Post by The Sandmen on Jan 23, 2013 20:14:15 GMT -5
Dominick Cruz glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.
Benson Henderson looks very relaxed.
And here we go with the title fight!
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 Steve Mazzagatti.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
Benson Henderson tries to bring the fight to the ground
Cruz goes down.
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Benson
He is not able to do it
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Benson
He is not able to do it
The clock says 0:40 in the 1 round
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Benson
He is not able to do it
The clock says 0:50 in the 1 round
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
As the fight continues it seems that Benson Henderson is taking the best of the fight.
Benson tries to open up Dominick Cruz's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Cruz in the side of the head
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Benson
He is not able to do it
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Benson
He succeeds!
Benson Henderson is in closed guard over Cruz
Benson tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Benson Henderson fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Benson Henderson tries to open Cruz's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Benson Henderson. Cruz is unable to cover himself now!
The clock says 1:45 in the 1 round
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Benson Henderson keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Benson is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Benson positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Cruz's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Cruz put Benson Henderson in closed guard.
Steve Mazzagatti stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in American Airlines Arena (Miami, FL) are cheering for the fighters.
Benson tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Benson is clinching with Cruz.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sick uppercut from the clinch by Benson Henderson!
Dominick Cruz is agile enough to avoid that one! Lucky you Cruz! It would have finished this fight.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Benson pushes off of Dominick Cruz and starts launching a flurry of hooks and body shots!
Cruz holds his opponent tight while he tries to cool down the action.
Cruz doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Benson Henderson embrace and tries to move away...
Benson Henderson pushes Cruz forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Benson Henderson slightly pushes Cruz into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
Steve Mazzagatti sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
Benson Henderson fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
Cruz blocks and pushes his opponent.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Quick hook by Dominick Cruz
Good shot! Benson has reasons to be worried.
Benson has a small cut in his Right cheek
Some nice shots from Dominick Cruz
miss their mark.
Cruz follows Benson Henderson
Benson fakes a move.
Benson clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Dominick Cruz has found an opening in the defense of Benson, launching a big uppercut
Benson Henderson is fast enouigh to dodge that uppercut.
The clock says 3:20 in the 1 round
Cruz throws a hook
He fails to land it.
Benson is trying to counter now!
A furious flurry of punches from Benson Henderson
puts Cruz in a world of hurt!
Cruz has a small cut in his Left cheek
Benson jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Benson Henderson pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Dominick Cruz pushes away Benson trying to keep the fight at striking range
Benson stumbles backwards and Dominick Cruz circles to get the center of the cage
Incredible haymaker from Dominick Cruz!
You can see Benson Henderson's head being snapped backwards!
The clock says 3:50 in the 1 round
Cruz showing excellent timing, blasts Benson Henderson with a right hand.
Great hook by Dominick Cruz! Benson Henderson is caught off balance and slips to the ground!
Cruz is standing while Benson is on the ground on his back
Benson Henderson kicks his legs trying to keep Dominick Cruz away.
Dominick Cruz takes a kick to the body.
Cruz is standing while Benson is on the ground on his back
Benson Henderson launches an up-kick intended for Dominick Cruz's head...
It lands flush with Dominick Cruz's head snapping it backwards due to the impact!
Cruz is standing while Benson is on the ground on his back
Cruz moves backwards and gestures for Benson Henderson to stand up.
Benson Henderson is on his feet again.
Cruz jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Dominick Cruz pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The clock says 4:40 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz launches a few hard punches to Benson Henderson's ribs!
Benson struggles and protects himself.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz launches a few hard punches to Benson Henderson's ribs!
Benson Henderson's ribs shows the damage! Dominick Cruz is working his opponent ribs!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz grab one of Benson Henderson's arm and tries a Hip Throw
Benson done well to maintain his balances and avoid going down
Poorly executed technique. Benson Henderson looks to counter!
Benson Henderson locks up a guillotine with an arm in...
Dominick Cruz brings Benson Henderson down to the ground and pulls his head out.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
Benson is the winner of this round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Dominick Cruz has found an opening in the defense of Benson, launching a big uppercut
Benson Henderson is fast enouigh to dodge that uppercut.
Poorly executed technique. Benson Henderson looks to counter!
A punch from Benson Henderson
whizzes past Cruz.
Brilliant combination from Benson Henderson
that forces Cruz to try and defend better.
Benson Henderson tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple
Great move by Benson Henderson who pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks.
The fighters are clinching.
Benson Henderson postures up and launches another series of punches!
A lot of them are hitting Cruz hard, who may be wondering how to scape from this!
The fighters are clinching.
Benson is launching some bone breaking punches to Cruz's ribs while in the clinch.
Wow. You can see the pain in Dominick Cruz's eyes.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Benson is launching some bone breaking punches to Cruz's ribs while in the clinch.
Wow. You can see the pain in Dominick Cruz's eyes.
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Benson is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
The fighters are clinching.
Benson is launching some bone breaking punches to Cruz's ribs while in the clinch.
Wow. You can see the pain in Dominick Cruz's eyes.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz pushes away Benson trying to keep the fight at striking range
Benson doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Dominick Cruz
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz slightly pushes Benson into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
The referee intervenes to break the clinch.
Benson Henderson shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Benson into his guard.
Hard blow to Cruz's mid-section, he seems hurt
Benson Henderson is in closed guard over Cruz
Benson tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Benson Henderson fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz looks to be in very good shape.
Cruz works on the ground with his fingers over Benson's face
Benson shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Benson Henderson keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Benson's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Benson tries to cover his face,
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Benson's ribs.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Benson Henderson keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Benson throws a few hammer fists to the face of Dominick Cruz
Solid shots!
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Benson Henderson tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Benson Henderson manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Benson Henderson is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Benson is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
Benson Henderson looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Benson Henderson slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 3:30 in the 2 round
Benson Henderson is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Benson goes for an armbar!
Dominick Cruz breaks the lock and pushes away Benson Henderson, who rolls over his back and gets to standing position.
Steve Mazzagatti halts the fight to stand up Benson Henderson. 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.
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Dominick Cruz can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Cruz decides to launch some tentative punches
Benson Henderson takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
A left hook from Benson
grazes the chin of Cruz.
Cruz has a small cut in his Chin
Benson Henderson takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Cruz begins to launch a barrage of punches over Benson
Benson Henderson is smart enough to duck backwards
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Benson Henderson tries to take advantage...
Some counter punches against Dominick Cruz
land while he's on his bicycle.
Cruz has a small cut in his Mouth
Benson 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 4:35 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sick uppercut from the clinch by Benson Henderson!
That one almost breaks Cruz's chin! He is knocked down!
Benson is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Cruz tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Back to the beginning! Dominick Cruz is standing now.
Benson is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
It seems that the cutman have some work to do with Dominick Cruz.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Benson Henderson shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Benson into his guard.
Benson Henderson is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Benson Henderson a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Cruz uses his forearms to block the impact!
Benson Henderson is in closed guard over Cruz
Benson tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Benson Henderson fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Benson Henderson tries to free his leg
Dominick Cruz moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Benson looks to be in very good shape.
Benson Henderson tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Cruz is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
The clock says 1:00 in the 3 round
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Benson's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Benson tries to cover his face,
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Benson works on the ground with his fingers over Cruz's face
He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Steve Mazzagatti didn't see the foul!
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Benson's cheek from the guard.
Benson Henderson uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Cruz misses a step and Benson Henderson sees an opportunity to counter him!
Benson tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Benson Henderson tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Benson Henderson manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 1:40 in the 3 round
Benson Henderson is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Benson Henderson in his guard.
Benson Henderson keeps control and remains in side mount.
Benson Henderson is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Cruz measures the resilience of Benson's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Benson blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Benson Henderson looks to counter!
Benson Henderson aggressively and repeatedly punches Cruz.
Good job by Cruz blocking and slipping the blows.
The clock says 2:05 in the 3 round
Benson Henderson is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
As the fight continues it seems that Benson Henderson is taking the best of the fight.
Cruz doesn't stop bleeding.
Benson Henderson looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Benson Henderson slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Benson Henderson is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to escape from the full mount...
Benson Henderson is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Benson Henderson is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Benson Henderson fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Cruz's face!
Benson Henderson is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Benson positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Cruz's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Benson clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Benson Henderson in his guard.
Benson Henderson keeps control and remains in side mount.
Benson Henderson is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Benson Henderson looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Benson Henderson slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Benson Henderson is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Benson positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Cruz's being punished here!
Cruz's Right eye is beginning to swell
Benson Henderson is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
You can see Cruz's blood making stains in the mat.
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Benson Henderson in his guard...
Benson Henderson keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Benson Henderson is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Benson Henderson moves to better his position on the ground...
Benson Henderson viciously slams hammer blows to Cruz's face!
Benson Henderson is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Benson tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Benson Henderson controls the situation despite Dominick Cruz efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Benson Henderson is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to stand up!
Benson doesn't allow him!
Steve Mazzagatti stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in American Airlines Arena (Miami, FL) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:40 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is a bloody mess!
Benson Henderson goes with a looping right hand while Dominick Cruz jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Cruz seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
You can see Cruz's blood making stains in the mat.
Cruz steps backwards away from Benson Henderson. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Dominick Cruz continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Benson Henderson fakes a punch and launches himself over Cruz!
Nice move by Benson who clinches and pushes Cruz against the cage
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz shoots and grab Benson Henderson's ankle trying to take him down with a Heel Trip Reversal
Benson sprawl and remain on his feet
Steve Mazzagatti sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
The clock says 4:30 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz and Benson engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Benson Henderson is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
The clock says 4:40 in the 3 round
Benson Henderson was tooling Dominick Cruz for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Dominick Cruz lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Benson jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Benson Henderson pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz grab one of Benson Henderson's arm and tries a Hip Throw
Benson done well to maintain his balances and avoid going down
Steve Mazzagatti separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That round was a toss up.
It seems that the cutman have some work to do with Dominick Cruz.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Dominick Cruz leans forwards and tries to grapple with Benson
Benson wants to mantain the distance and ducks that one.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Benson Henderson to fight back!
Benson Henderson fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Cruz's chin
Cruz's Chin is beginning to swell
Dominick Cruz continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Solid kick to the leg from Dominick Cruz
Benson checks it.
Dominick Cruz's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Benson fires low kicks
punishing Cruz's legs repeatedly.
Cruz hyper-extended his left leg
Dominick Cruz tries to show his boxing skills with a one-two combo
Benson Henderson's knows what to do here and blocks them
Benson tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Nice punch by Benson Henderson
who outboxes his opponent in this exchange.
Cruz's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Cruz seems a bit groggy... his movements are not very coordinated now.
Dominick Cruz looks rattled! Benson Henderson sees his opportunity to finish the fight and launches an aggressive flurry of punches!
Dominick Cruz is taking a brutal beating and falls to the mat! The ref could stop this fight at any moment.
Cruz has a small cut in his Left eye
That punishment by Benson Henderson has left Cruz staggered! Benson Henderson should try push forward now and finish this!
Benson is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
You can see Cruz's blood making stains in the mat.
Benson opts to jump inside Cruz's guard.
Cruz didn't see that coming. Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz now.
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Benson Henderson storms over Cruz with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Benson doesn't stop and viciously hits again and again Cruz's face with his elbows!
That brutal impact left Cruz laid out on the mat! Benson Henderson's corner come in to congratulate him!
Cruz's Nose is beginning to swell
Winner is Benson Henderson by KO (Elbows) at 1:24 Round 4
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 5/24 (21%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/9 (33%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 6/14 (43%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 423 s
Statistics: Benson Henderson
Punches 24/33 (73%)
Kicks 3/4 (75%)
Clinch strikes 14/23 (61%)
Takedowns 5/5 (100%)
GnP strikes 23/39 (59%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 431 s
Benson Henderson wins the Lightweight title!
Even Steven at first (hey, why don't we have any fighters named Steve here? It's a pretty common name...weird. Are there even any big ones in the UFC? Man, I am sleep deprived, haha). But anyways, even at first. Cruz had many winning exchanges, samage-wise. Benson kept coming back and evening the score. Then as time went on, he starting winning the exchanges, then the damage took its toll on Cruz, and Benson began dominating the exchanges, then finally, the fight. The title is, as they say, his.
Benson Henderson looks very relaxed.
And here we go with the title fight!
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 Steve Mazzagatti.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
Benson Henderson tries to bring the fight to the ground
Cruz goes down.
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Benson
He is not able to do it
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Benson
He is not able to do it
The clock says 0:40 in the 1 round
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Benson
He is not able to do it
The clock says 0:50 in the 1 round
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
As the fight continues it seems that Benson Henderson is taking the best of the fight.
Benson tries to open up Dominick Cruz's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Cruz in the side of the head
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Benson
He is not able to do it
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to close his guard around Benson
He succeeds!
Benson Henderson is in closed guard over Cruz
Benson tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Benson Henderson fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Benson Henderson tries to open Cruz's guard...
Great bombs from the top by Benson Henderson. Cruz is unable to cover himself now!
The clock says 1:45 in the 1 round
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Benson Henderson keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Benson is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Benson positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Cruz's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Dominick Cruz tries to close the guard.
Cruz put Benson Henderson in closed guard.
Steve Mazzagatti stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in American Airlines Arena (Miami, FL) are cheering for the fighters.
Benson tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Benson is clinching with Cruz.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sick uppercut from the clinch by Benson Henderson!
Dominick Cruz is agile enough to avoid that one! Lucky you Cruz! It would have finished this fight.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Benson pushes off of Dominick Cruz and starts launching a flurry of hooks and body shots!
Cruz holds his opponent tight while he tries to cool down the action.
Cruz doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Benson Henderson embrace and tries to move away...
Benson Henderson pushes Cruz forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Benson Henderson slightly pushes Cruz into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
Steve Mazzagatti sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
Benson Henderson fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
Cruz blocks and pushes his opponent.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Quick hook by Dominick Cruz
Good shot! Benson has reasons to be worried.
Benson has a small cut in his Right cheek
Some nice shots from Dominick Cruz
miss their mark.
Cruz follows Benson Henderson
Benson fakes a move.
Benson clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Dominick Cruz has found an opening in the defense of Benson, launching a big uppercut
Benson Henderson is fast enouigh to dodge that uppercut.
The clock says 3:20 in the 1 round
Cruz throws a hook
He fails to land it.
Benson is trying to counter now!
A furious flurry of punches from Benson Henderson
puts Cruz in a world of hurt!
Cruz has a small cut in his Left cheek
Benson jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Benson Henderson pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Dominick Cruz pushes away Benson trying to keep the fight at striking range
Benson stumbles backwards and Dominick Cruz circles to get the center of the cage
Incredible haymaker from Dominick Cruz!
You can see Benson Henderson's head being snapped backwards!
The clock says 3:50 in the 1 round
Cruz showing excellent timing, blasts Benson Henderson with a right hand.
Great hook by Dominick Cruz! Benson Henderson is caught off balance and slips to the ground!
Cruz is standing while Benson is on the ground on his back
Benson Henderson kicks his legs trying to keep Dominick Cruz away.
Dominick Cruz takes a kick to the body.
Cruz is standing while Benson is on the ground on his back
Benson Henderson launches an up-kick intended for Dominick Cruz's head...
It lands flush with Dominick Cruz's head snapping it backwards due to the impact!
Cruz is standing while Benson is on the ground on his back
Cruz moves backwards and gestures for Benson Henderson to stand up.
Benson Henderson is on his feet again.
Cruz jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Dominick Cruz pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The clock says 4:40 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz launches a few hard punches to Benson Henderson's ribs!
Benson struggles and protects himself.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz launches a few hard punches to Benson Henderson's ribs!
Benson Henderson's ribs shows the damage! Dominick Cruz is working his opponent ribs!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz grab one of Benson Henderson's arm and tries a Hip Throw
Benson done well to maintain his balances and avoid going down
Poorly executed technique. Benson Henderson looks to counter!
Benson Henderson locks up a guillotine with an arm in...
Dominick Cruz brings Benson Henderson down to the ground and pulls his head out.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
Benson is the winner of this round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Dominick Cruz has found an opening in the defense of Benson, launching a big uppercut
Benson Henderson is fast enouigh to dodge that uppercut.
Poorly executed technique. Benson Henderson looks to counter!
A punch from Benson Henderson
whizzes past Cruz.
Brilliant combination from Benson Henderson
that forces Cruz to try and defend better.
Benson Henderson tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple
Great move by Benson Henderson who pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks.
The fighters are clinching.
Benson Henderson postures up and launches another series of punches!
A lot of them are hitting Cruz hard, who may be wondering how to scape from this!
The fighters are clinching.
Benson is launching some bone breaking punches to Cruz's ribs while in the clinch.
Wow. You can see the pain in Dominick Cruz's eyes.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Benson is launching some bone breaking punches to Cruz's ribs while in the clinch.
Wow. You can see the pain in Dominick Cruz's eyes.
Dominick Cruz tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Benson is determined to work from the clinch. He pummeled through and managed to retain his position.
The fighters are clinching.
Benson is launching some bone breaking punches to Cruz's ribs while in the clinch.
Wow. You can see the pain in Dominick Cruz's eyes.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz pushes away Benson trying to keep the fight at striking range
Benson doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Dominick Cruz
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz slightly pushes Benson into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
The referee intervenes to break the clinch.
Benson Henderson shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Benson into his guard.
Hard blow to Cruz's mid-section, he seems hurt
Benson Henderson is in closed guard over Cruz
Benson tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Benson Henderson fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz looks to be in very good shape.
Cruz works on the ground with his fingers over Benson's face
Benson shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Benson Henderson keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Benson's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Benson tries to cover his face,
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Benson's ribs.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Benson Henderson keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Benson throws a few hammer fists to the face of Dominick Cruz
Solid shots!
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Benson Henderson tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Benson Henderson manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Benson Henderson is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Benson is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
Benson Henderson looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Benson Henderson slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 3:30 in the 2 round
Benson Henderson is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Benson goes for an armbar!
Dominick Cruz breaks the lock and pushes away Benson Henderson, who rolls over his back and gets to standing position.
Steve Mazzagatti halts the fight to stand up Benson Henderson. 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.
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Dominick Cruz can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Cruz decides to launch some tentative punches
Benson Henderson takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
A left hook from Benson
grazes the chin of Cruz.
Cruz has a small cut in his Chin
Benson Henderson takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Cruz begins to launch a barrage of punches over Benson
Benson Henderson is smart enough to duck backwards
Dominick Cruz gets sloppy and Benson Henderson tries to take advantage...
Some counter punches against Dominick Cruz
land while he's on his bicycle.
Cruz has a small cut in his Mouth
Benson 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 4:35 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sick uppercut from the clinch by Benson Henderson!
That one almost breaks Cruz's chin! He is knocked down!
Benson is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
Cruz tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Back to the beginning! Dominick Cruz is standing now.
Benson is holding Dominick Cruz's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
It seems that the cutman have some work to do with Dominick Cruz.
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Round 3
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The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Benson Henderson shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Benson into his guard.
Benson Henderson is in closed guard over Cruz
Cruz tries to move on the ground and shows Benson Henderson a crack in his guard which he uses for a big elbow!
Cruz uses his forearms to block the impact!
Benson Henderson is in closed guard over Cruz
Benson tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Benson Henderson fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Benson Henderson tries to free his leg
Dominick Cruz moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Benson looks to be in very good shape.
Benson Henderson tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Cruz is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
The clock says 1:00 in the 3 round
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Benson's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Benson tries to cover his face,
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Benson works on the ground with his fingers over Cruz's face
He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Steve Mazzagatti didn't see the foul!
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Benson's cheek from the guard.
Benson Henderson uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Cruz misses a step and Benson Henderson sees an opportunity to counter him!
Benson tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Benson Henderson is in half guard over Cruz
Benson Henderson tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Benson Henderson manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 1:40 in the 3 round
Benson Henderson is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Benson Henderson in his guard.
Benson Henderson keeps control and remains in side mount.
Benson Henderson is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Cruz measures the resilience of Benson's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Benson blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Benson Henderson looks to counter!
Benson Henderson aggressively and repeatedly punches Cruz.
Good job by Cruz blocking and slipping the blows.
The clock says 2:05 in the 3 round
Benson Henderson is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
As the fight continues it seems that Benson Henderson is taking the best of the fight.
Cruz doesn't stop bleeding.
Benson Henderson looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Benson Henderson slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Benson Henderson is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to escape from the full mount...
Benson Henderson is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Benson Henderson is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Benson Henderson fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Cruz's face!
Benson Henderson is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Benson positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Cruz's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Benson clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Benson Henderson in his guard.
Benson Henderson keeps control and remains in side mount.
Benson Henderson is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Benson Henderson looks to mount Dominick Cruz...
Benson Henderson slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Benson Henderson is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Benson positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Cruz's being punished here!
Cruz's Right eye is beginning to swell
Benson Henderson is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
You can see Cruz's blood making stains in the mat.
Dominick Cruz tries to roll to his side and trap Benson Henderson in his guard...
Benson Henderson keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Benson Henderson is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Benson Henderson moves to better his position on the ground...
Benson Henderson viciously slams hammer blows to Cruz's face!
Benson Henderson is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Benson tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Benson Henderson controls the situation despite Dominick Cruz efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Benson Henderson is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Cruz tries to stand up!
Benson doesn't allow him!
Steve Mazzagatti stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in American Airlines Arena (Miami, FL) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:40 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is a bloody mess!
Benson Henderson goes with a looping right hand while Dominick Cruz jumps back and jabs
That one hits but Cruz seems unaffected, countering with a few punches of his own. Great exchange here.
You can see Cruz's blood making stains in the mat.
Cruz steps backwards away from Benson Henderson. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Dominick Cruz continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Benson Henderson fakes a punch and launches himself over Cruz!
Nice move by Benson who clinches and pushes Cruz against the cage
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Dominick Cruz shoots and grab Benson Henderson's ankle trying to take him down with a Heel Trip Reversal
Benson sprawl and remain on his feet
Steve Mazzagatti sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
The clock says 4:30 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz and Benson engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Benson Henderson is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
The clock says 4:40 in the 3 round
Benson Henderson was tooling Dominick Cruz for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Dominick Cruz lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Benson jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Benson Henderson pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The fighters are clinching.
Cruz grab one of Benson Henderson's arm and tries a Hip Throw
Benson done well to maintain his balances and avoid going down
Steve Mazzagatti separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That round was a toss up.
It seems that the cutman have some work to do with Dominick Cruz.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Dominick Cruz leans forwards and tries to grapple with Benson
Benson wants to mantain the distance and ducks that one.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Benson Henderson to fight back!
Benson Henderson fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
it lands on Cruz's chin
Cruz's Chin is beginning to swell
Dominick Cruz continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Solid kick to the leg from Dominick Cruz
Benson checks it.
Dominick Cruz's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Benson fires low kicks
punishing Cruz's legs repeatedly.
Cruz hyper-extended his left leg
Dominick Cruz tries to show his boxing skills with a one-two combo
Benson Henderson's knows what to do here and blocks them
Benson tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Nice punch by Benson Henderson
who outboxes his opponent in this exchange.
Cruz's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Cruz seems a bit groggy... his movements are not very coordinated now.
Dominick Cruz looks rattled! Benson Henderson sees his opportunity to finish the fight and launches an aggressive flurry of punches!
Dominick Cruz is taking a brutal beating and falls to the mat! The ref could stop this fight at any moment.
Cruz has a small cut in his Left eye
That punishment by Benson Henderson has left Cruz staggered! Benson Henderson should try push forward now and finish this!
Benson is standing while Cruz is on the ground on his back
You can see Cruz's blood making stains in the mat.
Benson opts to jump inside Cruz's guard.
Cruz didn't see that coming. Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz now.
Benson Henderson is in open guard over Cruz
Benson Henderson storms over Cruz with a biblical punishment in the form of elbows!
Benson doesn't stop and viciously hits again and again Cruz's face with his elbows!
That brutal impact left Cruz laid out on the mat! Benson Henderson's corner come in to congratulate him!
Cruz's Nose is beginning to swell
Winner is Benson Henderson by KO (Elbows) at 1:24 Round 4
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 5/24 (21%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 3/9 (33%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 6/14 (43%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 423 s
Statistics: Benson Henderson
Punches 24/33 (73%)
Kicks 3/4 (75%)
Clinch strikes 14/23 (61%)
Takedowns 5/5 (100%)
GnP strikes 23/39 (59%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 431 s
Benson Henderson wins the Lightweight title!
Even Steven at first (hey, why don't we have any fighters named Steve here? It's a pretty common name...weird. Are there even any big ones in the UFC? Man, I am sleep deprived, haha). But anyways, even at first. Cruz had many winning exchanges, samage-wise. Benson kept coming back and evening the score. Then as time went on, he starting winning the exchanges, then the damage took its toll on Cruz, and Benson began dominating the exchanges, then finally, the fight. The title is, as they say, his.
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!