Post by The Sandmen on Feb 27, 2020 9:17:57 GMT -5
Shinya Aoki looks like he has been waiting for this fight forever.
Kazushi Sakuraba doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
And there you go! I would put my money on Kazushi Sakuraba today.
The referee of the bout is Dan Miragliotta.
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Round 1
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Shinya Aoki and Kazushi Sakuraba touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
Aoki decides to launch some tentative punches
Kazushi Sakuraba takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Sakuraba is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Sakuraba leans back...
He clobbers Shinya Aoki's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
There is a small laceration on Shinya Aoki's Right eye
The clock says 0:45 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Shinya Aoki takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Shinya Aoki's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
The clock says 1:05 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Shinya Aoki against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Shinya Aoki struggles not allowing Kazushi Sakuraba improve his position.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Sakuraba leans back...
He clobbers Shinya Aoki's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki 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
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Shinya Aoki locks Kazushi Sakuraba's left arm in a kimura. He rolls through bringing Kazushi Sakuraba to the mat.
He can't keep control over Kazushi Sakuraba's body. Kazushi Sakuraba scrammbles back to his feet.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Shinya Aoki jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Shinya Aoki jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki moves forward looking for some action
Kazushi Sakuraba struggles a bit before breaking Aoki's attemp of grappling
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Kazushi Sakuraba can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Aoki is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki looks to posture up and open Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
The clock says 2:45 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Aoki is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki isolates Kazushi Sakuraba's left arm looking for an armbar...
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Sakuraba is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba goes for an americana!
Aoki breaks free.
Sakuraba misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps control and remains in side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Shinya Aoki sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
The clock says 4:00 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg...
Aoki rolls on the ground and moves to side mount! Awesome maneuver!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
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 Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Kazushi Sakuraba grabs Aoki
Shinya Aoki gets thrown to the mat.
The clock says 4:30 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Sakuraba moves on the ground..
...he makes no progress.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish with a leg lock!
Aoki is able to break the lock.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
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Round 2
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The clock says 0:10 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Aoki 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 0:20 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a Foot Sweep takedown on Shinya Aoki
Sakuraba fails to take Aoki down and both man are still clinching
The fighters are clinching.
Shinya Aoki launches a few punches towards Sakuraba's ribs while holds him in a double overhooks!
Sakuraba seems unaffected... those punches doesn't carry any power!
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Sakuraba gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Aoki pummels back into position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba was tooling Shinya Aoki for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Shinya Aoki lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Sakuraba gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Sakuraba blocks Shinya Aoki's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Terrible one sided match... Aoki was not ready to fight a fighter of Kazushi Sakuraba caliber.
Sakuraba tries to escape from the closed guard
Kazushi Sakuraba any adventage in the ground.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground...
Aoki knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hips out and gets to full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Aoki is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 1:45 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki tries to escape from the closed guard
Shinya Aoki any adventage in the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Aoki struggles on the ground and tries to break Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Sakuraba doesn't want to free his opponent and Aoki continues in closed guard
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Sakuraba attempts a triangle from bottom! Shinya Aoki slips out. Sakuraba quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Shinya Aoki slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Aoki is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Shinya Aoki!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:25 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki isolates Kazushi Sakuraba's right arm looking for an armbar...
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Stand up! This is what Sakuraba's cornermen are shouting. Shinya Aoki is a submission master and he can finish the fight if you mess with him on the ground.
Aoki passes his leg around Kazushi Sakuraba's shoulder and rolls on the ground!
Crippling lock!
Kazushi Sakuraba lifts his opponent from the ground displaying great power! And down he goes!
Shinya Aoki doesn't break the lock and Kazushi Sakuraba is running out of time!
Punishing hold!
Kazushi Sakuraba lifts his opponent from the ground displaying great power! And down he goes!
Shinya Aoki doesn't break the lock and Kazushi Sakuraba is running out of time!
Sakuraba works his way out of that omoplata and launches himself over his opponent, winning side mount position! That was close though!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Sakuraba leans back...
Aoki eyes him warily.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Aoki attempts a triangle from bottom! Kazushi Sakuraba slips out. Aoki quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Kazushi Sakuraba slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 2:55 in the 2 round
Aoki tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Aoki is clinching with Sakuraba.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Aoki gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Aoki blocks Kazushi Sakuraba's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
The clock says 3:15 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Aoki use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) is cheering him!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki looks to pass to mount...
Aoki slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Kazushi Sakuraba.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Aoki tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Sakuraba struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Kazushi Sakuraba can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground...
Aoki knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba creates enough space to control Shinya Aoki's leg.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Sakuraba misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Sakuraba is covering himself! Aoki tries to force the situation and Sakuraba clumsily gives his back!
Aoki is in rear mount over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki isolates an arm looking for an armbar from the back...
Sakuraba locks his hands and forces his weight on top of Shinya Aoki unil he can pull his arm free! Aoki lost his dominant position.
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Shinya Aoki closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Shinya Aoki goes with a looping right hand while Kazushi Sakuraba jumps back and jabs
Aoki only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Dan Miragliotta separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That round was a toss up.
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Round 3
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Aoki is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba shows great balance while pushing away Shinya Aoki
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Aoki!
Nice move by Sakuraba who clinches and pushes Aoki against the cage
The clock says 0:25 in the 3 round
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence and launches a furious kick to the ribs
Nice hit!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba grab one of Shinya Aoki's arm and tries a Hip Throw
Aoki done well to maintain his balances and avoid going down
The fighters are clinching.
Aoki tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Sakuraba is with his back on the ground now.
Sakuraba's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 0:55 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Sakuraba
Aoki shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Aoki tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 1:15 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Aoki sits over his knees and pushes away Sakuraba's leg!
Shinya Aoki is able to put away his leg and then jumps to side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Kazushi Sakuraba takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
The clock says 1:35 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba throws up a triangle attempt!
Shinya Aoki postures up and breaks the triangle.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Aoki is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 2:05 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries a kimura
Sakuraba breaks the lock.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a move and moves laterally.
Sakuraba decides to launch some tentative punches
Kazushi Sakuraba takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Aoki grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Shinya Aoki
Sakuraba ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
The clock says 2:45 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Aoki pulls his arm out of danger.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Shinya Aoki realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Kazushi Sakuraba is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Aoki tries to escape from the closed guard
Aoki succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Sakuraba
Aoki moves on the ground
Shinya Aoki moves to side mount
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki fakes some punches
Sakuraba ties him up.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Aoki shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Sakuraba pushes Shinya Aoki forward against his back and breaks the lock!
The clock says 4:15 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Sakuraba is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki sits high on Kazushi Sakuraba's chest and pulls his leg underneath Sakuraba's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Sakuraba tries to roll out. He's too quick for Shinya Aoki and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Aoki and it cost him top position.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hips out and gets to full guard.
The clock says 4:55 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Aoki is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
You have to give that round to Kazushi Sakuraba.
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Round 4
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Aoki looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Kazushi Sakuraba's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
The clock says 0:25 in the 4 round
Middle kick from Sakuraba.
The kick just misses.
Aoki is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba shows great balance while pushing away Shinya Aoki
The clock says 0:50 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Sakuraba is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Sakuraba
Aoki moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
The clock says 1:15 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba works on the ground with his fingers over Aoki's face
Aoki shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Sakuraba misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Aoki is countered by Kazushi Sakuraba.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Shinya Aoki tries to free his leg
Shinya Aoki uses some of his skill by jumping out of Sakuraba's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Nice fight between these two warriors. Anyone could be the winner.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to turn in and scramble out. Shinya Aoki timed him perfectly and locks up a guillotine!
Kazushi Sakuraba slips his head out and manages to gain top control.
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 Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Sakuraba fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Shinya Aoki didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
The fight is still up for grabs at this point.
Shinya Aoki isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Crippling lock!
Kazushi Sakuraba lifts his opponent from the ground displaying great power! And down he goes!
Shinya Aoki doesn't break the lock and Kazushi Sakuraba is running out of time!
Sakuraba blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Aoki's guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Kazushi Sakuraba can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Sakuraba leans back...
Aoki eyes him warily.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki attempts a triangle from bottom! Kazushi Sakuraba slips out. Aoki quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Kazushi Sakuraba slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Aoki is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki tries to move to full mount!
Sakuraba won't allow him to take this position easily.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki hooks Sakuraba's left leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to kick Aoki away and scrambles on top!
Aoki misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Shinya Aoki slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 3:35 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Sakuraba is holding Shinya Aoki's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
Aoki's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Kazushi Sakuraba can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Shinya Aoki
Blocked by Aoki.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki tries to show some ground skills
Shinya Aoki put Sakuraba in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba throws down elbows...
Aoki is not making himself an easy target.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki manages to switch to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Shinya Aoki
Blocked by Aoki.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Kazushi Sakuraba can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Sakuraba use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Shinya Aoki holds Kazushi Sakuraba and prevents him from moving to a better position!
The clock says 4:50 in the 4 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass Shinya Aoki's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba passes momentarily but Shinya Aoki regains full guard.
Dan Miragliotta 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
=========================================
Shinya Aoki goes with a looping right hand while Kazushi Sakuraba jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Sakuraba seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
Shinya Aoki moves forward looking for some grappling action
Aoki has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Shinya Aoki embrace and tries to move away...
Shinya Aoki pushes Sakuraba forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The clock says 0:25 in the 5 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch to Kazushi Sakuraba ribs and the tries to trip him
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
The clock says 0:40 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki isolates Kazushi Sakuraba's left arm looking for an armbar...
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries a kimura
Sakuraba breaks the lock.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Aoki has a high cardio that helps him make great performances.
Shinya Aoki tries a kimura
Sakuraba breaks the lock.
Aoki misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is moving on the ground...
Aoki tries to counter Sakuraba's moves on the ground.
The clock says 1:15 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki looks to pass to mount...
Sakuraba 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.
Sakuraba fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Shinya Aoki didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Sakuraba tries to jump to side mount.
Shinya Aoki jumps and show some wrestling skills as he positions himself for continuing the fight in side control.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Aoki tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Sakuraba from the side mount!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki hooks Sakuraba's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to kick Aoki away and scrambles on top!
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Sakuraba tries to show some ground skills
Aoki uses his strength to keep Aoki at a disadvantage
The clock says 2:15 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:25 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Sakuraba breaks free.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki isolates Kazushi Sakuraba's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Kazushi Sakuraba is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
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 Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:45 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Shinya Aoki is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Sakuraba into his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to posture up and open Shinya Aoki's guard...
Shinya Aoki has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
The clock says 3:10 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Shinya Aoki
Blocked by Aoki.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki attempts a triangle from bottom! Kazushi Sakuraba slips out. Aoki quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Kazushi Sakuraba slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Kazushi Sakuraba and Aoki engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Shinya Aoki is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
The clock says 3:30 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a middle kick
Shinya Aoki blocks and steps away.
The clock says 3:40 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts a sweep single...
Kazushi Sakuraba catches Shinya Aoki's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba moves to better his position on the ground...
Kazushi Sakuraba viciously slams hammer blows to Aoki's face!
Aoki's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
There is a small laceration on Shinya Aoki's Forehead
The clock says 4:00 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Shinya Aoki
Blocked by Aoki.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba can't find an opening in his opponent's guard!
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Sakuraba fires a barrage of punches at Aoki's head!
The punches go wide.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Sakuraba tries to escape from the closed guard
Kazushi Sakuraba any adventage in the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba hovers above Aoki
Shinya Aoki stops him from throwing strikes.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Shinya Aoki takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That round was a toss up.
Winner is Kazushi Sakuraba by Split decision
Statistics: Shinya Aoki
Punches 5/14 (36%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/4 (0%)
Takedowns 11/13 (85%)
GnP strikes 0/1 (0%)
Submissions 21/21 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 1045 s
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 12/18 (67%)
Kicks 0/2 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/3 (33%)
Takedowns 7/5 (140%)
GnP strikes 13/72 (18%)
Submissions 6/6 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 1045 s
I mean...I guess so? Tough one to score, based on momentum shifts and not a lot of meaningful damage taking place. Both did damage, but it was small and both recovered through that damage between rounds, so no one was close to finishing anything or anything.
Kazushi Sakuraba doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
And there you go! I would put my money on Kazushi Sakuraba today.
The referee of the bout is Dan Miragliotta.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Shinya Aoki and Kazushi Sakuraba touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
Aoki decides to launch some tentative punches
Kazushi Sakuraba takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Sakuraba is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Sakuraba leans back...
He clobbers Shinya Aoki's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
There is a small laceration on Shinya Aoki's Right eye
The clock says 0:45 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Shinya Aoki takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Shinya Aoki's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
The clock says 1:05 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Shinya Aoki against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Shinya Aoki struggles not allowing Kazushi Sakuraba improve his position.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Sakuraba leans back...
He clobbers Shinya Aoki's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki 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
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Shinya Aoki locks Kazushi Sakuraba's left arm in a kimura. He rolls through bringing Kazushi Sakuraba to the mat.
He can't keep control over Kazushi Sakuraba's body. Kazushi Sakuraba scrammbles back to his feet.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Shinya Aoki jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Shinya Aoki jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki moves forward looking for some action
Kazushi Sakuraba struggles a bit before breaking Aoki's attemp of grappling
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Kazushi Sakuraba can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Aoki is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki looks to posture up and open Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
The clock says 2:45 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Aoki is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki isolates Kazushi Sakuraba's left arm looking for an armbar...
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Sakuraba is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba goes for an americana!
Aoki breaks free.
Sakuraba misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps control and remains in side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Shinya Aoki sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
The clock says 4:00 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg...
Aoki rolls on the ground and moves to side mount! Awesome maneuver!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
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 Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Kazushi Sakuraba grabs Aoki
Shinya Aoki gets thrown to the mat.
The clock says 4:30 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Sakuraba moves on the ground..
...he makes no progress.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He is not able to do it
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish with a leg lock!
Aoki is able to break the lock.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Aoki 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 0:20 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a Foot Sweep takedown on Shinya Aoki
Sakuraba fails to take Aoki down and both man are still clinching
The fighters are clinching.
Shinya Aoki launches a few punches towards Sakuraba's ribs while holds him in a double overhooks!
Sakuraba seems unaffected... those punches doesn't carry any power!
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Sakuraba gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Aoki pummels back into position.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba was tooling Shinya Aoki for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Shinya Aoki lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Sakuraba gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Sakuraba blocks Shinya Aoki's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Terrible one sided match... Aoki was not ready to fight a fighter of Kazushi Sakuraba caliber.
Sakuraba tries to escape from the closed guard
Kazushi Sakuraba any adventage in the ground.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground...
Aoki knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hips out and gets to full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Aoki is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 1:45 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki tries to escape from the closed guard
Shinya Aoki any adventage in the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Aoki struggles on the ground and tries to break Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Sakuraba doesn't want to free his opponent and Aoki continues in closed guard
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Sakuraba attempts a triangle from bottom! Shinya Aoki slips out. Sakuraba quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Shinya Aoki slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Aoki is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Shinya Aoki!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:25 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki isolates Kazushi Sakuraba's right arm looking for an armbar...
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Stand up! This is what Sakuraba's cornermen are shouting. Shinya Aoki is a submission master and he can finish the fight if you mess with him on the ground.
Aoki passes his leg around Kazushi Sakuraba's shoulder and rolls on the ground!
Crippling lock!
Kazushi Sakuraba lifts his opponent from the ground displaying great power! And down he goes!
Shinya Aoki doesn't break the lock and Kazushi Sakuraba is running out of time!
Punishing hold!
Kazushi Sakuraba lifts his opponent from the ground displaying great power! And down he goes!
Shinya Aoki doesn't break the lock and Kazushi Sakuraba is running out of time!
Sakuraba works his way out of that omoplata and launches himself over his opponent, winning side mount position! That was close though!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Sakuraba leans back...
Aoki eyes him warily.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Aoki attempts a triangle from bottom! Kazushi Sakuraba slips out. Aoki quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Kazushi Sakuraba slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 2:55 in the 2 round
Aoki tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Aoki is clinching with Sakuraba.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Aoki gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Aoki blocks Kazushi Sakuraba's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
The clock says 3:15 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Aoki use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) is cheering him!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki looks to pass to mount...
Aoki slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Kazushi Sakuraba.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Aoki tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Sakuraba struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Kazushi Sakuraba can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground...
Aoki knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba creates enough space to control Shinya Aoki's leg.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Sakuraba misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Sakuraba is covering himself! Aoki tries to force the situation and Sakuraba clumsily gives his back!
Aoki is in rear mount over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki isolates an arm looking for an armbar from the back...
Sakuraba locks his hands and forces his weight on top of Shinya Aoki unil he can pull his arm free! Aoki lost his dominant position.
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Shinya Aoki closes the distance with his opponent wanting some action.
Shinya Aoki goes with a looping right hand while Kazushi Sakuraba jumps back and jabs
Aoki only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Dan Miragliotta separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That round was a toss up.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Aoki is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba shows great balance while pushing away Shinya Aoki
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Aoki!
Nice move by Sakuraba who clinches and pushes Aoki against the cage
The clock says 0:25 in the 3 round
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence and launches a furious kick to the ribs
Nice hit!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba grab one of Shinya Aoki's arm and tries a Hip Throw
Aoki done well to maintain his balances and avoid going down
The fighters are clinching.
Aoki tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Sakuraba is with his back on the ground now.
Sakuraba's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 0:55 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Sakuraba
Aoki shows no signs of slowing down. He's in great shape.
Aoki tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 1:15 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Aoki sits over his knees and pushes away Sakuraba's leg!
Shinya Aoki is able to put away his leg and then jumps to side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Kazushi Sakuraba takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
The clock says 1:35 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba throws up a triangle attempt!
Shinya Aoki postures up and breaks the triangle.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Aoki is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 2:05 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries a kimura
Sakuraba breaks the lock.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a move and moves laterally.
Sakuraba decides to launch some tentative punches
Kazushi Sakuraba takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Aoki grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Shinya Aoki
Sakuraba ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
The clock says 2:45 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Aoki pulls his arm out of danger.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Shinya Aoki realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Kazushi Sakuraba is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Aoki tries to escape from the closed guard
Aoki succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Sakuraba
Aoki moves on the ground
Shinya Aoki moves to side mount
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki fakes some punches
Sakuraba ties him up.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Aoki shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Sakuraba pushes Shinya Aoki forward against his back and breaks the lock!
The clock says 4:15 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Sakuraba is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki sits high on Kazushi Sakuraba's chest and pulls his leg underneath Sakuraba's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Sakuraba tries to roll out. He's too quick for Shinya Aoki and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Aoki and it cost him top position.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hips out and gets to full guard.
The clock says 4:55 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Aoki is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
You have to give that round to Kazushi Sakuraba.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Aoki looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Kazushi Sakuraba's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
The clock says 0:25 in the 4 round
Middle kick from Sakuraba.
The kick just misses.
Aoki is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba shows great balance while pushing away Shinya Aoki
The clock says 0:50 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Sakuraba is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Sakuraba
Aoki moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
The clock says 1:15 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba works on the ground with his fingers over Aoki's face
Aoki shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Sakuraba misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Aoki is countered by Kazushi Sakuraba.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Shinya Aoki tries to free his leg
Shinya Aoki uses some of his skill by jumping out of Sakuraba's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Nice fight between these two warriors. Anyone could be the winner.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to turn in and scramble out. Shinya Aoki timed him perfectly and locks up a guillotine!
Kazushi Sakuraba slips his head out and manages to gain top control.
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 Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Sakuraba fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Shinya Aoki didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
The fight is still up for grabs at this point.
Shinya Aoki isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Crippling lock!
Kazushi Sakuraba lifts his opponent from the ground displaying great power! And down he goes!
Shinya Aoki doesn't break the lock and Kazushi Sakuraba is running out of time!
Sakuraba blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Aoki's guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Kazushi Sakuraba can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Sakuraba leans back...
Aoki eyes him warily.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki attempts a triangle from bottom! Kazushi Sakuraba slips out. Aoki quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Kazushi Sakuraba slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Aoki is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki tries to move to full mount!
Sakuraba won't allow him to take this position easily.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki hooks Sakuraba's left leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to kick Aoki away and scrambles on top!
Aoki misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Shinya Aoki slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 3:35 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Sakuraba is holding Shinya Aoki's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki loses balance and goes to the ground.
Aoki's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Kazushi Sakuraba can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Shinya Aoki
Blocked by Aoki.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki tries to show some ground skills
Shinya Aoki put Sakuraba in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba throws down elbows...
Aoki is not making himself an easy target.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki manages to switch to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Shinya Aoki
Blocked by Aoki.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Kazushi Sakuraba can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Sakuraba use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Shinya Aoki holds Kazushi Sakuraba and prevents him from moving to a better position!
The clock says 4:50 in the 4 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass Shinya Aoki's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba passes momentarily but Shinya Aoki regains full guard.
Dan Miragliotta 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
=========================================
Shinya Aoki goes with a looping right hand while Kazushi Sakuraba jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Sakuraba seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
Shinya Aoki moves forward looking for some grappling action
Aoki has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Shinya Aoki embrace and tries to move away...
Shinya Aoki pushes Sakuraba forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The clock says 0:25 in the 5 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch to Kazushi Sakuraba ribs and the tries to trip him
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
The clock says 0:40 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki isolates Kazushi Sakuraba's left arm looking for an armbar...
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries a kimura
Sakuraba breaks the lock.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Aoki has a high cardio that helps him make great performances.
Shinya Aoki tries a kimura
Sakuraba breaks the lock.
Aoki misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is moving on the ground...
Aoki tries to counter Sakuraba's moves on the ground.
The clock says 1:15 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki looks to pass to mount...
Sakuraba 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.
Sakuraba fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Shinya Aoki didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Aoki
Sakuraba tries to jump to side mount.
Shinya Aoki jumps and show some wrestling skills as he positions himself for continuing the fight in side control.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Sakuraba
Aoki tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Sakuraba from the side mount!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki hooks Sakuraba's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to kick Aoki away and scrambles on top!
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Sakuraba tries to show some ground skills
Aoki uses his strength to keep Aoki at a disadvantage
The clock says 2:15 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:25 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Sakuraba breaks free.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Shinya Aoki isolates Kazushi Sakuraba's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Kazushi Sakuraba is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
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 Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 2:45 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Shinya Aoki is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Sakuraba into his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to posture up and open Shinya Aoki's guard...
Shinya Aoki has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
The clock says 3:10 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Shinya Aoki
Blocked by Aoki.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki attempts a triangle from bottom! Kazushi Sakuraba slips out. Aoki quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Kazushi Sakuraba slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Kazushi Sakuraba and Aoki engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Shinya Aoki is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
The clock says 3:30 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a middle kick
Shinya Aoki blocks and steps away.
The clock says 3:40 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts a sweep single...
Kazushi Sakuraba catches Shinya Aoki's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba moves to better his position on the ground...
Kazushi Sakuraba viciously slams hammer blows to Aoki's face!
Aoki's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
There is a small laceration on Shinya Aoki's Forehead
The clock says 4:00 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Shinya Aoki
Blocked by Aoki.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba can't find an opening in his opponent's guard!
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Sakuraba fires a barrage of punches at Aoki's head!
The punches go wide.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Sakuraba tries to escape from the closed guard
Kazushi Sakuraba any adventage in the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Aoki
Kazushi Sakuraba hovers above Aoki
Shinya Aoki stops him from throwing strikes.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Bizkaia Arena (Barakaldo, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Shinya Aoki takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That round was a toss up.
Winner is Kazushi Sakuraba by Split decision
Statistics: Shinya Aoki
Punches 5/14 (36%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/4 (0%)
Takedowns 11/13 (85%)
GnP strikes 0/1 (0%)
Submissions 21/21 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 1045 s
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 12/18 (67%)
Kicks 0/2 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/3 (33%)
Takedowns 7/5 (140%)
GnP strikes 13/72 (18%)
Submissions 6/6 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 1045 s
I mean...I guess so? Tough one to score, based on momentum shifts and not a lot of meaningful damage taking place. Both did damage, but it was small and both recovered through that damage between rounds, so no one was close to finishing anything or anything.
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!