Post by The Sandmen on Jun 7, 2015 14:29:22 GMT -5
Kazushi Sakuraba doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
Luke Rockhold looks calm but knows he has a tough fight coming up.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Sakuraba is the fighter that will win today if we pay attention to the bets.
The referee of the bout is John McCarthy.
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Round 1
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Sakuraba and Rockhold move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
The clock says 0:10 in the 1 round
Rockhold tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Rockhold is clinching with Sakuraba.
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba grabs Luke Rockhold in a clinch and tries to knee him in the face!
They land solid! Good Strikes!
The clock says 0:30 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
Brutal knees to Rockhold's face, followed by knees to the body from Kazushi Sakuraba!
Bang! Rockhold can take many more shots like that!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba tries a flying knee towards Luke Rockhold's chest
Rockhold blocks it and circle away
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Luke Rockhold to fight back!
Shovel hook by Luke Rockhold
tags Sakuraba.
Luke Rockhold shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Kazushi Sakuraba is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Rockhold into his guard.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to open Sakuraba's guard...
Sakuraba breaks the lock and covers himself from Rockhold's punches
The clock says 1:05 in the 1 round
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
John McCarthy didn't see the foul!
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to escape from the closed guard
Luke Rockhold any adventage in the ground.
Luke Rockhold gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Rockhold struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Luke Rockhold passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
The clock says 1:45 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to roll on the ground...
He makes a reversal!
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to escape from the closed guard
Rockhold succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Rockhold struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Luke Rockhold tries to take advantage...
Rockhold tries to jump to side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba jumps and show some wrestling skills as he positions himself for continuing the fight in side control.
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.
Lightning fast low kick from Sakuraba!
Loud pop! I'm sure that hurts!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to bring the fight to the ground
Rockhold won't budge, forcing Sakuraba to pull guard.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba suddenly holds Luke Rockhold's arm and tries an armbar!
Rockhold can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Kazushi Sakuraba!
The clock says 2:50 in the 1 round
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
John McCarthy didn't see that!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle he catches Luke Rockhold's arm and tries an armbar!
Rockhold holds his own hand and with pure strength he breaks Rockhold's lock. He rolls over himself and launches over Kazushi Sakuraba.
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to show some ground skills
Kazushi Sakuraba put Rockhold in half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to close the guard.
Sakuraba put Luke Rockhold in closed guard.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba suddenly holds Luke Rockhold's arm and tries an armbar!
Rockhold can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Rockhold blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Sakuraba misses a step and Luke Rockhold sees an opportunity to counter him!
Luke Rockhold tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Luke Rockhold passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Rockhold pulls his arm out of danger.
Rockhold is trying to counter now!
Luke Rockhold is looking to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
John McCarthy 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 Romexpo (Bucharest, Romania) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 4:05 in the 1 round
Luke Rockhold tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
The clock says 4:20 in the 1 round
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Rockhold is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
Rockhold tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Deep breaths from Luke Rockhold who tries a hammer punch to Sakuraba's ribs.
Sakuraba blocks those punches
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to roll on the ground...
Sakuraba knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Rockhold tries to escape from the full mount...
Kazushi Sakuraba is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
The clock says 4:55 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to mount Luke Rockhold...
Kazushi Sakuraba slides his knee across and gets to mount.
John McCarthy separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Rockhold.
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Round 2
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Rockhold is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 0:25 in the 2 round
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Luke Rockhold in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Luke Rockhold gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Rockhold rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Romexpo (Bucharest, Romania) are cheering for the fighters.
Luke Rockhold tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
Hard blow to Sakuraba's mid-section, he seems hurt
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Rockhold can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Rockhold moves on the ground
Rockhold cannot take advantage in the ground
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold sits over his knees and pushes away Sakuraba's leg!
Luke Rockhold is able to put away his leg and then jumps to side mount.
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to free his leg...
Sakuraba doesn't allow any movement here! He's cooling the fight on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Sakuraba attempts a triangle from bottom! Luke Rockhold slips out. Sakuraba quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Luke Rockhold slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Luke Rockhold. 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 Romexpo (Bucharest, Romania) are cheering for the fighters.
Quick hook by Luke Rockhold
Good shot! Sakuraba has reasons to be worried.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Rockhold!
Nice move by Sakuraba who clinches and pushes Rockhold against the cage
Rockhold doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rockhold forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba pushes off of Luke Rockhold and starts launching a flurry of hooks and body shots!
Rockhold stumbles backwards but Kazushi Sakuraba chases him and continues the rain of blows!
Luke Rockhold pushes away Sakuraba trying to keep the fight at striking range
Sakuraba doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Luke Rockhold
The clock says 2:30 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba grapple with Luke Rockhold and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
nice takedown Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to pass to mount...
Sakuraba slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Luke Rockhold.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba tries to open up Luke Rockhold's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Rockhold in the side of the head
There is a small laceration on Luke Rockhold's Forehead
The clock says 3:00 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba rolls Luke Rockhold to his stomach and takes his back!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Luke Rockhold
Solid shots!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold
Rockhold has Sakuraba controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Showing some ground skills Rockhold manages to escape from that position and climb to his feet along Sakuraba
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:25 in the 2 round
Luke Rockhold and Sakuraba engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Kazushi Sakuraba is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Luke Rockhold is opening up on Sakuraba and raining down combinations!
Sakuraba doesn't look worried as he defends.
Rockhold misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Luke Rockhold is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Sakuraba into his guard.
Crushing shot to Rockhold's body! He's holding his side
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Luke Rockhold
Solid shots!
The clock says 3:50 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is moving on the ground...
Rockhold tries to counter Sakuraba's moves on the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to posture up and open Luke Rockhold's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba forces Luke Rockhold to open his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Rockhold tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He succeeds!
The clock says 4:25 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to pass Luke Rockhold's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hips free and moves to half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba goes for an americana!
Rockhold breaks free.
Poorly executed technique. Luke Rockhold looks to counter!
Luke Rockhold throws up a triangle attempt!
Kazushi Sakuraba postures up and breaks the triangle.
The clock says 4:45 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass Luke Rockhold's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba passes momentarily but Luke Rockhold regains half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba hovers above Rockhold
Good punches to Rockhold's body.
John McCarthy tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is clearly for Luke Rockhold.
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Round 3
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The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Superb haymaker by Rockhold
Sakuraba manages to move aside
Rockhold is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Sakuraba Hyper-extended his left arm
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Kazushi Sakuraba takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba attempts a triangle from bottom! Luke Rockhold slips out. Sakuraba quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Luke Rockhold slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Back to the beginning! Luke Rockhold is standing now.
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Luke Rockhold opts to go after his opponent and jumps inside Sakuraba's guard.
Sakuraba fights back with his feet, forcing Rockhold to try something else.
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Luke Rockhold. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Kazushi Sakuraba is on his feet again.
Sakuraba jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The clock says 1:10 in the 3 round
The fighters are clinching.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch to Luke Rockhold ribs and the tries to trip him
Luke Rockhold loses balance and goes to the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Romexpo (Bucharest, Romania) is cheering him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Rockhold measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Sakuraba's side.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Luke Rockhold manages to switch to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Rockhold measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Sakuraba's side.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Luke Rockhold can't prevent his opponent from passing. Sakuraba looks to work from half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba tries to open up Luke Rockhold's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Rockhold in the side of the head
The clock says 2:30 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Luke Rockhold attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg
Kazushi Sakuraba uses some of his skill by jumping out of Rockhold's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to turn away and scramble out. Kazushi Sakuraba takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke!
Sakuraba is locking that rear naked choke...
That rear naked choke looks tight...
He can't lock it up. Luke Rockhold 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 Romexpo (Bucharest, Romania) are cheering for the fighters.
Rockhold attempts a shoot
Kazushi Sakuraba hops back and delivers a powerful kick to his head!
Rockhold's Forehead is beginning to swell
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Rockhold is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Luke Rockhold! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Luke Rockhold doesn't defend himself!
There is a small laceration on Luke Rockhold's Nose
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Luke Rockhold can't prevent his opponent from passing. Sakuraba looks to work from half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rockhold's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Sakuraba who is in full mount! Rockhold is in trouble now!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Luke Rockhold gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Rockhold tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He succeeds!
The clock says 4:00 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Romexpo (Bucharest, Romania) is cheering him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to mount Luke Rockhold...
Kazushi Sakuraba slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba rolls him over and takes his back!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold
Rockhold has Sakuraba controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Sakuraba is unable to move under Rockhold control.
Rockhold misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Sakuraba tries to get a hook in!
Things get worse for Rockhold! Sakuraba has one hook in and keeps working!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold with one hook in
Sakuraba has one hook in and is trying to get the second one! If he succeed things are goint to get very bad for Rockhold.
Nicely done! Sakuraba now has two hooks in! The end may be near!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold with two hooks in
Luke Rockhold launches a few punches to Sakuraba's cheek from the guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
The round is for Sakuraba, who walks calmly to his corner.
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Round 4
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Luke Rockhold tries to show his boxing skills with a one-two combo
Kazushi Sakuraba's knows what to do here and blocks them
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rockhold tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Sakuraba is with is back on the ground now.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold moves on the ground
Rockhold cannot take advantage in the ground
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
That Triangle Armbar from Kazushi Sakuraba appears to be unbreakable
Luke Rockhold realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Rockhold climbs to his feet and is standing now.
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Rockhold cartwheels towards Sakuraba!
Sakuraba fights back and evades the cartwheel guard pass.
Luke Rockhold gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Kazushi Sakuraba launches an up-kick intended for Luke Rockhold's head...
It lands flush with Luke Rockhold's head snapping it backwards due to the impact!
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Luke Rockhold. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Kazushi Sakuraba is on his feet again.
Bone shattering straight left hand from Luke Rockhold!
Sakuraba ducks under...
Incredible high kick!
Rockhold is worried!
Hard blow to Rockhold's mid-section, he seems hurt
Solid shot from Kazushi Sakuraba to the body.
Rockhold didn't like that.
The clock says 1:30 in the 4 round
Sakuraba launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Rockhold's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that?
John McCarthy didn't see the foul!
Sakuraba moves forward looking for some action
Kazushi Sakuraba shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The clock says 1:50 in the 4 round
The fighters are clinching.
Luke Rockhold grapple with Kazushi Sakuraba and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
Sakuraba manage to maintain his balances and avoid going down
Rockhold clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Kazushi Sakuraba locks up a guillotine and tries to pull guard...
Luke Rockhold slips his head out and ends up in Kazushi Sakuraba's guard.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Rockhold Hyper-extended his arm
Punishing hold!
Luke Rockhold realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Rockhold climbs to his feet and is standing now.
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Kazushi Sakuraba kicks his legs trying to keep Luke Rockhold away.
Luke Rockhold takes a kick to the body.
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Rockhold decides to go after his opponent and jumps inside Sakuraba's guard.
Sakuraba tries to fight back with his feet and Rockhold just needs another plan now.
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Luke Rockhold. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Back to the beginning! Kazushi Sakuraba is standing now.
Tremendous strikes from Rockhold!
Some big punches are landing!
Sakuraba steps backwards away from Luke Rockhold. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
The clock says 3:00 in the 4 round
A high kick from Kazushi Sakuraba
glances off Rockhold.
The clock says 3:10 in the 4 round
Rockhold decides to launch some tentative punches
Kazushi Sakuraba takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Luke Rockhold and Sakuraba engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Kazushi Sakuraba is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Rockhold avoids a dangerous strike from Sakuraba
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Rockhold clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Kazushi Sakuraba steps forward and fires a high kick!
Vicious high kick, I can't believe that landed!
Rockhold decides to launch some tentative punches
Kazushi Sakuraba takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Rockhold has a small cut in his Nose
Rockhold showing excellent timing, blasts Kazushi Sakuraba with a right hand.
Sakuraba steps backwards and the punch goes wide.
Rockhold doesn't stop bleeding.
Rockhold is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba shows great balance while pushing away Luke Rockhold
The clock says 4:05 in the 4 round
Luke Rockhold's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Solid jabs from Kazushi Sakuraba.
Nice punches.
Luke Rockhold goes with a looping right hand while Kazushi Sakuraba jumps back and jabs
Rockhold seems staggered and Kazushi Sakuraba runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Rockhold has a small cut in his Chin
Luke Rockhold's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Kazushi Sakuraba and Rockhold engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Kazushi Sakuraba is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Rockhold has a small cut in his Chin
You can see Rockhold's blood making stains in the mat.
Rockhold steps backwards away from Kazushi Sakuraba. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
You can see Rockhold's blood making stains in the mat.
Sakuraba tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Sakuraba is clinching with Rockhold.
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba tries to take Luke Rockhold to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Rockhold is with is back on the ground now.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Sakuraba is the winner of this round.
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Round 5
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Luke Rockhold just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Sakuraba quickly defends.
Sakuraba studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
Luke Rockhold is taking out his mouthpiece to breathe...
Luke Rockhold is opening up on Sakuraba and raining down combinations!
Sakuraba doesn't look worried as he defends.
Luke Rockhold's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts a sweep single...
Kazushi Sakuraba catches Luke Rockhold's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Rockhold tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Sakuraba breaks the closed guard of Luke Rockhold and moves to half guard
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 1:20 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold is a bloody mess!
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Rockhold's face!
Rockhold has a small cut in his Left eye
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba hooks Rockhold's left leg and sits back for a kneebar!
That Kneebar from Kazushi Sakuraba appears to be unbreakable
Crippling lock!
Sakuraba is locking that Kneebar...
Crippling lock!
Sakuraba extends his hips and it's deep. Luke Rockhold taps! Smart move, Luke Rockhold could have been seriously injured by that punishing lock.
Winner is Kazushi Sakuraba by Submission (Kneebar) at 1:43 Round 5
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 20/28 (71%)
Kicks 5/5 (100%)
Clinch strikes 13/20 (65%)
Takedowns 5/6 (83%)
GnP strikes 25/25 (100%)
Submissions 17/17 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 794 s
Statistics: Luke Rockhold
Punches 5/30 (17%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 6/7 (86%)
GnP strikes 4/14 (29%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 750 s
Sakuraba has had some ROUGH fights lately. He had some rough moments in this one, but was able to overcome them and get back to his ground-dominant style and take the win. He really needed that win.
Luke Rockhold looks calm but knows he has a tough fight coming up.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
Sakuraba is the fighter that will win today if we pay attention to the bets.
The referee of the bout is John McCarthy.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Sakuraba and Rockhold move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
The clock says 0:10 in the 1 round
Rockhold tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Rockhold is clinching with Sakuraba.
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba grabs Luke Rockhold in a clinch and tries to knee him in the face!
They land solid! Good Strikes!
The clock says 0:30 in the 1 round
The fighters are clinching.
Brutal knees to Rockhold's face, followed by knees to the body from Kazushi Sakuraba!
Bang! Rockhold can take many more shots like that!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Sakuraba tries a flying knee towards Luke Rockhold's chest
Rockhold blocks it and circle away
Sakuraba clumsily fails here and it's time for Luke Rockhold to fight back!
Shovel hook by Luke Rockhold
tags Sakuraba.
Luke Rockhold shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Kazushi Sakuraba is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Rockhold into his guard.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to open Sakuraba's guard...
Sakuraba breaks the lock and covers himself from Rockhold's punches
The clock says 1:05 in the 1 round
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
John McCarthy didn't see the foul!
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to escape from the closed guard
Luke Rockhold any adventage in the ground.
Luke Rockhold gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Rockhold struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Luke Rockhold passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
The clock says 1:45 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to roll on the ground...
He makes a reversal!
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to escape from the closed guard
Rockhold succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Rockhold struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Kazushi Sakuraba gets sloppy and Luke Rockhold tries to take advantage...
Rockhold tries to jump to side mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba jumps and show some wrestling skills as he positions himself for continuing the fight in side control.
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.
Lightning fast low kick from Sakuraba!
Loud pop! I'm sure that hurts!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to bring the fight to the ground
Rockhold won't budge, forcing Sakuraba to pull guard.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba suddenly holds Luke Rockhold's arm and tries an armbar!
Rockhold can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Kazushi Sakuraba!
The clock says 2:50 in the 1 round
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
John McCarthy didn't see that!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle he catches Luke Rockhold's arm and tries an armbar!
Rockhold holds his own hand and with pure strength he breaks Rockhold's lock. He rolls over himself and launches over Kazushi Sakuraba.
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Sakuraba tries to show some ground skills
Kazushi Sakuraba put Rockhold in half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to close the guard.
Sakuraba put Luke Rockhold in closed guard.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba suddenly holds Luke Rockhold's arm and tries an armbar!
Rockhold can break the lock and now he is in a closed guard over Kazushi Sakuraba!
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Rockhold blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Sakuraba misses a step and Luke Rockhold sees an opportunity to counter him!
Luke Rockhold tries to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Luke Rockhold passes momentarily but Kazushi Sakuraba regains full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Rockhold pulls his arm out of danger.
Rockhold is trying to counter now!
Luke Rockhold is looking to pass Kazushi Sakuraba's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba has a solid guard and keeps his ankles locked.
John McCarthy 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 Romexpo (Bucharest, Romania) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 4:05 in the 1 round
Luke Rockhold tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold tries to pass to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba's closes his guard to prevent the pass.
The clock says 4:20 in the 1 round
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Rockhold is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
Rockhold tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Deep breaths from Luke Rockhold who tries a hammer punch to Sakuraba's ribs.
Sakuraba blocks those punches
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to roll on the ground...
Sakuraba knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Rockhold tries to escape from the full mount...
Kazushi Sakuraba is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
The clock says 4:55 in the 1 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to mount Luke Rockhold...
Kazushi Sakuraba slides his knee across and gets to mount.
John McCarthy separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Rockhold.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Rockhold is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 0:25 in the 2 round
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts to trap Luke Rockhold in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to switch to full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold is in closed guard... Sakuraba tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Luke Rockhold!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Luke Rockhold gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Rockhold rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Kazushi Sakuraba. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Romexpo (Bucharest, Romania) are cheering for the fighters.
Luke Rockhold tries to bring the fight to the ground
Sakuraba goes down.
Hard blow to Sakuraba's mid-section, he seems hurt
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Rockhold can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Rockhold moves on the ground
Rockhold cannot take advantage in the ground
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold sits over his knees and pushes away Sakuraba's leg!
Luke Rockhold is able to put away his leg and then jumps to side mount.
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opening and locks his opponent in half guard.
Luke Rockhold is in half guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold tries to free his leg...
Sakuraba doesn't allow any movement here! He's cooling the fight on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Sakuraba attempts a triangle from bottom! Luke Rockhold slips out. Sakuraba quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Luke Rockhold slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Luke Rockhold. 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 Romexpo (Bucharest, Romania) are cheering for the fighters.
Quick hook by Luke Rockhold
Good shot! Sakuraba has reasons to be worried.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch and launches himself over Rockhold!
Nice move by Sakuraba who clinches and pushes Rockhold against the cage
Rockhold doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Kazushi Sakuraba embrace and tries to move away...
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rockhold forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba pushes off of Luke Rockhold and starts launching a flurry of hooks and body shots!
Rockhold stumbles backwards but Kazushi Sakuraba chases him and continues the rain of blows!
Luke Rockhold pushes away Sakuraba trying to keep the fight at striking range
Sakuraba doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Luke Rockhold
The clock says 2:30 in the 2 round
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kazushi Sakuraba grapple with Luke Rockhold and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
nice takedown Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to pass to mount...
Sakuraba slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Luke Rockhold.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Sakuraba tries to open up Luke Rockhold's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Rockhold in the side of the head
There is a small laceration on Luke Rockhold's Forehead
The clock says 3:00 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba rolls Luke Rockhold to his stomach and takes his back!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Luke Rockhold
Solid shots!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold
Rockhold has Sakuraba controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Showing some ground skills Rockhold manages to escape from that position and climb to his feet along Sakuraba
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:25 in the 2 round
Luke Rockhold and Sakuraba engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Kazushi Sakuraba is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Luke Rockhold is opening up on Sakuraba and raining down combinations!
Sakuraba doesn't look worried as he defends.
Rockhold misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Luke Rockhold is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Sakuraba into his guard.
Crushing shot to Rockhold's body! He's holding his side
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba throws a few hammer fists to the face of Luke Rockhold
Solid shots!
The clock says 3:50 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is moving on the ground...
Rockhold tries to counter Sakuraba's moves on the ground.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to posture up and open Luke Rockhold's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba forces Luke Rockhold to open his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Rockhold tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He succeeds!
The clock says 4:25 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to pass Luke Rockhold's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba gets his hips free and moves to half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba goes for an americana!
Rockhold breaks free.
Poorly executed technique. Luke Rockhold looks to counter!
Luke Rockhold throws up a triangle attempt!
Kazushi Sakuraba postures up and breaks the triangle.
The clock says 4:45 in the 2 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass Luke Rockhold's guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba passes momentarily but Luke Rockhold regains half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba hovers above Rockhold
Good punches to Rockhold's body.
John McCarthy tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is clearly for Luke Rockhold.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Superb haymaker by Rockhold
Sakuraba manages to move aside
Rockhold is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba loses balance and goes to the ground.
Sakuraba Hyper-extended his left arm
Luke Rockhold is in side mount over Kazushi Sakuraba
Luke Rockhold looks to mount Kazushi Sakuraba...
Kazushi Sakuraba takes advantage of his opponent's over commitment and traps him in full guard.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba attempts a triangle from bottom! Luke Rockhold slips out. Sakuraba quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Luke Rockhold slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Back to the beginning! Luke Rockhold is standing now.
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Luke Rockhold opts to go after his opponent and jumps inside Sakuraba's guard.
Sakuraba fights back with his feet, forcing Rockhold to try something else.
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Luke Rockhold. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Kazushi Sakuraba is on his feet again.
Sakuraba jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
The clock says 1:10 in the 3 round
The fighters are clinching.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes a punch to Luke Rockhold ribs and the tries to trip him
Luke Rockhold loses balance and goes to the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Romexpo (Bucharest, Romania) is cheering him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Rockhold measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Sakuraba's side.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Luke Rockhold manages to switch to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Rockhold measures the resilience of Sakuraba's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Sakuraba's side.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Luke Rockhold can't prevent his opponent from passing. Sakuraba looks to work from half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba tries to open up Luke Rockhold's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Rockhold in the side of the head
The clock says 2:30 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Luke Rockhold attempts to move to full guard
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to free his leg
Kazushi Sakuraba uses some of his skill by jumping out of Rockhold's guard. He moves quickly to side mount!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to turn away and scramble out. Kazushi Sakuraba takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke!
Sakuraba is locking that rear naked choke...
That rear naked choke looks tight...
He can't lock it up. Luke Rockhold 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 Romexpo (Bucharest, Romania) are cheering for the fighters.
Rockhold attempts a shoot
Kazushi Sakuraba hops back and delivers a powerful kick to his head!
Rockhold's Forehead is beginning to swell
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Rockhold is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Luke Rockhold! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Luke Rockhold doesn't defend himself!
There is a small laceration on Luke Rockhold's Nose
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to pass to half guard...
Luke Rockhold can't prevent his opponent from passing. Sakuraba looks to work from half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in half guard over Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes Rockhold's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Sakuraba who is in full mount! Rockhold is in trouble now!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Luke Rockhold gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in open guard over Rockhold
Rockhold tries to close his guard around Sakuraba
He succeeds!
The clock says 4:00 in the 3 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Romexpo (Bucharest, Romania) is cheering him!
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba looks to mount Luke Rockhold...
Kazushi Sakuraba slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in full mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold tries to roll to his side and trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard...
Kazushi Sakuraba rolls him over and takes his back!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold
Rockhold has Sakuraba controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Sakuraba is unable to move under Rockhold control.
Rockhold misses a step and Kazushi Sakuraba sees an opportunity to counter him!
Sakuraba tries to get a hook in!
Things get worse for Rockhold! Sakuraba has one hook in and keeps working!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold with one hook in
Sakuraba has one hook in and is trying to get the second one! If he succeed things are goint to get very bad for Rockhold.
Nicely done! Sakuraba now has two hooks in! The end may be near!
Sakuraba is in rear mount over Rockhold with two hooks in
Luke Rockhold launches a few punches to Sakuraba's cheek from the guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
The round is for Sakuraba, who walks calmly to his corner.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Luke Rockhold tries to show his boxing skills with a one-two combo
Kazushi Sakuraba's knows what to do here and blocks them
Sakuraba is trying to counter now!
Sakuraba jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Kazushi Sakuraba pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Rockhold tries to take Kazushi Sakuraba to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Sakuraba is with is back on the ground now.
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Rockhold moves on the ground
Rockhold cannot take advantage in the ground
Luke Rockhold is in open guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
That Triangle Armbar from Kazushi Sakuraba appears to be unbreakable
Luke Rockhold realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Rockhold climbs to his feet and is standing now.
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Rockhold cartwheels towards Sakuraba!
Sakuraba fights back and evades the cartwheel guard pass.
Luke Rockhold gets sloppy and Kazushi Sakuraba tries to take advantage...
Kazushi Sakuraba launches an up-kick intended for Luke Rockhold's head...
It lands flush with Luke Rockhold's head snapping it backwards due to the impact!
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Luke Rockhold. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Kazushi Sakuraba is on his feet again.
Bone shattering straight left hand from Luke Rockhold!
Sakuraba ducks under...
Incredible high kick!
Rockhold is worried!
Hard blow to Rockhold's mid-section, he seems hurt
Solid shot from Kazushi Sakuraba to the body.
Rockhold didn't like that.
The clock says 1:30 in the 4 round
Sakuraba launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Rockhold's face but it seems like one finger has poked his eye! Does the referee see that?
John McCarthy didn't see the foul!
Sakuraba moves forward looking for some action
Kazushi Sakuraba shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
The clock says 1:50 in the 4 round
The fighters are clinching.
Luke Rockhold grapple with Kazushi Sakuraba and tries a Outer Leg Sweep
Sakuraba manage to maintain his balances and avoid going down
Rockhold clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Kazushi Sakuraba locks up a guillotine and tries to pull guard...
Luke Rockhold slips his head out and ends up in Kazushi Sakuraba's guard.
Luke Rockhold is in closed guard over Sakuraba
Sakuraba throws his legs up in a triangle attempt!
Rockhold Hyper-extended his arm
Punishing hold!
Luke Rockhold realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Rockhold climbs to his feet and is standing now.
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Kazushi Sakuraba kicks his legs trying to keep Luke Rockhold away.
Luke Rockhold takes a kick to the body.
Rockhold is standing while Sakuraba is on the ground on his back
Rockhold decides to go after his opponent and jumps inside Sakuraba's guard.
Sakuraba tries to fight back with his feet and Rockhold just needs another plan now.
John McCarthy halts the fight to stand up Luke Rockhold. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Back to the beginning! Kazushi Sakuraba is standing now.
Tremendous strikes from Rockhold!
Some big punches are landing!
Sakuraba steps backwards away from Luke Rockhold. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
The clock says 3:00 in the 4 round
A high kick from Kazushi Sakuraba
glances off Rockhold.
The clock says 3:10 in the 4 round
Rockhold decides to launch some tentative punches
Kazushi Sakuraba takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Luke Rockhold and Sakuraba engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Kazushi Sakuraba is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Rockhold avoids a dangerous strike from Sakuraba
and fends him off with feel-out punches.
Rockhold clumsily fails here and it's time for Kazushi Sakuraba to fight back!
Kazushi Sakuraba steps forward and fires a high kick!
Vicious high kick, I can't believe that landed!
Rockhold decides to launch some tentative punches
Kazushi Sakuraba takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Rockhold has a small cut in his Nose
Rockhold showing excellent timing, blasts Kazushi Sakuraba with a right hand.
Sakuraba steps backwards and the punch goes wide.
Rockhold doesn't stop bleeding.
Rockhold is holding Kazushi Sakuraba's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Kazushi Sakuraba shows great balance while pushing away Luke Rockhold
The clock says 4:05 in the 4 round
Luke Rockhold's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Solid jabs from Kazushi Sakuraba.
Nice punches.
Luke Rockhold goes with a looping right hand while Kazushi Sakuraba jumps back and jabs
Rockhold seems staggered and Kazushi Sakuraba runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Rockhold has a small cut in his Chin
Luke Rockhold's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Kazushi Sakuraba and Rockhold engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Kazushi Sakuraba is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Rockhold has a small cut in his Chin
You can see Rockhold's blood making stains in the mat.
Rockhold steps backwards away from Kazushi Sakuraba. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
You can see Rockhold's blood making stains in the mat.
Sakuraba tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Sakuraba is clinching with Rockhold.
The fighters are clinching.
Sakuraba tries to take Luke Rockhold to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Rockhold is with is back on the ground now.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Sakuraba is the winner of this round.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Luke Rockhold just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Sakuraba quickly defends.
Sakuraba studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
Luke Rockhold is taking out his mouthpiece to breathe...
Luke Rockhold is opening up on Sakuraba and raining down combinations!
Sakuraba doesn't look worried as he defends.
Luke Rockhold's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts a sweep single...
Kazushi Sakuraba catches Luke Rockhold's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba is in closed guard over Rockhold
Sakuraba is in closed guard... Rockhold tries to roll on the ground!
Kazushi Sakuraba uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Kazushi Sakuraba looks to counter!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to better his position on the ground...
Sakuraba breaks the closed guard of Luke Rockhold and moves to half guard
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold attempts to trap Kazushi Sakuraba in his guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 1:20 in the 5 round
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Luke Rockhold is a bloody mess!
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to Rockhold's face!
Rockhold has a small cut in his Left eye
Kazushi Sakuraba is in side mount over Luke Rockhold
Kazushi Sakuraba hooks Rockhold's left leg and sits back for a kneebar!
That Kneebar from Kazushi Sakuraba appears to be unbreakable
Crippling lock!
Sakuraba is locking that Kneebar...
Crippling lock!
Sakuraba extends his hips and it's deep. Luke Rockhold taps! Smart move, Luke Rockhold could have been seriously injured by that punishing lock.
Winner is Kazushi Sakuraba by Submission (Kneebar) at 1:43 Round 5
Statistics: Kazushi Sakuraba
Punches 20/28 (71%)
Kicks 5/5 (100%)
Clinch strikes 13/20 (65%)
Takedowns 5/6 (83%)
GnP strikes 25/25 (100%)
Submissions 17/17 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 794 s
Statistics: Luke Rockhold
Punches 5/30 (17%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 6/7 (86%)
GnP strikes 4/14 (29%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 750 s
Sakuraba has had some ROUGH fights lately. He had some rough moments in this one, but was able to overcome them and get back to his ground-dominant style and take the win. He really needed that win.
lol
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!