Post by The Sandmen on Aug 8, 2019 21:57:55 GMT -5
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.
Dominick Cruz raises his fists in his corner. He seems confident.
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 Dan Miragliotta.
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Round 1
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The bell announces the first round!
Cruz decides to launch some tentative punches
Dominick Cruz takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Giblert has a small cut in his Chin
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
Cruz looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Gilbert Melendez's punches
Cruz is on the receiving end of a great combo by Giblert.
The clock says 0:30 in the 1 round
Giblert showing excellent timing, blasts Dominick Cruz with a right hand.
Great hook by Gilbert Melendez! Dominick Cruz is caught off balance and slips to the ground!
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Right eye
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
Gilbert Melendez creates space and allows Dominick Cruz to stand up.
Back to the beginning! Dominick Cruz is standing now.
Giblert looks to be in very good shape.
Gilbert Melendez throws a looping left hand...
That lands on Cruz's chin! That stops Cruz in his tracks!
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Quick hook by Gilbert Melendez
Good shot! Cruz has reasons to be worried.
The clock says 1:30 in the 1 round
Cruz looks to be in very good shape.
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Gilbert Melendez sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
The clock says 1:40 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz and Giblert engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Giblert throws a hook
that hits its mark.
The clock says 2:00 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz circles around Giblert
Dominick Cruz takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Cruz looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Gilbert Melendez's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Gilbert Melendez was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Giblert wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
The clock says 2:30 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz pushes away Giblert trying to keep the fight at striking range
Giblert stumbles backwards and Dominick Cruz circles to get the center of the cage
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 shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Some nice shots from Gilbert Melendez
that stun Cruz.
Cruz's Nose is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Giblert avoids a dangerous strike from Cruz
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz launches a hook to the body
Gilbert Melendez moves aside looking for a counter...
The clock says 3:20 in the 1 round
Giblert is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Giblert moves forward looking for some action
Gilbert Melendez shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The clock says 3:30 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz tries to take Gilbert Melendez to the ground from the clinch...
Giblert shows his sprawl skills and remains on his feet.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Gilbert Melendez postures up and launches another series of punches!
A lot of them are hitting Cruz hard, who may be wondering how to scape from this!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Giblert doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Dominick Cruz embrace and tries to move away...
Dominick Cruz pushes Giblert forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
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
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Dominick Cruz postures up and launches another series of punches!
A lot of them are hitting Giblert hard, who may be wondering how to scape from this!
The clock says 4:05 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Gilbert Melendez tries to holds Dominick Cruz in a clinch against the fence
Giblert pushes back Cruz's head with his forehand and tries some puches to his ribs, Cruz was unable to deferece himself and those puches landed hard
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Giblert is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz grapple with Gilbert Melendez and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
nice takedown Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Dominick Cruz keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Deep breaths from Gilbert Melendez who tries a hammer punch to Cruz's ribs.
Cruz blocks those punches
The clock says 4:50 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz tries to move to full mount!
Giblert won't allow him to take this position easily.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Gilbert Melendez...
Gilbert Melendez sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
Dan Miragliotta 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.
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Round 2
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The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Cruz launches a hook to the body
Gilbert Melendez moves aside looking for a counter...
Poorly executed technique. Gilbert Melendez looks to counter!
Gilbert Melendez throws an uppercut
Cruz slips it.
The clock says 0:25 in the 2 round
Terrible one sided match... Cruz was not ready to fight a fighter of Gilbert Melendez caliber.
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
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Gilbert Melendez regains full guard.
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
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,
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
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.
The clock says 1:05 in the 2 round
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!
The clock says 1:15 in the 2 round
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.
The clock says 1:25 in the 2 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Gilbert Melendez rolls Dominick Cruz to his stomach and takes his back!
Giblert is in rear mount over Cruz
Giblert tries to get a hook in!
Cruz rolls on the ground and manages to get a half guard!
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz has Giblert controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Giblert is unable to move under Cruz control.
Giblert is in rear mount over Cruz
Giblert throws a few hammer fists to the face of Dominick Cruz
Blocked by Cruz.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
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.
The clock says 1:50 in the 2 round
Giblert is in rear mount 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.
Giblert is in rear mount over Cruz
Cruz has given his back to Gilbert Melendez who is trying to get one hook in!
Gilbert Melendez has one hook in!
Giblert is in rear mount over Cruz with one hook in
Cruz is trying to escape from the rear mount.
Giblert tries to use some of his tricky moves but Giblert's is smart enough to counter him.
Giblert is in rear mount over Cruz with one hook in
Cruz has to use some of his skills to escape safely from this position...
Cruz is unable to find a way to scape from this.
Cruz misses a step and Gilbert Melendez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Giblert tries to launch a few punches to Dominick Cruz
Cruz is able to achieve closed guard and counter Gilbert Melendez's punches.
Dan Miragliotta 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense.
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz catches Gilbert Melendez's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Cruz.
Crushing shot to Giblert's body! He's holding his side
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz breaks the closed guard of Gilbert Melendez and moves to half guard
The clock says 3:00 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz looks to pass to mount...
Cruz slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Gilbert Melendez.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Giblert's being punished here!
Giblert's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 3:20 in the 2 round
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
Giblert measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Cruz's side.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Gilbert Melendez attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in 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
Cruz works on the ground with his fingers over Giblert's face
Giblert shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
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
Dominick Cruz storms over Giblert with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Cruz doesn't stop and viciously hits again and again Giblert's face with his elbows!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz struggles on the ground and tries to break Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Dominick Cruz is in Giblert open guard now
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Giblert
Giblert tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
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Round 3
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Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Giblert goes down.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Giblert
Giblert tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open 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!
Giblert is trying to counter now!
Giblert tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Giblert
Cruz tries to improve position.
Giblert adjusts and closes his guard.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Giblert tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
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 throws a hook
He fails to land it.
Dominick Cruz just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Giblert quickly defends.
Cruz misses a step and Gilbert Melendez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Cruz launches a kick
Giblert checks it and keeps distance.
Giblert decides to launch some tentative punches
Cruz launches a couple of jabs that are answered by Giblert with a stiff cross! Solid exchange!
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
Dominick Cruz looks to pass to mount...
Giblert creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Gilbert Melendez fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Cruz's chin
A right hand from Gilbert Melendez
misses its target.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Dominick Cruz tries a hook to the body
and hits Giblert ribs hard
Dominick Cruz swings...
...no good.
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 attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Dominick Cruz keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
The clock says 2:55 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Giblert's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Giblert doesn't fight back!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz moves to better his position on the ground...
Dominick Cruz wraps his arms around his opponents' and tries to switch positions
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Giblert tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
He successfully moves to half guard!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz moves to better his position on the ground...
Dominick Cruz viciously slams hammer blows to Giblert's face!
Giblert's Forehead is beginning to swell
There is a small laceration on Gilbert Melendez's Forehead
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz storms over Giblert with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Cruz doesn't stop and viciously hits again and again Giblert's face with his elbows!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Cruz tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Giblert from the side mount!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
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 side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz looks to pass to mount...
Cruz slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Gilbert Melendez.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Giblert tries to escape from the full mount...
Dominick Cruz is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
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 side mount over Gilbert Melendez
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 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!
One, two, three! Giblert's being punished here!
Giblert's Nose is beginning to swell
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz tries to better his position on the ground...
Gilbert Melendez tries to roll on the ground...
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
That was an even round for the most part.
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Round 4
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Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Giblert
Gilbert Melendez doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Dominick Cruz doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz catches Gilbert Melendez's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Cruz.
The clock says 0:40 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz leans back...
He clobbers Gilbert Melendez's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
The clock says 0:50 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Gilbert Melendez gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Cruz leans back...
He clobbers Gilbert Melendez's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
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!
One, two, three! Giblert's being punished here!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Giblert's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Giblert doesn't fight back!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz tries to escape from closed guard...
Cruz struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Giblert's being punished here!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Cruz holds Gilbert Melendez and tries to launch a knee to his ribs!
Giblert was unable to defend that strike... Nasty knee to the ribs!
The ref pulls off Dominick Cruz! Giblert seems confused and a bit dazed as the bell sounds the bout over.
Winner is Dominick Cruz by TKO (Knee) at 1:53 Round 4
Statistics: Gilbert Melendez
Punches 20/26 (77%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 6/8 (75%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 4/16 (25%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 585 s
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 4/19 (21%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/6 (50%)
Takedowns 7/12 (58%)
GnP strikes 36/49 (73%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 613 s
A great comeback by Cruz. Giblert was chipping away at him pretty heavily in the first chunk of the fight, I think at his peak taking Cruz down to about 65-70%% health (to his near-100%). But Cruz came forth in subsequent rounds, showed his championship form, and fought his way back showing why he is an MMA GoaT.
Dominick Cruz raises his fists in his corner. He seems confident.
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 Dan Miragliotta.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The bell announces the first round!
Cruz decides to launch some tentative punches
Dominick Cruz takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Giblert has a small cut in his Chin
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
Cruz looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Gilbert Melendez's punches
Cruz is on the receiving end of a great combo by Giblert.
The clock says 0:30 in the 1 round
Giblert showing excellent timing, blasts Dominick Cruz with a right hand.
Great hook by Gilbert Melendez! Dominick Cruz is caught off balance and slips to the ground!
There is a small laceration on Dominick Cruz's Right eye
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
Gilbert Melendez creates space and allows Dominick Cruz to stand up.
Back to the beginning! Dominick Cruz is standing now.
Giblert looks to be in very good shape.
Gilbert Melendez throws a looping left hand...
That lands on Cruz's chin! That stops Cruz in his tracks!
Cruz is holding Gilbert Melendez's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Gilbert Melendez shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Gilbert Melendez to fight back!
Quick hook by Gilbert Melendez
Good shot! Cruz has reasons to be worried.
The clock says 1:30 in the 1 round
Cruz looks to be in very good shape.
Dominick Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown!
Gilbert Melendez sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
The clock says 1:40 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz and Giblert engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Giblert throws a hook
that hits its mark.
The clock says 2:00 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz circles around Giblert
Dominick Cruz takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Cruz looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Gilbert Melendez's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Gilbert Melendez was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Giblert wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
The clock says 2:30 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz pushes away Giblert trying to keep the fight at striking range
Giblert stumbles backwards and Dominick Cruz circles to get the center of the cage
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 shows great balance while pushing away Dominick Cruz
Some nice shots from Gilbert Melendez
that stun Cruz.
Cruz's Nose is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Giblert avoids a dangerous strike from Cruz
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Cruz launches a hook to the body
Gilbert Melendez moves aside looking for a counter...
The clock says 3:20 in the 1 round
Giblert is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Giblert moves forward looking for some action
Gilbert Melendez shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The clock says 3:30 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz tries to take Gilbert Melendez to the ground from the clinch...
Giblert shows his sprawl skills and remains on his feet.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Gilbert Melendez postures up and launches another series of punches!
A lot of them are hitting Cruz hard, who may be wondering how to scape from this!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Giblert doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Dominick Cruz embrace and tries to move away...
Dominick Cruz pushes Giblert forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
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
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Dominick Cruz postures up and launches another series of punches!
A lot of them are hitting Giblert hard, who may be wondering how to scape from this!
The clock says 4:05 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Gilbert Melendez tries to holds Dominick Cruz in a clinch against the fence
Giblert pushes back Cruz's head with his forehand and tries some puches to his ribs, Cruz was unable to deferece himself and those puches landed hard
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Giblert is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz grapple with Gilbert Melendez and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
nice takedown Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Dominick Cruz keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Deep breaths from Gilbert Melendez who tries a hammer punch to Cruz's ribs.
Cruz blocks those punches
The clock says 4:50 in the 1 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz tries to move to full mount!
Giblert won't allow him to take this position easily.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz looks to mount Gilbert Melendez...
Gilbert Melendez sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
Dan Miragliotta 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.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Cruz launches a hook to the body
Gilbert Melendez moves aside looking for a counter...
Poorly executed technique. Gilbert Melendez looks to counter!
Gilbert Melendez throws an uppercut
Cruz slips it.
The clock says 0:25 in the 2 round
Terrible one sided match... Cruz was not ready to fight a fighter of Gilbert Melendez caliber.
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
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Gilbert Melendez regains full guard.
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
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,
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
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.
The clock says 1:05 in the 2 round
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!
The clock says 1:15 in the 2 round
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.
The clock says 1:25 in the 2 round
Gilbert Melendez is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Gilbert Melendez rolls Dominick Cruz to his stomach and takes his back!
Giblert is in rear mount over Cruz
Giblert tries to get a hook in!
Cruz rolls on the ground and manages to get a half guard!
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Cruz has Giblert controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Giblert is unable to move under Cruz control.
Giblert is in rear mount over Cruz
Giblert throws a few hammer fists to the face of Dominick Cruz
Blocked by Cruz.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
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.
The clock says 1:50 in the 2 round
Giblert is in rear mount 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.
Giblert is in rear mount over Cruz
Cruz has given his back to Gilbert Melendez who is trying to get one hook in!
Gilbert Melendez has one hook in!
Giblert is in rear mount over Cruz with one hook in
Cruz is trying to escape from the rear mount.
Giblert tries to use some of his tricky moves but Giblert's is smart enough to counter him.
Giblert is in rear mount over Cruz with one hook in
Cruz has to use some of his skills to escape safely from this position...
Cruz is unable to find a way to scape from this.
Cruz misses a step and Gilbert Melendez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Giblert tries to launch a few punches to Dominick Cruz
Cruz is able to achieve closed guard and counter Gilbert Melendez's punches.
Dan Miragliotta 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Dominick Cruz moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense.
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz catches Gilbert Melendez's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Cruz.
Crushing shot to Giblert's body! He's holding his side
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz breaks the closed guard of Gilbert Melendez and moves to half guard
The clock says 3:00 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz looks to pass to mount...
Cruz slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Gilbert Melendez.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Giblert's being punished here!
Giblert's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 3:20 in the 2 round
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
Giblert measures the resilience of Cruz's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Cruz's side.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Gilbert Melendez attempts to move to full guard
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in 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
Cruz works on the ground with his fingers over Giblert's face
Giblert shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
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
Dominick Cruz storms over Giblert with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Cruz doesn't stop and viciously hits again and again Giblert's face with his elbows!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz struggles on the ground and tries to break Gilbert Melendez's guard...
Dominick Cruz is in Giblert open guard now
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Giblert
Giblert tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Giblert goes down.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Giblert
Giblert tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open 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!
Giblert is trying to counter now!
Giblert tries to close his guard around Cruz
He is not able to do it
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Giblert
Cruz tries to improve position.
Giblert adjusts and closes his guard.
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Giblert tries to close his guard around Cruz
He succeeds!
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 throws a hook
He fails to land it.
Dominick Cruz just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Giblert quickly defends.
Cruz misses a step and Gilbert Melendez sees an opportunity to counter him!
Cruz launches a kick
Giblert checks it and keeps distance.
Giblert decides to launch some tentative punches
Cruz launches a couple of jabs that are answered by Giblert with a stiff cross! Solid exchange!
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
Dominick Cruz looks to pass to mount...
Giblert creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Gilbert Melendez fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Cruz's chin
A right hand from Gilbert Melendez
misses its target.
Cruz tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Dominick Cruz tries a hook to the body
and hits Giblert ribs hard
Dominick Cruz swings...
...no good.
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 attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Dominick Cruz keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
The clock says 2:55 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Giblert's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Giblert doesn't fight back!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz moves to better his position on the ground...
Dominick Cruz wraps his arms around his opponents' and tries to switch positions
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Gilbert Melendez tries to take advantage...
Giblert tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
He successfully moves to half guard!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz moves to better his position on the ground...
Dominick Cruz viciously slams hammer blows to Giblert's face!
Giblert's Forehead is beginning to swell
There is a small laceration on Gilbert Melendez's Forehead
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Dominick Cruz storms over Giblert with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Cruz doesn't stop and viciously hits again and again Giblert's face with his elbows!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Cruz tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Giblert from the side mount!
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
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 side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz looks to pass to mount...
Cruz slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Gilbert Melendez.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Giblert tries to escape from the full mount...
Dominick Cruz is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
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 side mount over Gilbert Melendez
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 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!
One, two, three! Giblert's being punished here!
Giblert's Nose is beginning to swell
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Gilbert Melendez
Cruz tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Gilbert Melendez
Dominick Cruz tries to better his position on the ground...
Gilbert Melendez tries to roll on the ground...
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
That was an even round for the most part.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Cruz grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Giblert
Gilbert Melendez doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Dominick Cruz doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Dominick Cruz attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz catches Gilbert Melendez's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Cruz.
The clock says 0:40 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz leans back...
He clobbers Gilbert Melendez's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
The clock says 0:50 in the 4 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz is in closed guard... Giblert tries to roll on the ground!
Dominick Cruz uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Gilbert Melendez gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Cruz leans back...
He clobbers Gilbert Melendez's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
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!
One, two, three! Giblert's being punished here!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz launches a barrage of elbows over Giblert's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if Giblert doesn't fight back!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Giblert
Cruz tries to escape from closed guard...
Cruz struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Giblert's being punished here!
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Giblert
Cruz holds Gilbert Melendez and tries to launch a knee to his ribs!
Giblert was unable to defend that strike... Nasty knee to the ribs!
The ref pulls off Dominick Cruz! Giblert seems confused and a bit dazed as the bell sounds the bout over.
Winner is Dominick Cruz by TKO (Knee) at 1:53 Round 4
Statistics: Gilbert Melendez
Punches 20/26 (77%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 6/8 (75%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 4/16 (25%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 585 s
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 4/19 (21%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/6 (50%)
Takedowns 7/12 (58%)
GnP strikes 36/49 (73%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 613 s
A great comeback by Cruz. Giblert was chipping away at him pretty heavily in the first chunk of the fight, I think at his peak taking Cruz down to about 65-70%% health (to his near-100%). But Cruz came forth in subsequent rounds, showed his championship form, and fought his way back showing why he is an MMA GoaT.
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!