Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: SYN Supernova XIV
Date: Apr 27, 2024

#R1#
Rodrigues misses with a straight left.
Rodrigues lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
We've been told by Cruz's head coaches at Convicted Fight Club that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Rodrigues takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Cruz is looking to counter with a body kick.
Cruz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Rodrigues misses with a low kick.
Cruz misses with a combination
and Cruz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cruz avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rodrigues throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect. #CL#
Cruz has closed the distance and engaged Rodrigues in a clinch.
Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Rodrigues controls his hands. #BC2#
Rodrigues breaks the clinch.
Rodrigues misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely. #T1#
Rodrigues will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Rodrigues has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Cruz is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Rodrigues thuds a left hand into Cruz's body.
Jake Rodrigues seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rodrigues loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
Rodrigues throws out a leg kick but Cruz moves out of range and Rodrigues only half commits.
Cruz seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Cruz blocks a leg kick.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cruz misses with a hook.
Rodrigues lands a jab.
Rodrigues throws a sloppy body shot
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Cruz avoids the body shot from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
It looked like Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
A head kick misses from Rodrigues. #T2#
Rodrigues throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
Rodrigues throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
Cruz thinks about countering with a body kick.
Rodrigues pivots, looking for a leg kick but Cruz is out of range and Rodrigues settles back down.
Cruz walks into a jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A big right from Rodrigues misses.
Rodrigues attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Rodrigues throws a low kick, looking for Cruz's leg but Cruz calmly moves out of range.
Cruz is looking to counter with a body kick.
Rodrigues misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Cruz checks a leg kick.
It looked like Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Cruz throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Rodrigues connects with a high kick. #CUT2#It looks like Danny Cruz has been cut.
Cruz checks the leg kick nicely there.
A little feinted left hand from Cruz on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.#T3#
Rodrigues swings and misses with a hook to the body. #CL#
Cruz clinches up against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
Cruz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cruz crunches a lovely knee into Rodrigues's ribcage.
Cruz unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Cruz tries to land knees in the clinch but Rodrigues avoids the damage to the body.
Rodrigues avoiding damage as Cruz throws knees to the body.
Rodrigues has a couple of punches blocked by Cruz.
Rodrigues swings wildly with an uppercut but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
A head punch on the inside from Cruz fails to land.
Cruz lands a nice knee to the body.
Rodrigues working hard to break the clinch.
A short right from Rodrigues on the inside.
Cruz landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike. #T4#
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rodrigues working aggressively here.
Cruz scores with a nice hook to the head.
Rodrigues struggles to land a body shot inside as Cruz controls his hands.
A body shot lands from Cruz.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Rodrigues.
Rodrigues can't break the clinch.
Cruz using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Rodrigues looks winded!
Cruz misses with a body punch.
Cruz scores with a nice hook to the head.
Cruz lands a body punch.
Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Rodrigues uses good head movement to avoid it.
A hook to the body from Cruz.
Rodrigues has a couple of punches blocked by Cruz.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Rodrigues is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Cruz throws a head punch that misses.
Rodrigues misses with the head strike.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Jake Rodrigues will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Danny Cruz's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Cruz throws a half hearted mid kick.
Cruz lands a really nice looking cross but Rodrigues seems unphased.
Rodrigues throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cruz blocks a leg kick.
Cruz misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Rodrigues throws an off balance right hand
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
Rodrigues throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rodrigues misses with a wild body shot.
Cruz avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Rodrigues swings widly with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
A shot to the body from Rodrigues misses
and Cruz counters with a nice kick to the body. #T1#
Cruz throws a big shot that misses.#CL#
Cruz rushes Rodrigues and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Knees in the clinch landing for Cruz.
Rodrigues is breathing heavily.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike.
Cruz lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Rodrigues backwards.
A short right from Cruz on the inside.
Cruz tries to land knees in the clinch but Rodrigues avoids the damage to the body.
Rodrigues blocks a punch to the side of the head.
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.
Rodrigues takes a shot to the head.
Danny Cruz has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
Rodrigues prevents a body shot from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a body punch.
Cruz misses with a punch to the body. #BC2#
Rodrigues breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rodrigues throws a body shot but no joy.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cruz swings widly with a right hand
and Rodrigues counters with a good, hard body kick but Cruz shrugs it off. #T2#
Cruz lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Rodrigues at a distance.
Cruz connects with a body shot.#CL#
Cruz pushes Rodrigues up against the cage in a clinch.
Rodrigues on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rodrigues can do to turn this around?
Rodrigues throws a head punch that misses.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Rodrigues or not.
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruz blocks a body shot from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues can't break the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Cruz. #BC2#
Rodrigues manages to break the clinch.
Cruz blocks the body kick.
Cruz doesn't manage to clinch there - Rodrigues circles away. #T3#
Rodrigues jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cruz checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
An attempted straight right counter from Cruz misses the target.
Rodrigues thows a leg kick but Cruz checks it
and Cruz counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Rodrigues swings for the body but Cruz moves out of range.
A quick step to the side and Cruz tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cruz throws a lazy right hand but Rodrigues sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Rodrigues takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Rodrigues works Cruz's body with a nice hook.
Rodrigues misses with a lunging right hand
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Rodrigues throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Rodrigues misses with a series of wild punches.
Cruz quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Rodrigues throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.#T4#
Rodrigues looks to throw the jab but Cruz is out of range.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Rodrigues throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
Cruz dodges the punch combination from Rodrigues.
Cruz swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Rodrigues pivots, looking for a leg kick but Cruz is out of range and Rodrigues settles back down.
Cruz is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Rodrigues misses with a straight left.
Rodrigues throws a jab when Cruz was well out of range.
Good work by Cruz as he checks the leg kick.
Cruz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
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!
Rodrigues tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Danny Cruz dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Danny Cruz's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.#R3#
Cruz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Rodrigues.
Rodrigues connects with a single shot there.#CL#
Cruz gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Rodrigues controls his hands.
Rodrigues tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruz lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rodrigues backwards.
Rodrigues throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Cruzs head.
Cruz missing with knees to the body.
Cruz lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rodrigues backwards.
Rodrigues blocking some punches.
Rodrigues has a couple of punches blocked by Cruz.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz scores with a shoulder strike. #BC2#
Rodrigues manages to break the clinch.
Cruz avoids the head kick by Rodrigues.
Cruz uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Jake Rodrigues seems to be getting the better of the standup.
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 blocks a leg kick.#T1#
Cruz throws a leg kick that misses.
Rodrigues throws out a counter right but Cruz avoids it with no problem.
Cruz moves out of range as Rodrigues strikes.
It looked like Cruz was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Rodrigues.
Cruz uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Rodrigues.
Cruz lands a really nice looking cross but Rodrigues seems unphased. #ROC#Rodrigues is rocked!
Cruz misses with a two punch combination. #KD#
Cruz cracks Rodrigues with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Rodrigues looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Cruz finish him?
Rodrigues is still on wobbly legs! Can Cruz finish him?#CL#
Cruz pushes Rodrigues up against the cage in a clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rodrigues blocking some punches.
Cruz scores with a nice hook to the head.
Cruz blocks a couple of punches on the inside. #BC2#
Rodrigues breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rodrigues misses with the combination.
Cruz appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Rodrigues seems to have recovered his senses.#T2#
Cruz tries to move into range but Rodrigues moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Rodrigues misses with a wild body shot.
Cruz slips a straight right by Rodrigues.
Cruz thuds his shin into the meat of Rodrigues's side.
Rodrigues takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Rodrigues closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
A slow jab from Rodrigues misses its intended target.
Cruz thinks about countering with a body kick.
Rodrigues misses with a looping left.
Rodrigues throws a poor cross that misses #KD#
and Cruz counters with a crisp right hand that drops Rodrigues! Cruz lets Rodrigues back up to his feet, looking for a finish!
Rodrigues scores with a jab.#T3#
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rodrigues.
A low kick from Rodrigues is predictable there
and Cruz counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
A big right from Rodrigues misses. #KD#
Cruz sends Rodrigues crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Cruz is motioning to the referee to let Rodrigues up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!
Nice defenses there by Cruz.#CL#
Rodrigues tries to keep at a distance but Cruz has taken the fight into the clinch.
Cruz digs a right hand underneath Rodrigues's ribcage. Rodrigues let out a lung full of air as it connected.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cruz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cruz trying to land knees to the body.
Cruz missing with knees to the body.
A short left from Rodrigues.
Cruz blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Rodrigues misses with the head strike. #T4#
Rodrigues blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Cruz has a couple of punches blocked by Rodrigues.
Cruz lands a right hand.
A head punch on the inside from Cruz fails to land.
Cruz lands a hook to the side of the head.
Cruz lands with a light punch inside.
Rodrigues blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cruz softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Cruz lands with a light punch inside.
Cruz misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Rodrigues.
A nice left hand lands by Cruz.
Cruz can't find room to land a body shot as Rodrigues controls the action.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
A head punch on the inside from Rodrigues fails to land.
Cruz lands with a light punch inside.
Rodrigues swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cruz tries to land knees in the clinch but Rodrigues avoids the damage to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Danny Cruz clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Danny Cruz's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R4#
A looping hook to the body misses from Rodrigues. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
An inside leg kick from Rodrigues misses. #KD#
Cruz cracks Rodrigues with a big right hand that sends him crashing to the floor. Cruz has the opportunity to follow him to the ground but instead he's beckoning Rodrigues to stand back up!
Cruz fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Rodrigues throws a sloppy head kick and Cruz moves out of range easily.
Cruz throws the left hand but Rodrigues avoids the punch easily.
Rodrigues doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rodrigues throws a head kick but Cruz moves out of range.
Cruz appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Rodrigues misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Cruz wants to clinch
and Rodrigues counters with a low kick, right behind Cruz 's knee. #T1#
Rodrigues tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cruz was well out of range. Poor timing from Rodrigues.
Cruz cracks Rodrigues with an open hand slap.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cruz. Rodrigues does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rodrigues misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Rodrigues throws a front kick aimed at Cruz's knee but Cruz avoids it well.
Cruz appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Cruz moves out of range of the strikes.
Cruz throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rodrigues only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Cruz moves out of range of the strikes.
Cruz misses with a looping right.
Rodrigues tries a quick counter leg kick but Cruz is wise to it.
Cruz swings for the body but Rodrigues moves out of range.
Rodrigues throws a low kick but Cruz avoids it.
It looked like Cruz was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Rodrigues.#T2#
Rodrigues scores with a jab to the body.
Rodrigues throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cruz keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Cruz's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Rodrigues connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Cruz scrambles back to his feet.
The fighters circling - Rodrigues throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Rodrigues tries a head kick but it misses.
Cruz was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Cruz throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Rodrigues is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rodrigues throws a sloppy head kick and Cruz moves out of range easily.
Rodrigues just misses with a punch to the body.
Rodrigues throws a low kick but it's checked well by Cruz.#T3#
Rodrigues moves away from the strike by Cruz.
Rodrigues tries to score with a low kick but Cruz moves his leg out of the way.
An attempted straight right counter from Cruz misses the target.
Cruz connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Rodrigues throws a head kick that misses
and Rodrigues takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Rodrigues uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cruz.
Rodrigues throws a low kick but Cruz avoids it.
An attempted straight right counter from Cruz misses the target.
Rodrigues throws a head kick that misses.
Rodrigues throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Rodrigues listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Rodrigues misses with a right hand
and Cruz finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.#T4#
Rodrigues will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Cruz is looking to counter punch.
Cruz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Rodrigues.
Cruz throws a leg kick which misses Rodrigues's front leg but catches the back leg as Rodrigues tries to avoid it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rodrigues misses with a hook to the body
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cruz thuds a left hand into Rodrigues's body.
A slow jab from Rodrigues misses its intended target.
Rodrigues misses with a body shot.
Cruz lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Cruz takes a body punch but keeps moving.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Danny Cruz had his way with Jake Rodrigues in that round.
The cut man is working on Danny Cruz's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!#R5#
Cruz just misses with a punch to the body.
Rodrigues tries a low kick but Cruz avoids it.
Cruz stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Rodrigues swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cruz pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Good leg kick by Cruz.
Rodrigues wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Cruz walks into a straight right hand from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues misses with a hook
and Cruz counters with a right hand to the body. #T1#
Rodrigues throws a leg kick but Cruz sees it coming and moves out of range.
Rodrigues misses with an uppercut.
Rodrigues throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #CL#
Cruz gets a clinch.
Cruz lands a right hand that snaps the head of Rodrigues backwards.
Cruz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Cruz landing knees to the body.
Rodrigues managing to block the knees to the body from Cruz.
Rodrigues on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Rodrigues wants to get back to striking at distance but Cruz won't allow it.
Cruz has Rodrigues pressed against the cage, preventing Rodrigues from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Cruz lands a knee to the body.
Jake Rodrigues has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rodrigues is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?#T2#
Cruz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Rodrigues takes a shot to the head.
Rodrigues managing to block the knees to the body from Cruz. #BC2#
Rodrigues breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
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!
Rodrigues misses the jab.
A swing and a miss from Rodrigues.
Cruz thinks about countering with a body kick.
Cruz tries to clinch up
and Rodrigues makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Rodrigues looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.
Rodrigues throws a head kick but Cruz moves out of range.
Cruz was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Rodrigues swings widly with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut. #T3#
Cruz avoids the body shot from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Cruz lunges at Rodrigues with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Rodrigues's hand.
Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues looks to land a right hand but Cruz moved out of range.
Rodrigues throws a sloppy body shot
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Rodrigues throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
Cruz swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Rodrigues scores with a hook to the body. Cruz takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Rodrigues has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Cruz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rodrigues throws out the jab.
Cruz tries to clinch but Rodrigues moves out of range. #T4#
Rodrigues with the inside leg kick.
Cruz cracks Rodrigues with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Rodrigues misses with a wild body shot.
Cruz is looking to counter with a body kick.
Cruz slips a jab from Rodrigues.
Rodrigues thows a leg kick but Cruz checks it
and Cruz counters with a solid body kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz avoids the body shot from Rodrigues.
Cruz jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.
Today's fight clock is brought to you by... OOOH that's a huge shot by Cruz! Rodrigues is in big trouble here - the ref steps in to save him and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:44 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Danny Cruz!
Danny Cruz retains his bantamweight title!
Our winner, Danny Cruz, 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.

Event: SYN 1066 Cruz vs Ocampo
Date: Apr 07, 2024

#R1#
Ocampo misses with a jab to the body
and Cruz counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Ocampo misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cruz.
Cruz slips under a jab from Ocampo.
A jab from Ocampo does it's job there.
Ocampo pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
The fighters circling - Ocampo throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Ocampo throws a shot from downtown. Cruz moves away and avoids it.
Ocampo takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
A counter left hand to the body from Cruz misses its target.
Cruz walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.#CUT2#It looks like Danny Cruz has been cut.
Ocampo throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Cruz counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Cruz throws a wild body kick that Ocampo sees coming a mile off.
Ocampo scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Cruz lands a leg kick that knocks Ocampo off balance momentarily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz staying out of range there.
A quick step to the side and Cruz tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ocampo misses with an uppercut. Cruz saw that one coming.
Ocampo takes a body punch but keeps moving.
We've been told by Cruz's head coaches at Convicted Fight Club that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.#T1#
Ocampo throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Cruz misses the target.
Luciano Ocampo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ocampo jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Ocampo lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Cruz avoids the body shot from Ocampo.
It looked like Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Ocampo lands with a thumping leg kick.
Both fighters circling a little - Cruz finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Ocampo swings widly with a right hand
and as Ocampo loses concentration momentarily, Cruz counters with a picture perfect head kick! Ocampo goes down, out cold! The referee rushed in to check on his condition - I'm sure he'll be ok but that was a massive knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:31 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Danny Cruz!
Danny Cruz retains his bantamweight title!
A relieved looking Danny Cruz thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: SYN 1062 Seran vs Bleak II
Date: Mar 17, 2024

#R1#
Xiaodong throws a hook to the side of Cruz's head but Cruz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Cruz misses with a lunging right hand
and Xiaodong counters with a lovely straight right hand!#CUT2#It looks like Danny Cruz has been cut.
Cruz works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Xiaodong misses with a looping left.
Cruz closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Cruz keeps the fight on the outside.
Cruz was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Cruz connects with a single shot there.
Xiaodong misses with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a leg kick.
Cruz misses with a jab to the body
and Cruz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cruz cracks Xiaodong with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Xiaodong keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cruz.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Xiaodong! But no joy.
Cruz is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.#T1#
A swing and a miss from Xiaodong.
Xiaodong pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Xiaodong swings widly with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A decent looking cross lands there for Xiaodong.
Cruz ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Xiaodong throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.
An attempted straight right counter from Cruz misses the target.
Cruz throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Xiaodong counters with a nice body shot.
Cruz throws a head kick but Xiaodong moves out of range.
Xiaodong misses with a looping right.
Xiaodong throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Cruz throws a quick counter kick to the body but Xiaodong avoids it.#T2#
Xiaodong misses with a lunging right hand
and Cruz counters with a left to the body.
Xiaodong misses with a head kick.
It looked like Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A good leg kick by Cruz.
Cruz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Xiaodong sees it coming and avoids it easily.
We've been told by Cruz's head coaches at Convicted Fight Club that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Cruz circles away from the clinch attempt
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Nice body punch from Cruz.
Xiaodong lands a head shot.
Cruz connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Xiaodong's hands.
Xiaodong throws a lazy uppercut
and Cruz finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.#T3#
Xiaodong throws a right hand that misses
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cruz circles away from the clinch attempt
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#ROC#Xiaodong is rocked!
Xiaodong misses with a shot to the body
and Cruz counters with a huge overhand right that connects right on the temple, sending him crumpling, face first to the floor! This one is all over! What a knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:34 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Danny Cruz!
Danny Cruz is the new bantamweight champion!
Danny Cruz thanked the fans post fight for their support.
The defeated Li Xiaodong had this to say: 'IQ 123'.

Event: SYN 1055 Cruz vs Farman
Date: Feb 11, 2024

#R1#
A swing and a miss from Farman.
Farman misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Cruz walks into a left hand.
Farman throws a body kick that misses
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A cross from Farman lands.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Farman lands with a thumping leg kick.
A low kick lands for Farman. #T1#
Farman misses with a hook.
Farman takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Farman misses with a straight right.
And Cruz counters with a quick kick to the body but Farman blocks it.
Farman fails with an attempt to clinch.
Farman throws an off balance right hand
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Farman swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Farman throws a jab but it's blocked by Cruz.
And Cruz counters with a quick kick to the body but Farman blocks it.#T2#
Cruz shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
A swing and a miss from Farman.
Farman throws the kick towards the body but Cruz avoids it.
Farman throws a right hand that misses
and Cruz makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Farman shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Cruz throws a quick counter head kick but Farman was just out of range.
Farman throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Farman.
Farman scores with a nice right hand. #T3#
A telegraphed right hand from Farman misses the target.
Farman throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Cruz has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Farman.
Cruz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Farman.
A little feinted left hand from Cruz on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
An inside leg kick lands from Farman.
Farman lands a leg kick that knocks Cruz off balance momentarily.
Cruz moves out of range as Farman throws a body kick.
Cruz swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.#T4#
Farman takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Cruz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Farman.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Farman crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Cruz - the referee stops the clock and Farman gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Cruz. Farman manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Cruz throws a lazy uppercut
letting Farman counter with a right hand.
Cruz has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Farman finds it's way round the side to connect with Cruz's head.
Farman swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
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!
Farman looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Zafir Farman dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Cruz moves out of range as Farman strikes.
Farman throws a jab but it's blocked by Cruz.
Cruz throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Farman misses with an uppercut
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Farman throws a lazy right hand but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
This entire fight has taken place on the feet so far and you wonder whether Cruz might be better served trying to take this one to the ground because he's losing the standup battle so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Farman takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Cruz moves out of range of the strikes.
Cruz swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Cruz misses with a kick to the body
and Farman counters with a stiff right hand. #T1#
Cruz swings for the body but Farman moves out of range.
Cruz looks to land a right hand but Farman moved out of range.
Farman was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Farman throws a leg kick that is checked
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#ROC#Farman is rocked!
Cruz misses with an uppercut
and Farman counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Farman is still on wobbly legs! Can Cruz finish him?
Cruz checks a low kick from Farman.
Farman rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Cruz counters with a monster head kick that knocks Farman out cold! He topples like fallen a tree, crashing to the mat! Timbeeeeeerrr!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:45 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Danny Cruz!
A relieved looking Danny Cruz thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: HFC 107: Cruz vs Dew
Date: Nov 05, 2023

#R1#
Dew fails with a takedown attempt.
Nice sprawl there from Cruz as Dew shoots in.
Cruz thinks about countering with a body kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cruz. Dew does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz misses with a hook.
Dew shoots for a takedown but Cruz saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A little feinted left hand from Cruz on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Danny Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kent Dew.
Dew fails to land the takedown.
Dew shoots in and drives through. Cruz sprawls well.
Dew fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
A decent looking cross lands there for Cruz.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz leaves Dew with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Dew fails with a takedown attempt.
An attempted straight right counter from Cruz misses the target.#T1#
Dew tries for a takedown but Cruz circles away easily
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kent Dew seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Dew misses with a takedown attempt
and Cruz counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Dew 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 Dew off to one side.
Cruz swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Cruz cracks Dew with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Dew shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Cruz pinned against the cage. Cruz gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Cruz is looking to counter punch.
Dew has his takedown stuffed
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Dew shoots in looking for a takedown. Cruz tries to sprawl out of it but Dew keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Cruz manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
A little feinted left hand from Cruz on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
A slow jab from Cruz misses its intended target. #T2#
Dew shoots for a double leg takedown but Cruz sprawls well. He's pushed Dew's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Cruz scores with a jab to the body.
Dew shoots in for a takedown but Cruz shows good takedown defense.
Cruz appears to be looking for a big counter.#TD2#
Dew decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into 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!
Dew thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cruz's head.
Dew prevents Cruz from improving his position.
Dew drops an elbow to the side of Cruz's head.
Dew throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Dew controlling the action here.
Dew sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Cruz defending well though. #T3#
Dew seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz wants to control but Dew is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Dew thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Dew not doing much here.
Dew not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Dew thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Dew perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Dew missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Cruz is looking to control Dew's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Cruz avoid being mounted?
Dew throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man. #T4#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Dew is taking a breather. Cruz 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.
Dew has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Dew wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Dew fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Cruz avoids it really well and circles away.
Cruz throwing a counter right hand but Dew manages to avoid it.
Dew shoots for a double leg takedown but Cruz sprawls well. He's pushed Dew's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Dew shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Dew shoots for a takedown but Cruz saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Cruz throws a big counter combination but Dew scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Dew shoots and misses
letting Cruz counter with a right hand. #TD2#
Dew looking to score a takedown here. Cruz is defending well but Dew drives through and ends up in Cruz's guard.
Cruz working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Dew.
Dew trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Danny Cruz dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Dew has a takedown stuffed.
Dew looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Cruz is looking to counter punch.
Nice sprawl there from Cruz as Dew shoots in.
Danny Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kent Dew.
Dew misses with a takedown attempt
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Dew shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Cruz jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent. #ROC#Dew is rocked!
Horrible takedown attempt by Dew or perhaps it was just good defense by Cruz, which made it look bad.
Dew is still on wobbly legs! Can Cruz finish him?
Cruz throws an overhand right that drops Dew like a sack of potatoes! Cruz dives in to finish the fight with more strikes and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:45 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Danny Cruz!
Danny Cruz retains his bantamweight title!
Danny Cruz decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: HFC 104: Hernandez vs Nayati
Date: Oct 21, 2023

#R1#
Cruz avoids the head kick by Graham .
Cruz is looking to counter punch.
Graham with a poor takedown
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Graham misses with a hook
and Cruz counters with a good, hard body kick but Graham shrugs it off.
Graham doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Cruz makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Graham has his takedown stuffed
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Danny Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Billy Graham .
Graham shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Cruz sprawls well. Cruz wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Graham gets slowly back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Graham shoots and misses
and Cruz scores with a counter punch that sends Graham to the canvas! Cruz smells blood - he's punishing Graham with more strikes and the ref has stopped it! Graham has no idea where he is - he's tackled the ref... oh dear, poor guy, the crowd is in hysterics!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Danny Cruz!
Danny Cruz retains his bantamweight title!
Danny Cruz decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: HFC 102: Ilmarinen vs Shako
Date: Oct 07, 2023

#R1#
Cruz takes one on the button.
Cruz fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Cruz scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Bashir doesn't seem bothered though.
Bashir connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Cruz's hands.
Bashir takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz slips under a jab.
Cruz throws a quick counter kick to the body but Bashir avoids it.
Cruz walks into a stiff left hand from Bashir.
Bashir takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
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!#KD#
Cruz lands a left and a right that send Bashir crashing to the mat, dazed. Cruz thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!
Cruz's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Bashir connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Cruz scrambles back to his feet.#CUT2#It looks like Danny Cruz has been cut.
Bashir swings for the body but Cruz moves out of range. #T1#
Bashir on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Cruz moves out of range of the strikes.
Bashir misses with an uppercut #KD#
and Cruz counters with a nice right hand that sends Bashir toppling to the canvas! Bashir scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Cruz finish him?!#ROC#Bashir is rocked!
Bashir swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Bashir is still on wobbly legs! Can Cruz finish him?
Cruz on the wrong end of a nice jab.
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!
Bashir fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Bashir might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Bashir throws a big shot that misses.
Cruz appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Bashir seems to have recovered his senses.
Bashir looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Bashir just misses with a punch to the body.
Bashir throws an off balance right hand #KD#
and Cruz counters with a nice right hand that sends Bashir toppling to the canvas! Bashir scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Cruz finish him?!
Bashir throws a lazy uppercut
and Cruz counters with a beautiful right hand that knocks Bashir out cold! What a finish! Cruz is going crazy, running around the mat, summersaulting off the corner posts and screaming into the cameras. Something tells me he's pretty happy!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:51 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Danny Cruz!
Danny Cruz retains his bantamweight title!
Danny Cruz thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: HFC 97: Cruz vs Mesquita
Date: Sep 02, 2023

#R1#
Cruz takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Cruz misses with the body kick#TD2#
and Mesquita counters with a takedown into side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Mesquita throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Mesquita lands some shots froms side control.
Mesquita controls the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mesquita misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz regains half guard there - taking advantage of Mesquita's attempt to lay and pray for a moment.
Mesquita not throwing his punches with enough precision this time. #T1#
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Mesquita throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Cruz knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Mesquita on the ground.
Mesquita missing with the ground and pound from half guard. #SUB2#
Mesquita wants to work for an arm triangle but Cruz is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Mesquita not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Mesquita has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Mesquita is trying to control. Cruz wants to improve his position but can't escape this time. #T2#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.#SUB2#
Mesquita is working for a kimura but Cruz is defending it quite comfortably.
Cruz's coaches at Convicted Fight Club have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.
Mesquita wants to pass to mount but Cruz is defending the position.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Mesquita thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Mesquita working Cruz over with strikes.
Mesquita wants to take a breather but Cruz is having none of it. #T3##SUB2#
Mesquita is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Mesquita thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cruz's head. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Mesquita shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Cruz pinned against the cage. Cruz gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Cruz was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.#TD2#
Mesquita looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Cruz!#T4##SUB2#
Mesquita is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Cruz has escaped the position, nice work there.
Cruz is not content to let Mesquita control the position.
Mesquita postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hugo Mesquita 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#
Cruz throws an overhand right that lands on Mesquita's shoulder, as Mesquita tries to avoid the shot.
Cruz swats away the attempt to clinch by Mesquita.
Cruz throws a sloppy head kick and Mesquita moves out of range easily.
Mesquita changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.#CL2#
Mesquita darts in and clinches Cruz up against the cage.
Cruz is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Mesquita tries to pull guard but Cruz won't allow it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#TD2#
Mesquita jumps guard and drags Cruz to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Mesquita trying to strike off his back. #SUB2#
Cruz got a little sloppy there for a moment and Mesquita has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Cruz has managed to get both his arms back between Mesquita's legs - danger averted.
Hugo Mesquita has got the better of the ground game so far.
Mesquita is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.#T1#
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Mesquita swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cruz has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.#SUB2#
Mesquita escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Cruz gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Mesquita tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Cruz 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.
Mesquita is trying to hold Cruz in close to prevent damage but Cruz has managed to pass into half guard. #SUB2#
Mesquita is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Cruz pulls his head out easily.
Cruz performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Mesquita trying to control from the bottom. #T3#
Mesquita controlling the position well. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
The fighters circle momentarily. Cruz darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Mesquita on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Cruz swings for the body but Mesquita moves out of range.
Danny Cruz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#CL2#
Mesquita has Cruz up against the cage in a clinch. #T4#
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Cruz obliges.
Cruz landing knees to the body.
Cruz lands a good knee to the midsection. Mesquita won't want to take too many of those.
Mesquita has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Cruz after a bit of a struggle.
Mesquita blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Cruz lands an uppercut.
Mesquita tries to pull guard but Cruz forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Danny Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hugo Mesquita.#TD2#
Mesquita tightens his grip and picks Cruz up, before dumping him to the ground. Cruz manages to land 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!
Mesquita throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Mesquita missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Mesquita trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Mesquita pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Danny Cruz dominated that second 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.#R3#
Cruz connects with a single shot there.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Cruz goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Cruz scores with a spinning back kick!
Cruz digs a good hook to Mesquita's body. #TD2#
A momentary lapse in concentration from Cruz enables Mesquita to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Cruz manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mesquita postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Mesquita from controlling successfully. #T1#
Mesquita 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.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Mesquita accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Mesquita stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Mesquita trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Mesquita throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Cruz works some decent striking defense from the bottom. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.#T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Mesquita has his takedown stuffed
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Cruz getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Mesquita tries for a takedown but Cruz circles away easily
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Cruz catches Mesquita with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Mesquita scores with a jab to the head. #T3##KD#
Cruz lands a left and a right that send Mesquita crashing to the mat, dazed. Cruz thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!#ROC#Mesquita is rocked!
Mesquita tries for a takedown but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Cruz jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.
Mesquita is still on wobbly legs! Can Cruz finish him?
Danny Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hugo Mesquita.
Mesquita shoots for a takedown but Cruz saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Mesquita misses with a takedown
and Cruz counters with a crisp right that sends Mesquita to the canvas! Cruz follows up with punches from the mount and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:26 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Danny Cruz!
Danny Cruz retains his bantamweight title!
An out of breath Danny Cruz thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: HFC 90: Cruz vs Nomura
Date: Jul 14, 2023

#R1#
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.
Cruz changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Cruz avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Cruz swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Nomura 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.
Cruz throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
A little jabbing left from Nomura on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.#CL2#
Cruz gets tackled into the cage by Nomura. Nomura maintains the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Nomura lands a right hand.
Nomura tries to throw a body punch but Cruz avoids it by throwing Nomura back against the cage.
Nomura tries to pull guard but Cruz holds him up against the cage and eventually Nomura drops back down to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Nomura 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. Nomura gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
A slapping leg kick lands for Cruz. #T1#
Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick.
Cruz lands with a right hand.
Nomura shoots for a double leg takedown but Cruz sprawls well. He's pushed Nomura's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
A quick step to the side and Cruz tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Danny Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tadahiro Nomura.
Nomura cracks Cruz with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.#CUT2#It looks like Danny Cruz has been cut.
Nomura takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK. #ROC#Nomura is rocked!
Both fighters circling slowly here as the pace drops. Hopefully one of them does someth.. OOOHHHH!!!! Cruz throws an absolute beast of a head kick! Nomura is done! He's out cold, twisted and contorted up against the cage! Wow!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:54 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Danny Cruz!
Danny Cruz retains his bantamweight title!
An out of breath Danny Cruz thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
In defeat, Tadahiro Nomura stepped up to the mic, saying 'Mizu ni nagasu/the water flows.'.

Event: HFC 76: Cruz vs Bashir
Date: Apr 01, 2023

#R1#
Bashir takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Bashir tries to score a power double leg takedown but Cruz sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Bashir somewhat.
Bashir shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Bashir just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromCruz.
Cruz ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bashir moves away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bashir defending well as Cruz loads up on a big left hand.
Bashir feints the counter takedown.
Cruz bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.#T1#
Bashir fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Cruz half committed to a counter leg kick.
Danny Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Julian Bashir.
Cruz throws a sloppy head kick and Bashir moves out of range easily.
Cruz tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Bashir tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Bashir shoots for a double leg takedown but Cruz sprawls well. He's pushed Bashir's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Cruz appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Bashir tries for a takedown but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Cruz throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Bashir looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.#T2#
Bashir uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cruz.#CL2#
Bashir clinches.
Cruz blocks a punch to the side of the head. #BC2#
Bashir breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Cruz slaps away a takedown attempt from Bashir, before circling back to the center of the mat.
It appears Cruz was looking to counter with a kick there.
Cruz leaves Bashir with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Cruz appears to be looking for a big counter.#T3#
Cruz misses with a looping left.
Bashir wants to clinch.
Cruz misses with a kick to the body.
Bashir drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Cruz defends it well.
Bashir tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Cruz swivels and escapes.
Cruz cracks Bashir with a right hand to the side of the head.#T4#
No luck for Bashir with that takedown attempt.
Bashir just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromCruz.
Cruz keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Cruz is looking to counter punch.
Cruz bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Bashir blocks the body kick.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Danny Cruz dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Bashir will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Cruz throws a body punch but Bashir moves out of range.
Bashir with the counter takedown but Cruz avoids it easily.
Bashir displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cruz throws out the jab.
Bashir feints the counter takedown.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Cruz throws a looping overhand right but Bashir ducks down to avoid it.
Cruz thows a left - swing and a miss!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cruz is looking to chop away at Bashir's legs. #T1#
Bashir shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
Cruz slaps away a takedown attempt from Bashir, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Cruz is looking to counter punch.
Danny Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Julian Bashir.
Bashir with a poor takedown
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Bashir shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Cruz but Cruz pushes him off and we're back to square one.#T2#
Bashir tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Cruz paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Cruz half committed to a counter leg kick.
Cruz just misses with a punch to the body.
Bashir steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Cruz.
Cruz misses the jab.
Bashir uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cruz.
Bashir with the counter takedown but Cruz avoids it easily.
Bashir misses with a takedown attempt
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.#T3##CL2#
Bashir fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Cruz, pushing him back against the cage.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Bashir can do to turn this around?
Bashir misses with the head strike.
A nice left hand lands by Bashir. #BC2#
Bashir breaks from the clinch.
Cruz throws the kick towards the body but Bashir avoids it.
Bashir drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Cruz defends it well.
Cruz stuffs the takedown.
Bashir fails to land the takedown.
Bashir with a poor takedown
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut. #T4#
Cruz throws a lazy right hand but Bashir sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Bashir with the counter takedown but Cruz avoids it easily.
Cruz swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Bashir.
Bashir shoots and misses
and Cruz counters with a leg kick.
Bashir ducks under a wild hook from Cruz.
Bashir is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Bashir fails with the takedown#KD#
and Cruz counters with a head kick that drops Bashir to the mat! Bashir scrambles across the canvas and gets back to his feet, still wobbly!#ROC#Bashir is rocked!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Danny Cruz dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R3#
Cruz dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Bashir checks it.
Bashir 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 Bashir off to one side.
Bashir shoots in but doesn't get the takedown #KD#
and Cruz counters with a nice right hand that sends Bashir toppling to the canvas! Bashir scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Cruz finish him?!
Bashir is still on wobbly legs! Can Cruz finish him?
Bashir has a takedown stuffed.
Bashir seems to have recovered his senses.
Danny Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Julian Bashir.
Bashir tries for a takedown but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.#T1#
Bashir tries to clinch but Cruz is having none of it.
Cruz quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Bashir keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Cruz is looking to land body kicks.
Bashir is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Bashir slips a straight right by Cruz.
Cruz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Bashir.#CL2#
Bashir has Cruz up against the cage in a clinch. #T2#
Cruz misses with a punch to the body. #BC#
Cruz's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cruz digs a good hook to Bashir's body.
Bashir moves out of range of the body kick.
Cruz throws out a loose jab but Bashir uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz throws a half hearted mid kick.
Bashir shoots in for a takedown but Cruz shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Cruz digs a good body shot into Bashir's ribs.#T3#
Cruz tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz lands a high kick!
Danny Cruz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bashir shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Cruz sprawls well. Cruz wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Bashir gets slowly back to his feet.
It appears Cruz was looking to counter with a kick there.
Bashir shoots in and drives through. Cruz sprawls well.#T4#
Cruz throws an overhand right that lands on Bashir's shoulder, as Bashir tries to avoid the shot.
Bashir closes this distance looking for a takedown but Cruz circles away.
Bashir just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromCruz.
Bashir ducks under a wild hook from Cruz.
Cruz will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bashir shoots in looking for a takedown but Cruz manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Bashir's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Cruz throwing a counter right hand but Bashir manages to avoid it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Danny Cruz clearly takes that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R4#
Cruz slaps away a takedown attempt from Bashir, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Cruz loads up on a big right hand but Bashir slips the punch.
Cruz throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Cruz lands a jab to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz with a jab.
Bashir walks forward, straight into a front kick from Cruz.#T1#
Bashir misses with a takedown
and Cruz counters with a body kick that stops Bashir in his tracks momentarily.
We've been told by Cruz's head coaches at Convicted Fight Club that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Cruz jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Cruz throws a push kick but Bashir slaps the foot to one side.
Bashir is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Good leg kick by Cruz.
Bashir has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Cruz.#T2#
No luck with that takedown attempt from Bashir.
Danny Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Julian Bashir.
Bashir avoids the head kick by Cruz.
Bashir with the counter takedown but Cruz avoids it easily.
Cruz is looking to land body kicks.
Bashir displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cruz throws out the jab.
Bashir changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Bashir tries for a takedown but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.#T3#
Cruz looks to land a body kick but Bashir moved away.
A punch lands to the side of Bashir 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Bashir fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Cruz scores with a leg kick.
Cruz stuffs the takedown attempt from Bashir. Bashir gets slowly back to his feet. #T4#
Bashir checks a low kick from Cruz.
Bashir feints the counter takedown.
Bashir shoots in but Cruz avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Cruz with a nice calf kick.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cruz throws a leg kick which misses Bashir's front leg but catches the back leg as Bashir tries to avoid it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Danny Cruz had his way with Julian Bashir in that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!#R5#
A nice leg kick from Cruz, right into the meat of the thigh.
Bashir checks the leg kick.
Cruz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Bashir tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Cruz connects with a leg kick.
Bashir looks for a takedown but Cruz sprawls well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bashir uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Cruz.
Bashir changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.#T1#
Bashir steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Cruz.
Bashir avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Bashir changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Bashir takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
An inside leg kick from Cruz misses.
And Bashir tries to counter it with a takedown but Cruz pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Bashir tries to close the distance and clinch but Cruz swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Cruz throws a push kick but Bashir slaps the foot to one side.
Julian Bashir has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
No luck with that takedown attempt from Bashir.
As Bashir looks to move away, Cruz throws a big counter combo but Bashir just gets out of the way.
Cruz connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Bashir tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Cruz swivels and escapes.
Danny Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Julian Bashir.
Cruz's jab looks to have found its range, popping Bashir under the eye.#T3#
Cruz throws a front kick that sends Bashir stumbling back into the cage.
Bashir avoids a kick to the body.
Danny Cruz is winning the standup battle so far.
Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Bashir's sensitive parts.
Cruz delivers a nice body kick.
Bashir tries for a takedown but Cruz circles away easily
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand. #T4#
Cruz fakes the leg kick and throws a superman punch. It's knocked Bashir out cold! Brutal finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:11 of round 5, we have a winner by way of KO (Superman Punch). Danny Cruz!
Danny Cruz retains his bantamweight title!
Danny Cruz thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: HFC 71 - Farman vs Cruz
Date: Feb 26, 2023

#R1#
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.
Farman misses with a hook
and Cruz counters with a nice leg kick.
Cruz scores with a jab to the body.
Cruz misses with a hook.
Farman slips under a jab from Cruz.
Cruz tries to work over Farman's front leg with a kick but Farman checks it.
Farman definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Farman throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
A slow jab from Farman misses its intended target. #T1#
Cruz lunges at Farman with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Farman's hand.
Cruz swings for the body but Farman moves out of range.
A little feinted left hand from Farman on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Cruz lands with an uppercut that bounces Farman off the cage and back into range.
Nice straight punches there by Cruz. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Cruz.
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Farman.
Cruz takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.#ROC2#Farman is rocked!#T2#
A head kick by Cruz - that's a beauty! Farman is out but he's somehow still standing... he's going... going... gone. Like a drunk walking down the middle of the road, the inevitable face plant follows and the delayed knockout arrives. Even Cruz can't help but laugh at the bizarre end to this one!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:12 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Danny Cruz!
Danny Cruz is the new bantamweight champion!
During a confident post fight interview, Danny Cruz thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: HFC 68 - De Rossi vs Babula
Date: Feb 05, 2023

#R1#
Cruz throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Ro counters with a nice uppercut.
Ro moves away from the strike by Cruz.
Ro fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
A jab lands there for Cruz.
Cruz misses with a left hand #TD#
and Ro counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Cruz won't allow Ro to pass to mount.
Ro thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cruz's head.
Cruz won't allow Ro to pass to mount.
Ro not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Ro trying to pass the guard but Cruz defending well.
Cruz really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Ro. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.#SUB#
Ro is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Cruz has managed to free his arm - good work. #T1#
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Ro has control of the leg.
Ro is looking to advance position but Cruz won't allow it.
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.
Ro missing with the ground and pound from half guard. #SUB#
Cruz is defending against the submission attempts here by Ro.
Cruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Ro 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.
Ro is stalling here. Cruz is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Ro seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Cruz has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Ro is trying to control Cruz's posture but Cruz avoids it.
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.
Cruz gets to mount! Ro was on the offensive and wasn't defending properly.
Ro has given up his back - I don’t know if this is a deliberate ploy to try and escape or if he is just struggling down there. #T3#
Ro turns into Cruz and is now in his guard.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Ro from controlling successfully.
Cruz is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ro missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Cruz is pulling down on Ro's head. It's preventing any offense from Ro, at least for the moment.
Cruz working a defensive guard here. #T4#
Ro in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Ro in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Cruz controls Ro momentarily but Ro frees himself.
Ro advances to half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cruz is refusing to be controlled, as Ro sits in half guard.
Ro is really struggling to control Cruz but he's trying to hold on to the position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Putte Ro dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Cruz ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ro moves away.
Ro connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Cruz scores with a nice head shot.
Ro lands a slapping body shot.
Ro tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Cruz swivels and escapes.
Cruz flicks out a counter leg kick but Ro steps away.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Ro.
Cruz misses with a straight right. #KD2#
Cruz lands a big right hand that sends Ro crashing to the mat! Cruz stays standing though and waves Ro back to his feet!#ROC2#Ro is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz fires a straight punch through the middle that cracks Ro square on the jaw! Damn, Ro is out cold on his feet and topples face first to the canvas! Wow, I haven't seen a knockout that brutal in a long time!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:44 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Danny Cruz!
Danny Cruz decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: HFC 50: Ilmarinen vs Holly
Date: Nov 19, 2022

#R1#
Jiminez misses with a takedown
and Cruz counters with a nice leg kick.
Cruz scores with a nice right hand.
Jiminez keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cruz.
Cruz throws a looping overhand right but Jiminez ducks down to avoid it.
A little feinted left hand from Jiminez on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Jiminez shoots in but Cruz avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Cruz throws a front kick that sends Jiminez stumbling back into the cage.
Jiminez shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Cruz but Cruz pushes him off and we're back to square one.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for William Jiminez. That's going to take a lot out of him.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Jiminez.
Cruz looks like he wants to counter punch here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jiminez looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Cruz is fending him off so far but Jiminez persists. Nope, Cruz circles away and we're back to standing.
Jiminez slips under a jab from Cruz.
Jiminez shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Cruz as he jumps to the side. #TD#
Jiminez drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Jiminez might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.#T1#
Jiminez trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Jiminez with a flurry of punches that miss.
Jiminez being controlled here momentarily.
Cruz's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Jiminez from controlling successfully.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Cruz is controlling Jiminez's posture.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Jiminez trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Jiminez is trying hard to land a takedown here. Cruz sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Cruz only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Jiminez is trying hard to land a takedown here. Cruz sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Jiminez doesn't succeed with the takedown
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Cruz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Jiminez.
Danny Cruz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Jiminez shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Cruz as he avoids it easily.
Jiminez gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Jiminez shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Cruz defends it nicely.#T3##KD2#
Cruz feints and then winds up with a huge right hand that connects perfectly and sends Jiminez sprawling to the canvas! Jiminez rolls over backwards and springs off the cage and manages to regain his footing - how acrobatic! Oh, he's still wobbly - can Cruz finish him?! #ROC2#Jiminez is rocked!
Cruz throws a hook but Jiminez blocks it.
Oh Jiminez is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Jiminez glances at the clock... BAM! Cruz nails him with a big right hand! A momentary lapse in concentration sends Jiminez crashing to the mat! The referee steps in and this one is over! Damn, Jiminez is out of it, he thinks the ref is his opponent!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Danny Cruz!
Danny Cruz decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: HFC 41: Makani vs Chai
Date: Oct 15, 2022

#R1#
Brown connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Brown dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Cruz tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Brown! But no joy.
Cruz scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Brown jabs Cruz to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Omar Brown seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Brown with the inside leg kick.
Brown dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Cruz. That did some damage!
Cruz chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Brown can pounce on him.
Cruz takes a swing at Brown's ribcage but misses.
Brown was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.#CL#
Cruz closes the distance and clinches.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Cruz.
A head punch on the inside from Brown fails to land.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz scores with a shot to the side of Brown's head.
Cruz lands a left hand that snaps the head of Brown backwards.
Brown tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Cruz's elbow.
Brown misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz tries a body shot but Brown blocks it. #T1#
A short right hand to the side of the head by Cruz.
Cruz misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
A short uppercut from Cruz.
Brown misses with a hook to the ribs.
Brown swings wildly with an uppercut but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
A right hook to the body lands for Cruz.
Brown is trying to pull guard but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.
Cruz pushes Brown back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Brown tries a body shot but Cruz blocks it.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Cruz.
Brown working aggressively here.
Cruz presses Brown against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Cruz throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Browns head.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Cruz lands a hook to the side of the head.
A short left from Cruz.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Brown takes a shot to the head.
Cruz pushes Brown back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
Brown misses with a punch on the inside.
Brown goes for a body shot but it's blocked. #T2#
Brown misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cruz lands a left hand.
Cruz tries a body shot but Brown blocks it.
Cruz lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Cruz scores with a shoulder strike.
Cruz lands a left hand that snaps the head of Brown backwards. #ROC#Brown is rocked!
Cruz lands with a light punch inside.
Brown is still on wobbly legs! Can Cruz finish him?
Brown jumps guard but Cruz stands there with Brown around his waist. Brown gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Brown tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Danny Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Omar Brown.
Cruz is working Brown over against the cage.
Brown seems to have recovered his senses.
Cruz blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Brown throws a punch but it's blocked by Cruz.
Cruz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Brown or not.
Brown misses with a punch on the inside.
Cruz prevents a body shot from Brown.
A short right from Cruz.
Cruz lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Good body shot from Cruz.
Brown looks winded!
Brown misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruz tries to work over Brown's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Cruz works on Brown's body with a couple of short punches.#T3#
Brown blocks a body shot from Cruz.
Brown jumps guard but Cruz stands there with Brown around his waist. Brown gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Brown tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Brown swings wildly with an uppercut but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Cruz digs a right hand into Brown's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Brown's gas tank.
A right handed body shot lands from Cruz.
Cruz lands with a right to the head.
Cruz pushes Brown back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Cruz gets through Brown's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Brown jumps guard but Cruz stands there with Brown around his waist. Brown gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Cruz makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Brown is trying to pull guard but Cruz turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.#TD2#
Brown has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Cruz uses from the top position.
Brown keeping full guard, as Cruz tries to pass.
Cruz sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Brown's guard. #T4#
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz works his way into full mount!
Cruz manages to capitalize on a mistake by Brown to take his back!
Cruz just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
Cruz continues to stall.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Danny Cruz dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R2#
Jab by Brown.
Brown scores with a leg kick.
Brown misses with a wild body shot.
As Brown looks to move away, Cruz throws a big counter combo but Brown just gets out of the way.
Cruz moves into range and connects with a jab. #CL#
Cruz closes the distance and clinches.
Nice body punch from Cruz - that landed with a thud.
A short body shot lands from Cruz as the two fighters clinch.
Brown misses with a punch on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Brown tries a body shot but Cruz blocks it.
A nice left hand lands by Cruz.
Cruz misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz lands with a left to the head.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Brown can do to turn this around?
Brown lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Brown tries a body shot but Cruz blocks it.
Brown misses with some punches. #T1#
Cruz blocking some punches.
Brown blocks a body shot from Cruz.
Cruz lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Brown backwards.
A short right from Cruz.
Danny Cruz has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Cruz gets through Brown's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Cruz tries a body shot but Brown blocks it.
Brown's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!#CUT#It looks like Omar Brown has been cut.
Brown's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Cruz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Brown.
Cruz works on Brown's body with a couple of short punches.
Brown jumps guard but Cruz turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Cruz can't find room to land a body shot as Brown controls the action.
A nice left hand lands by Brown.
Cruz tries to work over Brown's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Brown struggles to land a body shot inside as Cruz controls his hands.
Cruz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Brown.
Cruz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Brown or not.
Brown is breathing heavily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Cruz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Cruz misses with a body punch.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards. #T2#
Cruz lands a shot to the body.
A short uppercut from Cruz.
Cruz lands a body punch in the clinch.
Cruz lands a body punch in the clinch.
Cruz can't find room to land a body shot as Brown controls the action.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cruz.
Cruz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Cruz lands a right hand.
A short body shot lands from Cruz as the two fighters clinch.
Cruz lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Brown backwards.
Cruz presses Brown against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Cruz lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Cruz throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Cruz pushes Brown against the cage. Cruz is working some dirty boxing. Cruz pushes off with a quick right hook! Brown goes down! Brown tries to stand but stumbles back to his kness! Cruz moves in to finish and the ref steps in to prevent any more damage!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:48 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Danny Cruz!
After winning the bout, Danny Cruz thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: HFC 34: Justice vs Smith 2
Date: Sep 17, 2022

#R1#
Cruz misses with an uppercut. Ro saw that one coming.
Cruz misses with a wild body shot.
Ro is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Ro looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Ro uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cruz.
Ro throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cruz missing with a left hand there. Ro was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ro with the counter takedown but Cruz avoids it easily.
Cruz thuds his right hand into Ro's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Ro tests Cruz's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A swing and a miss from Cruz.
Ro keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz leaves Ro with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Ro moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Cruz definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Cruz on the wrong end of a nice jab.#T1#
Ro throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
An attempted straight right counter from Cruz misses the target.
Cruz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ro.
As Ro backs away, Cruz returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Cruz missing with a left hand there. Ro was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ro changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Ro missing with a left hand there. Cruz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Cruz throws a lazy right hand but Ro sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cruz looks to score with a jab to the body but Ro is just out of range.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Ro crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Cruz - the referee stops the clock and Ro gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Cruz. Ro manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Cruz looks to throw the jab but Ro is out of range.
Cruz throws a jab but it's blocked by Ro.
Ro changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Cruz throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Cruz is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ro.
Ro closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so. #ROC#Ro is rocked!
Cruz throws an overhand right that lands on Ro's shoulder, as Ro tries to avoid the shot.
Ro is still on wobbly legs! Can Cruz finish him?
Cruz ducks down and throws a big overhand right - it lands flush on the jaw, knocking Ro out cold! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Danny Cruz!
Danny Cruz decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: HFC 26: Dolite vs Abarai
Date: Aug 17, 2022

#R1#
A thudding body kick lands there by Fairtex!
Cruz lands a nice looking body shot.
Fairtex throws a head kick that misses
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Cruz turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Fairtex looks for the body kick but Cruz saw that one coming.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Fairtex.
Cruz lands a slapping body shot.
Fairtex throws a series of punches but Cruz avoids them all with ease.
Fairtex scores with a body shot.
Fairtex throws a combination that misses #KD2#
and Cruz counters with a crisp one two that drops Fairtex! Cruz thinks about following him to the mat for a moment but instead steps back and waves Fairtex to his feet! Fairtex is in big trouble!#ROC2#Fairtex is rocked!
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!
Fairtex misses with a double jab
and Cruz counters with a massive hook, right on the button! He's out cold! Damn, that was naaaaaasty! Hopefully he'll be OK.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Danny Cruz!
A very excited looking Danny 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.
The defeated Rodtang Fairtex had this to say: 'amongus'.

Event: TKO Trials 1
Date: Apr 08, 2022

#R1#
Both fighters are only really looking to counter, so after a good 30 seconds of circling each other endlessly, the referee has stepped in and told them both to be more aggressive.#TD2#
Cruz closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Cruz lands in his opponent's guard.#SUB#
Bandares has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Cruz is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Bandares.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz has knee on belly and moves into mount. #T1#
Bandares looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back!#SUB2#
Cruz is working on the RNC. He looks like he's got it but Bandares won't tap... Oh, he's out! The ref rips Cruz off his unconscious opponent!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:51 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Danny Cruz!
Our winner, Danny Cruz, 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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