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Play
by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary
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Event:
DFC 34
Date: Jan 29, 2017 |
#R1##TD2#
Cruz scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground. #SUB#
McDonnell is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Cruz pulls his head out easily. #SUB2#
Cruz is working for a kimura but McDonnell is defending it quite comfortably.
Cruz wants to control but McDonnell is keeping him busy.
McDonnell trying to hold on to Cruz's head to control him but Cruz postures up.
McDonnell tries to get to full guard but Cruz has control of the leg.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McDonnell is trying to control but can't.
#SUB#
McDonnell is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Cruz pulls his head out easily. #SUB#
McDonnell looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.#T1#
Cruz stalling.
McDonnell trying to hold on to Cruz's head to control him but Cruz postures up.
#SUB#
McDonnell looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
McDonnell controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
McDonnell wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy.
#T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Cruz stalling.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McDonnell is trying to control but can't.
#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
McDonnell moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
McDonnell defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Cruz.
Cruz looks to score with a jab to the body but McDonnell is just out of range.
Cruz has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by McDonnell.
McDonnell connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Cruz momentarily.
Cruz digs a good body shot into McDonnell's ribs.
McDonnell swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Cruz.#T3#
McDonnell throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Rory McDonnell is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
McDonnell explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Cruz looks winded!
Cruz moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.#ROC#
Cruz is rocked!
A chopping leg kick lands by McDonnell.
Cruz is still on wobbly legs! Can McDonnell finish him?
Cruz misses with a wild body shot.
McDonnell lands hard precision jab right on the jaw that stiffens Cruz up and sends him tumbling to the mat! The ref grabs McDonnell from behind before he can pounce. Some folks in the crowd didn't like that stoppage, but I saw Cruz's eyes roll way back in his head, he was done.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:27 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Rory McDonnell!
Rory McDonnell managed to slip a mention for his sponsors, Voodoo Nutrition, into his post fight interview.
In defeat, Rafael Cruz stepped up to the mic, saying 'This is it; can't be losing to subpar competition. I'm outta here '.
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Event:
DFC 31
Date: Jan 07, 2017 |
#R1#
The fighters circling - Cruz throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Reagan fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Cruz takes one to the chin there.
Reagan thuds a left hand into Cruz's body.
Reagan changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
A shot to the liver by Reagan. Beautiful body shot.
Reagan lands a jab to Cruz's midsection.
Reagan throws a jab when Cruz was well out of range.
Reagan thuds his right hand into Cruz's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Nice sprawl there from Reagan as Cruz shoots in.
Cruz looks to score with a jab to the body but Reagan is just out of range.
Reagan appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Reagan lands with an uppercut that bounces Cruz off the cage and back into range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz keeps the fight on the outside.
Cruz feinted with a counter takedown.
Reagan works the jab nicely.
Cruz misses with a body shot
and Reagan connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Cruz misses with an uppercut
and Reagan cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.#T1#
A shot to the liver by Reagan. Beautiful body shot.
Reagan throws a hook but Cruz blocks it.
Cruz misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Reagan counters with a right hand to the body.
Cruz slips a straight right by Reagan.
Reagan has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Cruz is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Reagan works the jab nicely.
Reagan connects with a looping right hand.
Reagan uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Cruz has time to react.
Reagan missing with a left hand there. Cruz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Cruz swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Reagan counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Ronald Reagan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Reagan uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Cruz dives in for a single leg takedown but Reagan sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
A telegraphed right hand from Cruz misses the target. #CL2#
Reagan moves into range and clinches up with Cruz.
I was talking to Cruz's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Reagan lands on the inside with an uppercut. #ROC2#
Cruz is rocked!#T2#
A left hand lands to the body for Reagan.
Oh Cruz is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
A left hand lands to the body for Reagan.
Cruz seems to have got his legs back now.
Reagan goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Reagan lands a shoulder strike.
Cruz blocks a body shot from Reagan.
Reagan misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz prevents a body shot from Reagan.
Cruz looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Reagan misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rafael Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A head punch on the inside from Reagan fails to land.
Cruz gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Reagan.
Cruz jumps guard but Reagan turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing. #T3#
A short right from Reagan.
Cruz jumps guard but Reagan stands there with Cruz around his waist. Cruz gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
#TD2#
Reagan pulls guard successfully.
#SUB2#
Reagan is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Cruz defends well.
Cruz passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Reagan struggling a bit here.
Reagan manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!#T4##SUB2#
Reagan is looking for a kimura here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB2#
Reagan is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
#SUB#
Cruz looking for submissions from an awkward position here.#SUB2#
Reagan looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
#SUB#
Cruz looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Ronald Reagan 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#
No luck with that takedown attempt from Reagan.
A counter left hand to the body from Cruz misses its target.#CL2#
Reagan instigates a clinch.
Cruz blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A right hand to the body from Reagan.
Reagan throws a head punch that misses. #BC#
Cruz's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Reagan misses with a hook.
Cruz takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Reagan connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Reagan avoids the body shot from Cruz.
#TD#
Cruz closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Reagan wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T1##SUB#
Cruz is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Reagan doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Cruz. #SUB#
Cruz is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Reagan has managed to free his arm - good work. #SUB#
Cruz is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Reagan is just riding it out for now. Cruz eventually gives up the hold.
Reagan makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Reagan.
Ronald Reagan has got the better of the ground game so far.#T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Reagan working a defensive guard here.
Cruz controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling. #SUB2#
Reagan had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Cruz defends it easily.
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.#SUB2#
Cruz avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
#T3#
Reagan can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cruz controls the pace.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Reagan is keeping the position.#SUB2#
Reagan throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Cruz escapes and throws Reagan's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Cruz has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Reagan!#T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Cruz looking to control and managing it successfully.
Reagan really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Reagan bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!#SUB#
Cruz looking for a guillotine here but Reagan defends easily.
#SUB#
Cruz looking for a guillotine here but Reagan defends easily.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Reagan trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
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 Rafael Cruz 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#
Cruz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ronald Reagan seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Cruz throws a predictable looking body shot
and Reagan counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Reagan digs a good hook to Cruz's body.
Reagan scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Cruz doesn't seem bothered though.
Nice defenses there by Reagan.
Reagan appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Cruz misses with a straight right.
Cruz is looking to wear down Reagan with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Reagan fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Reagan lands with a straight right. Cruz didn't see that one coming.
Cruz misses with a shot to the body
and Reagan counters with a straight right hand.
Jab by Reagan.
Cruz pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Reagan lands a jab to the head.
Reagan fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.#CL2#
Reagan pushes Cruz up against the cage in a clinch.#T1#
Reagan tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cruz lands an uppercut.
Reagan lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Cruz.
Reagan tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruz tries to pull guard but Reagan won't allow it.
Reagan lands a body punch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Cruz blocks a body shot from Reagan.
Cruz blocks a body shot from Reagan.
A short uppercut from Reagan.
A right handed body shot lands from Reagan.
Reagan tries to throw a body punch but Cruz avoids it by throwing Reagan back against the cage.
Reagan misses with a body punch.
Reagan misses with a hook to the ribs.
#T2#
Reagan working aggressively here.
Cruz stalling.
Cruz is working for takedown but Reagan is calmly controlling the position for now.
A nice left hand lands by Reagan.
Reagan tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
A left hand lands to the body for Reagan.
Reagan pushes Cruz back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Cruz is trying to pull guard but Reagan turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rafael Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A short right from Reagan.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A short left from Reagan.
Reagan wants a takedown.
Reagan doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
#T3#
Reagan changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Cruz fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Cruz tries for a takedown but Reagan circles away easily
and Reagan counters with a big right hand! Oh Cruz is in trouble here! Reagan follows up with more strikes and that's it! The ref has stopped it!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:14 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Ronald Reagan!
The defeated Rafael Cruz had this to say: 'This is it; can't be losing to subpar competition. I'm outta here '.
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Event:
DFC 26
Date: Nov 27, 2016 |
#R1#
Van Veen scores with a kick to the midsection.
Van Veen looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Cruz misses with a body shot.
Cruz with a lazy takedown attempt
and Van Veen counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Cruz thinking.
Cruz ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Van Veen is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Cruz throws a lazy uppercut
and Van Veen counters with a nice body shot.
Cruz rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Van Veen rattles Cruz with a well-timed uppercut counter. - Cruz tries to back away and recover but his hands are down low and he gets tagged again, sending him stumbling down to the canvas. Van Veen dives in after him and quickly finishes the job with a trio of brutal punches, leaving Cruz stiff and motionless on the mat!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:34 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Ludo Van Veen!
Ludo Van Veen took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, KAISER for their support in the buildup to the fight.
Rafael Cruz was interviewed post fight and said 'This is it; can't be losing to subpar competition. I'm outta here '.
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Event:
DFC 22: Midweek Massacre
Date: Oct 19, 2016 |
#R1#
Cruz throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Cruz avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Cruz is looking to counter punch.
Cruz drops his hands momentarily and Reagan takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Cruz looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Reagan slips a straight right by Cruz.
Cruz throws a hook but Reagan avoids it easily.
Reagan looks like he wants to counter punch here.
A swing and a miss from Cruz.#TD#
Reagan gets caught flat footed, as Cruz shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Reagan is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Reagan looking for a sweep. Not yet Reagan, not yet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Reagan keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully.
Reagan trying to keep a closed guard but Cruz is proving a slippery customer.
#T1#
Reagan is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Reagan looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Reagan looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Reagan wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Nice defenses there by Cruz.
Reagan throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Cruz counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Reagan thinking. #T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Reagan connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Cruz blocks a jab.
Cruz half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Nice cross by Cruz.
Ronald Reagan is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Cruz jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
#TD#
Cruz closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Reagan to the mat! Reagan manages to get full guard.
Reagan is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Cruz showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Reagan keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully.
Reagan tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T3#
Reagan wants to stand up but Cruz is controlling him.
Reagan is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Cruz looking to pass the guard. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Cruz ducks right into an uppercut from Reagan.
Cruz slips under a jab from Reagan.
Cruz tries to counter with a takedown but Reagan is quick to defend against it.#T4#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Cruz is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
#ROC2#
Cruz is rocked!
Reagan measures up his opponent and throws a superman punch that connects to the jaw! Down goes Cruz! The ref steps in, and that's the ball game folks!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:12 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Superman Punch). Ronald Reagan!
The defeated Rafael Cruz had this to say: 'This is it; can't be losing to subpar competition. I'm outta here '.
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Event:
DFC 19: Revival
Date: Sep 24, 2016 |
#R1##TD2#
Truck closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Cruz's guard.#SUB#
Cruz is working for submissions here. He's thrown up his legs looking for a triangle but Truck frees his head nicely. Oh but Cruz has switched to an armbar! Truck is tapping furiously! Lovely submission there!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Armbar). Rafael Cruz!
Rafael Cruz took to the mic in his post fight interview and said 'Only one fight I want, Maximus Meridius; you and me, one more time '.
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Event:
CCR 47
Date: Sep 09, 2016 |
#R1#
Cruz misses the jab.
Miletich appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Miletich slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Miletich looks to land a right hand but Cruz moved out of range.
Cruz is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
A cross from Cruz lands.
Miletich getting the better of the striking in that exchange.#CL2#
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Miletich is trying to force a seperation but Cruz has the dominant position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz fails to pull guard.
#TD2#
Cruz gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Miletich knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Cruz on the ground.
Cruz content to control rather than advance. #T1#
Cruz wants to pass to mount but Miletich is defending the position.
Cruz works his way into side control.
The referee asks Cruz politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Cruz prefers to stall for the moment though.
Let's hope that Cruz has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.#T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Cruz has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Cruz looking to control and managing it successfully.
Miletich really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
#SUB2#
Cruz has control of Miletich's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Miletich regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Miletich on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Miletich tries to get out of the position.
Cruz sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment. #T3##SUB2#
Cruz is working to isolate an arm here. It's a telegraphed submission attempt but he's gone for it anyway - and he's got it! Cruz extends the arm and Miletich is forced to tap!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Rafael Cruz!
Rafael Cruz took to the mic in his post fight interview and said 'Only one fight I want, Maximus Meridius; you and me, one more time '.
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Event:
CCR 45
Date: Aug 26, 2016 |
#R1#
Cruz throws an overhand right that lands on Kazi's shoulder, as Kazi tries to avoid the shot.
Kazi throws out a counter right but Cruz avoids it with no problem.
Kazi misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Kazi motions for Cruz to come forward. Kazi throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Cruz throws a jab but it's blocked by Kazi.
Cruz misses with a telegraphed body shot
enabling Kazi to counter with a crisp jab.
Kazi uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cruz.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz throws an off balance right hand
and Kazi counters with a nice body kick.
Cruz throws a poor cross that misses
#KD2#
and Kazi counters with a nice right hand that sends Cruz toppling to the canvas! Cruz scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Kazi finish him?!#ROC2#
Cruz is rocked!
Cruz definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz ducks into an uppercut from Kazi and that's knocked him out cold! This one is all over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Kami Kazi!
Kami Kazi thanked the fans post fight for their support.
Rafael Cruz spoke after the fight, saying 'Congratulations to him; he fought a great fight; I have to go back to drawing board'.
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Event:
CCR 42
Date: Aug 05, 2016 |
#R1##TD2#
Perez shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat. #SUB#
Cruz has his feet on Perez's thighs here. He's pushed Perez off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Perez screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Rafael Cruz!
Post fight, Rafael Cruz took to the microphone: 'I have proved once again that I can submit absolutely anybody. Bring on the sharks of the division!!!'.
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Event:
CCR 38
Date: Jul 08, 2016 |
#R1#
Schuurman is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
The fight stays on the outside here - Schuurman looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
We've been hearing reports that Cruz has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Schuurman uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cruz.
Cruz keeps the fight on the outside.
Cruz keeps the fight on the outside.
Cruz attempts a counter takedown but Schuurman avoids it well and moves away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Schuurman looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Frank Schuurman seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cruz connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Schuurman's hands.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL2#
Schuurman gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Knees to the body from Schuurman.
Schuurman tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Cruz tries to score a body lock takedown but Schuurman shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Schuurman is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Cruz is defending well for now.#T1#
Schuurman tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
We've been informed that Schuurman has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Cruz is trying to drag Schuurman to the mat but Schuurman just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Schuurman misses with a knee strike.
Schuurman tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Schuurman looking to throw knees to the head but Cruz is blocking nicely.
Schuurman looking to throw knees to the head but Cruz is blocking nicely.
Cruz managing to block the knees to the body from Schuurman.
Cruz has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Schuurman after a bit of a struggle.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rafael Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cruz avoiding damage as Schuurman throws knees to the body.
Schuurman misses with a knee strike.
Schuurman misses with a knee strike.
Cruz is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Schuurman gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.#T2#
Schuurman tries a knee to the head but Cruz blocks it.
Schuurman tries to land a knee to the head but Cruz blocks with his arms.
Schuurman with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Schuurman trying to land knees to the body.
Cruz changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Schuurman fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Schuurman moves in looking to clinch but Cruz pushes him off.
Cruz swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Schuurman tries to counter with a clinch but Cruz shakes him off and moves away.#CL2#
Schuurman pushes Cruz up against the cage in a clinch.
Schuurman connects with a knee to the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Schuurman scores with a knee to the head.
Schuurman prevents a takedown attempt there.
Schuurman unloads a knee to the mid-section. Cruz lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Schuurman using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
#T3#
Schuurman using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Cruz is breathing heavily.
Knees to the body from Schuurman.
Schuurman misses with a knee strike.
Schuurman lands a knee to the head.
Schuurman misses with a knee strike.
Schuurman misses with a knee to the head.
Cruz is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Schuurman pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Schuurman landing knees to the body.
Schuurman tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Schuurman looking to throw knees to the head but Cruz is blocking nicely.
Schuurman landing knees to the head.
Cruz goes for a takedown in the clinch but Schuurman prevents it.
Schuurman lands a big knee! That's hurt Cruz! Oh, he's all over the place! Schuurman lands another knee that sends Cruz to the floor and the referee steps in to end the fight!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Frank Schuurman!
Frank Schuurman tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.
Rafael Cruz spoke after the fight, saying 'Congratulations to him; he fought a great fight; I have to go back to drawing board'.
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Event:
CCR 34
Date: Jun 17, 2016 |
#R1##TD#
Saidov closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Saidov lands in his opponent's guard.#SUB2#
Cruz is looking to cinch up a triangle. Saidov throws the leg off to one side though and gets in tight to Cruz's body to avoid the submission. Cruz has instead reached around Saidov's neck and now has a guillotine! Oh, this is biiiig trouble! Cruz arches his back and squeezes and forces the tap from his hapless opponent.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Rafael Cruz!
Post fight, Rafael Cruz stared into the camera and said 'I have proved once again that I can submit absolutely anybody. Bring on the sharks of the division!!!'.
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Event:
HFC 39:Ranieri vs Martin
Date: May 21, 2016 |
#R1#
Nemkov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Cruz.
Nemkov misses with a two punch combination.
Cruz tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Nemkov moves out of range as Cruz strikes.
Cruz connects with the punch.
Nemkov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Cruz.
Nemkov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Nemkov lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Nemkov misses with a double jab.
Cruz is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Nemkov drops his hands momentarily and Cruz takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Cruz throws a hook to the side of Nemkov's head but Nemkov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nice defenses there by Nemkov.
Nemkov looks to land a combination. Cruz sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.#T1#
Nemkov misses with a body punch
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Nemkov throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruz takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Oleg Nemkov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Cruz avoids a kick to the body.
Cruz changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Nemkov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Cruz.
Cruz loads up on a big right hand but Nemkov slips the punch.
Nemkov is looking to slow Cruz down with leg kicks.
Nemkov looks to land a combination. Cruz sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
No joy there for Nemkov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Nemkov fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Nemkov misses with the combination.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nemkov misses with a few strikes there.
#T2#
Nemkov scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Nemkov throws a right and a left that Cruz avoids nicely.
And Cruz tries to counter it with a takedown but Nemkov pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Cruz swings widly with a right hand
#TD#
and Nemkov counters with a single leg into guard. Cruz didn't expect that.
Nemkov won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nemkov controlling from the top position.
Cruz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.#T3#
Nemkov is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Nemkov seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nemkov is one step ahead there. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Cruz moves out of range of the body kick.
Cruz tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Nemkov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Nemkov misses with a few strikes there.
#T4#
Nemkov fails to land with a series of punches.
Cruz feints the counter takedown.
Cruz feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Nemkovs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Cruz looks to land a right hand but Nemkov moved out of range.
Nemkov throws a right and a left that Cruz avoids nicely.
Cruz changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Nemkov misses with a wild body shot.
Nemkov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Cruz moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Nemkov misses with a wild combination.
Nemkov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Cruz.
Cruz tries to move into range but Nemkov moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Nemkov sizes up Cruz with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
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!
Cruz rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
#TD#
and Nemkov counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Nemkov.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Oleg Nemkov dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
#R2#
Nemkov scores with a leg kick.
Nemkov throws a left jab followed by a right to the body, Oh Cruz colapses and takes a barrage of punches from Nemkov as he moves to mount! the ref stops the fight and Cruz is left battered and dazed whilst Nemkov and his camp cheer!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:10 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Oleg Nemkov!
During a confident post fight interview, Oleg Nemkov thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
In defeat, Rafael Cruz stepped up to the mic, saying 'Congratulations to him; he fought a great fight; I have to go back to drawing board'.
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Event:
HFC 35:Rosenstock vs Cruz
Date: Apr 30, 2016 |
#R1#
Rosenstock lands a jab to Cruz's midsection.#TD#
Rosenstock manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Cruz on his heels. He'll look to pass Cruz's guard now, I'm sure.#SUB2#
Cruz throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
#SUB2#
Cruz looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Cruz looking to control.
Rosenstock has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.#SUB2#
Cruz is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Rosenstock is aware though and is defending well.
Rosenstock is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.#SUB2#
Cruz is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Rosenstock defends well.#SUB2#
Cruz has his foot on Rosenstock's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Rosenstock works his way back into a safe position though.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Rosenstock is one step ahead there. #SUB2#
Cruz escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Rosenstock gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance. #T1#
Rosenstock wanted to stand there but Cruz had control of the position.
Rosenstock sitting in guard here, content to control. #SUB2#
Cruz pushes a forearm under Rosenstock's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Rosenstock is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:44 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Rafael Cruz!
Rafael Cruz looked relieved post fight as he said the following; 'Respect to Zac Rosenstock, he is a great fighter and a great striker, but I am the best in this division. Vova Klimov, gimme a shot at that belt!'.
In defeat, Zak Rosenstock stepped up to the mic, saying 'Vova was always going to be a tough fight, i'll be back.. better than ever!'.
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Event:
HFC 30:Volkov vs Trump
Date: Apr 09, 2016 |
#R1#
Cruz pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Mendez is trying to counter with his kicks.
Mendez slips a straight right by Cruz.
Cruz works the jab nicely.
Mendez swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Mendez misses with a low kick.
Cruz looks to land a left hand but Mendez moved out of range nicely.
Cruz throws a lazy right hand but Mendez sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A jab from Cruz misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice defenses there by Mendez.
Mendez closes the distance and clinches up with Cruz, looking for a takedown. Mendez pushes Cruz against the cage but Cruz circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Cruz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Mendez sees it coming and avoids it easily.#TD#
Cruz feints and as Mendez raises his hands in defense, Cruz changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.#T1#
Cruz pushing down on Mendez's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Mendez is looking to escape.
Cruz passes to full mount!
Mendez is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Cruz controlling the position easily from mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mendez is looking to improve his position but Cruz isn't that keen on the idea.
Cruz can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Mendez is looking to escape. #T2#
Cruz controlling his opponent.
Cruz's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Mendez is trying desperately to improve position.
Cruz controlling the position easily from mount.
Mendez's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up. #T3#
Cruz trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Cruz is really struggling to control Mendez but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Mendez is really trying hard to get back to his feet.
Mendez tries to hold on but Cruz postures up.
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Cruz looking to control but Mendez is working nicely, looking to advance position himself. #T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Mendez keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Mendez is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mendez tries to reverse the position but Cruz maintains control.
Mendez is squirming around, avoiding Cruz's attempts to control the action.
Mendez wants to try and get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rafael Cruz dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
#R2#
Cruz swings widly with a right hand
and Mendez counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Cruz thinking.
Cruz misses with a straight left.
Guillermo Mendez is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Cruz misses with a right hand
and Mendez connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Cruz connects with a right hand. Mendez shakes it off.
Mendez misses with a jab, cross combination.
Cruz looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Cruz looks to throw the jab but Mendez is out of range.
Cruz changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Mendez tries to avoid it but Cruz manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Mendez to the ground. Mendez escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mendez lands with an overhand left.
Cruz throws a looping overhand right but Mendez ducks down to avoid it.
Cruz misses with a takedown attempt
and Mendez counters with a nice body shot.
Cruz throws a hook but Mendez blocks it.
Rafael Cruz is winning the standup battle so far.#T1#
Cruz swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Mendez.
Mendez throws a nice looking combination but Cruz bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Cruz throws a hook but Mendez blocks it.
Mendez unleashes a big counter combination but Cruz bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Cruz rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Cruz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Mendez can do to turn this around?#CL#
Cruz has managed to clinch.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Cruz keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Mendez's efforts to push away.
Still in the clinch, Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.
Mendez is trying to push Cruz away but Cruz has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Mendez wants to get back to striking at distance but Cruz won't allow it.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruz misses with the head strike.
#T2#
Mendez blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
#BC2#
Mendez breaks the clinch.
Mendez lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.#CL#
Cruz moves into the clinch successfully.
Cruz being controlled against the cage.
Mendez has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Mendez jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Cruz walks away with a smile on his face. Mendez gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Cruz is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Mendez moves out of range as Cruz strikes.
Cruz feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Mendezs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Mendez throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Rafael Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cruz misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rafael Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T3#
Cruz tries to grapple but his opponent circles
enabling Mendez to counter with a crisp jab.
Mendez misses with a jab, cross combination.
A little feinted left hand from Cruz on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.#CL#
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Cruz misses with a short punch on the inside.
Cruz has Mendez pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Mendez manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing. #TD#
Cruz is trying to trip Mendez. He has hold of a leg but Mendez is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Cruz persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Cruz prevents Mendez from getting back to his feet. #T4#
Mendez looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Mendez is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Cruz is controlling him.
Mendez is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Cruz dives into side control.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Mendez is trying to get back to his feet.
Cruz tries to advance to mount but can't.
Mendez tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Mendez is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Cruz can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Mendez is looking to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rafael Cruz dominated that second round.
That's time! Cruz's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!
#R3#
Cruz throws a looping overhand right but Mendez ducks down to avoid it.
Mendez throws a body kick that misses
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Cruz misses with a hook.
Cruz fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Mendez looks to land a combination but Cruz avoids it well.
Cruz throws a lazy uppercut
and Mendez counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Cruz misses with a right hand
and Mendez counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#TD2#
Mendez closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Cruz quickly recovers to half 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!
Mendez wants to get back to his feet.
#SUB2#
Mendez is looking for a kimura here.
#T1#
Mendez trying to advance position but Cruz counters by regaining guard.
Mendez throws a big elbow that misses.
Mendez postures up in Cruz's guard and throws a big left but Cruz blocks it.
Cruz has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Mendez wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.#T2#
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.
Mendez throws a big elbow that misses.
Rafael Cruz overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Mendez wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.#SUB2#
Mendez drops back, looking for a kneebar! Cruz looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Cruz looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Cruz! #REVR#
Cruz trying to control the action but Mendez is working from the bottom.
Cruz controls the position.#T3#
Mendez is not content to let Cruz control the position.
Mendez wants to get back to his feet.
Mendez can't do much from the bottom here.
Mendez is not content to let Cruz control the position.
Mendez is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Cruz has just dragged him back down to the mat.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Mendez 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 decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.#T4#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Mendez throws a combination. Cruz tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Cruz misses with a hook. Mendez ducked under it nicely.
Mendez unleashes a big counter combination but Cruz bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Mendez rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Cruz moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Mendez defending well as Cruz loads up on a big left hand.
Mendez throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
An attempted straight right counter from Cruz misses the target.
Mendez has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Mendez looks to land a combination but Cruz avoids it well.
Cruz misses the jab.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cruz scores with the left hand. Mendez knows he should have avoided that one.
Cruz looks to land a right hand but Mendez moved out of range.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Guillermo Mendez.
I think Cruz has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 29:28
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 29:28
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 29:28
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rafael Cruz!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Rafael Cruz made sure he mentioned Sun-Tzu, along with how happy he was to win his fight.
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