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Play
by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary
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Event:
CMMA 73 Dinapoli vs Kennedy
Date: Jan 30, 2021 |
#R1#
Cruz lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Cruz throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Cruz throws a series of punches but Rosensteiner moves out of range.
Cruz scores with a hook to the body. Rosensteiner takes a step back and tries to catch his breath. #TD2#
Rosensteiner shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Cruz manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Cruz has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Rosensteiner has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rosensteiner is trying to pull guard but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.
Cruz prevents the takedown attempt.
#BC#
Cruz breaks from the clinch.
Cruz drops Rosensteiner with a straight left! Oh this is bad for Rosensteiner! Cruz dives in and starts dropping bombs - the referee has no choice but to step in and save him!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Pinocchio Cruz!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Pinocchio Cruz waved his t-shirt featuring HELLBENT's logo in front of the cameras. |
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Event:
ROCK FC 11
Date: Dec 12, 2020 |
#R1#
Benedetti avoids a punch combination nicely.
Benedetti lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
No joy there for Cruz, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Benedetti plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Cruz lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Cruz misses with a looping left.
Cruz throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Benedetti counters with a leg kick.
Benedetti with a jab.
Cruz looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Cruz throws a push kick but Benedetti slaps the foot to one side.
Benedetti throwing a counter right hand but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Cruz swings widly with a right hand
and Benedetti counters with a nice leg kick.
Benedetti circles away from the clinch attempt.
Cruz misses with a lunging right hand
and Benedetti counters with a nice body kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The fighters circle momentarily. Benedetti darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Cruz moves to clinch but Benedetti breaks away
and Benedetti counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena. #T1#
Cruz tries to clinch but Benedetti moves out of range.
Cruz misses with an uppercut
and Benedetti counters with a nice uppercut.
Benedetti slips under a jab.
Benedetti throwing a counter right hand but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Benedetti dips to his left and cracks Cruz with an uppercut!
Cruz misses with a lunging right hand
and Benedetti counters with a straight right hand.
Cruz takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Benedetti uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cruz.
Benedetti swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Cruz tries to clinch but Benedetti moves away
and Benedetti counters with a nice uppercut. #ROC#Cruz is rocked!#CL2#
Cruz closes the distance and pushes Benedetti back into the cage.
Cruz is still on wobbly legs! Can Benedetti finish him?
Cruz throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Cruz seems to have recovered his senses.
Benedetti lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Cruz backwards.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!#BC2#
Cruz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Benedetti throws out a powerful jab.
Cruz swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Benedetti counters with a huge left! Cruz is in big trouble! He's backing up but Benedetti isn't giving him chance to recover. Under a barage of punches the ref has to step in to save Cruz from any more damage. A dominating finish by Benedetti!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:05 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Rafael Benedetti!
Rafael Benedetti is the new featherweight champion!
After winning the bout, Rafael Benedetti thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.
In defeat, Pinocchio Cruz stepped up to the mic, saying 'I need some truth serum to nurse me back to health.'. |
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Event:
ROCK FC 8
Date: Nov 14, 2020 |
#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cruz fails with an attempt to clinch.
Bach tries for a takedown but Cruz circles away easily
and Cruz counters with a one-two to the body.
Bach looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Bach gets cracked there but stands up to it.
#CL2#
Cruz gets a clinch. #BC2#
Cruz manages to break the clinch.
Cruz lands the left hand.#ROC2#Bach is rocked!#CUT2#It looks like Sebastian Bach has been cut.
Crack! Cruz connects with the perfect overhand right and Bach falls face first to the canvas. Timbeeeeeeeer! Beautiful knockout for Cruz!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:27 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Pinocchio Cruz!
After the big win, Pinocchio Cruz made sure to do all the important stuff like thanking his sponsors HELLBENT and telling the interviewer how much he loves him. |
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Event:
ROCK FC 6
Date: Oct 16, 2020 |
#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cruz misses with a body punch
and Makhadinov counters with a series of strikes. Cruz will be more careful next time no doubt.
Cruz throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Cruz misses with a lunging right hand
and Makhadinov counters with a straight right hand.
Sloppy strikes from Cruz. Those never looked like landing. #CL#
Cruz fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Makhadinov, pushing him back against the cage.#BC#
Cruz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Makhadinov has a takedown stuffed.
Cruz throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Makhadinov counters with a straight right hand.
Cruz takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz throws a body punch but Makhadinov moves out of range.
Makhadinov misses with a takedown attempt - Cruz sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.#CL#
Cruz has managed to clinch.
#T1#
Makhadinov can't break the clinch.
Makhadinov gets underhooks to prevent Cruz's takedown attempt.
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.
Makhadinov has had enough of the clinch but Cruz keeps him there for the moment.
Makhadinov can't break the clinch.
Makhadinov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.
Cruz lands a nice shot to the body.
Cruz lands a body punch.
Makhadinov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.#BC#
Cruz pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Makhadinov leaves Cruz with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Makhadinov.
Pinocchio Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ruslan Makhadinov.#CL#
Cruz clinches up with Makhadinov and pushes him back against the cage.
Cruz has Makhadinov pressed against the cage, preventing Makhadinov from circling away and getting back to striking at range.#BC#
Cruz's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.#T2#
Cruz misses with a series of wild punches.
Makhadinov is looking for the big counter here.
Cruz slaps away a takedown attempt from Makhadinov, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Cruz misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Cruz misses with a combination
and Makhadinov counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work. #CL#
Cruz moves into the clinch.
Makhadinov is trying to break the clinch but Cruz is controlling him.
Makhadinov is looking to break free of the clinch but Cruz has double underhooks.
Makhadinov wants to break free but Cruz has control.
Makhadinov takes an elbow to the temple.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#TD#
Cruz pulls Makhadinov into guard.
Makhadinov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Makhadinov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard. #T3##SU2#
Cruz is working an open guard so Makhadinov takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.#CL#
Cruz rushes Makhadinov and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Makhadinov's efforts to push away.
Cruz lands an elbow inside that Makhadinov shrugs off.
Makhadinov has had enough of the clinch but Cruz keeps him there for the moment.
Makhadinov wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Cruz lands an elbow inside that Makhadinov shrugs off.
Makhadinov wants to break the clinch but can't.
Makhadinov is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.#BC#
Cruz manages to break the clinch.
Cruz looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Cruz throws a right and a left that Makhadinov avoids nicely.
Makhadinov closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Danga de danga de dang - Makhadinov scores with a four punch combination!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Makhadinov stuffs the takedown.
Makhadinov is looking for the big counter here.#T4##CL#
Cruz closes the distance and pushes Makhadinov back into the cage.
Makhadinov looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Cruz lands an elbow inside that Makhadinov shrugs off.
Cruz lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Cruz creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Makhadinov's defenses.
Makhadinov avoiding damage as Cruz throws knees to the body.
A body shot lands from Cruz.
Cruz is working for takedown but Makhadinov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Makhadinov is looking to break free of the clinch but Cruz has double underhooks.
Makhadinov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.
Cruz is working Makhadinov over against the cage.#BC#
Cruz's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cruz throws a hook but Makhadinov blocks it.
Pinocchio Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Makhadinov misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Cruz is looking for a counter combo.
Cruz lands with a cross.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Pinocchio Cruz dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Makhadinov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Cruz defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Makhadinov.
Cruz tries to bum rush Makhadinov with a series of wild strikes but Makhadinov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.#CL#
Cruz darts in and clinches Makhadinov up against the cage.
Cruz lands a glancing elbow in the clinch. #CUT#It looks like Ruslan Makhadinov has been cut.#TD#
Cruz has picked Makhadinov up - he's going for a ride! Cruz dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Makhadinov is trying to stand back up but Cruz is controlling him
Cruz trying to control the pace.
Makhadinov is looking to escape.
Cruz trying to control from half guard but Makhadinov is working away.
Makhadinov pushes Cruz off looking to stand but Cruz dives back in and keeps control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Makhadinov is looking to get back to is feet but Cruz passes into side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T1##SU#
Cruz stands up and beckons Makhadinov to his feet. #CL#
Cruz rushes Makhadinov and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Cruz.
Cruz wants a takedown.
Cruz digs a right hand into Makhadinov's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Makhadinov's gas tank. #BC#
Cruz breaks from the clinch.
#CL#
Cruz clinches up with Makhadinov and pushes him back against the cage.
Cruz gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Cruz creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Makhadinov's defenses.
Makhadinov is trying to break the clinch but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.
Pinocchio Cruz has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Makhadinov is trying to break the clinch but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.
Makhadinov tries to circle away but Cruz has him pinned against the cage.
Cruz landing some nice looking knees to the body.
#BC#
Cruz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A jab from Cruz does it's job 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!#CL#
Makhadinov tries to keep at a distance but Cruz has taken the fight into the clinch.
Makhadinov is trying to push Cruz away but Cruz has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Cruz keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Makhadinov's efforts to push away.
Cruz creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Makhadinov's defenses.
Cruz lands a body punch in the clinch.
Nice elbow from Cruz. #BC#
Cruz breaks the clinch.
#CL#
Makhadinov tries to keep at a distance but Cruz has taken the fight into the clinch.#TD#
Makhadinov is fighting off a takedown attempt but Cruz is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Makhadinov to the mat. Makhadinov regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
We've been informed that Makhadinov has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Makhadinov is wriggling around but Cruz manages to pass to half guard.
Makhadinov is looking to escape.
Cruz is trying to control. Makhadinov wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Makhadinov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.#T3#
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Cruz connects with a nice short shot to Makhadinov's temple. #SU#
Cruz gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Cruz throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Makhadinov has a takedown stuffed.#CL#
Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Makhadinov.#BC#
Cruz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Makhadinov shoots in for a double leg but Cruz sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Pinocchio Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ruslan Makhadinov.
Cruz keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Makhadinov is breathing heavily.
Makhadinov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Pinocchio Cruz is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
The crowd cheers as Cruz lands an impressive looking overhand right. Makhadinov doesn't seem phased though.#T4#
Cruz fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Makhadinov avoids it really well and circles away.
As Cruz backs off Makhadinov throws a huge counter combo but Cruz manages to avoid it all.#CL#
Cruz darts in and clinches Makhadinov up against the cage.
A knee to the head by Cruz.
#BC#
Cruz breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz leaves Makhadinov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.#CL#
Cruz clinches with his opponent.
#BC#
Cruz manages to break the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Pinocchio Cruz dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Ruslan Makhadinov'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#
A punch combination from Cruz misses.
No luck for Makhadinov with that takedown attempt.
Cruz dives in for a single leg takedown but Makhadinov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Despite the aggression on Makhadinov's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.#CL#
Makhadinov tries to keep at a distance but Cruz has taken the fight into the clinch.
Cruz lands an elbow just above Makhadinov 's eye.
Makhadinov is trying to push Cruz away but Cruz has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.#BC#
Cruz pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Makhadinov misses with a double jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#TD#
Cruz closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Makhadinov quickly recovers to half guard.#SU#
Cruz escapes and gets back to his feet.
Cruz misses with a jab, cross combination.
Makhadinov shoots in and drives through. Cruz sprawls well.#T1#
Makhadinov goes for a double leg but Cruz avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Cruz continues to drive forward.
Pinocchio Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ruslan Makhadinov.
Cruz bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Makhadinov's head.
Makhadinov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.#CL#
Cruz has Makhadinov up against the cage in a clinch.
#BC#
Cruz breaks the clinch.
Cruz throws a head kick but Makhadinov moves out of range.
#CL#
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Makhadinov can do to turn this around?#BC#
Cruz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Makhadinov avoids a kick to the body.
Makhadinov stuffs the takedown.
Cruz swings away with a body shot that misses
and Makhadinov counters with a left and a right that stings Cruz.
Cruz misses with a two punch combination.
#T2#
Makhadinov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
No joy there for Cruz, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Makhadinov dives in and grabs Cruz's left leg, looking for a takedown. Cruz pushes down on Makhadinov's head and hops out.#CL#
Cruz pushes Makhadinov up against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz has Makhadinov pressed against the cage, preventing Makhadinov from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Makhadinov is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Cruz lands a body punch.
Makhadinov wants to break free but Cruz has control.
Cruz is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Makhadinov is defending well.
Cruz drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Makhadinov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.#BC#
Cruz breaks from the clinch.
Makhadinov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Cruz's waist but Cruz gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Makhadinov off to one side. #T3##CL#
Cruz instigates a clinch.
Makhadinov tries to circle away but Cruz has him pinned against the cage.#BC#
Cruz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
#CL#
Cruz clinches up against the cage.
Cruz crunches a lovely knee into Makhadinov's ribcage.#BC#
Cruz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cruz misses with the combination.
Makhadinov lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Cruz backs up against the cage.
Makhadinov shoots in for a takedown but Cruz shows good takedown defense.
Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown but Makhadinov sprawls well. He's pushed Cruz's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
As Cruz backs off Makhadinov throws a huge counter combo but Cruz manages to avoid it all.
Cruz tries to clinch up but Makhadinov circles away and keeps his distance.
Makhadinov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.#T4#
Makhadinov changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Cruz tries to avoid it but Makhadinov manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Cruz to the ground. Cruz escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet. #CL#
Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Makhadinov.
Makhadinov working hard to break the clinch.
Makhadinov is trying to push Cruz away but Cruz has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Cruz has Makhadinov pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Makhadinov manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Pinocchio Cruz is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Cruz lands an elbow inside.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Makhadinov is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Cruz lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Makhadinov wants to break free but Cruz has control.
#BC#
Cruz breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Cruz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Makhadinov shoots in but no luck this time.
Ruslan Makhadinov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Makhadinov tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Cruz defends well and Makhadinov ends up having to push Cruz into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Makhadinov.
And that's the end of the fight!
Pinocchio Cruz showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Cruz 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 Jonathan Paton scores the fight 30:27
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 30:27
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pinocchio Cruz!
An out of breath and clearly excited Pinocchio Cruz thanked HELLBENT for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him). |
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Event:
ROCK FC 3
Date: Sep 26, 2020 |
#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No luck for Plaaitjies with that takedown attempt.
Cruz is looking to clinch but Plaaitjies is avoiding it.
Cruz misses with a series of wild punches.
Cruz tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Plaaitjies counters with a stiff right hand.
Plaaitjies fails with the takedown.
Plaaitjies throws a right and a left that Cruz avoids nicely.
Cruz scores with a jab to the head.
Cruz is looking to clinch.
Plaaitjies misses with a takedown attempt - Cruz sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Pinocchio Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Randall Plaaitjies.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Plaaitjies tries for a takedown but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Cruz definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Cruz dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Plaaitjies. That did some damage!
Cruz keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.#T1#
Cruz fails to land with a series of punches.
Plaaitjies dives in for a single leg takedown but Cruz sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Cruz appears to be looking for a big counter.
Cruz looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Plaaitjies moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.#ROC#Plaaitjies is rocked!
Cruz lands with a precision combination! Left, right, uppercut and Plaaitjies falls flat on his face, eyes wide open but he's out!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:23 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Pinocchio Cruz!
Pinocchio Cruz took some time post fight to say the following; 'My name is Pinocchio. They call me that because my nose was very big when I was a baby. I am very honest. Thank you to my opponent and fans and, of course, the ultimate funkmaster Vsevelod Kaufman. P-Cruz Out!'. |
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Event:
Quick Fight Championship
Date: Sep 02, 2020 |
#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jab, jab by Cruz - just one landing.
Johnson throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.#KD#
Cruz lands a big right hand that sends Johnson crashing to the mat! Cruz stays standing though and waves Johnson back to his feet!#ROC#Johnson is rocked!#TD2#
Cruz gets caught flat footed, as Johnson shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Johnson throws a strike but Cruz rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVR#
Cruz stays in close to Johnson's body and controls the position.
Cruz wanted to stand there but Johnson had control of the position.
Cruz sitting in guard here, content to control. #T1##ES2#
Johnson has his feet on Cruz's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Cruz throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Johnson.
Cruz takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Johnson fails with the takedown
and Cruz counters with a two punch combo. #T2#
Johnson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Johnson throws a front kick that sends Cruz stumbling back into the cage.
Johnson misses with the combination.
Cruz misses with a left hand
and Cruz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!#CL#
Cruz darts in and clinches Johnson up against the cage.#BC2#
Johnson breaks the clinch.
Cruz throws a series of punches but Johnson avoids them all with ease.
Cruz throws a right and a left that both miss.
Johnson changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Johnson tests Cruz's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Pinocchio Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cruz shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it. #T3#
Johnson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Cruz falls off balance throwing a combination
and Johnson counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A solid leg kick lands there for Johnson.
Cruz throws a right and a left that both miss.
Cruz throws a nice looking combination but Johnson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Cruz misses with a double jab.
Cruz is breathing heavily.
Cruz rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Johnson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Johnson lands with a shot to the body.
Johnson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Johnson checks a leg kick.
Johnson lands with a nice body punch. #T4#
Johnson throws a right and a left that both miss.
Cruz looks to land a right hand but Johnson moved out of range.
Johnson with the inside leg kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johnson turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Cruz jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Cruz misses with a jab, cross combination.
Cruz rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Johnson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.#CL2#
Johnson closes the distance and pushes Cruz back into the cage.
Johnson throws an elbow that misses.
Johnson is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Johnson lands a nice knee to the body.
Johnson throws a knee to the head but misses.
Johnson is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Cruz pulls him back up using the underhooks.
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 Pinocchio Cruz will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R2#
Cruz swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Johnson counters with a low kick, right behind Cruz 's knee.
Johnson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Johnson uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Johnson leaves Cruz with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Cruz misses the body punch
and Johnson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Johnson stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Johnson wants it to stay on the feet.
Johnson feints and then cracks Cruz's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Cruz down.
Johnson stalks Cruz and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Cruz's face. Cruz staggers backwards, shaken.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Johnson looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Cruz appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.#TD2#
Johnson fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Cruz to the ground. Johnson is now in Cruz's guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
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!
Johnson scoring with some ground and pound. #T1#
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Johnson from controlling successfully.
Johnson content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Johnson throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Johnson sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Johnson working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Cruz's head.
Johnson is in close to Cruz's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Johnson sitting in guard here, content to control.
Cruz wants to stand but Johnson is controlling the position. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.#T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Johnson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Johnson.
Cruz swings for the body but Johnson moves out of range.
#TD2#
Johnson gets a takedown into half guard.
Johnson lands with a punch from half guard.
Johnson trying to advance position but Cruz counters by regaining guard.
Cruz tries to strike from the bottom.
Cruz controlling Johnson's posture.
Johnson landing some decent shots from guard. #T3#
Johnson trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Johnson working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Johnson connects with a couple of short punches.
Johnson engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Let's hope that Johnson 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.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.#T4#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Johnson throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Cruz is looking for a counter combo.
Cruz throws a right and a left that Johnson avoids nicely. #TD2#
Johnson fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Cruz sprawls well initially but Johnson persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Johnson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Johnson is looking to advance position but Cruz won't allow it.
Johnson is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Cruz is staying active underneath Johnson, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Cruz is trying to stand up here but Johnson is controlling him well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Slappy Johnson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!#R3#
Cruz throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Johnson.
A combination from Cruz does no damage.
Cruz shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Johnson sprawls well. Johnson wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Cruz gets slowly back to his feet.
Johnson scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Johnson is looking to clinch but Cruz is avoiding it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A countering left hand to the body from Johnson misses.
Johnson is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Cruz rather than just go for the knockout.
Johnson works the jab nicely.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Cruz is defended easily by Johnson.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.#T1#
Cruz swings for the body but Johnson moves out of range.
Johnson throws a counter combo.
Johnson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cruz.
#CL2#
Johnson has Cruz up against the cage in a clinch.
Johnson drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Johnson throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Johnson working Cruz over with knees to the body.
Johnson crunches a lovely knee into Cruz's ribcage.#TD2#
Johnson tightens his grip and picks Cruz up, before dumping him to the ground. Cruz manages to land in guard.
Johnson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Cruz is trying to keep Johnson in close.
#T2#
Johnson slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Slappy Johnson has got the better of the ground game so far.
Johnson is looking to work some ground and pound but Cruz has wrist control.
Johnson lands a couple of digs.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Johnson slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Johnson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Cruz working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Johnson. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.#TD2#
A momentary lapse in concentration from Cruz enables Johnson to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Cruz manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
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!
Johnson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up. #T3#
Johnson throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Cruz works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Johnson wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Johnson accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Johnson is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Johnson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Johnson makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.#SU2#
Johnson gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Johnson throws a head kick that Cruz semi-blocks.
Cruz misses with a left hand
and Johnson counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Cruz thinking.
Cruz misses with a jab, cross combination.
#T4#
Cruz takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Slappy Johnson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Johnson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Johnson tries to clinch up.
Cruz fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Johnson manages to avoid it.
A shot to the liver by Johnson. Beautiful body shot.#TD2#
Johnson shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Johnson showed some decent athleticism there.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Johnson takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Johnson lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Cruz is looking to control Johnson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Cruz avoid being mounted?
Cruz has hold of Johnson's hands but Johnson slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
And that's the end of the fight!
Slappy Johnson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Johnson 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 27:30
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 27:30
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 28:29
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Slappy Johnson! |
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