Post by The Sandmen on Jun 26, 2019 23:46:12 GMT -5
Dominick Cruz is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
Gilbert Melendez 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
The bets gives an equal chance to both fighters to score the win today.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
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Round 1
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The bell announces the first round!
Giblert steps forward
Cruz feints.
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez goes with a looping right hand while Dominick Cruz jumps back and jabs
Giblert only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
Giblert looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Dominick Cruz's punches
Cruz is on the receiving end of a great combo by Giblert.
The clock says 1:25 in the 1 round
Brilliant combination from Gilbert Melendez
that forces Cruz to try and defend better.
Gilbert Melendez fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
That almost wrenches Dominick Cruz! I'm sure that his liver will be sore tomorrow.
Cruz launches a stiff jab!
Giblert ducks that one.
2:02 Round 1 and Cruz is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 2:15 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Cruz tries to cover his face,
The clock says 2:25 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Giblert tries to show some ground skills
Gilbert Melendez put Cruz in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Cruz shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Dominick Cruz tries to free his leg...
Giblert rolls on the ground and moves to side mount! Awesome maneuver!
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard.
Gilbert Melendez keeps control and remains in side mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Giblert's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Giblert's side.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Deep breaths from Dominick Cruz who tries a hammer punch to Giblert's ribs.
Giblert blocks those punches
Giblert is trying to counter now!
Gilbert Melendez looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Gilbert Melendez slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Giblert's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Giblert's side.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert throws a few hammer fists to the face of Dominick Cruz
Solid shots!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to escape from the full mount...
Cruz struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Gilbert Melendez doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Gilbert Melendez positions himself and launches a barrage of punches.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount and his punches are hitting hard Cruz's ribs
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Gilbert Melendez controls the situation despite Dominick Cruz efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to escape from the full mount...
Gilbert Melendez is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez looks to pass to mount...
Cruz creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Perth Arena (Perth, Australia) are cheering for the fighters.
Cruz wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
The fighters are clinching.
Dominick Cruz pushes away Giblert trying to keep the fight at striking range
Giblert doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Dominick Cruz
Cruz misses a step and Gilbert Melendez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Giblert pushes Dominick Cruz againts the fence and begin a relentless combination of punches. The crowd is on it's feet!
Cruz cannot escape Gilbert Melendez's clinch! Gilbert Melendez is just brutalizing Cruz with punches time and time again!
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz pushes off of Gilbert Melendez and starts launching a flurry of hooks and body shots!
Giblert stumbles backwards but Dominick Cruz chases him and continues the rain of blows!
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That round was a toss up.
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Round 2
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The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Giblert launches a furious hook!
That hits Cruz's chin like a wrecking ball! Cruz loses balance and goes to the mat.
Giblert is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Giblert launches a kick to Cruz's thigh
Loud pop!
Giblert is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Giblert launches a kick to Cruz's thigh
Loud pop!
Cruz hyper-extended his left leg
Giblert is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Giblert moves backwards and gestures for Dominick Cruz to stand up.
Cruz climbs to his feet and is standing now.
The clock says 1:05 in the 2 round
Giblert lifts his opponent off the ground and tries to slam him!
Down goes Dominick Cruz! Brilliant slam!
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Cruz
Giblert is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Herb Dean didn't see the foul!
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Giblert
He is not able to do it
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Cruz
Giblert tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Giblert tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Gilbert Melendez controls the situation despite Dominick Cruz efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to escape from the full mount...
Gilbert Melendez is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard.
Gilbert Melendez keeps control and remains in side mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Gilbert Melendez pushes Dominick Cruz down and prevents his attempts to escape
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert works on the ground with his fingers over Cruz's face
He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Herb Dean saw it!
Herb Dean takes away one point from Gilbert Melendez for eye poke.
Herb Dean allows Cruz time to recover... 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 Perth Arena (Perth, Australia) are cheering for the fighters.
Lightning fast low kick from Giblert!
Cruz blocks that kick with his leg.
The clock says 3:15 in the 2 round
The two exchange wildly
Giblert is connecting with a few punches
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz catches Gilbert Melendez's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Cruz.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz leans back...
Giblert eyes him warily.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard...
Gilbert Melendez keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Giblert's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Giblert blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard...
Gilbert Melendez keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 4:10 in the 2 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Gilbert Melendez doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Giblert throws a few hammer fists to the face of Dominick Cruz
Solid shots!
Cruz has a small cut in his Chin
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez tries to better his position on the ground...
Giblert is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez throws a lot of punches
some strikes get through.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Giblert's cheek from the guard.
Gilbert Melendez uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
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.
The clock says 4:55 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz goes with a looping right hand while Gilbert Melendez jumps back and jabs
Giblert seems staggered and Dominick Cruz runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
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Round 3
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Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Giblert tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Giblert uses his forearms to block the impact!
Giblert is trying to counter now!
Giblert tries to show some ground skills
Gilbert Melendez put Cruz in half guard.
The clock says 0:40 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Giblert tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Giblert uses his forearms to block the impact!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Gilbert Melendez attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 1:05 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Giblert's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Gilbert Melendez attempts to move to full guard
Gilbert Melendez manages to switch to full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Gilbert Melendez regains full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz struggles on the ground and tries to break Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Giblert doesn't want to free his opponent and Cruz continues in closed guard
Poorly executed technique. Gilbert Melendez looks to counter!
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
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.
The clock says 1:35 in the 3 round
Giblert throws a hook
that hits its mark.
Gilbert Melendez takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Bone shattering straight right hand from Gilbert Melendez!
Cruz is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Giblert's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez was tooling Dominick Cruz for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Dominick Cruz lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Gilbert Melendez...
Gilbert Melendez sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
The clock says 2:35 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Gilbert Melendez regains half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Gilbert Melendez tries to close the guard.
Giblert put Dominick Cruz in closed guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Gilbert Melendez is cooling the fight on the ground
The clock says 3:10 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz storms over Giblert with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Gilbert Melendez blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Giblert tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Herb Dean 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 Perth Arena (Perth, Australia) are cheering for the fighters.
Every time Gilbert Melendez attempts to get inside
Cruz misses with a low kick.
Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Giblert won't budge, forcing Cruz to pull guard.
The clock says 3:35 in the 3 round
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Giblert is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Cruz's ribs.
Cruz is noticing that and his face shows the pain.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Giblert tries to open up Cruz with a few strikes with his right elbow...
Some nice shots are landing and Cruz is trying to block them with his hands...
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Giblert is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Gilbert Melendez uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Giblert tries to escape from closed guard...
Giblert struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
The clock says 4:20 in the 3 round
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Cruz put Gilbert Melendez in closed guard.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Giblert's cheek from the guard.
Gilbert Melendez uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Gilbert Melendez a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Cruz uses his forearms to block the impact!
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Giblert is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Gilbert Melendez uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Giblert's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Giblert's side.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
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Round 4
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Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Giblert is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Giblert
Not a desiderable position that Giblert is in now. Dominick Cruz is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Dominick Cruz pushes Gilbert Melendez against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Gilbert Melendez struggles not allowing Dominick Cruz improve his position.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz pushes Gilbert Melendez against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Gilbert Melendez struggles not allowing Dominick Cruz improve his position.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Giblert tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Giblert tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Giblert uses his forearms to block the impact!
The clock says 0:55 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Giblert's ribs.
Giblert blocks Dominick Cruz's moves and tries to reverse the situation.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Gilbert Melendez regains full guard.
Herb Dean 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 Perth Arena (Perth, Australia) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Gilbert Melendez is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Cruz into his guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz tries to escape from the closed guard
Dominick Cruz any adventage in the ground.
Giblert tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert tries to launch a few punches to Dominick Cruz
Little effect. A lot of them are hitting Cruz's defense
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez tries to better his position on the ground...
Dominick Cruz tries to roll on the ground...
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Giblert's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
The clock says 2:00 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Gilbert Melendez regains full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert tries to open up Dominick Cruz's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Cruz in the side of the head
The clock says 2:30 in the 4 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Good looking punches from Gilbert Melendez on the ground
They could take their toll on Cruz.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to stand up!
Giblert doesn't allow him!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Giblert's cheek from the guard.
Gilbert Melendez uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard...
Gilbert Melendez rolls him over and takes his back!
Giblert is in rear mount over Cruz
Cruz tries to stand up!
Giblert doesn't allow him!
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.
Cruz cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Giblert can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Gilbert Melendez throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
The clock says 3:25 in the 4 round
Lightning fast low kick from Giblert!
Loud pop! I'm sure that hurts!
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Giblert blocks that. It was easy!
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Giblert blocks that. He made it look easy!
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Giblert moves forward looking for some action
Gilbert Melendez shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Gilbert Melendez pushes away Cruz trying to keep the fight at striking range
Cruz stumbles backwards and Gilbert Melendez circles to get the center of the cage
A solid combination from Gilbert Melendez
connects with Cruz.
Gilbert Melendez circles around Cruz
Shovel hook by Gilbert Melendez
tags Cruz.
Cruz steps backwards away from Gilbert Melendez. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Giblert jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Gilbert Melendez pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The clock says 4:50 in the 4 round
The fighters are clinching.
Giblert grapple with Dominick Cruz and tries a Inner leg Sweep
Dominick Cruz falls hard on the mat with Gilbert Melendez on top of him
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Good looking punches from Gilbert Melendez on the ground
They could take their toll on Cruz.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
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Round 5
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The clock says 0:10 in the 5 round
Nice punch by Dominick Cruz
that nearly tags Giblert.
A right hand from Gilbert Melendez
surprises Cruz!
Cruz's Right cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 0:35 in the 5 round
Giblert launches a furious hook!
That hits Cruz's chin like a wrecking ball! Cruz loses balance and goes to the mat.
Giblert is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Dominick Cruz launches an up-kick intended for Gilbert Melendez's head...
Giblert leans out of the way.
Giblert is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
As the fight continues it seems that Dominick Cruz is taking the best of the fight.
Dominick Cruz launches an up-kick intended for Gilbert Melendez's head...
Giblert leans out of the way.
Giblert is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Giblert moves backwards and gestures for Dominick Cruz to stand up.
Dominick Cruz is on his feet again.
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Giblert is being hit hard and trys to escape! He has to give his back!
Cruz is in rear mount over Giblert
Giblert has given his back to Dominick Cruz who is trying to get one hook in!
Giblert struggles in the ground trying to break Cruz's control
Cruz is in rear mount over Giblert
Giblert has Cruz controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Showing some ground skills he transitions to a side mount.
The clock says 2:05 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Giblert looks to be in very good shape.
Giblert launches a few weak punches
Cruz blocks them effectively.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Dominick Cruz fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Giblert's face!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Gilbert Melendez...
Gilbert Melendez takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Giblert's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz struggles on the ground and tries to break Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Giblert doesn't want to free his opponent and Cruz continues in closed guard
The clock says 2:45 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz breaks the closed guard of Gilbert Melendez and moves to half guard
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Gilbert Melendez...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz tries to open Giblert's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Dominick Cruz. Giblert is unable to cover himself now!
There is a small laceration on Gilbert Melendez's Forehead
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz fires a barrage of punches at Giblert's head!
This is bad! Cruz is just pounding on Gilbert Melendez's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Giblert's Nose is beginning to swell
Giblert has a small cut in his Nose
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Giblert struggles and frees his leg!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Gilbert Melendez 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 half guard over Giblert
Giblert tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Gilbert Melendez. 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 Perth Arena (Perth, Australia) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:55 in the 5 round
Gilbert Melendez is measuring Cruz with his jab.
Good accuracy on his part.
Cruz has a small cut in his Nose
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Giblert is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Giblert
Giblert tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Giblert tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Giblert uses his forearms to block the impact!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Giblert leans and gets Dominick Cruz's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Gilbert Melendez doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
You have to give that round to Gilbert Melendez.
Winner is Gilbert Melendez by Unanimous decision
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 10/22 (45%)
Kicks 0/2 (0%)
Clinch strikes 4/7 (57%)
Takedowns 8/10 (80%)
GnP strikes 19/61 (31%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 983 s
Statistics: Gilbert Melendez
Punches 23/30 (77%)
Kicks 4/5 (80%)
Clinch strikes 6/6 (100%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 28/44 (64%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 922 s
Cruz was coming on strong late, trying to take over the fight. Giblert had controlled a lot of it before then, doing more damage and being far more effective, clearly taking the fight. But with the last push Cruz made, it makes you think if this was a 10 rounder, he might have been able to overcome the difference, beat the odds, and come out on top. Unlike baseball, which will perpetually be inferior to hockey. Especially in terms of what is a team sport and what is not a team sport. Just sayin'.
Gilbert Melendez 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
The bets gives an equal chance to both fighters to score the win today.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
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Round 1
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The bell announces the first round!
Giblert steps forward
Cruz feints.
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez goes with a looping right hand while Dominick Cruz jumps back and jabs
Giblert only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
Giblert looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Dominick Cruz's punches
Cruz is on the receiving end of a great combo by Giblert.
The clock says 1:25 in the 1 round
Brilliant combination from Gilbert Melendez
that forces Cruz to try and defend better.
Gilbert Melendez fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
That almost wrenches Dominick Cruz! I'm sure that his liver will be sore tomorrow.
Cruz launches a stiff jab!
Giblert ducks that one.
2:02 Round 1 and Cruz is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 2:15 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez launches a few punches to Cruz's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Cruz tries to cover his face,
The clock says 2:25 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Giblert tries to show some ground skills
Gilbert Melendez put Cruz in half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Cruz shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Dominick Cruz tries to free his leg...
Giblert rolls on the ground and moves to side mount! Awesome maneuver!
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard.
Gilbert Melendez keeps control and remains in side mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Giblert's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Giblert's side.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Deep breaths from Dominick Cruz who tries a hammer punch to Giblert's ribs.
Giblert blocks those punches
Giblert is trying to counter now!
Gilbert Melendez looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Gilbert Melendez slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Giblert's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Giblert's side.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert throws a few hammer fists to the face of Dominick Cruz
Solid shots!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to escape from the full mount...
Cruz struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Gilbert Melendez doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Gilbert Melendez positions himself and launches a barrage of punches.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount and his punches are hitting hard Cruz's ribs
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Gilbert Melendez controls the situation despite Dominick Cruz efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to escape from the full mount...
Gilbert Melendez is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez looks to pass to mount...
Cruz creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Perth Arena (Perth, Australia) are cheering for the fighters.
Cruz wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
The fighters are clinching.
Dominick Cruz pushes away Giblert trying to keep the fight at striking range
Giblert doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Dominick Cruz
Cruz misses a step and Gilbert Melendez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Giblert pushes Dominick Cruz againts the fence and begin a relentless combination of punches. The crowd is on it's feet!
Cruz cannot escape Gilbert Melendez's clinch! Gilbert Melendez is just brutalizing Cruz with punches time and time again!
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz pushes off of Gilbert Melendez and starts launching a flurry of hooks and body shots!
Giblert stumbles backwards but Dominick Cruz chases him and continues the rain of blows!
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That round was a toss up.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Giblert launches a furious hook!
That hits Cruz's chin like a wrecking ball! Cruz loses balance and goes to the mat.
Giblert is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Giblert launches a kick to Cruz's thigh
Loud pop!
Giblert is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Giblert launches a kick to Cruz's thigh
Loud pop!
Cruz hyper-extended his left leg
Giblert is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Giblert moves backwards and gestures for Dominick Cruz to stand up.
Cruz climbs to his feet and is standing now.
The clock says 1:05 in the 2 round
Giblert lifts his opponent off the ground and tries to slam him!
Down goes Dominick Cruz! Brilliant slam!
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Cruz
Giblert is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Herb Dean didn't see the foul!
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Giblert
He is not able to do it
Gilbert Melendez is in open guard over Cruz
Giblert tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Giblert tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Gilbert Melendez controls the situation despite Dominick Cruz efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to escape from the full mount...
Gilbert Melendez is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard.
Gilbert Melendez keeps control and remains in side mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Gilbert Melendez pushes Dominick Cruz down and prevents his attempts to escape
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert works on the ground with his fingers over Cruz's face
He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Herb Dean saw it!
Herb Dean takes away one point from Gilbert Melendez for eye poke.
Herb Dean allows Cruz time to recover... 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 Perth Arena (Perth, Australia) are cheering for the fighters.
Lightning fast low kick from Giblert!
Cruz blocks that kick with his leg.
The clock says 3:15 in the 2 round
The two exchange wildly
Giblert is connecting with a few punches
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz catches Gilbert Melendez's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Cruz.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz leans back...
Giblert eyes him warily.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard...
Gilbert Melendez keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Giblert's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Giblert blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard...
Gilbert Melendez keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 4:10 in the 2 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Gilbert Melendez doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Giblert throws a few hammer fists to the face of Dominick Cruz
Solid shots!
Cruz has a small cut in his Chin
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez tries to better his position on the ground...
Giblert is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez throws a lot of punches
some strikes get through.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Giblert's cheek from the guard.
Gilbert Melendez uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
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.
The clock says 4:55 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz goes with a looping right hand while Gilbert Melendez jumps back and jabs
Giblert seems staggered and Dominick Cruz runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Giblert tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Giblert uses his forearms to block the impact!
Giblert is trying to counter now!
Giblert tries to show some ground skills
Gilbert Melendez put Cruz in half guard.
The clock says 0:40 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Giblert tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Giblert uses his forearms to block the impact!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Gilbert Melendez attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 1:05 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Giblert's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Gilbert Melendez attempts to move to full guard
Gilbert Melendez manages to switch to full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Gilbert Melendez regains full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz struggles on the ground and tries to break Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Giblert doesn't want to free his opponent and Cruz continues in closed guard
Poorly executed technique. Gilbert Melendez looks to counter!
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
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.
The clock says 1:35 in the 3 round
Giblert throws a hook
that hits its mark.
Gilbert Melendez takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Bone shattering straight right hand from Gilbert Melendez!
Cruz is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Giblert's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez was tooling Dominick Cruz for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Dominick Cruz lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Gilbert Melendez...
Gilbert Melendez sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
The clock says 2:35 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Gilbert Melendez regains half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Gilbert Melendez tries to close the guard.
Giblert put Dominick Cruz in closed guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Gilbert Melendez is cooling the fight on the ground
The clock says 3:10 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz storms over Giblert with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Gilbert Melendez blocks them all showing some great skills here.
Giblert tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Herb Dean 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 Perth Arena (Perth, Australia) are cheering for the fighters.
Every time Gilbert Melendez attempts to get inside
Cruz misses with a low kick.
Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Giblert won't budge, forcing Cruz to pull guard.
The clock says 3:35 in the 3 round
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Giblert is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Cruz's ribs.
Cruz is noticing that and his face shows the pain.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Giblert tries to open up Cruz with a few strikes with his right elbow...
Some nice shots are landing and Cruz is trying to block them with his hands...
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Giblert is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Gilbert Melendez uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Giblert tries to escape from closed guard...
Giblert struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
The clock says 4:20 in the 3 round
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Cruz put Gilbert Melendez in closed guard.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Giblert's cheek from the guard.
Gilbert Melendez uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Gilbert Melendez a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Cruz uses his forearms to block the impact!
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Giblert is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Gilbert Melendez uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Gilbert Melendez is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Giblert's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Giblert's side.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Giblert is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Giblert
Not a desiderable position that Giblert is in now. Dominick Cruz is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Dominick Cruz pushes Gilbert Melendez against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Gilbert Melendez struggles not allowing Dominick Cruz improve his position.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz pushes Gilbert Melendez against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Gilbert Melendez struggles not allowing Dominick Cruz improve his position.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Giblert tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Giblert tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Giblert uses his forearms to block the impact!
The clock says 0:55 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Giblert's ribs.
Giblert blocks Dominick Cruz's moves and tries to reverse the situation.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Gilbert Melendez regains full guard.
Herb Dean 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 Perth Arena (Perth, Australia) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Gilbert Melendez is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Cruz into his guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz tries to escape from the closed guard
Dominick Cruz any adventage in the ground.
Giblert tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert tries to launch a few punches to Dominick Cruz
Little effect. A lot of them are hitting Cruz's defense
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Gilbert Melendez tries to better his position on the ground...
Dominick Cruz tries to roll on the ground...
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Giblert's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
The clock says 2:00 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Gilbert Melendez regains full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Giblert tries to open up Dominick Cruz's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Cruz in the side of the head
The clock says 2:30 in the 4 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Good looking punches from Gilbert Melendez on the ground
They could take their toll on Cruz.
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to stand up!
Giblert doesn't allow him!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Giblert's cheek from the guard.
Gilbert Melendez uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Gilbert Melendez in his guard...
Gilbert Melendez rolls him over and takes his back!
Giblert is in rear mount over Cruz
Cruz tries to stand up!
Giblert doesn't allow him!
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.
Cruz cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Giblert can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Gilbert Melendez throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
The clock says 3:25 in the 4 round
Lightning fast low kick from Giblert!
Loud pop! I'm sure that hurts!
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Giblert blocks that. It was easy!
Dominick Cruz fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Giblert blocks that. He made it look easy!
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Giblert moves forward looking for some action
Gilbert Melendez shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Gilbert Melendez pushes away Cruz trying to keep the fight at striking range
Cruz stumbles backwards and Gilbert Melendez circles to get the center of the cage
A solid combination from Gilbert Melendez
connects with Cruz.
Gilbert Melendez circles around Cruz
Shovel hook by Gilbert Melendez
tags Cruz.
Cruz steps backwards away from Gilbert Melendez. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Giblert jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Gilbert Melendez pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The clock says 4:50 in the 4 round
The fighters are clinching.
Giblert grapple with Dominick Cruz and tries a Inner leg Sweep
Dominick Cruz falls hard on the mat with Gilbert Melendez on top of him
Gilbert Melendez is in half guard over Cruz
Good looking punches from Gilbert Melendez on the ground
They could take their toll on Cruz.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 5 round
Nice punch by Dominick Cruz
that nearly tags Giblert.
A right hand from Gilbert Melendez
surprises Cruz!
Cruz's Right cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 0:35 in the 5 round
Giblert launches a furious hook!
That hits Cruz's chin like a wrecking ball! Cruz loses balance and goes to the mat.
Giblert is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Dominick Cruz launches an up-kick intended for Gilbert Melendez's head...
Giblert leans out of the way.
Giblert is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
As the fight continues it seems that Dominick Cruz is taking the best of the fight.
Dominick Cruz launches an up-kick intended for Gilbert Melendez's head...
Giblert leans out of the way.
Giblert is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Giblert moves backwards and gestures for Dominick Cruz to stand up.
Dominick Cruz is on his feet again.
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez loses balance and goes to the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez 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.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz delivers a few accurate elbows!
Giblert is being hit hard and trys to escape! He has to give his back!
Cruz is in rear mount over Giblert
Giblert has given his back to Dominick Cruz who is trying to get one hook in!
Giblert struggles in the ground trying to break Cruz's control
Cruz is in rear mount over Giblert
Giblert has Cruz controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Showing some ground skills he transitions to a side mount.
The clock says 2:05 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Giblert looks to be in very good shape.
Giblert launches a few weak punches
Cruz blocks them effectively.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Dominick Cruz fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Giblert's face!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Gilbert Melendez...
Gilbert Melendez takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Giblert's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz struggles on the ground and tries to break Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Giblert doesn't want to free his opponent and Cruz continues in closed guard
The clock says 2:45 in the 5 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz breaks the closed guard of Gilbert Melendez and moves to half guard
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Gilbert Melendez...
Dominick Cruz slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz tries to open Giblert's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Dominick Cruz. Giblert is unable to cover himself now!
There is a small laceration on Gilbert Melendez's Forehead
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz fires a barrage of punches at Giblert's head!
This is bad! Cruz is just pounding on Gilbert Melendez's head like he's a training dummy! The referee looks on anxiously!
Giblert's Nose is beginning to swell
Giblert has a small cut in his Nose
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Giblert struggles and frees his leg!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Gilbert Melendez 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 half guard over Giblert
Giblert tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Gilbert Melendez. 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 Perth Arena (Perth, Australia) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:55 in the 5 round
Gilbert Melendez is measuring Cruz with his jab.
Good accuracy on his part.
Cruz has a small cut in his Nose
Dominick Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Giblert is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Giblert
Giblert tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Giblert tries to move on the ground and shows Dominick Cruz a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Giblert uses his forearms to block the impact!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Giblert leans and gets Dominick Cruz's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Gilbert Melendez doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
You have to give that round to Gilbert Melendez.
Winner is Gilbert Melendez by Unanimous decision
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 10/22 (45%)
Kicks 0/2 (0%)
Clinch strikes 4/7 (57%)
Takedowns 8/10 (80%)
GnP strikes 19/61 (31%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 983 s
Statistics: Gilbert Melendez
Punches 23/30 (77%)
Kicks 4/5 (80%)
Clinch strikes 6/6 (100%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 28/44 (64%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 922 s
Cruz was coming on strong late, trying to take over the fight. Giblert had controlled a lot of it before then, doing more damage and being far more effective, clearly taking the fight. But with the last push Cruz made, it makes you think if this was a 10 rounder, he might have been able to overcome the difference, beat the odds, and come out on top. Unlike baseball, which will perpetually be inferior to hockey. Especially in terms of what is a team sport and what is not a team sport. Just sayin'.
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!