia tries a kimura
Sakuraba breaks the lock.
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Maia tries to move to full mount!
Sakuraba won't allow him to take this position easily.
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Demian Maia hooks Sakuraba's left leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to kick Maia away and scrambles on top!
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.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to bring the fight to the ground
Maia goes down.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba works on the ground with his fingers over Maia's face
Maia shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
The clock says 4:00 in the 4 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Demian Maia! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Demian Maia doesn't defend himself!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Demian Maia
Blocked by Maia.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Maia tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba tries to improve position.
Maia adjusts and closes his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Demian Maia overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Sakuraba pulls his arm out of danger.
Maia misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes some punches
Maia ties him up.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Sakuraba struggles on the ground and tries to break Demian Maia's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba is in Maia open guard now
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Demian Maia launches a few punches to Sakuraba's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Sakuraba tries to cover his face,
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
This round is clearly for Kazushi Sakuraba.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Maia is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Demian Maia is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Demian Maia looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Kazushi Sakuraba takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Maia
He is not able to do it
The clock says 0:50 in the 5 round
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Demian Maia pushes Kazushi Sakuraba against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Kazushi Sakuraba struggles not allowing Demian Maia improve his position.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Maia's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Maia's side.
The clock says 1:00 in the 5 round
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Maia's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Maia's side.
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Maia
He is not able to do it
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Deep breaths from Kazushi Sakuraba who tries a hammer punch to Maia's ribs.
That hit Maia who moves on the ground in order to protect himself
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Punishing hold!
Maia's left arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
That armbar from Kazushi Sakuraba appears to be unbreakable
Demian Maia breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Olympic Hall Juan Antonio Samaranch (Sarajevo, Bosnia) are cheering for the fighters.
Sakuraba fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Demian Maia didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Maia tries an armbar from the bottom!
Kazushi Sakuraba breaks the lock and moves himself to side control.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Demian Maia's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Demian Maia
Solid shots!
Maia has a small cut in his Right cheek
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Maia is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
Maia tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
The clock says 2:25 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Maia tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Maia
Maia attempts a triangle from bottom! Kazushi Sakuraba slips out. Maia quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Kazushi Sakuraba slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Maia clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Sakuraba cartwheels towards Maia!
He lands in side mount over a surprised Demian Maia.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Demian Maia
Maia cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Sakuraba can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Demian Maia tries to turn in and scramble out. Kazushi Sakuraba timed him perfectly and locks up a guillotine!
Punishing hold!
Demian Maia slips his head out and manages to gain top control.
Demian Maia is in open guard over Sakuraba
Maia tries to jump to side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba jumps and show some wrestling skills as he positions himself for continuing the fight in side control.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Maia
Maia moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Kazushi Sakuraba breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Demian Maia gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Good looking punches from Kazushi Sakuraba on the ground
deflected by Maia.
Josh Rosenthal 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 Olympic Hall Juan Antonio Samaranch (Sarajevo, Bosnia) are cheering for the fighters.
Sakuraba is holding Demian Maia's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Demian Maia loses balance and goes to the ground.
Maia Hyper-extended his left arm
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Demian Maia
Demian Maia attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps control and remains in side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Demian Maia
Demian Maia attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 3:50 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Demian Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to mount Demian Maia...
Kazushi Sakuraba slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Demian Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Maia breaks the lock showing some skills...
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Demian Maia
Demian Maia tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 4:20 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Demian Maia
Maia is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Demian Maia down and prevents his attempts to escape
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba is looking to end this fight with strikes
He starts to pound away at Demian Maia, who is barely covering up!
The clock says 4:30 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Demian Maia
Sakuraba leans back...
He clobbers Demian Maia's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
Maia has a small cut in his Nose
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Demian Maia
Sakuraba fires a barrage of punches at Maia's head!
This is bad! Sakuraba is just pounding on Demian Maia's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Demian Maia
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Sakuraba is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Josh Rosenthal tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Kazushi Sakuraba has to be confident that he won that round.
Winner is Kazushi Sakuraba by Unanimous decision
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 6/11 (55%)
Kicks 0/3 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/2 (0%)
Takedowns 6/8 (75%)
GnP strikes 40/77 (52%)
Submissions 15/15 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 1121 s
Statistics: Demian Maia
Punches 2/8 (25%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/2 (0%)
Takedowns 10/11 (91%)
GnP strikes 2/11 (18%)
Submissions 22/22 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 1134 s
Maia did better than I expected, but he was on the edge of losing when the final bell rang. He had almost nothing left.
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!