Post by The Sandmen on Jan 11, 2013 16:17:55 GMT -5
Franklin enters the cage and this place seems about to burst! He may be sure the fans are with him today.
Matt Hughes doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
Ferocious staredown by Franklin while Herb Dean recites the rules.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
The bets gives an equal chance to both fighters to score the win today.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
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Round 1
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Matt Hughes and Rich Franklin touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
Rich Franklin's mind is definitely in the fight, Hughes just got nailed! Rich Franklin saw an opening and delivered a big right hand
Wow! Hughes is going to have a headache after this one.
Hughes has a small cut in his Chin
Solid kick to the leg from Rich Franklin
that visibly pains Hughes.
The clock says 0:30 in the 1 round
Franklin launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Hughes's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that?
Herb Dean didn't see that!
Franklin looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Matt Hughes's punches
Hughes is on the receiving end of a great combo by Franklin.
Hughes fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Rich Franklin didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Franklin
Hughes gets a good position on the ground. ..
Franklin holds Matt Hughes arms and counters his opponent punches.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Franklin tries to close his guard around Hughes
He succeeds!
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Hughes's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Hughes blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
The clock says 1:15 in the 1 round
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Franklin
Hughes is looking to end this fight with strikes
Franklin anticipates his moves and avoids danger.
Hughes clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Hughes is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Matt Hughes!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Franklin tries to cover his face,
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Rich Franklin takes a deep breath as he passes his arm over Matt Hughes shoulder and pushes his arm againts the mat!
Matt Hughes breaks that americana attempt!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Franklin tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Hughes struggles and frees his leg!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Franklin is taking this opportunity to rest.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Franklin blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Hughes misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rich Franklin moves to better his position on the ground...
Rich Franklin viciously slams hammer blows to Hughes's face!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes attempts to move to full guard
Rich Franklin keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 2:55 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Hughes
Hughes holds Rich Franklin's arms and blocks the punches!
Rich Franklin gets sloppy and Matt Hughes tries to take advantage...
Matt Hughes overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Franklin pulls his arm out of danger.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Franklin throws a few hammer fists to the face of Matt Hughes
Blocked by Hughes.
Poorly executed technique. Matt Hughes looks to counter!
Hughes measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Franklin ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes tries to close the guard.
Hughes put Rich Franklin in closed guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Rich Franklin 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
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Rich Franklin. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Franklin grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Hughes struggles... Rich Franklin is unable to take him down
Hughes is holding Rich Franklin's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
Franklin Hyper-extended his arm
The clock says 4:05 in the 1 round
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Matt Hughes throws down elbows...
He's tearing up Franklin's face with those brutal elbows! Franklin needs to do something! The referee is threatening to stop it!
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin 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
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Rich Franklin. 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 Pavilhão Atlântico (Lisbon, Portugal) are cheering for the fighters.
Rich Franklin fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Hughes blocks that. He made it look easy!
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Matt Hughes fakes a punch and launches himself over Franklin!
Nice move by Hughes who clinches and pushes Franklin against the cage
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Matt Hughes shoots and grab Rich Franklin's ankle trying to take him down with a Heel Trip Reversal
Hughes scoop up Rich Franklin's ankle with one hand and pushes his body with another forcing Franklin to the mat
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Franklin
Matt Hughes fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Franklin's face!
The clock says 4:50 in the 1 round
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Franklin
Matt Hughes fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Franklin's face!
Franklin's Left eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin 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 Hughes's moves.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Hughes.
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Round 2
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Incredible haymaker from Rich Franklin!
You can see Matt Hughes's head being snapped backwards!
There is a small laceration on Matt Hughes's Mouth
Matt Hughes fakes a punch and launches himself over Franklin!
Nice move by Hughes who clinches and pushes Franklin against the cage
The fighters are clinching.
Hughes launches a few hard punches to Rich Franklin's ribs!
Franklin struggles and protects himself.
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin struggles and launches a few punches to Hughes's head
Those punches are hitting! Hughes covers his head!
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin struggles and launches a few punches to Hughes's head
Those punches are hitting! Hughes covers his head!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Matt Hughes embrace and tries to move away...
Matt Hughes pushes Franklin forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Hughes grapple with Rich Franklin and tries a Inner leg Sweep
Rich Franklin managed to maintain his balances and move away from Hughes
Rich Franklin tries a nice one-two combination
that gets blocked.
Matt Hughes shoots for a double leg takedown!
Rich Franklin sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Hughes goes to the body...
He punishes Franklin's ribs with a couple of hooks.
Some nice shots from Rich Franklin
miss their mark.
Franklin clumsily fails here and it's time for Matt Hughes to fight back!
Matt Hughes fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Franklin's chin
Matt Hughes shoots for a double leg takedown!
Rich Franklin sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
The clock says 2:10 in the 2 round
Franklin pushes Matt Hughes and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Hughes wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Hughes moves forward and holds Franklin
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin pushes away Hughes trying to keep the fight at striking range
Hughes stumbles backwards and Rich Franklin circles to get the center of the cage
Hughes decides to launch some tentative punches
Rich Franklin takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Hughes fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Rich Franklin didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Matt Hughes 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.
Brilliant combination from Matt Hughes
Franklin is showing some dodging skills avoiding that ones.
Poorly executed technique. Rich Franklin looks to counter!
Matt Hughes throws a combo
Franklin punches back but nobody connects.
Hughes pushes Rich Franklin and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Hughes is holding Rich Franklin's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Hughes gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Rich Franklin! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Rich Franklin doesn't defend himself!
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Matt Hughes tries to open Franklin's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Matt Hughes. Franklin is unable to cover himself now!
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Matt Hughes looks to pass to mount...
Hughes slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Rich Franklin.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to stand up!
Hughes doesn't allow him!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Matt Hughes rolls Rich Franklin to his stomach and takes his back!
Hughes is in rear mount over Franklin
Hughes tries to open up Rich Franklin's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Franklin in the side of the head
Franklin has a small cut in his Forehead
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
The round is for Hughes, who walks calmly to his corner.
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Round 3
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The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Matt Hughes fakes a punch and launches himself over Rich Franklin
Great move by Hughes who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin tries to take Matt Hughes down... Hughes stumbles backwards and Rich Franklin launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Hughes's jaw!
There is a small laceration on Matt Hughes's Chin
The fighters are clinching.
Matt Hughes's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Hughes struggles and launches a few punches to Franklin's head
Nothing from this... Matt Hughes seems frustrated.
Hughes clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Franklin pushes Matt Hughes against the fence and launches a few sick punches
A couple of unanswered uppercuts collide with Hughes's chin! His legs are wobbling!
Hughes has a small cut in his Chin
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin launches a few hard punches to Matt Hughes's ribs!
Matt Hughes's ribs shows the damage! Rich Franklin is working his opponent ribs!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Hughes is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Hughes doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rich Franklin embrace and tries to move away...
Rich Franklin pushes Hughes forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Hughes doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rich Franklin embrace and tries to move away...
Rich Franklin pushes Hughes forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Hughes misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rich Franklin tries to finish this with a rear naked chocke!
Hughes ducks under and pushes away his opponent.
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Rich Franklin can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Franklin is holding Matt Hughes's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Matt Hughes shows great balance while pushing away Rich Franklin
Franklin moves forward looking for some action
Matt Hughes struggles a bit before breaking Franklin's attemp of grappling
Franklin fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Hughes sprawls and remains on his feet.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Matt Hughes tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple
Great move by Matt Hughes who pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks.
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin tries to take Matt Hughes to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Hughes is with his back on the ground now.
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Hughes
Rich Franklin tries to pass to half guard...
Matt Hughes can't prevent his opponent from passing. Franklin looks to work from half guard.
The clock says 2:00 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Stand up! This is what Hughes's cornermen are shouting. Rich Franklin is a submission master and he can finish the fight if you mess with him on the ground.
Franklin throws a few hammer fists to the face of Matt Hughes
Solid shots!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes is a bloody mess!
Hughes measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Rich Franklin uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes tries to close the guard.
Hughes put Rich Franklin in closed guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes is a bloody mess!
Rich Franklin fakes some punches
Hughes ties him up.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Rich Franklin 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 Hughes's moves.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Franklin is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Rich Franklin uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Hughes misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rich Franklin tries to open Hughes's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Rich Franklin. Hughes is unable to cover himself now!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Franklin tries to cover his face,
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Franklin tries to stand up!
Hughes doesn't allow him!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Franklin is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Rich Franklin uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Franklin is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Good looking punches from Matt Hughes on the ground
They could take their toll on Franklin.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Nice beating Rich Franklin has received.
Franklin tries to stand up!
Hughes doesn't allow him!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Hughes suddenly holds Rich Franklin's arm and tries an armbar!
Franklin can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Matt Hughes!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Nice beating Matt Hughes has received.
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Franklin tries to cover his face,
Franklin's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Franklin is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Matt Hughes's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Hughes tries to cover his face,
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Matt Hughes continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Matt Hughes throws down elbows...
He's tearing up Franklin's face with those brutal elbows! Franklin needs to do something! The referee is threatening to stop it!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
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Round 4
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The clock says 0:10 in the 4 round
You can see Hughes's blood making stains in the mat.
Hughes is swinging for the fences!
Franklin backpedals and creates space. Matt Hughes is asking him if he is going to fight!
Hughes clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Hughes leads with a punch
Rich Franklin evades but whiffs with a counter.
Hughes is holding Rich Franklin's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
Franklin Hyper-extended his left arm
The clock says 0:35 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Matt Hughes continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Hughes leans back...
He clobbers Rich Franklin's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
Herb Dean is asking Franklin to defend himself! Herb Dean jumps in between the fighters and stops the punishment for Franklin.
Winner is Matt Hughes by TKO (GnP) at 0:45 Round 4
Statistics: Matt Hughes
Punches 3/10 (30%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/7 (0%)
Takedowns 5/7 (71%)
GnP strikes 43/63 (68%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 3/3 (100%)
Time on the ground 498 s
Statistics: Rich Franklin
Punches 7/20 (35%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 11/17 (65%)
Takedowns 1/4 (25%)
GnP strikes 13/33 (39%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 498 s
Good fight.
Matt Hughes doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
Ferocious staredown by Franklin while Herb Dean recites the rules.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
The bets gives an equal chance to both fighters to score the win today.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Matt Hughes and Rich Franklin touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
Rich Franklin's mind is definitely in the fight, Hughes just got nailed! Rich Franklin saw an opening and delivered a big right hand
Wow! Hughes is going to have a headache after this one.
Hughes has a small cut in his Chin
Solid kick to the leg from Rich Franklin
that visibly pains Hughes.
The clock says 0:30 in the 1 round
Franklin launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Hughes's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that?
Herb Dean didn't see that!
Franklin looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Matt Hughes's punches
Hughes is on the receiving end of a great combo by Franklin.
Hughes fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Rich Franklin didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Franklin
Hughes gets a good position on the ground. ..
Franklin holds Matt Hughes arms and counters his opponent punches.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Franklin tries to close his guard around Hughes
He succeeds!
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Hughes's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Hughes blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
The clock says 1:15 in the 1 round
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Franklin
Hughes is looking to end this fight with strikes
Franklin anticipates his moves and avoids danger.
Hughes clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Hughes is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Matt Hughes!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Franklin tries to cover his face,
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Rich Franklin takes a deep breath as he passes his arm over Matt Hughes shoulder and pushes his arm againts the mat!
Matt Hughes breaks that americana attempt!
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Franklin tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Hughes struggles and frees his leg!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Franklin is taking this opportunity to rest.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Franklin blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Hughes misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rich Franklin moves to better his position on the ground...
Rich Franklin viciously slams hammer blows to Hughes's face!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes attempts to move to full guard
Rich Franklin keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 2:55 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Hughes
Hughes holds Rich Franklin's arms and blocks the punches!
Rich Franklin gets sloppy and Matt Hughes tries to take advantage...
Matt Hughes overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Franklin pulls his arm out of danger.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Franklin throws a few hammer fists to the face of Matt Hughes
Blocked by Hughes.
Poorly executed technique. Matt Hughes looks to counter!
Hughes measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Franklin ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes tries to close the guard.
Hughes put Rich Franklin in closed guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Rich Franklin 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
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Rich Franklin. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Franklin grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Hughes struggles... Rich Franklin is unable to take him down
Hughes is holding Rich Franklin's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
Franklin Hyper-extended his arm
The clock says 4:05 in the 1 round
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Matt Hughes throws down elbows...
He's tearing up Franklin's face with those brutal elbows! Franklin needs to do something! The referee is threatening to stop it!
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin 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
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Rich Franklin. 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 Pavilhão Atlântico (Lisbon, Portugal) are cheering for the fighters.
Rich Franklin fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Hughes blocks that. He made it look easy!
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Matt Hughes fakes a punch and launches himself over Franklin!
Nice move by Hughes who clinches and pushes Franklin against the cage
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Matt Hughes shoots and grab Rich Franklin's ankle trying to take him down with a Heel Trip Reversal
Hughes scoop up Rich Franklin's ankle with one hand and pushes his body with another forcing Franklin to the mat
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Franklin
Matt Hughes fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Franklin's face!
The clock says 4:50 in the 1 round
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Franklin
Matt Hughes fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Franklin's face!
Franklin's Left eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin 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 Hughes's moves.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Hughes.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Incredible haymaker from Rich Franklin!
You can see Matt Hughes's head being snapped backwards!
There is a small laceration on Matt Hughes's Mouth
Matt Hughes fakes a punch and launches himself over Franklin!
Nice move by Hughes who clinches and pushes Franklin against the cage
The fighters are clinching.
Hughes launches a few hard punches to Rich Franklin's ribs!
Franklin struggles and protects himself.
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin struggles and launches a few punches to Hughes's head
Those punches are hitting! Hughes covers his head!
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin struggles and launches a few punches to Hughes's head
Those punches are hitting! Hughes covers his head!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Matt Hughes embrace and tries to move away...
Matt Hughes pushes Franklin forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Hughes grapple with Rich Franklin and tries a Inner leg Sweep
Rich Franklin managed to maintain his balances and move away from Hughes
Rich Franklin tries a nice one-two combination
that gets blocked.
Matt Hughes shoots for a double leg takedown!
Rich Franklin sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Hughes goes to the body...
He punishes Franklin's ribs with a couple of hooks.
Some nice shots from Rich Franklin
miss their mark.
Franklin clumsily fails here and it's time for Matt Hughes to fight back!
Matt Hughes fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Franklin's chin
Matt Hughes shoots for a double leg takedown!
Rich Franklin sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
The clock says 2:10 in the 2 round
Franklin pushes Matt Hughes and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Hughes wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Hughes moves forward and holds Franklin
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin pushes away Hughes trying to keep the fight at striking range
Hughes stumbles backwards and Rich Franklin circles to get the center of the cage
Hughes decides to launch some tentative punches
Rich Franklin takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Hughes fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Rich Franklin didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Matt Hughes 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.
Brilliant combination from Matt Hughes
Franklin is showing some dodging skills avoiding that ones.
Poorly executed technique. Rich Franklin looks to counter!
Matt Hughes throws a combo
Franklin punches back but nobody connects.
Hughes pushes Rich Franklin and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Hughes is holding Rich Franklin's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Hughes gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Rich Franklin! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Rich Franklin doesn't defend himself!
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Matt Hughes tries to open Franklin's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Matt Hughes. Franklin is unable to cover himself now!
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Matt Hughes looks to pass to mount...
Hughes slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Rich Franklin.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to stand up!
Hughes doesn't allow him!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Matt Hughes rolls Rich Franklin to his stomach and takes his back!
Hughes is in rear mount over Franklin
Hughes tries to open up Rich Franklin's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Franklin in the side of the head
Franklin has a small cut in his Forehead
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
The round is for Hughes, who walks calmly to his corner.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Matt Hughes fakes a punch and launches himself over Rich Franklin
Great move by Hughes who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin tries to take Matt Hughes down... Hughes stumbles backwards and Rich Franklin launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Hughes's jaw!
There is a small laceration on Matt Hughes's Chin
The fighters are clinching.
Matt Hughes's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Hughes struggles and launches a few punches to Franklin's head
Nothing from this... Matt Hughes seems frustrated.
Hughes clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Franklin pushes Matt Hughes against the fence and launches a few sick punches
A couple of unanswered uppercuts collide with Hughes's chin! His legs are wobbling!
Hughes has a small cut in his Chin
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin launches a few hard punches to Matt Hughes's ribs!
Matt Hughes's ribs shows the damage! Rich Franklin is working his opponent ribs!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rich Franklin tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Hughes is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
Hughes doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rich Franklin embrace and tries to move away...
Rich Franklin pushes Hughes forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Hughes doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rich Franklin embrace and tries to move away...
Rich Franklin pushes Hughes forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Hughes misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rich Franklin tries to finish this with a rear naked chocke!
Hughes ducks under and pushes away his opponent.
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Rich Franklin can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Franklin is holding Matt Hughes's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Matt Hughes shows great balance while pushing away Rich Franklin
Franklin moves forward looking for some action
Matt Hughes struggles a bit before breaking Franklin's attemp of grappling
Franklin fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Hughes sprawls and remains on his feet.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Matt Hughes tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple
Great move by Matt Hughes who pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks.
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin tries to take Matt Hughes to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Hughes is with his back on the ground now.
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Hughes
Rich Franklin tries to pass to half guard...
Matt Hughes can't prevent his opponent from passing. Franklin looks to work from half guard.
The clock says 2:00 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Stand up! This is what Hughes's cornermen are shouting. Rich Franklin is a submission master and he can finish the fight if you mess with him on the ground.
Franklin throws a few hammer fists to the face of Matt Hughes
Solid shots!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes is a bloody mess!
Hughes measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Rich Franklin uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes tries to close the guard.
Hughes put Rich Franklin in closed guard.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes is a bloody mess!
Rich Franklin fakes some punches
Hughes ties him up.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Rich Franklin 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 Hughes's moves.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Franklin is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Rich Franklin uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Hughes misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rich Franklin tries to open Hughes's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Rich Franklin. Hughes is unable to cover himself now!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Franklin tries to cover his face,
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Franklin tries to stand up!
Hughes doesn't allow him!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Franklin is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Rich Franklin uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Franklin is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Good looking punches from Matt Hughes on the ground
They could take their toll on Franklin.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Nice beating Rich Franklin has received.
Franklin tries to stand up!
Hughes doesn't allow him!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Hughes suddenly holds Rich Franklin's arm and tries an armbar!
Franklin can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Matt Hughes!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Nice beating Matt Hughes has received.
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Franklin's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Franklin tries to cover his face,
Franklin's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Hughes
Franklin is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Matt Hughes's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Hughes tries to cover his face,
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Matt Hughes continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Matt Hughes throws down elbows...
He's tearing up Franklin's face with those brutal elbows! Franklin needs to do something! The referee is threatening to stop it!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 4 round
You can see Hughes's blood making stains in the mat.
Hughes is swinging for the fences!
Franklin backpedals and creates space. Matt Hughes is asking him if he is going to fight!
Hughes clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Hughes leads with a punch
Rich Franklin evades but whiffs with a counter.
Hughes is holding Rich Franklin's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Rich Franklin loses balance and goes to the ground.
Franklin Hyper-extended his left arm
The clock says 0:35 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Matt Hughes continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Hughes leans back...
He clobbers Rich Franklin's face with a huge punch! Ouch!
Herb Dean is asking Franklin to defend himself! Herb Dean jumps in between the fighters and stops the punishment for Franklin.
Winner is Matt Hughes by TKO (GnP) at 0:45 Round 4
Statistics: Matt Hughes
Punches 3/10 (30%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/7 (0%)
Takedowns 5/7 (71%)
GnP strikes 43/63 (68%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 3/3 (100%)
Time on the ground 498 s
Statistics: Rich Franklin
Punches 7/20 (35%)
Kicks 1/1 (100%)
Clinch strikes 11/17 (65%)
Takedowns 1/4 (25%)
GnP strikes 13/33 (39%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 498 s
Good fight.
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!