Post by The Sandmen on Dec 20, 2013 14:47:32 GMT -5
Vitor Belfort looks like he's feeling the pressure.
Kazushi Sakuraba raises his fists in his corner. He seems confident.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Sakuraba is the fighter that will win today if we pay attention to the bets.
The referee of the bout is Steve Mazzagatti.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The bell announces the first round!
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
Vitor Belfort tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Sakuraba is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Vitor Belfort is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around The Phenom
He is not able to do it
Vitor Belfort is in open guard over Sakuraba
The Phenom tries to jump to side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba closed his guard around Vitor Belfort.
Vitor Belfort is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Vitor Belfort in his guard.
Vitor Belfort keeps control and remains in side mount.
Vitor Belfort is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Vitor Belfort looks to pass to mount...
The Phenom slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Kazushi Sakuraba.
The clock says 1:10 in the 1 round
Vitor Belfort is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Good looking punches from Vitor Belfort on the ground
They could take their toll on Sakuraba.
Sakuraba has a small cut in his Chin
Vitor Belfort is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Vitor Belfort in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Vitor Belfort is in open guard over Sakuraba
The Phenom gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Kazushi Sakuraba! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Kazushi Sakuraba doesn't defend himself!
There is a small laceration on Kazushi Sakuraba's Nose
Vitor Belfort is in open guard over Sakuraba
Vitor Belfort pushes Kazushi Sakuraba against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
The Phenom jumps and tries to free his leg! Sakuraba doesn't allow this but Vitor Belfort is able to get half guard here.
Vitor Belfort is in half guard over Sakuraba
Vitor Belfort tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Vitor Belfort manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 1:55 in the 1 round
Vitor Belfort is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
The Phenom tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Vitor Belfort is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
The Phenom tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Vitor Belfort controls the situation despite Kazushi Sakuraba efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Vitor Belfort is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Vitor Belfort in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Vitor Belfort is in open guard over Sakuraba
Vitor Belfort aggressively and repeatedly punches Sakuraba.
He needs to do something soon or the referee will stop the fight!
Vitor Belfort is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around The Phenom
He succeeds!
Vitor Belfort is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Vitor Belfort tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Vitor Belfort manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
The clock says 2:55 in the 1 round
Vitor Belfort is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
The Phenom is trying to counter now!
Vitor Belfort pushes Sakuraba's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by The Phenom who is in full mount! Sakuraba is in trouble now!
Vitor Belfort is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
The Phenom tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Vitor Belfort controls the situation despite Kazushi Sakuraba efforts for escaping from the full mount.
The clock says 3:15 in the 1 round
Vitor Belfort is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Vitor Belfort pushes Kazushi Sakuraba down and prevents his attempts to escape
Vitor Belfort is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Steve Mazzagatti 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 Sudbury Community Arena (Sudbury, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Sakuraba tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Sakuraba is clinching with The Phenom.
The clock says 3:45 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
The Phenom tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba down... Sakuraba stumbles backwards and Vitor Belfort launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Sakuraba's jaw!
The fighters are clinching.
The Phenom gets himself into good position and looks to change levels for the takedown...
The Phenom gets hold of a leg and trips Sakuraba to the mat!
The clock says 4:05 in the 1 round
Vitor Belfort is in closed guard over Sakuraba
The Phenom is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Vitor Belfort!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Vitor Belfort
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
The Phenom is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
The clock says 4:25 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Vitor Belfort
Vitor Belfort tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Vitor Belfort gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over The Phenom
The Phenom 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 open guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Vitor Belfort can't prevent his opponent from passing. Sakuraba looks to work from half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg
Kazushi Sakuraba uses some of his skill by jumping out of The Phenom's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
The round is for The Phenom, who walks calmly to his corner.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Sakuraba tries to grapple
He puts The Phenom in a double underhook!
The fighters are clinching.
The Phenom struggles and launches a few punches to Sakuraba's head
Nothing from this... Vitor Belfort seems frustrated.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Brutal punches to The Phenom's face while in the clinch!
The Phenom can't take many more shots like those!
The Phenom's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Vitor Belfort embrace and tries to move away...
Vitor Belfort pushes Sakuraba forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The clock says 0:35 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Sakuraba blocks Vitor Belfort's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over The Phenom
Sakuraba is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Sakuraba use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Sudbury Community Arena (Sudbury, Ontario) is cheering him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Vitor Belfort
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to pass to mount...
The Phenom creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Sudbury Community Arena (Sudbury, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Kazushi Sakuraba and The Phenom engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Vitor Belfort
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
The Phenom launches a few hard punches to Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs!
Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs shows the damage! Vitor Belfort is working his opponent ribs!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
The Phenom tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba down... Sakuraba stumbles backwards and Vitor Belfort launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Sakuraba's jaw!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
The Phenom pummels back into position.
The Phenom is trying to counter now!
Vitor Belfort locks up a guillotine with an arm in...
Kazushi Sakuraba brings Vitor Belfort down to the ground and pulls his head out.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over The Phenom
Sakuraba use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Vitor Belfort holds Kazushi Sakuraba and prevents him from moving to a better position!
The Phenom is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba is in closed guard... The Phenom tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over The Phenom
BJJ! That is what must be passing through The Phenom's mind right now. Nobody wants to stay long in that position with a submission artist like Sakuraba
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 The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba goes for an americana!
The Phenom breaks free.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Vitor Belfort tries to take advantage...
Vitor Belfort tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
Sakuraba sits over his knees and pushes away The Phenom's leg!
Kazushi Sakuraba is able to put away his leg and then jumps to side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Vitor Belfort
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Vitor Belfort
Blocked by The Phenom.
The Phenom is trying to counter now!
Vitor Belfort launches a few punches to Sakuraba's cheek from the guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Sudbury Community Arena (Sudbury, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
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.
Kazushi Sakuraba is controlling the clinch and launches a vicious knee!
Crushing blow to The Phenom's face.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
The Phenom doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes The Phenom forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The Phenom clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Vitor Belfort embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Sakuraba who put distance between them
Middle kick from Sakuraba.
The Phenom receives a solid kick right below his ribs.
The Phenom attempts a shoot
Kazushi Sakuraba hops back and delivers a powerful kick to his head!
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Vitor Belfort
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
The Phenom tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba down... Sakuraba stumbles backwards and Vitor Belfort launches a few punches...
Kazushi Sakuraba dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
The clock says 4:00 in the 2 round
Vitor Belfort takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
The two exchange wildly
Sakuraba is connecting with a few punches
This match is even... This could go the distance.
The Phenom launches a kick
but Kazushi Sakuraba avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook!
The clock says 4:35 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Vitor Belfort slightly pushes Sakuraba into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
Steve Mazzagatti sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
That was an even round for the most part.
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Round 3
=========================================
Quick hook by Kazushi Sakuraba
Good shot! The Phenom has reasons to be worried.
The clock says 0:20 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Vitor Belfort
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba tries a flying knee towards Vitor Belfort's chest
what a move the impact sents The Phenom to the fence
The clock says 0:35 in the 3 round
Sakuraba decides to launch some tentative punches
The Phenom launches a couple of jabs that are answered by Sakuraba with a stiff cross! Solid exchange!
The Phenom moves to shoot
but Kazushi Sakuraba delivers a knee that wrecks him!
There is a small laceration on Vitor Belfort's Left cheek
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to bring the fight to the ground
The Phenom goes down.
The clock says 1:00 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Vitor Belfort can't prevent his opponent from passing. Sakuraba looks to work from half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass Vitor Belfort's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba passes momentarily but Vitor Belfort sees and opening and traps him in full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over The Phenom
Sakuraba is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Vitor Belfort can't prevent his opponent from passing. Sakuraba looks to work from half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a kimura
The Phenom breaks the lock.
The Phenom is trying to counter now!
Vitor Belfort attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba isolates Vitor Belfort's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Vitor Belfort is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Vitor Belfort to fight back!
Vitor Belfort tries to close the guard.
The Phenom put Kazushi Sakuraba in closed guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass Vitor Belfort's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg
Vitor Belfort 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.
Sakuraba fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Vitor Belfort didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish with a leg lock!
The Phenom is able to break the lock.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Vitor Belfort to fight back!
Vitor Belfort isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Sakuraba blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass The Phenom's guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
The Phenom is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Steve Mazzagatti didn't see that!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba isolates Vitor Belfort's left arm looking for an armbar...
Sakuraba is locking that armbar...
You can see the pain reflected in The Phenom's eyes...
That armbar looks tight...
You can see the pain reflected in The Phenom's eyes...
Vitor Belfort manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Kazushi Sakuraba lost his dominant position.
Vitor Belfort is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around The Phenom
He succeeds!
Vitor Belfort is in closed guard over Sakuraba
The Phenom 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.
The Phenom is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Vitor Belfort!
The clock says 2:55 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Vitor Belfort
The Phenom 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 full mount over Vitor Belfort
The Phenom 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 Phenom misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Vitor Belfort tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba rolls Vitor Belfort to his stomach and takes his back!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over The Phenom
Sakuraba tries to end this with a RNC!
The Phenom struggles to free himself
That RNC looks tight...
Punishing hold!
That RNC from Kazushi Sakuraba appears to be unbreakable
You can see the pain reflected in The Phenom's eyes...
The Phenom is turning blue as the iron lock is closed around his neck. Vitor Belfort is blacking out and he taps before going to sleep!
Winner is Kazushi Sakuraba by Submission (RNC) at 3:24 Round 3
Statistics: Vitor Belfort
Punches 7/10 (70%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 6/17 (35%)
Takedowns 2/2 (100%)
GnP strikes 16/22 (73%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 456 s
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 13/16 (81%)
Kicks 3/3 (100%)
Clinch strikes 6/7 (86%)
Takedowns 3/4 (75%)
GnP strikes 0/4 (0%)
Submissions 7/7 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 456 s
Vitor first, Sakuraba second. BUt second came in first, you see. His tough as fuck-ness also helped.
Kazushi Sakuraba raises his fists in his corner. He seems confident.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Sakuraba is the fighter that will win today if we pay attention to the bets.
The referee of the bout is Steve Mazzagatti.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The bell announces the first round!
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
Vitor Belfort tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Sakuraba is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Vitor Belfort is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around The Phenom
He is not able to do it
Vitor Belfort is in open guard over Sakuraba
The Phenom tries to jump to side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba closed his guard around Vitor Belfort.
Vitor Belfort is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Vitor Belfort in his guard.
Vitor Belfort keeps control and remains in side mount.
Vitor Belfort is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Vitor Belfort looks to pass to mount...
The Phenom slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Kazushi Sakuraba.
The clock says 1:10 in the 1 round
Vitor Belfort is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Good looking punches from Vitor Belfort on the ground
They could take their toll on Sakuraba.
Sakuraba has a small cut in his Chin
Vitor Belfort is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Vitor Belfort in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Vitor Belfort is in open guard over Sakuraba
The Phenom gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Kazushi Sakuraba! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Kazushi Sakuraba doesn't defend himself!
There is a small laceration on Kazushi Sakuraba's Nose
Vitor Belfort is in open guard over Sakuraba
Vitor Belfort pushes Kazushi Sakuraba against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
The Phenom jumps and tries to free his leg! Sakuraba doesn't allow this but Vitor Belfort is able to get half guard here.
Vitor Belfort is in half guard over Sakuraba
Vitor Belfort tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Vitor Belfort manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 1:55 in the 1 round
Vitor Belfort is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
The Phenom tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Vitor Belfort is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
The Phenom tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Vitor Belfort controls the situation despite Kazushi Sakuraba efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Vitor Belfort is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to roll to his side and trap Vitor Belfort in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Vitor Belfort is in open guard over Sakuraba
Vitor Belfort aggressively and repeatedly punches Sakuraba.
He needs to do something soon or the referee will stop the fight!
Vitor Belfort is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around The Phenom
He succeeds!
Vitor Belfort is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Vitor Belfort tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Vitor Belfort manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
The clock says 2:55 in the 1 round
Vitor Belfort is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
The Phenom is trying to counter now!
Vitor Belfort pushes Sakuraba's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by The Phenom who is in full mount! Sakuraba is in trouble now!
Vitor Belfort is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
The Phenom tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Vitor Belfort controls the situation despite Kazushi Sakuraba efforts for escaping from the full mount.
The clock says 3:15 in the 1 round
Vitor Belfort is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Vitor Belfort pushes Kazushi Sakuraba down and prevents his attempts to escape
Vitor Belfort is in full mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to stand up!
he is now on his feet
Steve Mazzagatti 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 Sudbury Community Arena (Sudbury, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Sakuraba tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Sakuraba is clinching with The Phenom.
The clock says 3:45 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
The Phenom tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba down... Sakuraba stumbles backwards and Vitor Belfort launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Sakuraba's jaw!
The fighters are clinching.
The Phenom gets himself into good position and looks to change levels for the takedown...
The Phenom gets hold of a leg and trips Sakuraba to the mat!
The clock says 4:05 in the 1 round
Vitor Belfort is in closed guard over Sakuraba
The Phenom is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Vitor Belfort!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Vitor Belfort
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
The Phenom is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
The clock says 4:25 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Vitor Belfort
Vitor Belfort tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Vitor Belfort gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over The Phenom
The Phenom 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 open guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Vitor Belfort can't prevent his opponent from passing. Sakuraba looks to work from half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg
Kazushi Sakuraba uses some of his skill by jumping out of The Phenom's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
The round is for The Phenom, who walks calmly to his corner.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Sakuraba tries to grapple
He puts The Phenom in a double underhook!
The fighters are clinching.
The Phenom struggles and launches a few punches to Sakuraba's head
Nothing from this... Vitor Belfort seems frustrated.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Brutal punches to The Phenom's face while in the clinch!
The Phenom can't take many more shots like those!
The Phenom's Left cheek is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Vitor Belfort embrace and tries to move away...
Vitor Belfort pushes Sakuraba forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The clock says 0:35 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Sakuraba blocks Vitor Belfort's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over The Phenom
Sakuraba is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Sakuraba use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Sudbury Community Arena (Sudbury, Ontario) is cheering him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Vitor Belfort
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to pass to mount...
The Phenom creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Sudbury Community Arena (Sudbury, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Kazushi Sakuraba and The Phenom engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are connecting and this could be ending soon if either lands a lucky punch.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Vitor Belfort
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
The Phenom launches a few hard punches to Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs!
Kazushi Sakuraba's ribs shows the damage! Vitor Belfort is working his opponent ribs!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
The Phenom tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba down... Sakuraba stumbles backwards and Vitor Belfort launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Sakuraba's jaw!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
The Phenom pummels back into position.
The Phenom is trying to counter now!
Vitor Belfort locks up a guillotine with an arm in...
Kazushi Sakuraba brings Vitor Belfort down to the ground and pulls his head out.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over The Phenom
Sakuraba use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Vitor Belfort holds Kazushi Sakuraba and prevents him from moving to a better position!
The Phenom is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba is in closed guard... The Phenom tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over The Phenom
BJJ! That is what must be passing through The Phenom's mind right now. Nobody wants to stay long in that position with a submission artist like Sakuraba
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 The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba goes for an americana!
The Phenom breaks free.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Vitor Belfort tries to take advantage...
Vitor Belfort tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
Sakuraba sits over his knees and pushes away The Phenom's leg!
Kazushi Sakuraba is able to put away his leg and then jumps to side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Vitor Belfort
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Vitor Belfort
Blocked by The Phenom.
The Phenom is trying to counter now!
Vitor Belfort launches a few punches to Sakuraba's cheek from the guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Sudbury Community Arena (Sudbury, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
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.
Kazushi Sakuraba is controlling the clinch and launches a vicious knee!
Crushing blow to The Phenom's face.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
The Phenom doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes The Phenom forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The Phenom clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Sakuraba doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Vitor Belfort embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Sakuraba who put distance between them
Middle kick from Sakuraba.
The Phenom receives a solid kick right below his ribs.
The Phenom attempts a shoot
Kazushi Sakuraba hops back and delivers a powerful kick to his head!
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Vitor Belfort
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
The Phenom tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba down... Sakuraba stumbles backwards and Vitor Belfort launches a few punches...
Kazushi Sakuraba dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
The clock says 4:00 in the 2 round
Vitor Belfort takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
The two exchange wildly
Sakuraba is connecting with a few punches
This match is even... This could go the distance.
The Phenom launches a kick
but Kazushi Sakuraba avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook!
The clock says 4:35 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Kazushi Sakuraba moves forward looking for some grappling action
Sakuraba has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Vitor Belfort slightly pushes Sakuraba into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
Steve Mazzagatti sees a lack of activity in the clinch and separates the fighters.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
That was an even round for the most part.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Quick hook by Kazushi Sakuraba
Good shot! The Phenom has reasons to be worried.
The clock says 0:20 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Vitor Belfort
Great move by Sakuraba who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba tries a flying knee towards Vitor Belfort's chest
what a move the impact sents The Phenom to the fence
The clock says 0:35 in the 3 round
Sakuraba decides to launch some tentative punches
The Phenom launches a couple of jabs that are answered by Sakuraba with a stiff cross! Solid exchange!
The Phenom moves to shoot
but Kazushi Sakuraba delivers a knee that wrecks him!
There is a small laceration on Vitor Belfort's Left cheek
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to bring the fight to the ground
The Phenom goes down.
The clock says 1:00 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Vitor Belfort can't prevent his opponent from passing. Sakuraba looks to work from half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass Vitor Belfort's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba passes momentarily but Vitor Belfort sees and opening and traps him in full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over The Phenom
Sakuraba is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Vitor Belfort can't prevent his opponent from passing. Sakuraba looks to work from half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries a kimura
The Phenom breaks the lock.
The Phenom is trying to counter now!
Vitor Belfort attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba isolates Vitor Belfort's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Vitor Belfort is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Vitor Belfort to fight back!
Vitor Belfort tries to close the guard.
The Phenom put Kazushi Sakuraba in closed guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass Vitor Belfort's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg
Vitor Belfort 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.
Sakuraba fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Vitor Belfort didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish with a leg lock!
The Phenom is able to break the lock.
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Vitor Belfort to fight back!
Vitor Belfort isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Sakuraba blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass The Phenom's guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
The Phenom is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Steve Mazzagatti didn't see that!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over The Phenom
Kazushi Sakuraba isolates Vitor Belfort's left arm looking for an armbar...
Sakuraba is locking that armbar...
You can see the pain reflected in The Phenom's eyes...
That armbar looks tight...
You can see the pain reflected in The Phenom's eyes...
Vitor Belfort manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Kazushi Sakuraba lost his dominant position.
Vitor Belfort is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to close his guard around The Phenom
He succeeds!
Vitor Belfort is in closed guard over Sakuraba
The Phenom 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.
The Phenom is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Vitor Belfort!
The clock says 2:55 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Vitor Belfort
The Phenom 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 full mount over Vitor Belfort
The Phenom 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 Phenom misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Vitor Belfort tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba rolls Vitor Belfort to his stomach and takes his back!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over The Phenom
Sakuraba tries to end this with a RNC!
The Phenom struggles to free himself
That RNC looks tight...
Punishing hold!
That RNC from Kazushi Sakuraba appears to be unbreakable
You can see the pain reflected in The Phenom's eyes...
The Phenom is turning blue as the iron lock is closed around his neck. Vitor Belfort is blacking out and he taps before going to sleep!
Winner is Kazushi Sakuraba by Submission (RNC) at 3:24 Round 3
Statistics: Vitor Belfort
Punches 7/10 (70%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 6/17 (35%)
Takedowns 2/2 (100%)
GnP strikes 16/22 (73%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 456 s
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 13/16 (81%)
Kicks 3/3 (100%)
Clinch strikes 6/7 (86%)
Takedowns 3/4 (75%)
GnP strikes 0/4 (0%)
Submissions 7/7 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 456 s
Vitor first, Sakuraba second. BUt second came in first, you see. His tough as fuck-ness also helped.
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!