The bell rings for round one and we are underway! Sakuraba on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Rineer has managed to clinch.
Sakuraba stops a takedown attempt from Rineer.
Sakuraba looking for a takedown. Rineer is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Sakuraba can't fight it off and eventually Rineer manages to take the fight to the floor. Sakuraba looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard. Rineer won't allow Sakuraba to sweep him here. The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing. There's a bit of a scramble here and now Sakuraba is on top in guard.
Rineer will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions. Sakuraba landing some decent shots from guard. Sakuraba working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Rineer's head. Sakuraba wants to pass the guard but Rineer is keeping the position. Sakuraba landing some decent shots from guard. This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff! Sakuraba postures up and lands a big shot to Rineer's brow. Rineer is rocked! Rineer keeping moving, preventing Sakuraba from controlling successfully. Sakuraba makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard. Oh Rineer is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!! That's one minute gone in the round. Sakuraba postures up, still in guard. A huge hammer fist lands that bounces Rineer's head off the mat! Rineer is out! He's out! Sakuraba jumps to his feet and celebrates with his corner!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:25 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Kazuo Sakuraba!
