Post by The Sandmen on Mar 14, 2014 20:56:41 GMT -5
Dominick Cruz glares at his opponent from the opposite corner.
Ferocious staredown by Aoki while Herb Dean 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 Herb Dean.
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Round 1
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The fight gets underway.
The two exchange wildly
Both fighters are missing terribly.
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Some counter punches against Dominick Cruz
land while he's on his bicycle.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Dominick Cruz's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
The clock says 0:45 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Dominick Cruz holds Shinya Aoki and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Cruz leans and gets Shinya Aoki's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Herb Dean 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 Zalgiris Arena (Kaunas, Lithuania) are cheering for the fighters.
Aoki decides to launch some tentative punches
Nothing from this exchange. Aoki moves back and takes a deep breath.
1:46 Round 1 and Cruz is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Quick hook by Dominick Cruz
glances off Aoki's arms.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Cruz goes down.
The clock says 2:00 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground
Aoki cannot take advantage in the ground
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass to half guard...
Dominick Cruz can't prevent his opponent from passing. Aoki looks to work from half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki is cooling the fight on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 2:50 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki tries to move to full mount!
Cruz won't allow him to take this position easily.
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 Zalgiris Arena (Kaunas, Lithuania) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:00 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Crushing shot to Cruz's body! He's holding his side
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki struggles on the ground and tries to break Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki is in Cruz open guard now
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Dominick Cruz struggles not allowing Shinya Aoki improve his position.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground..
...he makes no progress.
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He succeeds!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki is looking to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Aoki moves forward looking for some action
Shinya Aoki shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Shinya Aoki embrace and tries to move away...
Shinya Aoki pushes Cruz forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch to Dominick Cruz ribs and the tries to trip him
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Cruz leans and gets Shinya Aoki's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz is taking this opportunity to rest.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Aoki is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Cruz breaks free.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Cruz breaks free.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Zalgiris Arena (Kaunas, Lithuania) are cheering for the fighters.
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Dominick Cruz tries a nice one-two combination
that gets blocked.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Aoki tries to grapple
He puts Cruz in a double underhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Aoki tries to take Dominick Cruz down... Cruz stumbles backwards and Shinya Aoki launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Cruz's jaw!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch to Dominick Cruz ribs and the tries to trip him
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Cruz leans and gets Shinya Aoki's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki is looking to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Dominick Cruz tries a hook to the body
but Aoki manages to dodge it
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki moves forward looking for some action
Shinya Aoki shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The clock says 2:30 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz tries to take Shinya Aoki down... Aoki stumbles backwards and Dominick Cruz launches a few punches...
Shinya Aoki dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Cruz launches a hook to the body
Shinya Aoki moves aside looking for a counter...
Aoki looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Dominick Cruz's punches
Cruz is on the receiving end of a great combo by Aoki.
The clock says 3:00 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Aoki goes down.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz tries to pass to half guard...
Shinya Aoki's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Herb Dean saw it!
Herb Dean takes away one point from Shinya Aoki for headbutt.
Herb Dean halts the fight to give Cruz time to recover. Dominick Cruz seems to be ready to fight again. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:40 in the 2 round
Cruz steps backwards away from Shinya Aoki. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Shinya Aoki leans forwards and tries to grapple with Cruz
Aoki shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The fighters are clinching.
Aoki pushes down Dominick Cruz and tries to pull guard
Cruz clumsily falls into Shinya Aoki's guard!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Shinya Aoki's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Shinya Aoki regains full guard.
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Cruz spins out, but Shinya Aoki was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Cruz is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Cruz cartwheels towards Aoki!
Aoki fights back and evades the cartwheel guard pass.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Cruz struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Aoki misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Cruz use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Shinya Aoki holds Dominick Cruz and prevents him from moving to a better position!
The clock says 4:40 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Cruz blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Aoki's guard.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz breaks the closed guard of Shinya Aoki and moves to half guard
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Dominick Cruz keeps control and remains in side mount.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Shinya Aoki goes with a looping right hand while Dominick Cruz jumps back and jabs
Aoki seems staggered and Dominick Cruz runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
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Round 3
=========================================
Dominick Cruz fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Dominick Cruz has found an opening in the defense of Aoki, launching a big uppercut
Shinya Aoki is fast enouigh to dodge that uppercut.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Aoki tries to grapple
He puts Cruz in a double underhook!
The fighters are clinching.
Aoki doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Dominick Cruz embrace and tries to move away...
Dominick Cruz pushes Aoki forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The clock says 0:40 in the 3 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Aoki gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Aoki blocks Dominick Cruz's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shinya Aoki!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Aoki's being punished here!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 1:35 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Cruz works on the ground with his fingers over Aoki's face
He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Herb Dean didn't see the foul!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll on the ground...
Cruz knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Shinya Aoki moves to half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Shinya Aoki's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Shinya Aoki sees and opening and traps him in full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz tries to escape from the closed guard
Dominick Cruz any adventage in the ground.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Dominick Cruz fakes a punch and launches himself over Shinya Aoki
Aoki counters with a few fake punches and then backpedals
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
Dominick Cruz jabs at Aoki
hitting his chest.
Aoki pushes Dominick Cruz and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Aoki fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Dominick Cruz didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
The clock says 3:50 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Aoki jumps and tries to free his leg! Cruz doesn't allow this but Shinya Aoki is able to get half guard here.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Dominick Cruz throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
Down Aoki goes! He's out cold! That phenomenal knock out has put the rest of Dominick Cruz's divison on notice!
Winner is Dominick Cruz by KO (Uppercut) at 0:21 Round 4
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 12/25 (48%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/4 (25%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 5/13 (38%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 527 s
Statistics: Shinya Aoki
Punches 12/17 (71%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 2/4 (50%)
Takedowns 8/9 (89%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 5/5 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 527 s
This fight didn't decide if it was going to be a good, interesting, long fight, or a nothing-boring fight. No one did much of anything, until Cruz's flash KO finish. Kind of unfortunate. This could have been a good one.
Ferocious staredown by Aoki while Herb Dean 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 Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
The two exchange wildly
Both fighters are missing terribly.
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki seems fresh. He may still have a lot of gas in his tank.
Some counter punches against Dominick Cruz
land while he's on his bicycle.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Dominick Cruz's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
The clock says 0:45 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Dominick Cruz holds Shinya Aoki and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Cruz leans and gets Shinya Aoki's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Dominick Cruz tries to take advantage...
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Herb Dean 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 Zalgiris Arena (Kaunas, Lithuania) are cheering for the fighters.
Aoki decides to launch some tentative punches
Nothing from this exchange. Aoki moves back and takes a deep breath.
1:46 Round 1 and Cruz is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Quick hook by Dominick Cruz
glances off Aoki's arms.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Cruz goes down.
The clock says 2:00 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground
Aoki cannot take advantage in the ground
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass to half guard...
Dominick Cruz can't prevent his opponent from passing. Aoki looks to work from half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki is cooling the fight on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Shinya Aoki uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 2:50 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki tries to move to full mount!
Cruz won't allow him to take this position easily.
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 Zalgiris Arena (Kaunas, Lithuania) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:00 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Dominick Cruz is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Crushing shot to Cruz's body! He's holding his side
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki struggles on the ground and tries to break Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki is in Cruz open guard now
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Dominick Cruz struggles not allowing Shinya Aoki improve his position.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He is not able to do it
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Aoki moves on the ground..
...he makes no progress.
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Cruz tries to close his guard around Aoki
He succeeds!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki is looking to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Aoki moves forward looking for some action
Shinya Aoki shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Shinya Aoki embrace and tries to move away...
Shinya Aoki pushes Cruz forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch to Dominick Cruz ribs and the tries to trip him
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Cruz leans and gets Shinya Aoki's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Shinya Aoki fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz is taking this opportunity to rest.
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Aoki is holding Dominick Cruz's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Cruz breaks free.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Cruz breaks free.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Zalgiris Arena (Kaunas, Lithuania) are cheering for the fighters.
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Dominick Cruz tries a nice one-two combination
that gets blocked.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Aoki tries to grapple
He puts Cruz in a double underhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Aoki tries to take Dominick Cruz down... Cruz stumbles backwards and Shinya Aoki launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Cruz's jaw!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch to Dominick Cruz ribs and the tries to trip him
Dominick Cruz loses balance and goes to the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Cruz leans and gets Shinya Aoki's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Cruz is trying to counter now!
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Cruz misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki is looking to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Dominick Cruz has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Dominick Cruz tries a hook to the body
but Aoki manages to dodge it
Poorly executed technique. Shinya Aoki looks to counter!
Aoki moves forward looking for some action
Shinya Aoki shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The clock says 2:30 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Cruz tries to take Shinya Aoki down... Aoki stumbles backwards and Dominick Cruz launches a few punches...
Shinya Aoki dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Cruz launches a hook to the body
Shinya Aoki moves aside looking for a counter...
Aoki looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Dominick Cruz's punches
Cruz is on the receiving end of a great combo by Aoki.
The clock says 3:00 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz tries to bring the fight to the ground
Aoki goes down.
Dominick Cruz is in open guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz tries to pass to half guard...
Shinya Aoki's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Dominick Cruz!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Dominick Cruz
Aoki is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Herb Dean saw it!
Herb Dean takes away one point from Shinya Aoki for headbutt.
Herb Dean halts the fight to give Cruz time to recover. Dominick Cruz seems to be ready to fight again. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:40 in the 2 round
Cruz steps backwards away from Shinya Aoki. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Shinya Aoki leans forwards and tries to grapple with Cruz
Aoki shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The fighters are clinching.
Aoki pushes down Dominick Cruz and tries to pull guard
Cruz clumsily falls into Shinya Aoki's guard!
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Shinya Aoki's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Shinya Aoki regains full guard.
The clock says 4:20 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Cruz spins out, but Shinya Aoki was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Cruz is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Aoki clumsily fails here and it's time for Dominick Cruz to fight back!
Cruz cartwheels towards Aoki!
Aoki fights back and evades the cartwheel guard pass.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Cruz struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Aoki misses a step and Dominick Cruz sees an opportunity to counter him!
Cruz use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Shinya Aoki holds Dominick Cruz and prevents him from moving to a better position!
The clock says 4:40 in the 2 round
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Cruz blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Aoki's guard.
Poorly executed technique. Dominick Cruz looks to counter!
Dominick Cruz tries to better his position on the ground...
Cruz breaks the closed guard of Shinya Aoki and moves to half guard
Dominick Cruz is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Dominick Cruz in his guard.
Dominick Cruz keeps control and remains in side mount.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Shinya Aoki goes with a looping right hand while Dominick Cruz jumps back and jabs
Aoki seems staggered and Dominick Cruz runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Herb Dean separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Dominick Cruz fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Dominick Cruz has found an opening in the defense of Aoki, launching a big uppercut
Shinya Aoki is fast enouigh to dodge that uppercut.
Cruz clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Aoki tries to grapple
He puts Cruz in a double underhook!
The fighters are clinching.
Aoki doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Dominick Cruz embrace and tries to move away...
Dominick Cruz pushes Aoki forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The clock says 0:40 in the 3 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Aoki gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Aoki blocks Dominick Cruz's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Cruz
Aoki is in closed guard... Cruz tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shinya Aoki!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Cruz positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Aoki's being punished here!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 1:35 in the 3 round
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Dominick Cruz keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Cruz works on the ground with his fingers over Aoki's face
He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Herb Dean didn't see the foul!
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll on the ground...
Cruz knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Dominick Cruz is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and trap Dominick Cruz in his guard...
Shinya Aoki moves to half guard.
Dominick Cruz is in half guard over Aoki
Dominick Cruz tries to pass Shinya Aoki's guard...
Dominick Cruz passes momentarily but Shinya Aoki sees and opening and traps him in full guard.
Dominick Cruz is in closed guard over Aoki
Cruz tries to escape from the closed guard
Dominick Cruz any adventage in the ground.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Dominick Cruz fakes a punch and launches himself over Shinya Aoki
Aoki counters with a few fake punches and then backpedals
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Dominick Cruz was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
Dominick Cruz jabs at Aoki
hitting his chest.
Aoki pushes Dominick Cruz and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Aoki fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Dominick Cruz didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
The clock says 3:50 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki pushes Dominick Cruz against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Aoki jumps and tries to free his leg! Cruz doesn't allow this but Shinya Aoki is able to get half guard here.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Aoki blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Cruz measures the resilience of Aoki's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Aoki's side.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Dominick Cruz's guard...
Shinya Aoki manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Dominick Cruz manages to switch to half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Cruz
Dominick Cruz attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Dominick Cruz throws an uppercut
that lands solidly.
Down Aoki goes! He's out cold! That phenomenal knock out has put the rest of Dominick Cruz's divison on notice!
Winner is Dominick Cruz by KO (Uppercut) at 0:21 Round 4
Statistics: Dominick Cruz
Punches 12/25 (48%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/4 (25%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 5/13 (38%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 527 s
Statistics: Shinya Aoki
Punches 12/17 (71%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 2/4 (50%)
Takedowns 8/9 (89%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 5/5 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 527 s
This fight didn't decide if it was going to be a good, interesting, long fight, or a nothing-boring fight. No one did much of anything, until Cruz's flash KO finish. Kind of unfortunate. This could have been a good one.
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!