Post by The Sandmen on Dec 17, 2016 15:51:09 GMT -5
Carla Esparza is beating herself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking herself in the face, body and legs to get ready for her scrap.
Megumi Fujii is beating herself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking herself in the face, body and legs to get ready for her scrap.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
A pretty fair match today. I can't say who will be the one who will be raising her fist after the match.
The referee of the bout is Mario Yamasaki.
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Round 1
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Carla Esparza and Megumi Fujii touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
Carla Esparza circles around Fujii
Carla Esparza tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Fujii is unable to remain on her feet and falls to the ground
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Esparza struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
The clock says 0:35 in the 1 round
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii measures the resilience of Esparza's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Esparza's side.
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii tries to close her guard around Esparza
She is not able to do it
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Megumi Fujii can end the fight with her ground and pound.
Fujii launches a few weak punches
Esparza blocks them effectively.
Poorly executed technique. Carla Esparza looks to counter!
Carla Esparza aggressively and repeatedly punches Fujii.
Good job by Fujii blocking and slipping the blows.
The clock says 1:05 in the 1 round
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Megumi Fujii throws up a triangle attempt!
Carla Esparza postures up and breaks the triangle.
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Megumi Fujii launches a few punches to Esparza's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Esparza tries to cover her face,
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Carla Esparza can end the fight with her ground and pound.
Esparza tries to move to full mount
Esparza's ground game is not enough to provide her any advantage
Fujii tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Fujii tries to close her guard around Esparza
She is not able to do it
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Megumi Fujii is cooling the fight on the ground
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii measures the resilience of Esparza's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Esparza's side.
The clock says 1:55 in the 1 round
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Esparza positions herself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Fujii's being punished here!
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii tries to close her guard around Esparza
She succeeds!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Esparza gets a good position on the ground. ..
Fujii holds Carla Esparza arms and counters her opponent punches.
Esparza misses a step and Megumi Fujii sees an opportunity to counter her!
Fujii reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Esparza blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Esparza tries to free her leg...
Fujii doesn't allow any movement here! She's cooling the fight on the ground.
Esparza clumsily fails here and it's time for Megumi Fujii to fight back!
Fujii reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Esparza blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
As the fight continues it seems that Megumi Fujii is taking the best of the fight.
Fujii reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
That Kneebar looks tight...
Esparza blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Esparza sits over her knees and pushes away Fujii's leg!
Fujii closes her legs around Carla Esparza's leg. Esparza is not able to move away now!
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza pushes Fujii's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Fujii rolls and she's now on half guard over Carla Esparza. Nice reversal.
The clock says 3:10 in the 1 round
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Esparza is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch her work on the ground.
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to Fujii's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Fujii tries to cover her face,
The clock says 3:20 in the 1 round
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Megumi Fujii tries to open Esparza's guard...
Esparza breaks the lock and covers herself from Fujii's punches
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to move to full guard
Megumi Fujii keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Fujii shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Esparza pushes Megumi Fujii forward against her back and breaks the lock!
The clock says 3:50 in the 1 round
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Megumi Fujii can end the fight with her ground and pound.
Esparza is in closed guard... Fujii tries to roll on the ground!
Carla Esparza uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Esparza is trying to counter now!
Carla Esparza throws down elbows...
She's tearing up Fujii's face with those brutal elbows! Fujii needs to do something! The referee is threatening to stop it!
Fujii's Left eye is bruised after the punishement she's received!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Fujii tries to move on the ground and shows Carla Esparza a crack in her guard which she uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Fujii's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks her head against the mat! Mario Yamasaki knows she may be calling off the fight soon!
The clock says 4:10 in the 1 round
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Fujii tries to stand up!
she is now on her feet
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Megumi Fujii. 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 ARCO Arena (Sacramento, California) are cheering for the fighters.
Fujii grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Fujii moves on the ground...
She remains in open guard.
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Esparza tries to close her guard around Fujii
She is not able to do it
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Fujii tries to improve position.
Esparza adjusts and closes her guard.
Mario Yamasaki 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 2
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Fujii has a high cardio that helps her make great performances.
Fujii launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Esparza's face but it seems like one finger has poked her eye! Does the referee see that?
Mario Yamasaki saw it!
Mario Yamasaki takes away one point from Megumi Fujii for eye poke.
Mario Yamasaki allows Esparza time to recover... The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Megumi Fujii fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Carla Esparza tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Fujii is unable to remain on her feet and falls to the ground
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii attempts a triangle from bottom! Carla Esparza slips out. Fujii quickly turns her hips over and switches to the armbar! She's throwing everything at her.
Carla Esparza slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Esparza climbs to her feet and is standing now.
Esparza is standing while Fujii is on the ground on her back
Esparza decides to go after her opponent and jumps inside Fujii's guard.
Fujii tries to fight back with her feet and Esparza just needs another plan now.
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Carla Esparza. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Back to the beginning! Megumi Fujii is standing now.
Carla Esparza goes with a looping right hand while Megumi Fujii jumps back and jabs
Fujii seems staggered and Carla Esparza runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Carla Esparza tries to bring the fight to the ground
Fujii goes down.
The clock says 1:25 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii tries to move on the ground and shows Carla Esparza a crack in her guard which she uses for a big elbow!
Fujii uses her forearms to block the impact!
Fujii tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Fujii throws her legs up in a triangle attempt!
Carla Esparza realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Carla Esparza is on her feet again.
The clock says 1:35 in the 2 round
Esparza is standing while Fujii is on the ground on her back
Carla Esparza creates space and allows Megumi Fujii to stand up.
Back to the beginning! Megumi Fujii is standing now.
Fujii is holding Carla Esparza's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Fujii shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Esparza's Left eye is bruised after the punishement she's received!
You can see the pain reflected in Esparza's eyes...
That North South Choke from Megumi Fujii appears to be unbreakable
That North South Choke looks tight...
You can see the pain reflected in Esparza's eyes...
That North South Choke looks tight...
Esparza pushes Megumi Fujii forward against her back and breaks the lock!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Megumi Fujii launches a few punches to Esparza's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Esparza tries to cover her face,
Esparza's Left cheek is beginning to swell
The clock says 2:10 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Fujii switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Esparza struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Esparza is in closed guard... Fujii tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Carla Esparza!
The clock says 2:30 in the 2 round
Megumi Fujii is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Fujii fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle she catches Carla Esparza's arm and tries an armbar!
Esparza hold her own hand and breaks Fujii's lock. She rolls over herself and launches over Megumi Fujii.
The clock says 2:40 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:50 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Fujii tries to show some ground skills
Esparza uses her strength to keep Esparza at a disadvantage
Esparza tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Good looking punches from Carla Esparza on the ground
They could take their toll on Fujii.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Megumi Fujii manages to switch to half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Fujii switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Esparza struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on her feet
She can't do it because of Fujii's moves.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Esparza tries to stand up!
Fujii doesn't allow her!
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Esparza launches a barrage of elbows over Fujii's face!
Megumi Fujii blocks the elbows and tries to cool down the fight.
Mario Yamasaki 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 ARCO Arena (Sacramento, California) are cheering for the fighters.
A bunch of leg kicks from Megumi Fujii
are bothering her opponent.
Fujii is holding Carla Esparza's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Deep breaths from Carla Esparza who tries a hammer punch to Fujii's ribs.
That hit Fujii who moves on the ground in order to protect herself
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Megumi Fujii in her guard.
Megumi Fujii keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 4:25 in the 2 round
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Megumi Fujii in her guard.
Megumi Fujii keeps control and remains in side mount.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to Fujii's cheek from the guard.
Megumi Fujii uses her head to cover the punches and presses her skull forward.
Fujii is trying to counter now!
Megumi Fujii looks to pass to mount...
Fujii slides her knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Carla Esparza.
Megumi Fujii is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza tries to roll to her side and trap Megumi Fujii in her guard...
Megumi Fujii keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Megumi Fujii is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Megumi Fujii isolates Carla Esparza's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Carla Esparza is able to relieve the pressure on her neck and slip out of the hold.
Mario Yamasaki tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I don't think either fighter got the better of their opponent that round.
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Round 3
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The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Carla Esparza tries to bring the fight to the ground
Fujii goes down.
The clock says 0:20 in the 3 round
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii measures the resilience of Esparza's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Esparza's side.
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Esparza moves on the ground
Carla Esparza moves to side mount
The clock says 0:45 in the 3 round
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
You have to give credit to the match-maker for putting on such an even fight.
Esparza is trying to better her position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Fujii's ribs.
Fujii is noticing that and her face shows the pain.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
The match-makers did a great job of pairing up these two evenly matched warriors.
Megumi Fujii launches a few punches to Esparza's cheek from the guard.
Carla Esparza uses her head to cover the punches and presses her skull forward.
Megumi Fujii gets sloppy and Carla Esparza tries to take advantage...
Carla Esparza looks to mount Megumi Fujii...
Megumi Fujii sees an opening and locks her opponent in half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to move to full guard
Carla Esparza keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza tries to pass Megumi Fujii's guard...
Carla Esparza passes momentarily but Megumi Fujii sees and opening and traps her in full guard.
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 ARCO Arena (Sacramento, California) are cheering for the fighters.
Fujii is holding Carla Esparza's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza shows great balance while pushing away Megumi Fujii
Fujii fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Carla Esparza didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Megumi Fujii fakes some punches
Esparza ties her up.
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Fujii tries to move to full mount
Fujii's ground game is not enough to provide her any advantage
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Esparza tries to close her guard around Fujii
She is not able to do it
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Megumi Fujii tries to finish with a leg lock!
Esparza is able to break the lock.
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Esparza tries to close her guard around Fujii
She is not able to do it
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Esparza tries to close her guard around Fujii
She is not able to do it
Mario Yamasaki 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.
Fujii fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Carla Esparza didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Esparza tries to close her guard around Fujii
She is not able to do it
The clock says 3:45 in the 3 round
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Esparza tries to close her guard around Fujii
She is not able to do it
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Megumi Fujii tries to finish with a leg lock!
Esparza is able to break the lock.
Esparza tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Carla Esparza isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Fujii blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Esparza's guard.
The clock says 4:10 in the 3 round
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Fujii tries to get a side mount...
Esparza wraps her leg around Megumi Fujii leg and prevents her from moving.
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Megumi Fujii tries a kimura
Esparza breaks the lock.
Mario Yamasaki 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 ARCO Arena (Sacramento, California) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 4:25 in the 3 round
Esparza fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Megumi Fujii didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza pushes Megumi Fujii against the fence and then tries to improve her position.
Esparza jumps and tries to free her leg! Fujii doesn't allow this but Carla Esparza is able to get half guard here.
The clock says 4:45 in the 3 round
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Fujii throws her legs up in a triangle attempt!
Carla Esparza realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Megumi Fujii. 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.
Fujii grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Megumi Fujii
Mario Yamasaki separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was an even round for the most part.
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Round 4
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Esparza grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza tries to pass to half guard...
Megumi Fujii's closes her guard to prevent the pass.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Fujii attempts a triangle from bottom! Carla Esparza slips out. Fujii quickly turns her hips over and switches to the armbar! She's throwing everything at her.
That Triangle to Armbar from Megumi Fujii appears to be unbreakable
Esparza tries to break the lock slamming Megumi Fujii against the mat!
Megumi Fujii doesn't allow Carla Esparza to escape. She is tightening the Triangle to Armbar
Punishing hold!
Esparza tries to break the lock slamming Megumi Fujii against the mat!
Megumi Fujii doesn't allow Carla Esparza to escape. She is tightening the Triangle to Armbar
Carla Esparza slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Fujii switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Esparza struggles to free herself
Carla Esparza lifts her opponent from the ground displaying great power! And down she goes!
Megumi Fujii doesn't break the lock and Carla Esparza is running out of time!
Esparza struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Esparza is in closed guard... Fujii tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Carla Esparza!
The clock says 1:05 in the 4 round
Megumi Fujii is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Megumi Fujii sits high on Carla Esparza's chest and pulls her leg underneath Esparza's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Esparza tries to roll out. She's too quick for Megumi Fujii and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Fujii and it cost her top position.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Esparza is in closed guard... Fujii tries to roll on the ground!
Carla Esparza uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Megumi Fujii gets sloppy and Carla Esparza tries to take advantage...
Carla Esparza hovers above Fujii
Megumi Fujii stops her from throwing strikes.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Esparza use some of her wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Megumi Fujii holds Carla Esparza and prevents her from moving to a better position!
Poorly executed technique. Megumi Fujii looks to counter!
Fujii moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Carla Esparza breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Carla Esparza. 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 ARCO Arena (Sacramento, California) are cheering for the fighters.
Fujii grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Esparza measures the resilience of Fujii's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Fujii's side.
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Fujii moves on the ground
Fujii cannot take advantage in the ground
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Fujii tries to improve position.
She frees a leg.
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Fujii launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Carla Esparza rolls over herself and stands up while Megumi Fujii rolls on her back.
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Megumi Fujii. 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.
Carla Esparza paws at Fujii.
Fujii answers with solid punches!
Bone shattering straight left hand from Megumi Fujii!
Esparza ducks under...
Megumi Fujii gets sloppy and Carla Esparza tries to take advantage...
Esparza is holding Megumi Fujii's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Megumi Fujii loses balance and goes to the ground.
Fujii's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Carla Esparza looks to mount Megumi Fujii...
Megumi Fujii takes advantage of her opponent's over commitment and traps her in full guard.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Esparza is in closed guard... Fujii tries to roll on the ground!
Carla Esparza uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Fujii attempts a triangle from bottom! Carla Esparza slips out. Fujii quickly turns her hips over and switches to the armbar! She's throwing everything at her.
Carla Esparza slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Megumi Fujii. 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.
Fujii is holding Carla Esparza's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Megumi Fujii in her guard.
Megumi Fujii keeps control and remains in side mount.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Megumi Fujii in her guard.
Megumi Fujii keeps control and remains in side mount.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Megumi Fujii isolates Carla Esparza's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Carla Esparza is able to relieve the pressure on her neck and slip out of the hold.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza measures the resilience of Fujii's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Fujii blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Fujii tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Megumi Fujii looks to mount Carla Esparza...
Carla Esparza sees an opening and locks her opponent in half guard.
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Esparza is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch her work on the ground.
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to Fujii's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Fujii tries to cover her face,
The clock says 4:15 in the 4 round
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Fujii positions herself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Esparza's being punished here!
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Esparza misses a step and Megumi Fujii sees an opportunity to counter her!
Megumi Fujii tries to free her leg
Carla Esparza moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Fujii is holding Carla Esparza's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 4:45 in the 4 round
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza measures the resilience of Fujii's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Fujii blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Megumi Fujii has seen better days.
Carla Esparza tries to turn in and scramble out. Megumi Fujii timed her perfectly and locks up a guillotine!
Carla Esparza slips her head out and manages to gain top control.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
That was a close round.
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Round 5
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The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
The clock says 0:25 in the 5 round
Esparza is holding Megumi Fujii's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Megumi Fujii loses balance and goes to the ground.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Fujii tries to show some ground skills
Esparza uses her strength to keep Esparza at a disadvantage
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Fujii tries to show some ground skills
Esparza uses her strength to keep Esparza at a disadvantage
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Fujii tries to show some ground skills
Esparza uses her strength to keep Esparza at a disadvantage
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.
The clock says 1:30 in the 5 round
Bone shattering straight left hand from Megumi Fujii!
Esparza ducks under...
Carla Esparza attempts a sweep single...
Carla Esparza catches Megumi Fujii's far ankle and trips her to the mat! Slick takedown by Esparza.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza tries to better her position on the ground...
Fujii holds Carla Esparza's head against her chin in the closed guard.
Esparza misses a step and Megumi Fujii sees an opportunity to counter her!
Megumi Fujii isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Esparza blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Fujii's guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Esparza sits over her knees and pushes away Fujii's leg!
Fujii closes her legs around Carla Esparza's leg. Esparza is not able to move away now!
Carla Esparza gets sloppy and Megumi Fujii tries to take advantage...
Fujii measures the resilience of Esparza's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Esparza's side.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Megumi Fujii gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Esparza spins out, but Megumi Fujii was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Esparza is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Megumi Fujii. 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.
Esparza leads with a punch
Megumi Fujii avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut!
Carla Esparza shoots for a double leg takedown!
She hits it! Megumi Fujii is taken off her feet, but she manages to pull Esparza into her guard.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza aggressively and repeatedly punches Fujii.
She needs to do something soon or the referee will stop the fight!
The clock says 2:55 in the 5 round
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza looks to posture up and open Megumi Fujii's guard...
Carla Esparza forces Megumi Fujii to open her guard.
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Esparza moves on the ground
Carla Esparza moves to side mount
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Fujii tries to move on the ground and shows Carla Esparza a crack in her guard which she uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Fujii's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks her head against the mat! Mario Yamasaki knows she may be calling off the fight soon!
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Esparza tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. She is in full mount now.
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Megumi Fujii
Esparza goes for an armbar!
Punishing hold!
Crippling lock!
Megumi Fujii breaks the lock and pushes away Carla Esparza, who rolls over her back and gets to standing position.
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Carla Esparza. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:45 in the 5 round
Fujii grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Fujii tries to improve position.
Esparza adjusts and closes her guard.
Megumi Fujii is in closed guard over Esparza
This match is even... This could go the distance.
Fujii is in closed guard... Esparza tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Megumi Fujii!
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Megumi Fujii
Esparza catch Megumi Fujii's left arm and tries a kimura
Megumi Fujii holds her own arm and struggles until she gets free
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Megumi Fujii
Esparza positions herself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Fujii's being punished here!
Fujii's Forehead is beginning to swell
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Megumi Fujii
Carla Esparza wants to finish her opponent on the ground
Esparza drills Megumi Fujii's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
There is a small laceration on Megumi Fujii's Nose
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Megumi Fujii
Esparza is trying to better her position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Fujii's ribs.
Fujii is noticing that and her face shows the pain.
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Megumi Fujii
Fujii cornermen are yelling for her man to escape from the ground as Esparza can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give her the chance.
Carla Esparza tries to better her position on the ground...
Esparza is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Megumi Fujii
Carla Esparza sits high on Megumi Fujii's chest looking for some kind of submission
Fujii's Nose is beginning to swell
Punishing hold!
Punishing hold!
Crippling lock!
Esparza is locking that Mounted Gogoplata...
Esparza is locking that Mounted Gogoplata...
Esparza secures the lock while Megumi Fujii refuses to tap... Mario Yamasaki jumps in and breaks the lock!
Winner is Carla Esparza by Submission (Mounted Gogoplata) at 5:00 Round 5
Statistics: Carla Esparza
Punches 4/7 (57%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 10/5 (200%)
GnP strikes 32/61 (52%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 1129 s
Statistics: Megumi Fujii
Punches 5/9 (56%)
Kicks 3/3 (100%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 10/11 (91%)
GnP strikes 15/30 (50%)
Submissions 26/26 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 1147 s
Wow! Every single thing about this finish screams “Submission of the Year”. The opponent. The time remaining. The submission itself. Remarkable!
Megumi Fujii is beating herself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking herself in the face, body and legs to get ready for her scrap.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
A pretty fair match today. I can't say who will be the one who will be raising her fist after the match.
The referee of the bout is Mario Yamasaki.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Carla Esparza and Megumi Fujii touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
Carla Esparza circles around Fujii
Carla Esparza tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Fujii is unable to remain on her feet and falls to the ground
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Esparza struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
The clock says 0:35 in the 1 round
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii measures the resilience of Esparza's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Esparza's side.
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii tries to close her guard around Esparza
She is not able to do it
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Megumi Fujii can end the fight with her ground and pound.
Fujii launches a few weak punches
Esparza blocks them effectively.
Poorly executed technique. Carla Esparza looks to counter!
Carla Esparza aggressively and repeatedly punches Fujii.
Good job by Fujii blocking and slipping the blows.
The clock says 1:05 in the 1 round
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Megumi Fujii throws up a triangle attempt!
Carla Esparza postures up and breaks the triangle.
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Megumi Fujii launches a few punches to Esparza's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Esparza tries to cover her face,
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Carla Esparza can end the fight with her ground and pound.
Esparza tries to move to full mount
Esparza's ground game is not enough to provide her any advantage
Fujii tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Fujii tries to close her guard around Esparza
She is not able to do it
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Megumi Fujii is cooling the fight on the ground
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii measures the resilience of Esparza's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Esparza's side.
The clock says 1:55 in the 1 round
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Esparza positions herself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Fujii's being punished here!
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii tries to close her guard around Esparza
She succeeds!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Esparza gets a good position on the ground. ..
Fujii holds Carla Esparza arms and counters her opponent punches.
Esparza misses a step and Megumi Fujii sees an opportunity to counter her!
Fujii reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Esparza blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Esparza tries to free her leg...
Fujii doesn't allow any movement here! She's cooling the fight on the ground.
Esparza clumsily fails here and it's time for Megumi Fujii to fight back!
Fujii reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Esparza blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
As the fight continues it seems that Megumi Fujii is taking the best of the fight.
Fujii reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
That Kneebar looks tight...
Esparza blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Esparza sits over her knees and pushes away Fujii's leg!
Fujii closes her legs around Carla Esparza's leg. Esparza is not able to move away now!
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza pushes Fujii's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Fujii rolls and she's now on half guard over Carla Esparza. Nice reversal.
The clock says 3:10 in the 1 round
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Esparza is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch her work on the ground.
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to Fujii's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Fujii tries to cover her face,
The clock says 3:20 in the 1 round
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Megumi Fujii tries to open Esparza's guard...
Esparza breaks the lock and covers herself from Fujii's punches
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to move to full guard
Megumi Fujii keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 3:40 in the 1 round
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Fujii shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Esparza pushes Megumi Fujii forward against her back and breaks the lock!
The clock says 3:50 in the 1 round
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Megumi Fujii can end the fight with her ground and pound.
Esparza is in closed guard... Fujii tries to roll on the ground!
Carla Esparza uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Esparza is trying to counter now!
Carla Esparza throws down elbows...
She's tearing up Fujii's face with those brutal elbows! Fujii needs to do something! The referee is threatening to stop it!
Fujii's Left eye is bruised after the punishement she's received!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Fujii tries to move on the ground and shows Carla Esparza a crack in her guard which she uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Fujii's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks her head against the mat! Mario Yamasaki knows she may be calling off the fight soon!
The clock says 4:10 in the 1 round
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Fujii tries to stand up!
she is now on her feet
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Megumi Fujii. 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 ARCO Arena (Sacramento, California) are cheering for the fighters.
Fujii grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Fujii moves on the ground...
She remains in open guard.
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Esparza tries to close her guard around Fujii
She is not able to do it
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Fujii tries to improve position.
Esparza adjusts and closes her guard.
Mario Yamasaki 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 2
=========================================
Fujii has a high cardio that helps her make great performances.
Fujii launches a stiff jab!
That barely hits Esparza's face but it seems like one finger has poked her eye! Does the referee see that?
Mario Yamasaki saw it!
Mario Yamasaki takes away one point from Megumi Fujii for eye poke.
Mario Yamasaki allows Esparza time to recover... The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Megumi Fujii fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Carla Esparza tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Fujii is unable to remain on her feet and falls to the ground
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii attempts a triangle from bottom! Carla Esparza slips out. Fujii quickly turns her hips over and switches to the armbar! She's throwing everything at her.
Carla Esparza slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Esparza climbs to her feet and is standing now.
Esparza is standing while Fujii is on the ground on her back
Esparza decides to go after her opponent and jumps inside Fujii's guard.
Fujii tries to fight back with her feet and Esparza just needs another plan now.
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Carla Esparza. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Back to the beginning! Megumi Fujii is standing now.
Carla Esparza goes with a looping right hand while Megumi Fujii jumps back and jabs
Fujii seems staggered and Carla Esparza runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Carla Esparza tries to bring the fight to the ground
Fujii goes down.
The clock says 1:25 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii tries to move on the ground and shows Carla Esparza a crack in her guard which she uses for a big elbow!
Fujii uses her forearms to block the impact!
Fujii tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Fujii throws her legs up in a triangle attempt!
Carla Esparza realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Carla Esparza is on her feet again.
The clock says 1:35 in the 2 round
Esparza is standing while Fujii is on the ground on her back
Carla Esparza creates space and allows Megumi Fujii to stand up.
Back to the beginning! Megumi Fujii is standing now.
Fujii is holding Carla Esparza's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Fujii shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Esparza's Left eye is bruised after the punishement she's received!
You can see the pain reflected in Esparza's eyes...
That North South Choke from Megumi Fujii appears to be unbreakable
That North South Choke looks tight...
You can see the pain reflected in Esparza's eyes...
That North South Choke looks tight...
Esparza pushes Megumi Fujii forward against her back and breaks the lock!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Megumi Fujii launches a few punches to Esparza's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Esparza tries to cover her face,
Esparza's Left cheek is beginning to swell
The clock says 2:10 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Fujii switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Esparza struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Esparza is in closed guard... Fujii tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Carla Esparza!
The clock says 2:30 in the 2 round
Megumi Fujii is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Fujii fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle she catches Carla Esparza's arm and tries an armbar!
Esparza hold her own hand and breaks Fujii's lock. She rolls over herself and launches over Megumi Fujii.
The clock says 2:40 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 2:50 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Fujii tries to show some ground skills
Esparza uses her strength to keep Esparza at a disadvantage
Esparza tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Good looking punches from Carla Esparza on the ground
They could take their toll on Fujii.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Megumi Fujii manages to switch to half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Fujii switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Esparza struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on her feet
She can't do it because of Fujii's moves.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Esparza tries to stand up!
Fujii doesn't allow her!
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Esparza launches a barrage of elbows over Fujii's face!
Megumi Fujii blocks the elbows and tries to cool down the fight.
Mario Yamasaki 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 ARCO Arena (Sacramento, California) are cheering for the fighters.
A bunch of leg kicks from Megumi Fujii
are bothering her opponent.
Fujii is holding Carla Esparza's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Deep breaths from Carla Esparza who tries a hammer punch to Fujii's ribs.
That hit Fujii who moves on the ground in order to protect herself
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Megumi Fujii in her guard.
Megumi Fujii keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 4:25 in the 2 round
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Megumi Fujii in her guard.
Megumi Fujii keeps control and remains in side mount.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to Fujii's cheek from the guard.
Megumi Fujii uses her head to cover the punches and presses her skull forward.
Fujii is trying to counter now!
Megumi Fujii looks to pass to mount...
Fujii slides her knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Carla Esparza.
Megumi Fujii is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza tries to roll to her side and trap Megumi Fujii in her guard...
Megumi Fujii keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Megumi Fujii is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Megumi Fujii isolates Carla Esparza's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Carla Esparza is able to relieve the pressure on her neck and slip out of the hold.
Mario Yamasaki tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
I don't think either fighter got the better of their opponent that round.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Carla Esparza tries to bring the fight to the ground
Fujii goes down.
The clock says 0:20 in the 3 round
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Fujii measures the resilience of Esparza's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Esparza's side.
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Esparza moves on the ground
Carla Esparza moves to side mount
The clock says 0:45 in the 3 round
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
You have to give credit to the match-maker for putting on such an even fight.
Esparza is trying to better her position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Fujii's ribs.
Fujii is noticing that and her face shows the pain.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
The match-makers did a great job of pairing up these two evenly matched warriors.
Megumi Fujii launches a few punches to Esparza's cheek from the guard.
Carla Esparza uses her head to cover the punches and presses her skull forward.
Megumi Fujii gets sloppy and Carla Esparza tries to take advantage...
Carla Esparza looks to mount Megumi Fujii...
Megumi Fujii sees an opening and locks her opponent in half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to move to full guard
Carla Esparza keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza tries to pass Megumi Fujii's guard...
Carla Esparza passes momentarily but Megumi Fujii sees and opening and traps her in full guard.
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 ARCO Arena (Sacramento, California) are cheering for the fighters.
Fujii is holding Carla Esparza's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza shows great balance while pushing away Megumi Fujii
Fujii fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Carla Esparza didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Megumi Fujii fakes some punches
Esparza ties her up.
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Fujii tries to move to full mount
Fujii's ground game is not enough to provide her any advantage
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Esparza tries to close her guard around Fujii
She is not able to do it
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Megumi Fujii tries to finish with a leg lock!
Esparza is able to break the lock.
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Esparza tries to close her guard around Fujii
She is not able to do it
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Esparza tries to close her guard around Fujii
She is not able to do it
Mario Yamasaki 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.
Fujii fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Carla Esparza didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Esparza tries to close her guard around Fujii
She is not able to do it
The clock says 3:45 in the 3 round
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Esparza tries to close her guard around Fujii
She is not able to do it
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Megumi Fujii tries to finish with a leg lock!
Esparza is able to break the lock.
Esparza tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Carla Esparza isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Fujii blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Esparza's guard.
The clock says 4:10 in the 3 round
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Fujii tries to get a side mount...
Esparza wraps her leg around Megumi Fujii leg and prevents her from moving.
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Megumi Fujii tries a kimura
Esparza breaks the lock.
Mario Yamasaki 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 ARCO Arena (Sacramento, California) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 4:25 in the 3 round
Esparza fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Megumi Fujii didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza pushes Megumi Fujii against the fence and then tries to improve her position.
Esparza jumps and tries to free her leg! Fujii doesn't allow this but Carla Esparza is able to get half guard here.
The clock says 4:45 in the 3 round
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Fujii throws her legs up in a triangle attempt!
Carla Esparza realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Megumi Fujii. 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.
Fujii grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Megumi Fujii
Mario Yamasaki separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was an even round for the most part.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Esparza grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza tries to pass to half guard...
Megumi Fujii's closes her guard to prevent the pass.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Fujii attempts a triangle from bottom! Carla Esparza slips out. Fujii quickly turns her hips over and switches to the armbar! She's throwing everything at her.
That Triangle to Armbar from Megumi Fujii appears to be unbreakable
Esparza tries to break the lock slamming Megumi Fujii against the mat!
Megumi Fujii doesn't allow Carla Esparza to escape. She is tightening the Triangle to Armbar
Punishing hold!
Esparza tries to break the lock slamming Megumi Fujii against the mat!
Megumi Fujii doesn't allow Carla Esparza to escape. She is tightening the Triangle to Armbar
Carla Esparza slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Fujii switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Esparza struggles to free herself
Carla Esparza lifts her opponent from the ground displaying great power! And down she goes!
Megumi Fujii doesn't break the lock and Carla Esparza is running out of time!
Esparza struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Esparza is in closed guard... Fujii tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Carla Esparza!
The clock says 1:05 in the 4 round
Megumi Fujii is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Megumi Fujii sits high on Carla Esparza's chest and pulls her leg underneath Esparza's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Esparza tries to roll out. She's too quick for Megumi Fujii and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Fujii and it cost her top position.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Esparza is in closed guard... Fujii tries to roll on the ground!
Carla Esparza uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Megumi Fujii gets sloppy and Carla Esparza tries to take advantage...
Carla Esparza hovers above Fujii
Megumi Fujii stops her from throwing strikes.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Esparza use some of her wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Megumi Fujii holds Carla Esparza and prevents her from moving to a better position!
Poorly executed technique. Megumi Fujii looks to counter!
Fujii moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Carla Esparza breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Carla Esparza. 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 ARCO Arena (Sacramento, California) are cheering for the fighters.
Fujii grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Esparza measures the resilience of Fujii's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Fujii's side.
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Fujii moves on the ground
Fujii cannot take advantage in the ground
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Fujii tries to improve position.
She frees a leg.
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Fujii launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Carla Esparza rolls over herself and stands up while Megumi Fujii rolls on her back.
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Megumi Fujii. 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.
Carla Esparza paws at Fujii.
Fujii answers with solid punches!
Bone shattering straight left hand from Megumi Fujii!
Esparza ducks under...
Megumi Fujii gets sloppy and Carla Esparza tries to take advantage...
Esparza is holding Megumi Fujii's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Megumi Fujii loses balance and goes to the ground.
Fujii's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Carla Esparza looks to mount Megumi Fujii...
Megumi Fujii takes advantage of her opponent's over commitment and traps her in full guard.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Esparza is in closed guard... Fujii tries to roll on the ground!
Carla Esparza uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Fujii attempts a triangle from bottom! Carla Esparza slips out. Fujii quickly turns her hips over and switches to the armbar! She's throwing everything at her.
Carla Esparza slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Megumi Fujii. 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.
Fujii is holding Carla Esparza's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Megumi Fujii in her guard.
Megumi Fujii keeps control and remains in side mount.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Megumi Fujii in her guard.
Megumi Fujii keeps control and remains in side mount.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Megumi Fujii isolates Carla Esparza's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Carla Esparza is able to relieve the pressure on her neck and slip out of the hold.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza measures the resilience of Fujii's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Fujii blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Fujii tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Megumi Fujii looks to mount Carla Esparza...
Carla Esparza sees an opening and locks her opponent in half guard.
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Esparza is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch her work on the ground.
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to Fujii's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Fujii tries to cover her face,
The clock says 4:15 in the 4 round
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Fujii positions herself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Esparza's being punished here!
Megumi Fujii is in half guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Esparza misses a step and Megumi Fujii sees an opportunity to counter her!
Megumi Fujii tries to free her leg
Carla Esparza moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Fujii is holding Carla Esparza's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 4:45 in the 4 round
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza measures the resilience of Fujii's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Fujii blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Megumi Fujii is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Megumi Fujii has seen better days.
Carla Esparza tries to turn in and scramble out. Megumi Fujii timed her perfectly and locks up a guillotine!
Carla Esparza slips her head out and manages to gain top control.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
That was a close round.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
The clock says 0:25 in the 5 round
Esparza is holding Megumi Fujii's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Megumi Fujii loses balance and goes to the ground.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Fujii tries to show some ground skills
Esparza uses her strength to keep Esparza at a disadvantage
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Fujii tries to show some ground skills
Esparza uses her strength to keep Esparza at a disadvantage
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Fujii tries to show some ground skills
Esparza uses her strength to keep Esparza at a disadvantage
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.
The clock says 1:30 in the 5 round
Bone shattering straight left hand from Megumi Fujii!
Esparza ducks under...
Carla Esparza attempts a sweep single...
Carla Esparza catches Megumi Fujii's far ankle and trips her to the mat! Slick takedown by Esparza.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza tries to better her position on the ground...
Fujii holds Carla Esparza's head against her chin in the closed guard.
Esparza misses a step and Megumi Fujii sees an opportunity to counter her!
Megumi Fujii isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Esparza blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Fujii's guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Esparza sits over her knees and pushes away Fujii's leg!
Fujii closes her legs around Carla Esparza's leg. Esparza is not able to move away now!
Carla Esparza gets sloppy and Megumi Fujii tries to take advantage...
Fujii measures the resilience of Esparza's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Esparza's side.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over Fujii
Megumi Fujii gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Esparza spins out, but Megumi Fujii was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Esparza is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Megumi Fujii. 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.
Esparza leads with a punch
Megumi Fujii avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut!
Carla Esparza shoots for a double leg takedown!
She hits it! Megumi Fujii is taken off her feet, but she manages to pull Esparza into her guard.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza aggressively and repeatedly punches Fujii.
She needs to do something soon or the referee will stop the fight!
The clock says 2:55 in the 5 round
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over Fujii
Carla Esparza looks to posture up and open Megumi Fujii's guard...
Carla Esparza forces Megumi Fujii to open her guard.
Carla Esparza is in open guard over Fujii
Esparza moves on the ground
Carla Esparza moves to side mount
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Fujii tries to move on the ground and shows Carla Esparza a crack in her guard which she uses for a big elbow!
Bang! Fujii's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks her head against the mat! Mario Yamasaki knows she may be calling off the fight soon!
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Megumi Fujii
Esparza tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. She is in full mount now.
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Megumi Fujii
Esparza goes for an armbar!
Punishing hold!
Crippling lock!
Megumi Fujii breaks the lock and pushes away Carla Esparza, who rolls over her back and gets to standing position.
Mario Yamasaki halts the fight to stand up Carla Esparza. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:45 in the 5 round
Fujii grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Megumi Fujii
Megumi Fujii is in open guard over Esparza
Fujii tries to improve position.
Esparza adjusts and closes her guard.
Megumi Fujii is in closed guard over Esparza
This match is even... This could go the distance.
Fujii is in closed guard... Esparza tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Megumi Fujii!
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Megumi Fujii
Esparza catch Megumi Fujii's left arm and tries a kimura
Megumi Fujii holds her own arm and struggles until she gets free
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Megumi Fujii
Esparza positions herself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Fujii's being punished here!
Fujii's Forehead is beginning to swell
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Megumi Fujii
Carla Esparza wants to finish her opponent on the ground
Esparza drills Megumi Fujii's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
There is a small laceration on Megumi Fujii's Nose
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Megumi Fujii
Esparza is trying to better her position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Fujii's ribs.
Fujii is noticing that and her face shows the pain.
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Megumi Fujii
Fujii cornermen are yelling for her man to escape from the ground as Esparza can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give her the chance.
Carla Esparza tries to better her position on the ground...
Esparza is in a great position to begin a nice round of pounding!
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Megumi Fujii
Carla Esparza sits high on Megumi Fujii's chest looking for some kind of submission
Fujii's Nose is beginning to swell
Punishing hold!
Punishing hold!
Crippling lock!
Esparza is locking that Mounted Gogoplata...
Esparza is locking that Mounted Gogoplata...
Esparza secures the lock while Megumi Fujii refuses to tap... Mario Yamasaki jumps in and breaks the lock!
Winner is Carla Esparza by Submission (Mounted Gogoplata) at 5:00 Round 5
Statistics: Carla Esparza
Punches 4/7 (57%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 10/5 (200%)
GnP strikes 32/61 (52%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 1129 s
Statistics: Megumi Fujii
Punches 5/9 (56%)
Kicks 3/3 (100%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 10/11 (91%)
GnP strikes 15/30 (50%)
Submissions 26/26 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 1147 s
Wow! Every single thing about this finish screams “Submission of the Year”. The opponent. The time remaining. The submission itself. Remarkable!