Post by The Sandmen on May 26, 2014 16:41:11 GMT -5
Akihiro Gono is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his scrap.
Shinya Aoki doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Shinya Aoki is the better fighter in my opinion. It would be an upset if he loses today.
The referee of the bout is Dan Miragliotta.
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Round 1
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The bell announces the first round!
Aoki seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent.
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Gono goes down.
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Gono
Aoki is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta saw it!
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to give Gono time to recover. Akihiro Gono seems to be ready to fight again. 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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
Akihiro Gono circles around Aoki
Gono is not showing a great technique with that low kick...
Aoki is smart enough to block that one.
Gono is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki shows great balance while pushing away Akihiro Gono
The clock says 1:00 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki leans forwards and tries to grapple with Gono
Aoki shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The clock says 1:10 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
Aoki struggles and launches a few punches to Gono's head
Those punches are hitting! Gono covers his head!
The fighters are clinching.
Aoki gets himself into good position and looks to change levels for the takedown...
Aoki gets hold of a leg and trips Gono to the mat!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Gono 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.
Gono misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki struggles on the ground and tries to break Akihiro Gono's guard...
Gono doesn't want to free his opponent and Aoki continues in closed guard
The clock says 1:40 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Aoki gets a good position on the ground. ..
Gono holds Shinya Aoki arms and counters his opponent punches.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Aoki tries to escape from closed guard...
Aoki struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Gono breaks free.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Akihiro Gono attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 2:20 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki tries to free his leg
Shinya Aoki uses some of his skill by jumping out of Gono's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Gono breaks free.
Poorly executed technique. Akihiro Gono looks to counter!
Akihiro Gono attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dan Miragliotta 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!
The clock says 2:55 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Aoki launches a few hard punches to Akihiro Gono's ribs!
Akihiro Gono's ribs shows the damage! Shinya Aoki is working his opponent ribs!
Akihiro Gono pushes away Aoki trying to keep the fight at striking range
Aoki doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Akihiro Gono
The fighters are clinching.
Shinya Aoki tries to pull guard on Akihiro Gono...
He manages to bring him to the ground in his guard.
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Gono use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Shinya Aoki holds Akihiro Gono and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Aoki reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Gono blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Gono tries to get a side mount...
Aoki wraps his leg around Akihiro Gono leg and prevents him from moving.
Akihiro Gono gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Akihiro Gono realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Akihiro Gono. 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.
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Akihiro Gono is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Terrible one sided match... Gono was not ready to fight a fighter of Shinya Aoki caliber.
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Gono holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Gono is trying to counter now!
Gono switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Aoki struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Aoki is in closed guard... Gono tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Gono clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Aoki 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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) is cheering him!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Akihiro Gono...
Shinya Aoki slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
You can see the pain reflected in Gono's eyes...
Crippling lock!
Aoki is locking that armbar...
Gono is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Shinya Aoki pushes Akihiro Gono down and prevents his attempts to escape
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono tries to escape from the full mount...
Shinya Aoki is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki hooks Gono's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Akihiro Gono manages to kick Aoki away and scrambles on top!
Aoki misses a step and Akihiro Gono sees an opportunity to counter him!
Akihiro Gono 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 side mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Akihiro Gono...
Shinya Aoki slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
This round is maybe for Shinya Aoki, but it's close.
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Round 2
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Aoki decides to launch some tentative punches
Shinya Aoki takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Gono grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Gono
He is not able to do it
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Akihiro Gono realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Poorly executed technique. Akihiro Gono looks to counter!
Gono cartwheels towards Aoki!
Aoki fights back and evades the cartwheel guard pass.
The clock says 0:50 in the 2 round
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Gono can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Akihiro Gono tries to pass to half guard...
Shinya Aoki's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Akihiro Gono tries to pass Shinya Aoki's guard...
Akihiro Gono passes momentarily but Shinya Aoki regains full guard.
The clock says 1:10 in the 2 round
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Akihiro Gono cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Gono tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Gono struggles on the ground and tries to break Shinya Aoki's guard...
Aoki doesn't want to free his opponent and Gono continues in closed guard
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Aoki is holding Akihiro Gono's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Akihiro Gono loses balance and goes to the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Akihiro Gono...
Shinya Aoki slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono tries to escape from the full mount...
Shinya Aoki is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Aoki tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
The clock says 2:10 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki hovers above Gono
Good punches to Gono's body.
The clock says 2:15 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki isolates Akihiro Gono's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
That Arm Triangle looks tight...
Akihiro Gono is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
The clock says 2:20 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Aoki throws his leg over Gono's shoulder in an omoplata attempt!
Punishing hold!
Akihiro Gono sits up and slips his arm out using the opportunity to get side control!
The clock says 2:25 in the 2 round
Akihiro Gono is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Akihiro Gono in his guard.
Shinya Aoki manages to switch to full guard.
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki works on the ground with his fingers over Gono's face
Gono shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
The clock says 2:45 in the 2 round
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki tries an armbar from the bottom!
Akihiro Gono breaks the lock and moves himself to side control.
Poorly executed technique. Akihiro Gono looks to counter!
Gono tries to escape from closed guard...
Aoki waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Akihiro Gono! He is reversed and nor Shinya Aoki is on half guard!
The clock says 2:50 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Gono breaks free.
Gono tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Akihiro Gono attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 2:55 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Akihiro Gono doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Akihiro Gono. 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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:05 in the 2 round
Akihiro Gono tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Aoki is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
That armbar from Shinya Aoki appears to be unbreakable
Akihiro Gono lifts his opponent from the ground displaying great power! And down he goes!
Shinya Aoki loses the lock after that incredible blow against the mat! What a slam!
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Gono positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Aoki's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki tries an armbar from the bottom!
Akihiro Gono breaks the lock and moves himself to side control.
Akihiro Gono is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Akihiro Gono looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Shinya Aoki sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki manages to switch to full guard.
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Gono breaths deeply while on the ground
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Gono is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Akihiro Gono!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono launches a few weak punches
Aoki blocks them effectively.
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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Akihiro Gono was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Shinya Aoki fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
Gono blocks and pushes his opponent.
Gono pushes Shinya Aoki and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
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Round 3
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These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect.
Aoki wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki tries for a takedown but can't get it. He decides to pull guard instead...
Shinya Aoki wraps him up tight and pulls him into his guard.
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Gono is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Akihiro Gono!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono tries to roll on the ground...
Aoki knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Shinya Aoki doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki isolates Akihiro Gono's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Akihiro Gono is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
The clock says 1:30 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 1:40 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono launches a few weak punches
Aoki blocks them effectively.
Dan Miragliotta 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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Gono launches a furious low kick!
Aoki receives a hard blow on his right leg!
Aoki seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Akihiro Gono was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Akihiro Gono tries to take advantage...
Akihiro Gono moves forward and launches a low kick.
Aoki blocks that.
Bone shattering straight right hand from Shinya Aoki!
Gono is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Gono's Left cheek is beginning to swell
Gono looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Shinya Aoki's punches
Gono is on the receiving end of a great combo by Aoki.
The clock says 2:35 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki was tooling Akihiro Gono for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Akihiro Gono lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
The two exchange wildly
Aoki is connecting with a few punches
Gono launches a furious low kick!
Aoki receives a hard blow on his right leg!
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Gono goes down.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Gono
Aoki is in open guard over Gono... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Gono rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. 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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
Gono tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Gono is clinching with Aoki.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch to Akihiro Gono ribs and the tries to trip him
Akihiro Gono loses balance and goes to the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Gono launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Aoki's ribs.
Crushing shot to Aoki's body! He's holding his side
The clock says 3:45 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki has seen better days.
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Aoki breaks the closed guard of Akihiro Gono and moves to half guard
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono 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.
Gono misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Akihiro Gono...
Shinya Aoki slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Aoki is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
Aoki tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Shinya Aoki controls the situation despite Akihiro Gono efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Shinya Aoki doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki takes a deep breath as he passes his arm over Akihiro Gono shoulder and pushes his arm againts the mat!
Akihiro Gono breaks that americana attempt!
The clock says 4:50 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dan Miragliotta separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That round was a toss up.
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Round 4
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Bone shattering straight left hand from Akihiro Gono!
Aoki is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Aoki's Right cheek is beginning to swell
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Akihiro Gono's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Aoki is in closed guard... Gono tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Akihiro Gono's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Akihiro Gono regains full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Aoki is in closed guard... Gono tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shinya Aoki!
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Akihiro Gono pushes Shinya Aoki down and prevents his attempts to escape
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to escape from the full mount...
Aoki struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll on the ground...
Gono knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Akihiro Gono tries to better his position on the ground...
Gono is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Gono's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki was tooling Akihiro Gono for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Akihiro Gono lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Shinya Aoki tries a kimura
Gono breaks the lock.
Dan Miragliotta 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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 1:55 in the 4 round
Shovel hook by Shinya Aoki
goes nowhere.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Akihiro Gono's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki is looking to pass Akihiro Gono's guard...
Akihiro Gono has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
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 Gono
Aoki tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Aoki's ribs.
The clock says 3:20 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Gono breaks free.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono tries to turn away and scramble out. Shinya Aoki takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke!
He can't lock it up. Akihiro Gono spins out and gets back to his feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:40 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Akihiro Gono and Aoki engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
The two exchange wildly
Aoki is connecting with a few punches
Aoki is holding Akihiro Gono's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Akihiro Gono loses balance and goes to the ground.
Gono's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Akihiro Gono manages to switch to full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki tries to finish with a leg lock!
Gono is able to break the lock.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Gono
Aoki tries to move to full mount
Aoki succeeds
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
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Round 5
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Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Akihiro Gono was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Aoki is holding Akihiro Gono's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Akihiro Gono loses balance and goes to the ground.
Gono's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Aoki shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Gono pushes Shinya Aoki forward against his back and breaks the lock!
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Gono blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Aoki's guard.
The clock says 1:00 in the 5 round
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Akihiro Gono tries to pass Shinya Aoki's guard...
Akihiro Gono passes momentarily but Shinya Aoki regains half guard.
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Gono sits over his knees and pushes away Aoki's leg!
Aoki closes his legs around Akihiro Gono's leg. Gono is not able to move away now!
Akihiro Gono gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Shinya Aoki launches a few punches to Gono's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Gono tries to cover his face,
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Akihiro Gono pushes Aoki's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Gono who is in full mount! Aoki is in trouble now!
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Akihiro Gono pushes Shinya Aoki down and prevents his attempts to escape
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Gono tries to open up Aoki with a few strikes with his right elbow...
Some nice shots are landing and Aoki is trying to block them with his hands...
Aoki's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Shinya Aoki creates enough space to control Akihiro Gono's leg.
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Aoki attempts a triangle from bottom! Akihiro Gono slips out. Aoki quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Akihiro Gono slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. 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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
Gono avoids a dangerous strike from Aoki
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Gono misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki is swinging for the fences!
Gono backpedals and creates space. Shinya Aoki is asking him if he is going to fight!
Aoki is holding Akihiro Gono's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Akihiro Gono loses balance and goes to the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Aoki tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Akihiro Gono moves to half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Akihiro Gono launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
The clock says 3:30 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki isolates Akihiro Gono's right arm looking for an armbar...
Akihiro Gono manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Gono
He succeeds!
The clock says 3:55 in the 5 round
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Akihiro Gono tries to better his position on the ground...
Gono breaks the closed guard of Shinya Aoki and moves to half guard
Akihiro Gono is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Akihiro Gono in his guard.
Shinya Aoki manages to switch to full guard.
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki is taking this opportunity to rest.
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Punishing hold!
Gono blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
The clock says 4:35 in the 5 round
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Akihiro Gono tries to pass Shinya Aoki's guard...
Shinya Aoki's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Akihiro Gono pushes Aoki's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Aoki rolls and he's now on half guard over Akihiro Gono. Nice reversal.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Deep breaths from Akihiro Gono who tries a hammer punch to Aoki's ribs.
Aoki blocks those punches
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That was an even round for the most part.
Winner is Shinya Aoki by Unanimous decision
Statistics: Akihiro Gono
Punches 1/13 (8%)
Kicks 2/4 (50%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 8/31 (26%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 1002 s
Statistics: Shinya Aoki
Punches 17/23 (74%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 6/9 (67%)
Takedowns 11/14 (79%)
GnP strikes 5/11 (45%)
Submissions 26/26 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 1002 s
I love the way Aoki fights. Pure submission fighter. Takes you down, tries to submit you. Repeat. Seriously, 26 submission attempts in 25 mins is crazy. Didn't give Gono much of a chance to get anything else going. He was stuck on the sub defensive all night long.
Shinya Aoki doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Shinya Aoki is the better fighter in my opinion. It would be an upset if he loses today.
The referee of the bout is Dan Miragliotta.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The bell announces the first round!
Aoki seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent.
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Gono goes down.
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Gono
Aoki is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta saw it!
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to give Gono time to recover. Akihiro Gono seems to be ready to fight again. 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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
Akihiro Gono circles around Aoki
Gono is not showing a great technique with that low kick...
Aoki is smart enough to block that one.
Gono is holding Shinya Aoki's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shinya Aoki shows great balance while pushing away Akihiro Gono
The clock says 1:00 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki leans forwards and tries to grapple with Gono
Aoki shows his clinching skills. Both fighters are clinching now.
The clock says 1:10 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
Aoki struggles and launches a few punches to Gono's head
Those punches are hitting! Gono covers his head!
The fighters are clinching.
Aoki gets himself into good position and looks to change levels for the takedown...
Aoki gets hold of a leg and trips Gono to the mat!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Gono 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.
Gono misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki struggles on the ground and tries to break Akihiro Gono's guard...
Gono doesn't want to free his opponent and Aoki continues in closed guard
The clock says 1:40 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Aoki gets a good position on the ground. ..
Gono holds Shinya Aoki arms and counters his opponent punches.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Aoki tries to escape from closed guard...
Aoki struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Gono breaks free.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Akihiro Gono attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 2:20 in the 1 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki tries to free his leg
Shinya Aoki uses some of his skill by jumping out of Gono's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Gono breaks free.
Poorly executed technique. Akihiro Gono looks to counter!
Akihiro Gono attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dan Miragliotta 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!
The clock says 2:55 in the 1 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Aoki launches a few hard punches to Akihiro Gono's ribs!
Akihiro Gono's ribs shows the damage! Shinya Aoki is working his opponent ribs!
Akihiro Gono pushes away Aoki trying to keep the fight at striking range
Aoki doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Akihiro Gono
The fighters are clinching.
Shinya Aoki tries to pull guard on Akihiro Gono...
He manages to bring him to the ground in his guard.
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Gono use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Shinya Aoki holds Akihiro Gono and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Aoki reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Gono blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Gono tries to get a side mount...
Aoki wraps his leg around Akihiro Gono leg and prevents him from moving.
Akihiro Gono gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Aoki throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Akihiro Gono realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Akihiro Gono. 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.
Shinya Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Akihiro Gono is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Aoki into his guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Terrible one sided match... Gono was not ready to fight a fighter of Shinya Aoki caliber.
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Gono holds Shinya Aoki's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Gono is trying to counter now!
Gono switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Aoki struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Aoki is in closed guard... Gono tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Gono clumsily fails here and it's time for Shinya Aoki to fight back!
Aoki 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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) is cheering him!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Akihiro Gono...
Shinya Aoki slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
You can see the pain reflected in Gono's eyes...
Crippling lock!
Aoki is locking that armbar...
Gono is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Shinya Aoki pushes Akihiro Gono down and prevents his attempts to escape
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono tries to escape from the full mount...
Shinya Aoki is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki hooks Gono's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Akihiro Gono manages to kick Aoki away and scrambles on top!
Aoki misses a step and Akihiro Gono sees an opportunity to counter him!
Akihiro Gono 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 side mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Akihiro Gono...
Shinya Aoki slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
This round is maybe for Shinya Aoki, but it's close.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Aoki decides to launch some tentative punches
Shinya Aoki takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Gono grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Gono
He is not able to do it
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Akihiro Gono realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Poorly executed technique. Akihiro Gono looks to counter!
Gono cartwheels towards Aoki!
Aoki fights back and evades the cartwheel guard pass.
The clock says 0:50 in the 2 round
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Gono can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Akihiro Gono tries to pass to half guard...
Shinya Aoki's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Akihiro Gono tries to pass Shinya Aoki's guard...
Akihiro Gono passes momentarily but Shinya Aoki regains full guard.
The clock says 1:10 in the 2 round
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Akihiro Gono cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Gono tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Gono struggles on the ground and tries to break Shinya Aoki's guard...
Aoki doesn't want to free his opponent and Gono continues in closed guard
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Aoki is holding Akihiro Gono's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Akihiro Gono loses balance and goes to the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Akihiro Gono...
Shinya Aoki slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono tries to escape from the full mount...
Shinya Aoki is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Aoki tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
The clock says 2:10 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki hovers above Gono
Good punches to Gono's body.
The clock says 2:15 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki isolates Akihiro Gono's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
That Arm Triangle looks tight...
Akihiro Gono is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
The clock says 2:20 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Aoki throws his leg over Gono's shoulder in an omoplata attempt!
Punishing hold!
Akihiro Gono sits up and slips his arm out using the opportunity to get side control!
The clock says 2:25 in the 2 round
Akihiro Gono is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Akihiro Gono in his guard.
Shinya Aoki manages to switch to full guard.
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki works on the ground with his fingers over Gono's face
Gono shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
The clock says 2:45 in the 2 round
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Aoki tries an armbar from the bottom!
Akihiro Gono breaks the lock and moves himself to side control.
Poorly executed technique. Akihiro Gono looks to counter!
Gono tries to escape from closed guard...
Aoki waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Akihiro Gono! He is reversed and nor Shinya Aoki is on half guard!
The clock says 2:50 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Gono breaks free.
Gono tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Akihiro Gono attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 2:55 in the 2 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Akihiro Gono doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Akihiro Gono. 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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:05 in the 2 round
Akihiro Gono tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Aoki is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
That armbar from Shinya Aoki appears to be unbreakable
Akihiro Gono lifts his opponent from the ground displaying great power! And down he goes!
Shinya Aoki loses the lock after that incredible blow against the mat! What a slam!
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Gono positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Aoki's attempts to cover himself and blocks those elbows.
Aoki is trying to counter now!
Aoki tries an armbar from the bottom!
Akihiro Gono breaks the lock and moves himself to side control.
Akihiro Gono is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Akihiro Gono looks to mount Shinya Aoki...
Shinya Aoki sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to move to full guard
Shinya Aoki manages to switch to full guard.
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Gono breaths deeply while on the ground
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Gono is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Akihiro Gono!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono launches a few weak punches
Aoki blocks them effectively.
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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Akihiro Gono was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Shinya Aoki fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
Gono blocks and pushes his opponent.
Gono pushes Shinya Aoki and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect.
Aoki wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki tries for a takedown but can't get it. He decides to pull guard instead...
Shinya Aoki wraps him up tight and pulls him into his guard.
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Gono is in closed guard... Aoki tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Akihiro Gono!
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono tries to roll on the ground...
Aoki knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Shinya Aoki doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki isolates Akihiro Gono's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Akihiro Gono is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
The clock says 1:30 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
The clock says 1:40 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono launches a few weak punches
Aoki blocks them effectively.
Dan Miragliotta 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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Gono launches a furious low kick!
Aoki receives a hard blow on his right leg!
Aoki seems hesitant as if he would give the initiative to his opponent.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Akihiro Gono was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Shinya Aoki gets sloppy and Akihiro Gono tries to take advantage...
Akihiro Gono moves forward and launches a low kick.
Aoki blocks that.
Bone shattering straight right hand from Shinya Aoki!
Gono is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Gono's Left cheek is beginning to swell
Gono looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Shinya Aoki's punches
Gono is on the receiving end of a great combo by Aoki.
The clock says 2:35 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki was tooling Akihiro Gono for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Akihiro Gono lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
The two exchange wildly
Aoki is connecting with a few punches
Gono launches a furious low kick!
Aoki receives a hard blow on his right leg!
Shinya Aoki tries to bring the fight to the ground
Gono goes down.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Gono
Aoki is in open guard over Gono... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Gono rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. 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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
Gono tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Gono is clinching with Aoki.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shinya Aoki fakes a punch to Akihiro Gono ribs and the tries to trip him
Akihiro Gono loses balance and goes to the ground
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Gono launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Aoki's ribs.
Crushing shot to Aoki's body! He's holding his side
The clock says 3:45 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki has seen better days.
Shinya Aoki tries to better his position on the ground...
Aoki breaks the closed guard of Akihiro Gono and moves to half guard
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono 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.
Gono misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shinya Aoki looks to mount Akihiro Gono...
Shinya Aoki slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Aoki is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
Aoki tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Shinya Aoki controls the situation despite Akihiro Gono efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Shinya Aoki doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki takes a deep breath as he passes his arm over Akihiro Gono shoulder and pushes his arm againts the mat!
Akihiro Gono breaks that americana attempt!
The clock says 4:50 in the 3 round
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Shinya Aoki keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dan Miragliotta separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That round was a toss up.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Bone shattering straight left hand from Akihiro Gono!
Aoki is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Aoki's Right cheek is beginning to swell
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Akihiro Gono's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Aoki is in closed guard... Gono tries to roll on the ground!
Shinya Aoki uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Aoki tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Shinya Aoki tries to pass Akihiro Gono's guard...
Shinya Aoki passes momentarily but Akihiro Gono regains full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Aoki is in closed guard... Gono tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shinya Aoki!
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Akihiro Gono pushes Shinya Aoki down and prevents his attempts to escape
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki tries to escape from the full mount...
Aoki struggles and pushes his opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll on the ground...
Gono knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Akihiro Gono tries to better his position on the ground...
Gono is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Gono's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki was tooling Akihiro Gono for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Akihiro Gono lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Shinya Aoki tries a kimura
Gono breaks the lock.
Dan Miragliotta 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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 1:55 in the 4 round
Shovel hook by Shinya Aoki
goes nowhere.
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Shinya Aoki catches Akihiro Gono's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Aoki.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki is looking to pass Akihiro Gono's guard...
Akihiro Gono has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
Shinya Aoki is in closed guard over Gono
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 Gono
Aoki tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Shinya Aoki keeps control and remains in side mount.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Gono launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Aoki's ribs.
The clock says 3:20 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Shinya Aoki goes for an americana!
Gono breaks free.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono tries to turn away and scramble out. Shinya Aoki takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke!
He can't lock it up. Akihiro Gono spins out and gets back to his feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:40 in the 4 round
Shinya Aoki takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Akihiro Gono and Aoki engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
The two exchange wildly
Aoki is connecting with a few punches
Aoki is holding Akihiro Gono's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Akihiro Gono loses balance and goes to the ground.
Gono's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono attempts to trap Shinya Aoki in his guard.
Akihiro Gono manages to switch to full guard.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki tries to finish with a leg lock!
Gono is able to break the lock.
Shinya Aoki is in open guard over Gono
Aoki tries to move to full mount
Aoki succeeds
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Shinya Aoki attempts a sweep single...
Akihiro Gono was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Aoki is holding Akihiro Gono's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Akihiro Gono loses balance and goes to the ground.
Gono's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Aoki shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Gono pushes Shinya Aoki forward against his back and breaks the lock!
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Gono blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Aoki's guard.
The clock says 1:00 in the 5 round
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Akihiro Gono tries to pass Shinya Aoki's guard...
Akihiro Gono passes momentarily but Shinya Aoki regains half guard.
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Gono sits over his knees and pushes away Aoki's leg!
Aoki closes his legs around Akihiro Gono's leg. Gono is not able to move away now!
Akihiro Gono gets sloppy and Shinya Aoki tries to take advantage...
Shinya Aoki launches a few punches to Gono's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Gono tries to cover his face,
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Akihiro Gono pushes Aoki's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Gono who is in full mount! Aoki is in trouble now!
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Aoki is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Akihiro Gono pushes Shinya Aoki down and prevents his attempts to escape
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Gono tries to open up Aoki with a few strikes with his right elbow...
Some nice shots are landing and Aoki is trying to block them with his hands...
Aoki's Forehead is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Akihiro Gono is in full mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Shinya Aoki creates enough space to control Akihiro Gono's leg.
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Aoki attempts a triangle from bottom! Akihiro Gono slips out. Aoki quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Akihiro Gono slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Shinya Aoki. 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 Greensboro Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina) are cheering for the fighters.
Gono avoids a dangerous strike from Aoki
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Gono misses a step and Shinya Aoki sees an opportunity to counter him!
Aoki is swinging for the fences!
Gono backpedals and creates space. Shinya Aoki is asking him if he is going to fight!
Aoki is holding Akihiro Gono's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Akihiro Gono loses balance and goes to the ground.
Shinya Aoki is in side mount over Akihiro Gono
Aoki tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Shinya Aoki is in full mount over Akihiro Gono
Akihiro Gono tries to roll to his side and trap Shinya Aoki in his guard...
Akihiro Gono moves to half guard.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Akihiro Gono launches a few punches to Aoki's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Aoki tries to cover his face,
The clock says 3:30 in the 5 round
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Shinya Aoki isolates Akihiro Gono's right arm looking for an armbar...
Akihiro Gono manages to sit up and pull his arm out of danger! Shinya Aoki lost his dominant position.
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki tries to close his guard around Gono
He succeeds!
The clock says 3:55 in the 5 round
Akihiro Gono is in closed guard over Aoki
Akihiro Gono tries to better his position on the ground...
Gono breaks the closed guard of Shinya Aoki and moves to half guard
Akihiro Gono is in side mount over Shinya Aoki
Shinya Aoki attempts to trap Akihiro Gono in his guard.
Shinya Aoki manages to switch to full guard.
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki is taking this opportunity to rest.
Akihiro Gono is in open guard over Aoki
Aoki reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Punishing hold!
Gono blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
The clock says 4:35 in the 5 round
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Akihiro Gono tries to pass Shinya Aoki's guard...
Shinya Aoki's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Akihiro Gono is in half guard over Aoki
Akihiro Gono pushes Aoki's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Aoki rolls and he's now on half guard over Akihiro Gono. Nice reversal.
Shinya Aoki is in half guard over Gono
Deep breaths from Akihiro Gono who tries a hammer punch to Aoki's ribs.
Aoki blocks those punches
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
That was an even round for the most part.
Winner is Shinya Aoki by Unanimous decision
Statistics: Akihiro Gono
Punches 1/13 (8%)
Kicks 2/4 (50%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 8/31 (26%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 1002 s
Statistics: Shinya Aoki
Punches 17/23 (74%)
Kicks 0/1 (0%)
Clinch strikes 6/9 (67%)
Takedowns 11/14 (79%)
GnP strikes 5/11 (45%)
Submissions 26/26 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 1002 s
I love the way Aoki fights. Pure submission fighter. Takes you down, tries to submit you. Repeat. Seriously, 26 submission attempts in 25 mins is crazy. Didn't give Gono much of a chance to get anything else going. He was stuck on the sub defensive all night long.
= x2 (Rua, Liddel(current))
