Post by The Sandmen on May 8, 2013 16:48:56 GMT -5
People are cheering for this fighter. You can hear Rich Franklin chants all around the place!
Rich Franklin is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
Ferocious staredown by Sakuraba while Josh Rosenthal recites the rules.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Josh Rosenthal.
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Round 1
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Franklin and Sakuraba move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Solid low kick from Kazushi Sakuraba.
For sure, that had to hurt!
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
Franklin wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Franklin moves forward and holds Sakuraba
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
a flying knee from Sakuraba towards Rich Franklin's face
hits it, what a strike surely that hurts, Franklin got to be more careful now
Franklin has a small cut in his Left eye
Franklin doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Franklin forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin tries to break the clinch... Kazushi Sakuraba launches a great knee when he finds a narrow space!
Awesome impact! Franklin stumbles backwards and Kazushi Sakuraba shoots an incredible takedown!
Franklin is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 1:00 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Rich Franklin keeps control and remains in side mount.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Not a desiderable position that Sakuraba is in now. Rich Franklin is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Rich Franklin is cooling the fight on the ground
The clock says 1:35 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Franklin spins out, but Kazushi Sakuraba was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Franklin is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Sakuraba misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rich Franklin decides to jump inside Sakuraba's guard.
Sakuraba didn't see that coming. Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba now.
The clock says 1:45 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba attempts a triangle from bottom! Rich Franklin slips out. Sakuraba quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Rich Franklin slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Josh Rosenthal 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Rich Franklin tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba won't budge, forcing Franklin to pull guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Sakuraba blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Sakuraba's ribs.
The clock says 2:30 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Sakuraba tries to escape from closed guard...
Sakuraba struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Franklin
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a kimura
Franklin breaks the lock.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Rich Franklin attempts to move to full guard
Rich Franklin manages to switch to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Sakuraba's side.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to posture up and open Rich Franklin's guard...
Rich Franklin has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Sakuraba's side.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Sakuraba's side.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Sakuraba tries to open up Rich Franklin's defense faking a few punches.
Rich Franklin wraps his arms around Sakuraba's arms and counters the punches.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Rich Franklin gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Sakuraba tries to escape from closed guard...
Franklin waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Kazushi Sakuraba! He is reversed and nor Rich Franklin is on half guard!
Josh Rosenthal has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Rich Franklin and Sakuraba engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Franklin!
Rich Franklin is smart enough to avoid the clinch game by Sakuraba and pushes him away!
Franklin tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Franklin grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Franklin tries to jump to side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba closed his guard around Rich Franklin.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Rich Franklin keeps control and remains in side mount.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to show some ground skills
Kazushi Sakuraba put Franklin in half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba breaths deeply while on the ground
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
That round was a toss up.
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Round 2
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Rich Franklin leans forwards and tries to grapple with Sakuraba
Franklin shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba launches a few hard punches to Rich Franklin's ribs!
Rich Franklin's ribs shows the damage! Kazushi Sakuraba is working his opponent ribs!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
As the fight continues it seems that Kazushi Sakuraba is taking the best of the fight.
Brutal knees to Franklin's face, followed by knees to the body from Kazushi Sakuraba!
Bang! Franklin can take many more shots like that!
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin takes a break to breathe while holding Kazushi Sakuraba.
Josh Rosenthal sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
Sakuraba tries to grapple
Franklin moves aside keeping the fight a strinking range
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Franklin pummels back into position.
Poorly executed technique. Rich Franklin looks to counter!
Rich Franklin attempts a sweep single...
Rich Franklin catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Franklin.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin tries to escape from the closed guard
Franklin succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Franklin
He succeeds!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba 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 closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin tries to open up Kazushi Sakuraba's defense faking a few punches.
Kazushi Sakuraba wraps his arms around Franklin's arms and counters the punches.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Rich Franklin realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Josh Rosenthal 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Franklin is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:30 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin is in closed guard... Sakuraba 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 Sakuraba
Rich Franklin wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Rich Franklin can't find an opening in his opponent's guard!
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Franklin is in closed guard... Sakuraba 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 Sakuraba
Franklin tries to escape from closed guard...
Franklin struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Franklin launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Sakuraba is covering himself! Franklin tries to force the situation and Sakuraba clumsily gives his back!
Franklin is in rear mount over Sakuraba
Body shots by Rich Franklin
Solid blows to Sakuraba's abdomen.
Franklin is in rear mount over Sakuraba
Sakuraba has Franklin controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Franklin is unable to move under Sakuraba control.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Franklin tries to launch a few punches to Kazushi Sakuraba
Little effect. A lot of them are hitting Sakuraba's defense
Franklin is in rear mount over Sakuraba
Sakuraba has Franklin controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Showing some ground skills he transitions to a side mount.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Franklin tries to open up Kazushi Sakuraba's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Sakuraba in the side of the head
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Sakuraba tries to show some ground skills
Kazushi Sakuraba put Franklin in half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rich Franklin tries to free his leg...
Rich Franklin uses some of his skill by jumping out of Sakuraba's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Rich Franklin keeps control and remains in side mount.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Rich Franklin looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Rich Franklin slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 4:45 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba 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.
Franklin tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Rich Franklin hovers above Sakuraba
Good punches to Sakuraba's body.
Josh Rosenthal 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Sakuraba jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Franklin doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Franklin forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
You have to give that round to Rich Franklin.
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Round 3
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Sakuraba moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Hard blow to Franklin's thigh!
Franklin and Sakuraba circle around the center of the cage.
The clock says 0:40 in the 3 round
Several good body shots
are evaded by Franklin.
Franklin tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Franklin is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 1:05 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Franklin
He succeeds!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin tries to escape from the closed guard
Franklin succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba 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 open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Franklin
He succeeds!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Franklin struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin works on the ground with his fingers over Sakuraba's face
Sakuraba shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba 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 Sakuraba
Franklin is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Rich Franklin gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Franklin
Sakuraba breaths deeply while on the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Franklin
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Rich Franklin
Solid shots!
Franklin's Mouth is beginning to swell
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Franklin
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rich Franklin against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Rich Franklin struggles not allowing Kazushi Sakuraba improve his position.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Franklin measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Sakuraba blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
The clock says 3:15 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Sakuraba can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish with a leg lock!
Franklin is able to break the lock.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Franklin tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He succeeds!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Sakuraba tries to escape from closed guard...
Sakuraba struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin attempts to move to full guard
Rich Franklin manages to switch to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Franklin
Sakuraba tries to move to full mount
Sakuraba succeeds
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Kazushi Sakuraba doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 4:25 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Sakuraba works on the ground with his fingers over Franklin's face
Franklin shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Sakuraba 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!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin breaths deeply while on the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Sakuraba catch Rich Franklin's right arm and tries a kimura
Rich Franklin holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Rich Franklin tries to take advantage...
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Sakuraba's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Sakuraba tries to cover his face,
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
That was an even round for the most part.
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Round 4
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Several good body shots
land on Sakuraba.
Rich Franklin moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense.
Franklin and Sakuraba circle around the center of the cage.
The clock says 0:35 in the 4 round
A bad move from Rich Franklin
allows Sakuraba to land a solid head kick.
Franklin has a small cut in his Chin
Nice punch by Kazushi Sakuraba
who outboxes his opponent in this exchange.
Franklin's Nose is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Franklin tries to grapple
Sakuraba moves aside keeping the fight a strinking range
Rich Franklin just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Sakuraba quickly defends.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba down... Sakuraba stumbles backwards and Rich Franklin launches a few punches...
Kazushi Sakuraba dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Franklin grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Sakuraba struggles... Rich Franklin is unable to take him down
Franklin misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Sakuraba jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin takes a break to breathe while holding Kazushi Sakuraba.
Josh Rosenthal separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The clock says 2:00 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Several good body shots
land on Franklin.
Hard blow to Franklin's mid-section, he seems hurt
Rich Franklin jabs at Sakuraba
hitting his chest.
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a low kick
that gets blocked quickly.
Not a desiderable position that Sakuraba is in now. Rich Franklin is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Rich Franklin shoots for a double leg takedown!
Kazushi Sakuraba sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Rich Franklin shoots for a double leg takedown!
Kazushi Sakuraba sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Rich Franklin gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Rich Franklin
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba launches a knee!
Franklin blocks that knee.
The fighters are clinching.
Kazushi Sakuraba grapple with Rich Franklin and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
nice takedown Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to stand up!
Sakuraba doesn't allow him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to pass to mount...
Sakuraba slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Rich Franklin.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Sakuraba suddenly holds Rich Franklin's arm and tries an armbar!
Franklin can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Josh Rosenthal 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Rich Franklin tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Kazushi Sakuraba jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Franklin misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Sakuraba wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Sakuraba moves forward and holds Franklin
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes away Franklin trying to keep the fight at striking range
Franklin doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Kazushi Sakuraba
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba down... Sakuraba stumbles backwards and Rich Franklin launches a few punches...
Kazushi Sakuraba dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Several good body shots
are evaded by Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba steps forward and fires a high kick!
Vicious high kick, I can't believe that landed!
A right hand from Rich Franklin
misses its target.
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
That was an even round for the most part.
The cutman is working on Franklin's face.
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Round 5
=========================================
Bone shattering straight right hand from Kazushi Sakuraba!
Franklin ducks under...
The clock says 0:25 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Rich Franklin
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The clock says 0:35 in the 5 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rich Franklin embrace and tries to move away...
Rich Franklin pushes Sakuraba forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Franklin doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Franklin who put distance between them
The two exchange wildly
Franklin is connecting with a few punches
Rich Franklin is doing his best Floyd Mayweather impression by not engaging.
The clock says 1:10 in the 5 round
Sakuraba steps forward
Franklin feints.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Rich Franklin
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a few punches and tries a quick knee
Franklin blocks it and move a step back
Poorly executed technique. Rich Franklin looks to counter!
Franklin avoids a dangerous strike from Sakuraba
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Kazushi Sakuraba goes with a looping right hand while Rich Franklin jumps back and jabs
Sakuraba seems staggered and Rich Franklin runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Nice punches from Kazushi Sakuraba.
Franklin staggers backwards. Sakuraba wants to finish this and continues launching bombs!
The clock says 2:05 in the 5 round
A left hook from Franklin
grazes the chin of Sakuraba.
Nice punches from Kazushi Sakuraba.
Franklin staggers backwards. Sakuraba wants to finish this and continues launching bombs!
Franklin moves to shoot
but Kazushi Sakuraba delivers a knee that wrecks him!
Franklin's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Franklin launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Sakuraba's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that?
Josh Rosenthal didn't see the foul!
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin fakes a punch to Kazushi Sakuraba ribs and the tries to trip him
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground
The clock says 3:20 in the 5 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin works on the ground with his fingers over Sakuraba's face
He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Josh Rosenthal didn't see the foul!
The clock says 3:30 in the 5 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin struggles on the ground and tries to break Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Rich Franklin is in Sakuraba open guard now
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Franklin moves on the ground..
...he makes no progress.
The clock says 3:45 in the 5 round
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Franklin moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Franklin tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Sakuraba from the side mount!
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Franklin is taking this opportunity to rest.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Rich Franklin can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Rich Franklin looks to pass to mount...
Franklin slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Kazushi Sakuraba.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Rich Franklin in his guard...
Rich Franklin keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 4:30 in the 5 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to escape from the full mount...
Rich Franklin is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Rich Franklin looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Rich Franklin slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Rich Franklin in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rich Franklin pushes Kazushi Sakuraba against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Kazushi Sakuraba struggles not allowing Rich Franklin improve his position.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Kazushi Sakuraba has to be confident that he won that round.
Winner is Rich Franklin by Split decision
Statistics: Rich Franklin
Punches 19/37 (51%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 2/9 (22%)
Takedowns 6/11 (55%)
GnP strikes 20/33 (61%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 824 s
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 24/37 (65%)
Kicks 5/6 (83%)
Clinch strikes 9/15 (60%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 17/24 (71%)
Submissions 8/8 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 824 s
This is SOOO WEIRD.
Okay, so not for one second, NOT A SINGLE SECOND of this fight did Franklin have more health than Sakuraba. Sakuraba did more damage, and was a lot tougher. Yet...I don't think I disagree with this decision... Franklin seemed to control much of the fight, despite getting his ass kicked every single second of it....
Rich Franklin is calm in his corner. He looks convinced of his abilities.
Ferocious staredown by Sakuraba while Josh Rosenthal recites the rules.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Josh Rosenthal.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Franklin and Sakuraba move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Solid low kick from Kazushi Sakuraba.
For sure, that had to hurt!
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
Franklin wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Franklin moves forward and holds Sakuraba
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
a flying knee from Sakuraba towards Rich Franklin's face
hits it, what a strike surely that hurts, Franklin got to be more careful now
Franklin has a small cut in his Left eye
Franklin doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Franklin forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin tries to break the clinch... Kazushi Sakuraba launches a great knee when he finds a narrow space!
Awesome impact! Franklin stumbles backwards and Kazushi Sakuraba shoots an incredible takedown!
Franklin is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 1:00 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Rich Franklin keeps control and remains in side mount.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Not a desiderable position that Sakuraba is in now. Rich Franklin is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Rich Franklin is cooling the fight on the ground
The clock says 1:35 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Franklin spins out, but Kazushi Sakuraba was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Franklin is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Sakuraba misses a step and Rich Franklin sees an opportunity to counter him!
Rich Franklin decides to jump inside Sakuraba's guard.
Sakuraba didn't see that coming. Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba now.
The clock says 1:45 in the 1 round
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba attempts a triangle from bottom! Rich Franklin slips out. Sakuraba quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Rich Franklin slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Josh Rosenthal 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Rich Franklin tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba won't budge, forcing Franklin to pull guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Sakuraba blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Sakuraba's ribs.
The clock says 2:30 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Sakuraba tries to escape from closed guard...
Sakuraba struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Franklin
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a kimura
Franklin breaks the lock.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Rich Franklin attempts to move to full guard
Rich Franklin manages to switch to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Sakuraba's side.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to posture up and open Rich Franklin's guard...
Rich Franklin has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Sakuraba's side.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Franklin measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Sakuraba's side.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Sakuraba tries to open up Rich Franklin's defense faking a few punches.
Rich Franklin wraps his arms around Sakuraba's arms and counters the punches.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Franklin tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Rich Franklin gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Sakuraba tries to escape from closed guard...
Franklin waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Kazushi Sakuraba! He is reversed and nor Rich Franklin is on half guard!
Josh Rosenthal has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Rich Franklin and Sakuraba engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Franklin!
Rich Franklin is smart enough to avoid the clinch game by Sakuraba and pushes him away!
Franklin tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Franklin grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Franklin tries to jump to side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba closed his guard around Rich Franklin.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Rich Franklin keeps control and remains in side mount.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to show some ground skills
Kazushi Sakuraba put Franklin in half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba breaths deeply while on the ground
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba measures the resilience of Franklin's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Franklin's side.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
That round was a toss up.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Rich Franklin leans forwards and tries to grapple with Sakuraba
Franklin shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba launches a few hard punches to Rich Franklin's ribs!
Rich Franklin's ribs shows the damage! Kazushi Sakuraba is working his opponent ribs!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
As the fight continues it seems that Kazushi Sakuraba is taking the best of the fight.
Brutal knees to Franklin's face, followed by knees to the body from Kazushi Sakuraba!
Bang! Franklin can take many more shots like that!
The clock says 0:45 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin takes a break to breathe while holding Kazushi Sakuraba.
Josh Rosenthal sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
Sakuraba tries to grapple
Franklin moves aside keeping the fight a strinking range
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Franklin pummels back into position.
Poorly executed technique. Rich Franklin looks to counter!
Rich Franklin attempts a sweep single...
Rich Franklin catches Kazushi Sakuraba's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Franklin.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin tries to escape from the closed guard
Franklin succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Franklin
He succeeds!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba 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 closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin tries to open up Kazushi Sakuraba's defense faking a few punches.
Kazushi Sakuraba wraps his arms around Franklin's arms and counters the punches.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Rich Franklin realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Josh Rosenthal 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Franklin is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:30 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin is in closed guard... Sakuraba 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 Sakuraba
Rich Franklin wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Rich Franklin can't find an opening in his opponent's guard!
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Franklin is in closed guard... Sakuraba 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 Sakuraba
Franklin tries to escape from closed guard...
Franklin struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Franklin launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Sakuraba is covering himself! Franklin tries to force the situation and Sakuraba clumsily gives his back!
Franklin is in rear mount over Sakuraba
Body shots by Rich Franklin
Solid blows to Sakuraba's abdomen.
Franklin is in rear mount over Sakuraba
Sakuraba has Franklin controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Franklin is unable to move under Sakuraba control.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Franklin tries to launch a few punches to Kazushi Sakuraba
Little effect. A lot of them are hitting Sakuraba's defense
Franklin is in rear mount over Sakuraba
Sakuraba has Franklin controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Showing some ground skills he transitions to a side mount.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Franklin tries to open up Kazushi Sakuraba's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Sakuraba in the side of the head
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Sakuraba tries to show some ground skills
Kazushi Sakuraba put Franklin in half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rich Franklin tries to free his leg...
Rich Franklin uses some of his skill by jumping out of Sakuraba's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Rich Franklin keeps control and remains in side mount.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Rich Franklin looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Rich Franklin slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 4:45 in the 2 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba 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.
Franklin tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Rich Franklin hovers above Sakuraba
Good punches to Sakuraba's body.
Josh Rosenthal 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Sakuraba jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Franklin doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Franklin forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
You have to give that round to Rich Franklin.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Sakuraba moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Hard blow to Franklin's thigh!
Franklin and Sakuraba circle around the center of the cage.
The clock says 0:40 in the 3 round
Several good body shots
are evaded by Franklin.
Franklin tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Franklin is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Rich Franklin in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 1:05 in the 3 round
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Franklin
He succeeds!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin tries to escape from the closed guard
Franklin succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba 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 open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around Franklin
He succeeds!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Franklin struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin works on the ground with his fingers over Sakuraba's face
Sakuraba shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba 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 Sakuraba
Franklin is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Rich Franklin!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Rich Franklin gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Franklin
Sakuraba breaths deeply while on the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Franklin
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Rich Franklin
Solid shots!
Franklin's Mouth is beginning to swell
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Franklin
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rich Franklin against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Rich Franklin struggles not allowing Kazushi Sakuraba improve his position.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Franklin measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Sakuraba blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
The clock says 3:15 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Franklin
Franklin cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Sakuraba can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish with a leg lock!
Franklin is able to break the lock.
Franklin is trying to counter now!
Franklin tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He succeeds!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Franklin
Sakuraba tries to escape from closed guard...
Sakuraba struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Franklin
Rich Franklin attempts to move to full guard
Rich Franklin manages to switch to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Franklin
Sakuraba tries to move to full mount
Sakuraba succeeds
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Kazushi Sakuraba doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Rich Franklin tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 4:25 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Sakuraba works on the ground with his fingers over Franklin's face
Franklin shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Sakuraba 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!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin breaths deeply while on the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Sakuraba catch Rich Franklin's right arm and tries a kimura
Rich Franklin holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Rich Franklin tries to take advantage...
Rich Franklin launches a few punches to Sakuraba's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Sakuraba tries to cover his face,
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
That was an even round for the most part.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Several good body shots
land on Sakuraba.
Rich Franklin moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense.
Franklin and Sakuraba circle around the center of the cage.
The clock says 0:35 in the 4 round
A bad move from Rich Franklin
allows Sakuraba to land a solid head kick.
Franklin has a small cut in his Chin
Nice punch by Kazushi Sakuraba
who outboxes his opponent in this exchange.
Franklin's Nose is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Franklin tries to grapple
Sakuraba moves aside keeping the fight a strinking range
Rich Franklin just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Sakuraba quickly defends.
Sakuraba tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Sakuraba jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba down... Sakuraba stumbles backwards and Rich Franklin launches a few punches...
Kazushi Sakuraba dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Franklin grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Sakuraba struggles... Rich Franklin is unable to take him down
Franklin misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Sakuraba jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The fighters are clinching.
Franklin takes a break to breathe while holding Kazushi Sakuraba.
Josh Rosenthal separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The clock says 2:00 in the 4 round
Rich Franklin takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Several good body shots
land on Franklin.
Hard blow to Franklin's mid-section, he seems hurt
Rich Franklin jabs at Sakuraba
hitting his chest.
Kazushi Sakuraba launches a low kick
that gets blocked quickly.
Not a desiderable position that Sakuraba is in now. Rich Franklin is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Rich Franklin shoots for a double leg takedown!
Kazushi Sakuraba sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Rich Franklin shoots for a double leg takedown!
Kazushi Sakuraba sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Rich Franklin gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Rich Franklin
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba launches a knee!
Franklin blocks that knee.
The fighters are clinching.
Kazushi Sakuraba grapple with Rich Franklin and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
nice takedown Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Franklin tries to stand up!
Sakuraba doesn't allow him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Rich Franklin
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to pass to mount...
Sakuraba slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Rich Franklin.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Rich Franklin
Sakuraba suddenly holds Rich Franklin's arm and tries an armbar!
Franklin can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Josh Rosenthal 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 SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Rich Franklin tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Kazushi Sakuraba jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Franklin misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Sakuraba wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Sakuraba moves forward and holds Franklin
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes away Franklin trying to keep the fight at striking range
Franklin doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Kazushi Sakuraba
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Franklin tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba down... Sakuraba stumbles backwards and Rich Franklin launches a few punches...
Kazushi Sakuraba dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Several good body shots
are evaded by Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba steps forward and fires a high kick!
Vicious high kick, I can't believe that landed!
A right hand from Rich Franklin
misses its target.
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
That was an even round for the most part.
The cutman is working on Franklin's face.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Bone shattering straight right hand from Kazushi Sakuraba!
Franklin ducks under...
The clock says 0:25 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Rich Franklin
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The clock says 0:35 in the 5 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Rich Franklin embrace and tries to move away...
Rich Franklin pushes Sakuraba forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Rich Franklin to fight back!
Franklin doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Franklin who put distance between them
The two exchange wildly
Franklin is connecting with a few punches
Rich Franklin is doing his best Floyd Mayweather impression by not engaging.
The clock says 1:10 in the 5 round
Sakuraba steps forward
Franklin feints.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Rich Franklin
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a few punches and tries a quick knee
Franklin blocks it and move a step back
Poorly executed technique. Rich Franklin looks to counter!
Franklin avoids a dangerous strike from Sakuraba
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Kazushi Sakuraba goes with a looping right hand while Rich Franklin jumps back and jabs
Sakuraba seems staggered and Rich Franklin runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Nice punches from Kazushi Sakuraba.
Franklin staggers backwards. Sakuraba wants to finish this and continues launching bombs!
The clock says 2:05 in the 5 round
A left hook from Franklin
grazes the chin of Sakuraba.
Nice punches from Kazushi Sakuraba.
Franklin staggers backwards. Sakuraba wants to finish this and continues launching bombs!
Franklin moves to shoot
but Kazushi Sakuraba delivers a knee that wrecks him!
Franklin's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Franklin launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Sakuraba's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that?
Josh Rosenthal didn't see the foul!
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
The fighters are clinching.
Rich Franklin fakes a punch to Kazushi Sakuraba ribs and the tries to trip him
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground
The clock says 3:20 in the 5 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin works on the ground with his fingers over Sakuraba's face
He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Josh Rosenthal didn't see the foul!
The clock says 3:30 in the 5 round
Rich Franklin is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Franklin struggles on the ground and tries to break Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Rich Franklin is in Sakuraba open guard now
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Franklin moves on the ground..
...he makes no progress.
The clock says 3:45 in the 5 round
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Franklin moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Rich Franklin is in half guard over Sakuraba
Franklin tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Sakuraba from the side mount!
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Franklin is taking this opportunity to rest.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Rich Franklin can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Rich Franklin looks to pass to mount...
Franklin slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Kazushi Sakuraba.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Rich Franklin in his guard...
Rich Franklin keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 4:30 in the 5 round
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to escape from the full mount...
Rich Franklin is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Rich Franklin is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Rich Franklin looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Rich Franklin slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Rich Franklin is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Rich Franklin in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Rich Franklin is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rich Franklin pushes Kazushi Sakuraba against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Kazushi Sakuraba struggles not allowing Rich Franklin improve his position.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Kazushi Sakuraba has to be confident that he won that round.
Winner is Rich Franklin by Split decision
Statistics: Rich Franklin
Punches 19/37 (51%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 2/9 (22%)
Takedowns 6/11 (55%)
GnP strikes 20/33 (61%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 824 s
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 24/37 (65%)
Kicks 5/6 (83%)
Clinch strikes 9/15 (60%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 17/24 (71%)
Submissions 8/8 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 824 s
This is SOOO WEIRD.
Okay, so not for one second, NOT A SINGLE SECOND of this fight did Franklin have more health than Sakuraba. Sakuraba did more damage, and was a lot tougher. Yet...I don't think I disagree with this decision... Franklin seemed to control much of the fight, despite getting his ass kicked every single second of it....
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!