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Play
by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary
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Event:
MFN 358
Date: Oct 30, 2016 |
#R1#
Santa Cruz connects with the punch.
Santa Cruz misses with a wild body shot.
Santa Cruz ducks under a wild hook from Greenthumb.
Santa Cruz misses with a body shot.
Good shot there by Santa Cruz.#CL#
Greenthumb gets tackled into the cage by Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz maintains the clinch.
Santa Cruz lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Santa Cruz dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Greenthumb lands a left hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Greenthumb landing knees to the head.
Santa Cruz can't find room to land a body shot as Greenthumb controls the action.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Greenthumb.
Greenthumb tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Santa Cruz lands with a short shot to the head.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Santa Cruz creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Greenthumb drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
#T1#
Greenthumb throws a head punch that misses.
Greenthumb has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Santa Cruz after a bit of a struggle.
Santa Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Greenthumb uses good head movement to avoid it.
Santa Cruz misses with a punch on the inside.
Santa Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Greenthumb has had enough of the clinch but Santa Cruz keeps him there for the moment.
A short right from Santa Cruz on the inside.
Greenthumb lands with a right to the head.
Santa Cruz stops a takedown attempt from Greenthumb.
Rafael Santa Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Doctor Greenthumb.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Greenthumb.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Santa Cruz.
Greenthumb tries for a takedown. No joy.
#TD#
Santa Cruz tightens his grip and picks Greenthumb up, before dumping him to the ground. Greenthumb manages to land in guard.
Santa Cruz landing with the ground and pound. #SUB2#
Greenthumb escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Santa Cruz gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance. #T2#
Santa Cruz content to stall in guard here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Greenthumb working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz postures up and lands a big shot to Greenthumb's brow.
Santa Cruz missing there with some ground and pound from the guard. #SUB2#
Greenthumb is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Santa Cruz is aware though and is defending well.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Greenthumb working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Santa Cruz.
Greenthumb preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage. #T3#
Santa Cruz landing some decent shots from guard. #SUB2#
Santa Cruz got a little sloppy there for a moment and Greenthumb has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Santa Cruz has managed to get both his arms back between Greenthumb's legs - danger averted.
Santa Cruz postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Santa Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Greenthumb is retaining full guard.
Santa Cruz will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Santa Cruz is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Santa Cruz with a nice head shot there.#T4#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Santa Cruz won't allow Greenthumb to sweep him here.
Santa Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Greenthumb is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Greenthumb is trying to control the position from the bottom.
#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Greenthumb looks to throw the jab but Santa Cruz is out of range.
Greenthumb misses with a head kick.
Santa Cruz cracks Greenthumb with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Santa Cruz lands a really nice looking cross but Greenthumb seems unphased.
Santa Cruz throws a body punch but Greenthumb moves out of range.
Greenthumb thinks about the counter body kick.
Santa Cruz tries to clinch there but Greenthumb circles away.
Greenthumb looks like he wants to counter punch here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rafael Santa Cruz dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.
#R2#
Santa Cruz lands with a cross.
A jab from Santa Cruz finds it's way through Greenthumb's defenses.
Santa Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch but Greenthumb swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Greenthumb uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Santa Cruz.
It seemed like Greenthumb was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Santa Cruz lands with a straight right. Greenthumb didn't see that one coming.
Greenthumb throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Rafael Santa Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Santa Cruz fails with an attempt to clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Santa Cruz catches Greenthumb with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
A punch lands to the side of Santa Cruz 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Greenthumb needs to keep his hands up - Santa Cruz had a free shot at his head there.#T1#
Greenthumb staying out of range there.
Greenthumb dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Santa Cruz has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Santa Cruz there as he acknowledges the shot.
Greenthumb throws a predictable looking body shot
and Santa Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Greenthumb ducks right into an uppercut from Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Santa Cruz looks to score with a jab to the body but Greenthumb is just out of range.
Greenthumb keeps the fight on the outside.
Santa Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Greenthumb can do to turn this around?
Greenthumb is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Rafael Santa Cruz is winning the standup battle so far.
Santa Cruz thows a left - swing and a miss! #T2#
Good exchange - Santa Cruz coming out on top.
Greenthumb looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Greenthumb doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Greenthumb blocks a jab.
Santa Cruz lunges at Greenthumb with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Greenthumb's hand.
Good shot there by Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Greenthumb throws a wild body kick that Santa Cruz sees coming a mile off.
Santa Cruz is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Nice shot by Greenthumb.
Santa Cruz scores with a jab to the jaw.#T3#
Santa Cruz tries to clinch up.
Santa Cruz chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Santa Cruz gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Greenthumb misses with a left hand
and Santa Cruz counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Greenthumb thinking.
Greenthumb throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Greenthumb is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Santa Cruz.
Greenthumb's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Santa Cruz connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Greenthumb scrambles back to his feet.
Greenthumb throws a big shot that misses.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Santa Cruz, right into the meat.
#T4#
Santa Cruz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Santa Cruz misses with an uppercut.
Santa Cruz is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Santa Cruz misses with an attempted mid kick.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Greenthumb! But no joy.
Greenthumb scores with a sloppy right hand. Santa Cruz should have avoided that one.
Greenthumb takes a swing at Santa Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Santa Cruz tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Santa Cruz connects with a single shot there.
Santa Cruz looks to throw the jab but Greenthumb is out of range.
Greenthumb misses with a body shot
and Santa Cruz counters with a slapping leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rafael Santa Cruz dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!
#R3#
Santa Cruz tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Greenthumb manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Greenthumb is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Greenthumb lands a brutal head kick. Santa Cruz looks out on his feet and Greenthumb throws more strikes until the ref is forced to stop the fight!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:12 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Kick and Punches). Doctor Greenthumb!
A very excited looking Doctor Greenthumb made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
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Event:
MFN 353: Chekhov vs Badger
Date: Oct 12, 2016 |
#R1#
Dall throws a sloppy head kick and Santa Cruz moves out of range easily.
Santa Cruz fires out a quick counter leg kick but Dall just manages to avoid it.
We've been told by Santa Cruz's head coaches at Bonsai Club MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Dall throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Dall darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Dall throws a nice looking combination but Santa Cruz bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Dall scores with a head kick. Santa Cruz tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Santa Cruz attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Dall throws a chopping leg kick but Santa Cruz manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Santa Cruz is looking to counter punch.
Dall throws a leg kick which misses Santa Cruz's front leg but catches the back leg as Santa Cruz tries to avoid it.
A low kick from Dall misses
letting Santa Cruz counter with a right hand.
Dall connects with a solid leg kick.
Santa Cruz avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Dall throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Dall throws out a loose jab but Santa Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Santa Cruz smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Dall misses with a hook. Santa Cruz ducked under it nicely.
As Dall backs away, Santa Cruz returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Dall lets loose with a powerful body kick. Santa Cruz will feel that in the morning.
Dall tries to land a front kick but Santa Cruz steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.#T1#
Dall cracks Santa Cruz with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Dall scores with a head kick.
A low kick from Dall misses
and Santa Cruz counters with a thumping low kick.
Dall moves away from the strike by Santa Cruz.
Dall motions for Santa Cruz to come forward. Dall throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Santa Cruz looks to throw the jab but Dall is out of range.
Santa Cruz scores with a jab. Dall acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
A swing and a miss from Santa Cruz.
Dall fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Santa Cruz is out of range.
Santa Cruz throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Igydo Dall seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Dall throws a low kick but Santa Cruz moves out of range easily.
Dall uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Santa Cruz.
Dall fails with a takedown attempt.
Dall is trying hard to land a takedown here. Santa Cruz sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet. #T2#
Santa Cruz darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Santa Cruz keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Santa Cruz quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Rafael Santa Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Igydo Dall.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A chopping leg kick lands by Dall.
Dall chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Santa Cruz staying out of range there.
Dall doesn't succeed with the takedown
letting Santa Cruz counter with a right hand.
Santa Cruz tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Dall was well out of range. Poor timing from Santa Cruz.
Dall uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Santa Cruz.
A countering left hand to the body from Dall misses.
Santa Cruz tries to move into range but Dall moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Santa Cruz lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Santa Cruz needs to keep his hands up - Dall had a free shot at his head there.
Dall throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Dall throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle. #T3#
Dall throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Santa Cruz on the side of the head.
Dall swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A slapping leg kick lands for Dall.
Dall throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Dall misses with a leg kick
and Santa Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Santa Cruz swings for the body but Dall moves out of range.
Santa Cruz blocks a head kick by Dall.
Dall pulls out of a head kick attempt.
It looked like Santa Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Dall lands with an overhand left.
Santa Cruz takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Santa Cruz tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Dall slips a straight right by Santa Cruz.
A punch combination from Dall misses.
Dall throws a leg kick
and Santa Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Santa Cruz has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Santa Cruz there as he acknowledges the shot.
Dall misses with a leg kick
letting Santa Cruz counter with a right hand.
Santa Cruz is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.#T4#
Santa Cruz has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Dall.
Santa Cruz wants to slow Dall down by chopping away at his legs.
A big left from Santa Cruz misses.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Dall checks a leg kick.
Santa Cruz fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Dall checks it well.
Dall on the wrong end of a nice hook.#TD2#
Santa Cruz gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Dall to score an easy takedown into full guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Santa Cruz is trying to keep Dall in close.
Santa Cruz is trying to hold Dall in close to prevent damage but Dall has managed to pass into half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Santa Cruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Igydo Dall dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
#R2#
Dall looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Santa Cruz appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Dall has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Santa Cruz blocks the body kick.
Santa Cruz bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Santa Cruz defending well as Dall loads up on a big left hand.
Dall fails with the takedown.
Santa Cruz misses with a hook.
Dall moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Dall bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Dall misses with a wild body shot.
Santa Cruz looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Dall misses with a straight right.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Santa Cruz feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Dalls jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Dall throws a quick inside leg kick. #TD#
Santa Cruz shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Dall napping and manages to drive through into side control!
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Santa Cruz cracks Dall with a big right hand but Dall just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Santa Cruz trying to control the action but Dall is working from the bottom. #T1#
Santa Cruz creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Santa Cruz wants to control for a moment but Dall uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
Dall is looking to improve his position.
Dall moves into full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB2#
Dall is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Santa Cruz defends well.#SUB2#
Dall escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Santa Cruz gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance. #T2#
Santa Cruz chips away with some ground and pound.
Dall can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Santa Cruz controls the pace.#SUB2#
Dall escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Santa Cruz gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Dall trying to keep a closed guard but Santa Cruz is proving a slippery customer.
Santa Cruz is pushing down on Dall's leg trying to pass to half guard. Dall is fighting to maintain full guard but Santa Cruz has managed to sneak the leg through.#T3#
Dall trying to control but Santa Cruz postures up.
Dall is trying to get back to full guard.
Santa Cruz working the head and body with strikes.
Santa Cruz looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Dall with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Dall is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Santa Cruz is taking a breather. Dall says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Santa Cruz frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Dall tries to hold on but Santa Cruz postures up.#T4#
Dall is bucking up trying to escape but Santa Cruz cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Santa Cruz in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Dall tries to hold on but Santa Cruz pushes him away.
Dall working to try and regain half guard.
Dall sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.#SUB2#
Dall looking for submissions off his back.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Dall taking some punishment here, with Santa Cruz in his half guard. #ROC#
Dall is rocked!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rafael Santa Cruz dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!
#R3#
Santa Cruz throws a jab when Dall was well out of range.
Dall tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Dall moves out of range as Santa Cruz strikes.
Santa Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Dall.
Santa Cruz is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Santa Cruz looks to score with a jab to the body but Dall is just out of range.
Dall takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Dall looks to land a body kick but Santa Cruz moved away.
Dall throws a head kick but Santa Cruz moves out of range.
Dall scores with a kick to the midsection.
A big left from Dall misses.
Dall throws a nice inside leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dall misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
A swing and a miss from Santa Cruz.
Dall looks like he wanted to counter with a high kick but didn't throw it.
Santa Cruz blocks a head kick by Dall.
Dall swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Dall lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.#T1#
Dall throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Santa Cruz misses with a straight left.
Dall with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Santa Cruz to score with a decent uppercut.
Igydo Dall seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Dall scores with a push kick.
Santa Cruz with a lazy takedown attempt
and Dall makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Dall takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Santa Cruz is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Dall.
Dall moves out of range of the strikes.
Santa Cruz tries to work over Dall's front leg with a kick but Dall checks it.
Santa Cruz throws a low kick, looking for Dall's leg but Dall calmly moves out of range.
Dall throws a series of punches but Santa Cruz moves out of range.
Santa Cruz throws out a loose jab but Dall uses good head movement to avoid it.
Dall throws a head kick that Santa Cruz semi-blocks.
Santa Cruz connects with a single shot there.#T2#
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!#TD2#
Dall closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Santa Cruz regains half guard.#SUB2#
Dall is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Santa Cruz is staying active underneath Dall, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Santa Cruz is pressing down on Dall's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Dall looking to sit in guard and control but Santa Cruz gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVR#
Santa Cruz is in close to Dall's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Santa Cruz has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Santa Cruz stands up over Dall, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Santa Cruz wants to pass the guard but Dall is keeping the position.
Dall keeping moving, preventing Santa Cruz from controlling successfully. #T3#
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Santa Cruz looking to sit in guard and control but Dall gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVB#
Dall trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Dall is looking to advance position but Santa Cruz has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!#REVR#
Dall can't escape the position.
Santa Cruz tries to control but Dall wriggling away.
Rafael Santa Cruz overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Santa Cruz in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
#T4#
Dall is desperately trying to improve his position but Santa Cruz has a good base and remains in mount.
Dall manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Dall is trying to maintain the position but Santa Cruz is very close to passing his half guard.
Dall is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Dall makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Dall.
Dall keeping moving, preventing Santa Cruz from controlling successfully.
And that's the end of the fight!
Igydo Dall comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Dall has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 28:29
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 28:29
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 28:29
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Igydo Dall!
Igydo Dall decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
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Event:
MFN 346: Hyde vs. Mara II
Date: Sep 14, 2016 |
#R1#
Santos throws a lazy uppercut
letting Santa Cruz counter with a right hand.
Santa Cruz ducks under a wild hook from Santos.
Santa Cruz slips under a jab.
Santa Cruz drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Santos defends it well.
Santa Cruz avoids the head kick by Santos.
Santos's jab looks to have found its range, popping Santa Cruz under the eye.
Santos looks to throw the jab but Santa Cruz is out of range.
Santa Cruz with the counter takedown but Santos avoids it easily.
Santa Cruz tries to clinch but Santos moves out of range.
A chopping leg kick lands by Santos.
Santos on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Santos misses with a looping left.#CL2#
Santa Cruz closes the distance and pushes Santos back into the cage.
Santos blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Santa Cruz has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Santos after a bit of a struggle.
Santa Cruz lands with a right to the head.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Santos as Santa Cruz tries to tie him up.
Santa Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Santos uses good head movement to avoid it.
Santa Cruz scores with a shoulder strike. #T1#
Santos tries to work over Santa Cruz's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Santos lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Santos.
Santa Cruz can't get the takedown.
Santa Cruz misses with a punch on the inside.
Santos scores with a shot to the side of Santa Cruz's head.
A head punch on the inside from Santa Cruz fails to land.
Santos scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Santa Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Santos uses good head movement to avoid it.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Santos.
Santa Cruz dodges an elbow strike from Santos.
Santos lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Santa Cruz misses with some punches.
The referee calls for Santos to work.
Nice elbow from Santos.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Santos lands on the inside with an uppercut. #T2#
Santos lands with a short shot to the head.
Santos misses with the head strike.
Santa Cruz is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Santos is defending well.
Neymar Santos has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rafael Santa Cruz.
Santos lands an elbow inside.
Santos misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Santos blocks a body shot from Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz is looking to control Santos's arms but Santos gets an underhook and turns him. Now Santa Cruz has his back to the cage.
Santa Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Santos uses good head movement to avoid it.
Santa Cruz avoiding damage as Santos throws knees to the body.
A left hand lands to the body for Santos.
Santa Cruz taking a breather.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Santos.
Santa Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Santos digs a right hand into Santa Cruz's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Santa Cruz's gas tank.
Santos tries a body shot but Santa Cruz blocks it.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Santos. #CUT#
It looks like Rafael Santa Cruz has been cut.
Santa Cruz has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Santos avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Santa Cruz blocking some punches.
#T3#
Santos is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Santa Cruz lands with a left to the head.
Santa Cruz lands a hook that snaps the head of Santos backwards.
Santa Cruz has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Santos is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Santa Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Santos controls his hands.
Santos tries a body shot but Santa Cruz blocks it.
Santa Cruz goes for a takedown in the clinch but Santos prevents it.
Santa Cruz slowing the pace effectively.#BC#
Santos's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Santos throws a series of punches but Santa Cruz avoids them all with ease.
A leg kick checked by Santos.
Santa Cruz takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Santos lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Santa Cruz circles away quickly and effectively.
Santos misses with a double jab.
Santa Cruz fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Santa Cruz bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.#T4#
Santos lands a slapping body shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!#CL2#
Santos tries to keep at a distance but Santa Cruz has taken the fight into the clinch.
Good body shot from Santos.
Santa Cruz is looking to take this one to the mat.
Santos lands a right hand.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Santos.
Santa Cruz's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Santa Cruz takes an elbow to the temple.
Santos makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Santa Cruz misses with a body punch.
Stalling in the clinch from Santos.
Santos lands an elbow just above Santa Cruz 's eye.
A nice left hand lands by Santos.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Santa Cruz avoids a wild elbow strike from Santos.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Neymar Santos dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Rafael Santa Cruz's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
#R2#
Santos moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Neymar Santos seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Santa Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Santa Cruz tries to clinch there but Santos circles away.
Santos appears to be looking for a big counter.
Santos misses the jab.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Santa Cruz! But no joy.
Neymar Santos is winning the standup battle so far.
Santos lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Santa Cruz misses with a takedown attempt - Santos sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Santos throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Santos takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles. #CL2#
Santa Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Santos.#BC#
Santos breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Santa Cruz stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Santos.
Santa Cruz lands with an overhand left.
Santa Cruz checks the leg kick nicely there.
Santa Cruz scores with a hook.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Santos lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
A nice inside leg kick there by Santos. That's going to slow Santa Cruz down. #T1#
Santos keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Santos lands a lovely overhand right.
Santos connects with a leg kick. Santa Cruz looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Santos lands with a cross.
Santa Cruz moves out of range of the strikes.
Santa Cruz needs to keep his hands up - Santos had a free shot at his head there.
Santa Cruz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Santos is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Santos will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Santos.
Neymar Santos is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Santa Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Santos.#CL#
Santos moves into the clinch.#T2#
Santa Cruz drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Santos doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Santa Cruz works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Santos blocking some punches.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Santos.
Neymar Santos has scored more points in the clinch so far.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Santos lands an elbow that stopped Santa Cruz in his tracks for a moment.
Santos gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Santa Cruz.
Neymar Santos has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rafael Santa Cruz.
Santos fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Santa Cruz is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Santos pulls him back up using the underhooks.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Santa Cruz.
Nice body punch from Santos.
Santos misses with an elbow over the top.
Santos throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Santa Cruz is breathing heavily.
Santa Cruz managing to block the knees to the body from Santos.
#T3#
Santos lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Santa Cruz blocks the elbow strike.
Santos lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Santos blocks a punch to the side of the head.
With the fighters up against the cage, Santos throws an elbow but misses.
Santos misses with a punch to the body.
Santa Cruz has a couple of punches blocked by Santos.
Santos lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Santos is working Santa Cruz over against the cage.
Santos effectively controlling the action here.
Santa Cruz tries for a takedown but Santos manages to get underhooks.
Santos creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Santa Cruz's defenses.
Santa Cruz misses with some punches.
Santa Cruz misses with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Santa Cruz fails to land.
Santos creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Santos looks to throw an elbow but misses. #T4#
Santos working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Nice elbow from Santos.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.#TD2#
Santa Cruz has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Santos regains guard immediately.
Santos wants to get back to his feet but Santa Cruz is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Santos is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Santos looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Santa Cruz trying to control but Santos is working from the bottom.
Santos is looking to sweep but instead, Santa Cruz has passed into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Neymar Santos dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Rafael Santa Cruz's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!
#R3#
Santos scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Santos throws a nice inside leg kick.
Santa Cruz stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Santos.
Santos throws a jab but it's blocked by Santa Cruz.
A big right from Santos misses. #CL2#
Santa Cruz moves into the clinch.#TD2#
Santa Cruz has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Santos clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Santos trying to control the hands but Santa Cruz won't let him.
Santa Cruz keeps control of the position as Santos tries to break free.
Santos controlling his opponent's hands, preventing the submission attempt.
Santos has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T1#
Santos manages to scramble and ends up in full guard, under a barage of strikes . Great composure from Santos.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#ES#
Santos has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Santa Cruz has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Santos lands a nice shot to the body.
Santa Cruz changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Santos fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Santos scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Santos throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Santa Cruz stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Santa Cruz tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Santos manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Santos fires out a quick counter leg kick but Santa Cruz just manages to avoid it.
Santos tries a head kick but it misses.
Santa Cruz is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Santa Cruz takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.#CL2#
Santa Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Santos.#T2#
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Santos comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Santos struggles to land a body shot inside as Santa Cruz controls his hands.
Santos lands an elbow that stopped Santa Cruz in his tracks for a moment.
Santos is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Santa Cruz can do to turn this around?
A short right hand to the side of the head by Santos.
Santos lands a shot to the body.
Santa Cruz dodges an elbow strike from Santos.
Santos gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Santos lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Good body shot from Santos.
Santa Cruz takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Santos comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Santos looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Santos lands an uppercut.
Santa Cruz stalling.
Santos digs a right hand into Santa Cruz's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Santa Cruz's gas tank.
Santos lands a nice elbow.
Santa Cruz prevents a body shot from Santos.
Santa Cruz's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Santos lands a hook that snaps the head of Santa Cruz backwards.
Neymar Santos is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.#T3#
Santos lands a right hand that snaps the head of Santa Cruz backwards. #ROC#
Santa Cruz is rocked!
Santos lands with a short shot to the head.
Santa Cruz is still on wobbly legs! Can Santos finish him?
Santa Cruz content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Santos creates a bit of space for himself and rocks Santa Cruz with a big uppercut! Santa Cruz tries to clinch up but Santos pushes him back against the cage and lands another monster strike that crumples Santa Cruz to the mat! Santa Cruz covers up and Santos unloads with more strikes until the referee steps in to end the bout!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:17 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Neymar Santos!
A victorious Neymar Santos thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
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Event:
MFN 343: Piranha
Date: Aug 31, 2016 |
#R1#
Santa Cruz misses with a takedown attempt - Romero sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Romero lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Santa Cruz has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Romero tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Santa Cruz manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.#CL2#
Santa Cruz takes the fight into the clinch.
Romero throws an elbow but it misses.
#TD2#
Santa Cruz has Romero pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Santa Cruz pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Romero tumbling to the mat - Santa Cruz dives into Romero's guard.
Romero pulls Santa Cruz in to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Santa Cruz loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Romero pulls Santa Cruz in close to prevent any damage.
Santa Cruz trying to control but Romero is working from the bottom. #T1#
Santa Cruz throws a strike but Romero rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVR#
Santa Cruz wants to stand but Romero is controlling the position.
Romero sitting in guard, not really doing much. #T2#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Romero trying to control the position from guard on top but Santa Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Santa Cruz looks to score with a jab to the body but Romero is just out of range.
Santa Cruz lands with a nice body kick.
Romero fails in his attempt to clinch.
Romero tries to clinch up.
A little jabbing left from Santa Cruz on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.#CL2#
Romero gets tackled into the cage by Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz maintains the clinch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Romero. #T3#
Santa Cruz is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Romero is defending well.
Romero misses with a punch to the body.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Santa Cruz creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Romero lands a left hand.
Santa Cruz blocks an uppercut.
Romero misses with a body punch.
Romero lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Santa Cruz.
Romero scores with a nice hook to the head.
Romero lands a body shot in the clinch.
Romero throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Santa Cruz lands a right hand that snaps the head of Romero backwards.
Romero misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Santa Cruz blocks an uppercut.
Romero tries to throw a body punch but Santa Cruz avoids it by throwing Romero back against the cage.
Santa Cruz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Romero misses with an elbow over the top.#T4#
Santa Cruz fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Romero lands a right hand that snaps the head of Santa Cruz backwards.
Romero lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Romero tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Santa Cruz's elbow.
A short left from Romero.
Our sources have told us that Romero has been working on his elbows in the gym.
Santa Cruz lands an uppercut.
Romero struggles to land a body shot inside as Santa Cruz controls his hands.
Romero lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Santa Cruz lands with a right to the head.
Romero is pressed up against the cage. Santa Cruz has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Romero down to the mat. Romero avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Nicodemo Romero has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rafael Santa Cruz.
Romero tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A jab from Romero misses.
Santa Cruz keeps the fight on the outside.
Santa Cruz fails with the takedown
and Romero counters with a stiff right hand.
Romero tries to clinch there but Santa Cruz circles away.
A telegraphed right hand from Romero misses the target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Nicodemo Romero dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.
#R2#
A nice combination there by Romero.
Romero takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
That kick from Santa Cruz tenderised Romero's leg. Romero is trying to keep his angry face on.
Romero has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Santa Cruz finds it's way round the side to connect with Romero's head.
Romero throws a hook to the side of Santa Cruz's head but Santa Cruz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A big left from Romero misses. #CL#
Romero takes the fight into the clinch.
Romero tries to throw a body punch but Santa Cruz avoids it by throwing Romero back against the cage.
Romero can't find room to land a body shot as Santa Cruz controls the action.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Romero just misses with a elbow thrown towards Santa Cruz's brow.
Santa Cruz throws a punch but it's blocked by Romero.
Santa Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Romero blocking some punches.
Romero lands an elbow inside.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Romero lands an elbow just above Santa Cruz 's eye.
Romero lands a left hand that snaps the head of Santa Cruz backwards. #T1#
Santa Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Romero lands a right hand that snaps the head of Santa Cruz backwards.
Santa Cruz misses with a short punch on the inside.
Santa Cruz working aggressively here.
Santa Cruz dodges an elbow strike from Romero.
Romero swings wildly with an uppercut but Santa Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Romero just misses with a elbow thrown towards Santa Cruz's brow.
Romero creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Romero is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Santa Cruz can do to turn this around?
A short uppercut from Romero. #TD2#
Romero is fighting off a takedown attempt but Santa Cruz is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Romero to the mat. Romero regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Santa Cruz trying to control but Romero is working from the bottom.
Santa Cruz working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Romero is on top in guard.
#REVR#
Santa Cruz wants to stand and escape but Romero is having none of it. #T2#
Romero stays in close to Santa Cruz's body and controls the position.
Santa Cruz wants to stand up but Romero is controlling him.
Romero controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Romero won't allow Santa Cruz to get back to his feet.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.#T3#
Santa Cruz is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Santa Cruz keeps the fight on the outside.
Santa Cruz drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.#CL2#
Santa Cruz gets a clinch.
Romero lands an elbow inside that Santa Cruz shrugs off.
Santa Cruz presses Romero against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.#TD2#
Santa Cruz gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Romero regains guard.
Romero is controlling Santa Cruz's posture.
Santa Cruz won't allow Romero to sweep him here.
Santa Cruz working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Romero pulls Santa Cruz in to control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Santa Cruz throwing strikes from guard but Romero blocks nicely. #T4#
Romero trying to control the position.
Romero has Santa Cruz pulled in close to control his posture.
Santa Cruz throwing strikes but missing. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Romero tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Romero displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Santa Cruz throws out the jab.
Romero connects with a jab.#CL2#
Santa Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Romero.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Santa Cruz scores with a shoulder strike.
Nicodemo Romero has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Romero lands a nice elbow.
Santa Cruz blocks the elbow strike.
Santa Cruz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Romero's elbow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close second round but I would say that Nicodemo Romero will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!
#R3#
A leg kick checked by Romero.
Romero takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Romero lands with a hook. Santa Cruz tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Romero ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Romero wants to clinch.
A left lands for Romero.
Nicodemo Romero is winning the standup battle so far.#CL#
Romero fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Santa Cruz, pushing him back against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Romero misses with a short punch on the inside. #TD2#
Santa Cruz has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Romero regains guard immediately.
Romero pulls Santa Cruz in close to prevent any damage. #T1#
Santa Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Romero is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Romero has control of Santa Cruz's left arm, preventing Santa Cruz from doing any damage.
Romero is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Santa Cruz is fighting to break Romero's control of his arms but Romero is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Santa Cruz stands up over Romero, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Santa Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Romero is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Romero is trying to keep Santa Cruz in close.
#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Romero tries to clinch there but Santa Cruz circles away.
Santa Cruz swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Santa Cruz takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
#CL#
Santa Cruz tries to keep at a distance but Romero has taken the fight into the clinch.
Romero misses with a hook to the ribs.
Romero throws a punch but it's blocked by Santa Cruz.
Romero lands an elbow inside that Santa Cruz shrugs off.
Romero tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Romero gets underhooks to prevent Santa Cruz's takedown attempt.
A head punch on the inside from Santa Cruz fails to land.
Santa Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Romero.
Santa Cruz wants a takedown but no success here.
#T3#
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Santa Cruz.
The referee is keeping an eye on Santa Cruz - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Santa Cruz fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Rafael Santa Cruz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Santa Cruz avoids a wild elbow strike from Romero.
A short left from Santa Cruz.
Romero lands a damaging elbow.
Romero tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Romero doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Romero working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
A shot in the inside from Santa Cruz.
Romero tries to work over Santa Cruz's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Santa Cruz blocks an elbow strike from Romero.
Santa Cruz has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Romero after a bit of a struggle.
Nicodemo Romero has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rafael Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz presses Romero against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Santa Cruz lands a hook to the side of the head.
Santa Cruz softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.#T4#
Romero can't find room to land a body shot as Santa Cruz controls the action.
Romero tries to throw a body punch but Santa Cruz avoids it by throwing Romero back against the cage.
Santa Cruz lands a right hand that snaps the head of Romero backwards.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Santa Cruz blocks the elbow strike.
Santa Cruz blocks a body shot from Romero.
Romero swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Santa Cruz is looking for a takedown.
Romero blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Romero misses with some punches.
Santa Cruz fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Romero working aggressively here.
Santa Cruz misses with a short punch on the inside.
Romero lands a right hand that snaps the head of Santa Cruz backwards.
A short left from Romero.
Santa Cruz's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A nice glancing elbow lands by Romero.
Romero creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
A short right from Santa Cruz.
And that's the end of the fight!
Nicodemo Romero showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Romero, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 30:27
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 30:27
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nicodemo Romero!
Nicodemo Romero gave a mention to Fury Nutrition in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).
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Event:
Destiny 165: Haas vs Demaestri
Date: Aug 13, 2016 |
#R1#
Machado throws an off balance right hand
and Santa Cruz counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Santa Cruz tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Machado manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Machado goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Santa Cruz throws a head kick that misses.
Machado ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Santa Cruz moves away.
Santa Cruz shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Machado as he avoids it easily.
Machado throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Santa Cruz stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Nice takedown defense from Machado. No joy for Santa Cruz on that attempt. #CL#
The fight moves into the clinch position.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Machado creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Machado scores with a hook to the body.
Santa Cruz blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Santa Cruz blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Machado scores with a shoulder strike.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Machado lands with a right to the head. #T1#
Machado lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Machado is trying to push Santa Cruz away but Santa Cruz has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Santa Cruz avoids the elbow strike from Machado, against the cage.
Santa Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Machado controls his hands.
Santa Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Machado throws an elbow but it misses.
Santa Cruz swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A head punch on the inside from Santa Cruz fails to land.
Santa Cruz blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Santa Cruz blocking some punches.
Santa Cruz misses with some punches.
Santa Cruz scores with a shoulder strike.
Santa Cruz scores with a shoulder strike.
Machado doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Machado blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Machado blocks a body shot from Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Machado after a bit of a struggle.
Manny Machado has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rafael Santa Cruz.#BC#
Machado breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
#T2#
Machado misses with a body shot.
Machado throws a body shot but no joy.
It seemed like Santa Cruz was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Santa Cruz takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Santa Cruz slips a jab and a cross from Machado.
Santa Cruz only half commits to the counter leg kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Santa Cruz tries to clinch up but Machado circles away and keeps his distance.
Machado swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
An inside leg kick from Machado misses.
Santa Cruz misses with a straight right.
Machado steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz is looking to clinch but Machado is avoiding it.
Santa Cruz pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Santa Cruz avoids the body shot from Machado.
Machado throws a right and a left that Santa Cruz avoids nicely.
Santa Cruz avoids a lazy jab quite easily.#T3#
Machado tries to score with a low kick but Santa Cruz moves his leg out of the way.
Santa Cruz checks a low kick from Machado.
Santa Cruz slips a jab from Machado.
Machado misses with a double jab
and Santa Cruz counters with a nice leg kick.
Manny Machado is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Machado walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.#TD2#
Santa Cruz shoots in and bounces Machado off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Santa Cruz trying to control but Machado is working from the bottom.
Santa Cruz throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent. #T4#
Santa Cruz trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Machado looking for a sweep. Not yet Machado, not yet.
Santa Cruz wants to control from the top but Machado keeps moving.
Machado wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Santa Cruz is now in half guard.
Machado wants to get back to full guard.
Santa Cruz throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Santa Cruz scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Well, if Santa Cruz is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Machado is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at Heart Cave (8 elites, 4 double-elites, 1 triple) that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.
Santa Cruz trying to mount his opponent but Machado defends it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Manny Machado dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
#R2#
Machado tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Machado takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Machado fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Santa Cruz.
Machado looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Santa Cruz with the counter takedown but Machado avoids it easily.
Santa Cruz avoids the body shot from Machado.
Machado lands a two punch combo.
Santa Cruz throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Machado on the side of the head.
Santa Cruz is looking to clinch.
Machado tries to work over Santa Cruz's front leg with a kick but Santa Cruz checks it.
It seemed like Santa Cruz was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Santa Cruz tries to land a front kick but Machado steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Machado throws a poor cross that misses
enabling Santa Cruz to counter with a crisp jab. #CL2#
Santa Cruz has Machado up against the cage in a clinch.
Machado doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Machado is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Santa Cruz can do to turn this around?#T1#
Santa Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Santa Cruz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Machado misses with a punch to the body.
Santa Cruz blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz pushes Machado back against the cage and unloads with a body punch. #TD2#
Santa Cruz turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Santa Cruz working the ground and pound.
Santa Cruz is looking to take a break and control but Machado is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Machado is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Machado is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Santa Cruz off and has taken his back!#T2#
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Santa Cruz rolls, trying to escape but Machado keeps control of the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
Machado trying to control momentarily.
Santa Cruz tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Machado raining down hammerfists from mount.
Santa Cruz is looking to improve his position but Machado isn't that keen on the idea.#T3#
Santa Cruz slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.#SUB2#
Santa Cruz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Machado pulls his head out easily.
Santa Cruz has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Machado is working away from the top position though.#SUB2#
Santa Cruz looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Machado wants to free his trapped foot but Santa Cruz is holding on for dear life with his legs. #SUB2#
Santa Cruz looking for submissions from an awkward position here.#T4#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Santa Cruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Santa Cruz works his way to full guard. Good work.#SUB2#
Santa Cruz is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle. #SUB2#
Santa Cruz is looking for a triangle but Machado pushes his legs off easily.
#SUB2#
Santa Cruz working for submissions but it's allowed Machado to get to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rafael Santa Cruz showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Machado's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!
#R3#
Machado throws a front kick aimed at Santa Cruz's knee but Santa Cruz avoids it well.
Santa Cruz swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.#CL2#
Santa Cruz rushes Machado and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Santa Cruz can't find room to land a body shot as Machado controls the action.
Machado is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Santa Cruz blocks an uppercut.
Santa Cruz lands an uppercut.
Santa Cruz fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Machado struggles to land a body shot inside as Santa Cruz controls his hands.
Rafael Santa Cruz seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Machado tries to circle away but Santa Cruz has him pinned against the cage.#TD2#
Santa Cruz gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Machado is doing well to control the position and prevent Santa Cruz from advancing to side control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Machado slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Machado seems keen to control Santa Cruz's posture.#T1#
Machado is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Santa Cruz in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Machado preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Machado holds on and takes a little breather.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Santa Cruz throws a strike but Machado rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVR#
Santa Cruz controls Machado momentarily but Machado frees himself.
Machado with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.#T2#
Santa Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Machado trying to control the position from guard on top but Santa Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Santa Cruz controlling the position.#SUB2#
Santa Cruz has an active guard here but Machado has managed to pass into half guard.
Santa Cruz is looking to control Machado's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Santa Cruz avoid being mounted?
Santa Cruz felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.#T3##SUB2#
Santa Cruz looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Rafael Santa Cruz has got the better of the ground game so far.
Machado prevents Santa Cruz from improving his position.
Machado is trying to control the action in half guard but Santa Cruz is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Machado throws a sloppy body shot
and Santa Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Santa Cruz tries to clinch up but Machado circles away and keeps his distance.
Machado fails with an attempt to clinch.
Manny Machado seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The fighters circle momentarily. Machado darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Machado is looking to wear down Santa Cruz with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
A clash of legs there as Santa Cruz blocks the low kick.
Santa Cruz was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Machado tries to bum rush Santa Cruz with a series of wild strikes but Santa Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the assault.#T4#
Machado throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Santa Cruz tries to clinch but Machado moves away
and Machado counters with a nice body shot.
Santa Cruz thumps Machado with a low kick.
Santa Cruz doesn't manage to clinch there - Machado circles away.
Santa Cruz tries to clinch up.
Santa Cruz wants to clinch.
Santa Cruz throws a chopping leg kick but Machado manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Machado was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Machado moves out of range of the strikes.
Machado appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Machado misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Santa Cruz makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Machado throws a low kick but Santa Cruz avoids it.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Rafael Santa Cruz.
I think Santa Cruz has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 28:29
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 28:29
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rafael Santa Cruz!
Rafael Santa Cruz seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
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Event:
Destiny 162: Tanner vs. Alves
Date: Jul 23, 2016 |
#R1#
Santa Cruz moves into range and connects with a jab.
Santa Cruz pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
LaBeouf throws a counter combo.
Santa Cruz closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Nice shot lands for LaBeouf.
Santa Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
LaBeouf misses with a wild combination.
LaBeouf takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Santa Cruz cracks LaBeouf with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
LaBeouf ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Santa Cruz with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling LaBeouf to score with a decent uppercut.
Santa Cruz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
A telegraphed right hand from Santa Cruz misses the target.
LaBeouf feints the counter takedown.
We've been told by Santa Cruz's head coaches at Hugs & Kisses that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Santa Cruz throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.#T1#
LaBeouf misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
LaBeouf takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Santa Cruz misses the jab.
Santa Cruz misses with an uppercut
and LaBeouf counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Santa Cruz thinking.
LaBeouf connects with a body shot.
Santa Cruz chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Santa Cruz throws a leg kick
enabling LaBeouf to counter with a crisp jab.
LaBeouf takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
LaBeouf throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Santa Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Santa Cruz looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
A jab from Santa Cruz does it's job there.
Santa Cruz throws a shot from downtown. LaBeouf moves away and avoids it.
LaBeouf shapes to counter with a head kick.
LaBeouf misses with a wild combination.
Santa Cruz swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.#T2#
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
LaBeouf lands a body shot.
Nice uppercut there from Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
LaBeouf swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Santa Cruz fires out a quick counter leg kick but LaBeouf just manages to avoid it.
A nice leg kick lands there from Santa Cruz.
LaBeouf fakes the leg kick and cracks Santa Cruz in the body.
Santa Cruz swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Santa Cruz throws a lazy right hand but LaBeouf sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
LaBeouf stuns Santa Cruz with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.#T3#
LaBeouf shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Santa Cruz defends it nicely.
Santa Cruz lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Santa Cruz throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Santa Cruz fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
LaBeouf throws a body shot but no joy.
Santa Cruz tests LaBeouf's chin there with a solid looking shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Santa Cruz. LaBeouf does a little dance to reset his feet.
Santa Cruz misses with a kick to the body.
#T4#
LaBeouf scores with a head kick.
Rafael Santa Cruz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Santa Cruz throws a lazy right hand but LaBeouf sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
LaBeouf will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
LaBeouf throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Santa Cruz.
LaBeouf throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Santa Cruz cracks the inside of LaBeouf's front leg. #TD2#
LaBeouf dives in and scores a takedown into Santa Cruz's guard.
LaBeouf trying to control the position from guard on top but Santa Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
LaBeouf won't allow Santa Cruz to get back to his feet.
LaBeouf trying to control but Santa Cruz is working from the bottom.
LaBeouf postures up in Santa Cruz's guard and throws a big left but Santa Cruz blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but I would say that Rafael Santa Cruz will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
#R2#
LaBeouf shoots in but Santa Cruz avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Santa Cruz misses with a left hand
and LaBeouf counters with a one-two to the body.
Shia LaBeouf is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A slow jab from Santa Cruz misses its intended target.
Santa Cruz motions for LaBeouf to come forward. Santa Cruz throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
LaBeouf counters with a body kick.
Decent striking displayed by Santa Cruz there.
Santa Cruz misses with a leg kick.
LaBeouf misses with a low kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Santa Cruz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. LaBeouf sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Santa Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
LaBeouf lands a jab to Santa Cruz's midsection.
Santa Cruz misses with a leg kick
and LaBeouf counters with a one-two to the body.
Santa Cruz has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.#T1#
Santa Cruz pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
As Santa Cruz backs off LaBeouf throws a huge counter combo but Santa Cruz manages to avoid it all.
Santa Cruz looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
LaBeouf throws a body shot but no joy.
Rafael Santa Cruz is winning the standup battle so far.
LaBeouf throws out a loose jab but Santa Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
LaBeouf lands a jab.
LaBeouf keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
LaBeouf ducks under a wild hook from Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz lands with an overhand left.
LaBeouf throws the kick towards the body but Santa Cruz avoids it.
Santa Cruz slips under a jab from LaBeouf.
Santa Cruz scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.#T2#
LaBeouf will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Santa Cruz scores with a jab to the head.
Santa Cruz will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
LaBeouf fails to land with a series of punches.
Santa Cruz throws a body kick despite being completely out of range#TD2#
and LaBeouf counters with a shoot takedown. Santa Cruz fights it but they end up in guard.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
LaBeouf stays in close to Santa Cruz's body and controls the position.
LaBeouf won't allow Santa Cruz to get back to his feet. #T3#
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
LaBeouf advances position into side control!
LaBeouf scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Santa Cruz to see if he's OK.
LaBeouf looks up at the clock and then as Santa Cruz takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, LaBeouf smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Santa Cruz wants to get back to his feet.
LaBeouf is looking to take a break and control but Santa Cruz is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The strikes coming from LaBeouf are missing the target in this wave of attacks. #T4#
LaBeouf working the head and body with strikes.
Santa Cruz wants to get back to his feet but LaBeouf drags him back down.#SUB2#
LaBeouf tries for a kimura but Santa Cruz is defending well. #SUB2#
LaBeouf has an Americana. Santa Cruz didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! LaBeouf is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if LaBeouf hooks up with any of them at the after show party.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:47 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Shia LaBeouf!
Post fight, Shia LaBeouf stared into the camera and said 'raf camora stop hiding youre butthole from my wiener!'.
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Event:
Destiny Tuesday 50
Date: Jun 14, 2016 |
#R1#
Lee displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Santa Cruz throws out the jab.
Lee stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Lee wants it to stay on the feet.
Santa Cruz scores with a jab to the head.
Lee just misses with a punch to the body.
Santa Cruz thows a body kick. Lee tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Santa Cruz falls off balance throwing a combination
and Lee counters with a stiff right hand.
Lee misses the shot to the body.
Lee has been working on his boxing with his coaches at LOD: Xtreme MMA in the buildup to the fight.
Lee pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Santa Cruz back to the cage. Lee follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Santa Cruz misses with a looping right.
A looping hook to the body misses from Santa Cruz. Lee does a little dance to reset his feet.
Santa Cruz keeps the fight on the outside.
Lee scores with a three punch combo!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Santa Cruz ducks under a wild hook from Lee.#T1#
Lee misses with a double jab
and Santa Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Lee looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Santa Cruz scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Santa Cruz takes one to the side of the head.
Lee throws a head kick that half lands.
Lewis Lee is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A telegraphed right hand from Lee misses the target.
Santa Cruz is trying to counter with his kicks.
Lee looks to throw the jab but Santa Cruz is out of range.
Santa Cruz changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Lee swings away with a body shot that misses
and Santa Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Lee jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Lee throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A big left from Lee misses. #T2#
Lee keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Jab, jab by Lee - just one landing.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Santa Cruz slips a straight right by Lee.
Santa Cruz looks to throw the jab but Lee is out of range.
Santa Cruz digs a good body shot into Lee's ribs.
Lee throws a predictable looking body shot
and Santa Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
Santa Cruz scores with a hook.
Lee misses with a looping right.
Lee fails with an attempt to clinch.
Santa Cruz is looking to chop away at Lee's legs.
Lee misses with a left hand
and Santa Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Good work by Santa Cruz as he checks the leg kick.
Donk. Lee catches Santa Cruz right on the button with a cross.
Santa Cruz has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.#T3#
A telegraphed right hand from Lee misses the target.
Santa Cruz misses with a leg kick.
Santa Cruz just misses with a punch to the body.
Lee is looking for a counter combo.
Santa Cruz misses the shot to the body.
Santa Cruz jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Santa Cruz ducks under a wild hook from Lee.
Santa Cruz pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Lee is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Santa Cruz.
Lee throws a hook but Santa Cruz avoids it easily.
Santa Cruz looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Lee walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Lee swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Santa Cruz motions for Lee to come forward. Santa Cruz throws a leg kick but it misses it's target. #T4#
Santa Cruz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Lee.
Santa Cruz is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Santa Cruz misses with a wild body shot.
Lee swings for the body but Santa Cruz moves out of range.
Santa Cruz swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Santa Cruz blocks a jab.
Lee throws out a loose jab but Santa Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Lee on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Santa Cruz scores with a three punch combo!
#CUT2#
It looks like Lewis Lee has been cut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Jab from Lee.
Lee throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Lee lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Santa Cruz circles away quickly and effectively.
Santa Cruz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Lee throws out the jab.
Santa Cruz tries a low kick but Lee avoids it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but I would say that Lewis Lee will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Lewis Lee's cut.
That's time! Lee's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
#R2#
Santa Cruz throws a shot from downtown. Lee moves away and avoids it.
Lee looks to score with a jab to the body but Santa Cruz is just out of range.
A big right from Lee misses.
Lewis Lee is winning the standup battle so far.
Santa Cruz throws a push kick but Lee slaps the foot to one side.
Santa Cruz blocks a jab.#CL#
Lee takes the fight into the clinch.
Lee misses with a hook from the clinch.
Lee lands with a right to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lee lands with a light punch inside.
Lee prevents a takedown attempt there.
Santa Cruz is looking for a takedown.
Santa Cruz taking a breather.
Lee dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.#T1#
A nice right hand lands inside from Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Santa Cruz fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Santa Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Lee controls his hands.
Santa Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Santa Cruz prevents a body shot from Lee.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Santa Cruz has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Lee seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Santa Cruz can turn it around.
Still in the clinch, Lee scores with a nice short uppercut.
Santa Cruz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Santa Cruz taking a breather.
Santa Cruz blocks an uppercut.
Santa Cruz blocking some punches.
#T2#
Santa Cruz's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Lee working aggressively here.
#BC#
Lee breaks the clinch.
A telegraphed right hand from Lee misses the target.
And Santa Cruz responds with a good body kick, but Lee manages to step out the way in time.
Some wild striking there from Lee.
A slow jab from Santa Cruz misses its intended target.
Lewis Lee seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lee lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
A jab from Lee misses.
Santa Cruz takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Lee scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Lee misses with a hook. Santa Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Lee swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Santa Cruz counters with a left and a right that stings Lee. #T3#
Lee checks the leg kick.
Santa Cruz gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Lee.
Lee scores with a jab to the jaw.
Santa Cruz scores with a nice strike.
Lewis Lee is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Santa Cruz lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Santa Cruz showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Lee.
Santa Cruz only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Santa Cruz tries a low kick but Lee avoids it.#CL#
Lee drives through and clinches with Santa Cruz against the cage.
Santa Cruz lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Lee backwards.
Lewis Lee has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Santa Cruz lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Lee backwards. #BC#
Lee pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.#T4#
Santa Cruz cracks Lee with a right hand to the side of the head.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!#CL#
Santa Cruz tries to keep at a distance but Lee has taken the fight into the clinch.
Lee misses with a hook from the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Santa Cruz fails to land.
Lee is trying to break the clinch but Santa Cruz has him pressed against the cage.
Lee lands with a short shot to the head.
Lee wants to get back to striking at distance but Santa Cruz won't allow it.
Santa Cruz looking for a takedown.
Lewis Lee has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rafael Santa Cruz.
Lee blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Lee misses with a punch on the inside.
Santa Cruz is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
A frustrated look appears on Santa Cruz's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Santa Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Lewis Lee dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Lewis Lee's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!
#R3#
Lee throws a leg kick but Santa Cruz sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Santa Cruz tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Lee lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Santa Cruz fakes the leg kick and cracks Lee in the body.
Santa Cruz throws a big shot that misses.
Santa Cruz throws a lazy right hand but Lee sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Lee rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Santa Cruz makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Lee scores with a leg kick.
Santa Cruz lands a jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Santa Cruz fails with a takedown attempt.
Lee uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Santa Cruz.
#T1#
Jab from Lee.
Lee bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Santa Cruz's head backwards.
Santa Cruz smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Lee takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Santa Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Santa Cruz blocks a jab.
Lee throws a sloppy head kick and Santa Cruz moves out of range easily.
Santa Cruz takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Santa Cruz walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Santa Cruz is looking to land body kicks.
Lee is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Santa Cruz. #T2#
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Santa Cruz on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Lee. Lee obviously looking to wear him down.
Santa Cruz scores with a nice head shot.
Lee misses with an uppercut. Santa Cruz saw that one coming.
Santa Cruz drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Lee defends it well.
Santa Cruz connects with a single shot there.
Good work by Lee as he checks the leg kick.
Lee is looking to clinch.
Lee pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Lee throws a series of strikes that have Santa Cruz backpedaling.
Lee moves out of range of the body kick from Santa Cruz.
Lee smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Lee tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Lee tries to bum rush Santa Cruz with a series of wild strikes but Santa Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the assault.#T3#
Lee thows a leg kick but Santa Cruz checks it
and Santa Cruz counters with a body kick.
Santa Cruz fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Lee has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Rafael Santa Cruz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Lee blocks a low kick nicely.
Santa Cruz defending well as Lee loads up on a big left hand.
Sloppy strikes from Lee. Those never looked like landing.
Lee tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Santa Cruz is able to avoid easily.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Santa Cruz. Lee shrugs it off though.
Santa Cruz connects with a good right hand that stumbles Lee. Lee circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Santa Cruz on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Lee. Lee obviously looking to wear him down.
Lee misses with an uppercut
and Santa Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Lee fails to land with a series of punches.
Lee swinging wildly here.
#T4#
Santa Cruz lands a lovely overhand right.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Santa Cruz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Lee throws out the jab.
Santa Cruz tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Santa Cruz misses with a straight right.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Santa Cruz crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Lee - the referee stops the clock and Santa Cruz gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Lee. Santa Cruz manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Lee lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Lee.
Lee misses with a wild combination.
Lee misses the shot to the body.
And that's the end of the fight!
Lewis Lee showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Lee has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 30:27
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lewis Lee!
During a confident post fight interview, Lewis Lee thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
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Event:
Destiny 154: Nah vs. Britton
Date: May 28, 2016 |
#R1#
Lopez misses with a hook. Santa Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Santa Cruz misses with an uppercut.
Despite the aggression on Lopez's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Santa Cruz throws a low kick but it's checked well by Lopez.
Santa Cruz throws a low kick but Lopez moves out of range easily.
Santa Cruz tries a head kick but it misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Lopez! But no joy.
Santa Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Lopez's sensitive parts.
Lopez goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Lopez throws a body kick that misses.
Lopez's coach down at Midnight MMA was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Lopez's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Santa Cruz throws a jab but it's blocked by Lopez.
A countering left hand to the body from Lopez misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Santa Cruz misses with a low kick.
A nice side step and Lopez releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
We've been hearing reports that Santa Cruz has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Lopez misses with a two punch combination.
Lopez throws a head kick but Santa Cruz moves out of range.
Lopez throws a shot to the body.
#T1#
Santa Cruz feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Lopezs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Lopez throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Santa Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Lopez slips a straight right by Santa Cruz.
Lopez is looking for the big counter here.
Santa Cruz tries a low kick but Lopez avoids it.
Lopez is looking to score with low kicks.
Lopez misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Lopez looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Santa Cruz lands an overhand right.
Lopez lunges at Santa Cruz with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Santa Cruz's hand.
Santa Cruz misses with a looping left.
Lopez cracks a nice hook into Santa Cruz's ribs.
Lopez slips a straight right by Santa Cruz.#T2#
Lopez misses with a wild body shot.
Lopez misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Santa Cruz throws a leg kick but Lopez sees it coming and moves out of range.
Santa Cruz throws a lazy right hand but Lopez sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Santa Cruz lands an overhand right.
Lopez on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Lopez misses with a head kick.
Miguel Lopez is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Lopez dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Santa Cruz. That did some damage!
Lopez needs to keep his hands up - Santa Cruz had a free shot at his head there.
Lopez defending well as Santa Cruz loads up on a big left hand.
Lopez throws a fast counter high kick but Santa Cruz manages to duck under it in time.
Lopez throws out a leg kick but Santa Cruz moves out of range and Lopez only half commits. #T3#
Lopez keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Santa Cruz connects with a single shot there.
Lopez misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Lopez just misses with a punch to the body.
Sloppy strikes from Lopez. Those never looked like landing.
Santa Cruz checks a low kick from Lopez.
Nice defenses there by Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.
Santa Cruz tries to land a front kick but Lopez steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Lopez appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Lopez takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Lopez missing with a left hand there. Santa Cruz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Santa Cruz swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
A punch combination from Lopez misses.
It looked like Santa Cruz was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Lopez.
Santa Cruz misses with a hook.
Lopez is looking for the big counter here.#T4#
Lopez throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Santa Cruz tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Lopez slips under a jab.
Santa Cruz misses with an uppercut
and Lopez counters with an inside leg kick.
Santa Cruz throws the left hand but Lopez avoids the punch easily.
Lopez turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Lopez tries to work over Santa Cruz's front leg with a kick but Santa Cruz checks it.
Santa Cruz is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Santa Cruz motions for Lopez to come forward. Santa Cruz throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Santa Cruz throws a one two combo.
Santa Cruz throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Lopez feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Santa Cruz's calf.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but I would say that Rafael Santa Cruz will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
#R2#
Santa Cruz swings widly with a right hand
and Lopez counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Santa Cruz dodges the punch combination from Lopez.
Santa Cruz avoids the head kick by Lopez.
Santa Cruz throws a hook to the side of Lopez's head but Lopez sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.#TD#
Santa Cruz dives in and scores a takedown into Lopez's guard.#ES2#
Lopez pushes Santa Cruz off and gets back to his feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Santa Cruz uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Lopez has time to react.
Santa Cruz does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Lopez throws out a counter right but Santa Cruz avoids it with no problem.
A slapping body kick lands there for Lopez.#T1#
Santa Cruz scores with a crisp jab that stopped Lopez in his tracks.
Lopez misses with a double jab.
Santa Cruz with a lazy takedown attempt
and Santa Cruz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Lopez pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Lopez misses with a wild combination.
Lopez slips a straight right by Santa Cruz.
Lopez throws a left and a right that both miss
and Santa Cruz makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Santa Cruz throws a looping overhand right but Lopez ducks down to avoid it.
Lopez throws a counter combo.
Lopez lands a slapping body shot.
Lopez throws a leg kick
and Lopez takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles. #T2#
Santa Cruz looks to throw a body kick
and Santa Cruz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Miguel Lopez seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Lopez slips a jab from Santa Cruz.
Lopez throws a big shot that misses.
Santa Cruz throws a hook but Lopez avoids it easily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Santa Cruz scores with a jab to the jaw.
Lopez moves out of range of the strikes.
Lopez swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Santa Cruz takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Santa Cruz thows a leg kick but Lopez checks it
and Lopez counters with a three punch combo that has Santa Cruz backing up. Santa Cruz nods at Lopez to acknowledge the strikes.
Lopez fakes the leg kick and cracks Santa Cruz in the body.
Lopez checks a leg kick.
Santa Cruz slips a jab and a cross from Lopez.
#T3#
Nice defenses there by Lopez.
Lopez avoids a punch combination nicely.
Lopez tries a head kick but it misses.
Lopez moves out of range of the strikes.
Santa Cruz throws a big shot that misses.
Santa Cruz throws a chopping leg kick but Lopez manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Lopez throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Santa Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Santa Cruz misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Santa Cruz throws a right hand that misses
and Lopez counters with a series of strikes. Santa Cruz will be more careful next time no doubt.
Miguel Lopez is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Santa Cruz misses with a body kick. #T4#
Santa Cruz slips a jab and a cross from Lopez.
Santa Cruz does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Santa Cruz looks to land a right hand but Lopez moved out of range.
Lopez with a nice cross.
A bone on bone clash there as Lopez blocks the leg kick.
Lopez throws a nice head kick!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A looping hook to the body misses from Santa Cruz. Lopez does a little dance to reset his feet.
A little jabbing left from Lopez on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Lopez throws a push kick but Santa Cruz slaps the foot to one side.
Santa Cruz appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Lopez misses with a body kick.
Jab, jab by Santa Cruz - just one landing.
Lopez throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Santa Cruz stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Miguel Lopez showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!
#R3#
Lopez shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Lopez checks a leg kick nicely.
Lopez has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz scores with a jab to the jaw.
Lopez jabs at Santa Cruz's body.
Lopez throws out a leg kick but Santa Cruz moves out of range and Lopez only half commits.
Lopez tries to bum rush Santa Cruz with a series of wild strikes but Santa Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Lopez lands a head shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Santa Cruz dodges the punch combination from Lopez.
Santa Cruz is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.#T1#
Lopez takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Lopez lands a nice looking kick to the body. Santa Cruz takes a step back to recover.
Santa Cruz lands a nice looking body shot.
Lopez throws a body punch but Santa Cruz moves out of range.
Santa Cruz misses with a straight right.
Lopez checks a leg kick nicely.
Santa Cruz misses with a body kick.
As Santa Cruz backs off Lopez throws a huge counter combo but Santa Cruz manages to avoid it all.
Santa Cruz avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Santa Cruz thows a leg kick but Lopez checks it
and Lopez cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Lopez throws a push kick but Santa Cruz slaps the foot to one side. #T2#
Lopez misses with a kick to the body.
A little feinted left hand from Santa Cruz on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
A head kick by Santa Cruz misses
and Lopez counters with a one-two to the body.
Lopez throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Lopez lands with a cross.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Santa Cruz slips a jab and a cross from Lopez.
Santa Cruz misses with an uppercut.
Lopez looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Santa Cruz throws a hook but Lopez avoids it easily.
Santa Cruz misses with a straight left.
Santa Cruz throws a body punch but Lopez moves out of range.
Lopez throws a hook but Santa Cruz avoids it easily.#T3#
Santa Cruz comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Lopez misses the shot to the body.
Lopez wants to land a leg kick but Santa Cruz is out of range.
Lopez moves out of range as Santa Cruz throws a body kick.
Santa Cruz tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Lopez moves out of range as Santa Cruz strikes.
A little jabbing left from Lopez on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Lopez moves away from the strike by Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Santa Cruz misses with a straight left.
Santa Cruz throws a body shot but no joy.
Lopez throws a counter combo.
Santa Cruz is looking to chop away at Lopez's legs. #T4#
Lopez ducks under a wild hook from Santa Cruz.
Lopez swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Lopez takes a swing at Santa Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Santa Cruz cracks Lopez with an open hand slap.
Lopez tries a head kick but it misses.
A solid leg kick lands there for Lopez.
Santa Cruz swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Lopez bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Santa Cruz misses with an uppercut
and Lopez counters with a nice kick to the body.
Lopez ducks under a wild hook from Santa Cruz.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
A good leg kick by Santa Cruz.
The crowd cheers as Lopez lands an impressive looking overhand right. Santa Cruz doesn't seem phased though.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Miguel Lopez.
Well Lopez has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 28:29
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 28:29
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 28:29
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Miguel Lopez!
Our winner, Miguel Lopez, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.
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Event:
Destiny 149: Sila vs. Machado
Date: Apr 23, 2016 |
#R1#
Santa Cruz rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Margera cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Margera throws a head kick that misses.
Santa Cruz throwing a counter right hand but Margera manages to avoid it.
Margera scores with a spinning back kick!
Santa Cruz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Santa Cruz cracks the inside of Margera's front leg.
Margera changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Santa Cruz swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Margera misses with a head kick.
Margera moves out of range of the strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Margera throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Margera ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Margera misses with a straight left.
Margera is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Santa Cruz.
Bam Margera is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#T1#
Margera throws a leg kick but Santa Cruz moved away.
Santa Cruz feinted with a counter takedown.
Margera takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Margera throws a body kick that misses.
Margera takes one to the side of the head.
Margera looks to throw the jab but Santa Cruz is out of range.
Santa Cruz with a nice cross.
Margera takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Margera looks to score with a jab to the body but Santa Cruz is just out of range.
Margera avoids the head kick by Santa Cruz.
Margera misses with a wild body shot.
Santa Cruz misses the shot to the body.
Santa Cruz misses with a series of wild punches.
#T2#
Margera slips a jab from Santa Cruz.
A lazy left from Santa Cruz finds it's target.
Margera looks to land a body kick but Santa Cruz moved away.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A low kick from Margera is predictable there #TD#
so Santa Cruz counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Margera wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Santa Cruz trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Santa Cruz throwing strikes from guard but Margera blocks nicely.
Margera is pulling down on Santa Cruz's head to control his posture. #T3#
Santa Cruz postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Santa Cruz throws a big right hand that misses.
Santa Cruz scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Santa Cruz accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Santa Cruz accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Margera utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Margera preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Santa Cruz won't allow Margera to sweep him here.
Margera has Santa Cruz pulled in close to control his posture.
Santa Cruz lands a couple of elbows.#T4#
Santa Cruz in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Margera controlling Santa Cruz's posture.
Margera looking for a sweep. Not yet Margera, not yet.
Santa Cruz is fighting to break Margera's control of his arms but Margera is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Margera is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Santa Cruz postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Santa Cruz accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Santa Cruz looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Santa Cruz has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Margera has momentary wrist control but Santa Cruz slips an elbow through the middle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rafael Santa Cruz dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.
#R2#
Santa Cruz missing with a left hand there. Margera was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Margera lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Bam Margera seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Margera moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Santa Cruz thows a left - swing and a miss!
Margera swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Good leg kick by Margera there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Santa Cruz fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Margera has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Margera throws a body punch but Santa Cruz moves out of range.
Santa Cruz avoids the head kick by Margera.
An inside leg kick lands from Santa Cruz.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Margera throws a body kick that misses.
Santa Cruz lands a head shot.
Margera pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Margera throws a solid leg kick but Santa Cruz takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Margera.#T1#
A solid leg kick lands there for Margera.
Bam Margera seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Margera is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Santa Cruz.
It looked like Santa Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Santa Cruz throws a jab but it's blocked by Margera.
Santa Cruz throws the left hand but Margera avoids the punch easily.
Margera fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Santa Cruz is out of range.
Santa Cruz cracks a nice hook into Margera's ribs.
Santa Cruz throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
And Margera responds with a good body kick, but Santa Cruz manages to step out the way in time.
Margera looks to land a left hand but Santa Cruz moved out of range nicely.
Margera misses with a low kick.
Margera staying out of range there.
Margera gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz throws a leg kick but Margera moved away.#T2#
Santa Cruz swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Santa Cruz misses with a lunging right hand
enabling Margera to counter with a crisp jab.
Margera throws an off balance right hand
and Santa Cruz counters with a head kick. That will keep Margera thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Santa Cruz shoots in but Margera avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Santa Cruz scores with a jab. Margera acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Santa Cruz shoots in but Margera avoids the takedown attempt easily.
A swing and a miss from Margera.
Santa Cruz drops down looking for a counter takedown but Margera sprawls and moves away.
Santa Cruz fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Margera manages to avoid it.
Margera tries a quick counter leg kick but Santa Cruz is wise to it.
Margera looking to land some kicks to the body here.
#T3#
Margera will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Jab by Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz avoids the head kick by Margera.
Santa Cruz throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Margera stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Margera looks to clinch
and Santa Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Margera shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Santa Cruz scoring well with a low kick there.
Santa Cruz swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Margera.
Margera looks to throw a body kick
letting Santa Cruz counter with a right hand.
Santa Cruz misses with a straight left.
Santa Cruz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Margera misses with a few strikes there.
#T4#
Margera defending well as Santa Cruz loads up on a big left hand.
Margera takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Santa Cruz takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
A punch lands to the side of Margera 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Santa Cruz throws a hook but Margera avoids it easily.
Margera misses with a low kick.
Margera tries a head kick but it misses.
Margera misses with a body kick.
Margera misses with a leg kick.
Santa Cruz lands a nice shot that snaps Margera's head back.
Santa Cruz misses with a leg kick #CL2#
and Margera counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rafael Santa Cruz dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!
#R3#
Santa Cruz's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Margera connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Santa Cruz scrambles back to his feet.
Santa Cruz throws a low kick, looking for Margera's leg but Margera calmly moves out of range.
Santa Cruz misses with an uppercut.
Margera moves away from the strike by Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Margera looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Santa Cruz uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Margera walks into a stiff left hand from Santa Cruz.
Margera closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Margera scores with a leg kick.
Margera tries to clinch but Santa Cruz moves out of range.
Santa Cruz throws a big shot that misses.
Santa Cruz avoids the head kick by Margera.
#T1##TD#
Margera tries to sprawl but Santa Cruz drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Margera tries to get to full guard but Santa Cruz has control of the leg.
Margera is trying to maintain the position but Santa Cruz is very close to passing his half guard.
Santa Cruz is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Margera is looking for a sweep. Santa Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Margera is trying is best to control the position here.
Santa Cruz throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Margera has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Santa Cruz is working away from the top position though.
Santa Cruz controlling the pace.
Margera trying to hold on to Santa Cruz's head to control him but Santa Cruz postures up.
Santa Cruz takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Bam Margera has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
Santa Cruz thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Margera's head.
Margera wants to control but Santa Cruz is keeping busy.
Margera gets full guard.
Margera managing to control the position.
Santa Cruz is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Santa Cruz working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Santa Cruz content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Santa Cruz throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Santa Cruz postures up.
Rafael Santa Cruz is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Margera trying to control the position here.
Santa Cruz stays in close to Margera's body and controls the position. #T3#
Margera looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Margera's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Margera wants to sweep but no luck.
Santa Cruz slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Margera feints and then cracks Santa Cruz's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Santa Cruz down. #T4#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Santa Cruz misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Margera.
Santa Cruz changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Santa Cruz moves out of range as Margera strikes.
Margera throws a leg kick that is checked
and Santa Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
The fighters circling - Santa Cruz throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Margera throws out a counter right but Santa Cruz avoids it with no problem.
Santa Cruz lands a jab to Margera's midsection.
Santa Cruz connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
The fighters circling - Santa Cruz throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Margera tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Santa Cruz manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Santa Cruz looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
And that's the end of the fight!
Rafael Santa Cruz showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Santa Cruz, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rafael Santa Cruz!
A very excited looking Rafael Santa Cruz made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
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