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Play
by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary
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Event:
TWGC 40 (185lbs, D1): Helsinki Qualifier - Round 1
Date: Sep 02, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 29 wins and 18 losses; Wilhelm Bar! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 39 wins and 18 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Arvi Lind and Matti Vanhoillinen.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.
Cruz dives in and grabs Bar's left leg, looking for a takedown. Bar pushes down on Cruz's head and hops out.
Cruz shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Bar sprawls well. Bar wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Cruz gets slowly back to his feet.#TD#
Bar changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Cruz looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better. Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Bar (4) vs (0) Cruz
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.
Cruz is trying to control Bar's posture but Bar avoids it.
Cruz tries to control but end up mounted... ooooh, that's bad. Score +2 for reaching mount: Bar (6) vs (0) Cruz
Cruz is trying desperately to improve position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Cruz is writhing around trying to get back to his feet. #T1#
Bar controlling his opponent.
Bar wants to take Cruz's back here but Cruz is holding on to an arm, himself looking to escape.
Bar content just to control the position here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back! Score +3 for taking back: Bar (9) vs (0) Cruz#T2#
Bar controls the position.
Bar looking to hold on to the position here but Cruz rolls and ends up regaining guard.
Cruz wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Bar sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Cruz working a defensive guard but Bar passes into half guard.
#T3#
Cruz keeping control of the position.
Cruz tries to roll over but Bar keeps him under control.#SUB#
Bar seems to be looking for submissions.
Cruz preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head. #T4#
Cruz is trying to control but can't.
Bar wants to pass to mount but Cruz is defending the position.
Bar with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Bar frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount. Score +3 for passing guard: Bar (12) vs (0) Cruz#T5#
Cruz is wriggling around trying to escape.
Bar avoids the attempt from Cruz to control.
Cruz wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back. Score +3 for taking back: Bar (15) vs (0) Cruz
A lull in the action here.
Cruz tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell! #T6#
Cruz is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Cruz is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Bar fails to take his opponent's back.
Cruz is in all sorts of trouble here.
Cruz wants to control but Bar is having none of it.#T7#
Bar wants to take his opponent's back but he's not managed it.
Bar looking to take Cruz's back but Cruz rolls and after a scramble, Cruz ends up on top in guard. Nice escape there from Cruz to escape a tricky position. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Bar (15) vs (2) Cruz
Bar can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cruz controls the pace.
Bar has Cruz pulled in close to control his posture. #T8#
Bar being controlled here, momentarily.
Bar is pulling down on Cruz's head. It's preventing any offense from Cruz, at least for the moment.
Bar wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment. #T9#
Cruz sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Let's hope that Cruz has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.#T10#
Bar trying to control the position here.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Bar keeps moving.
Cruz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Bar is keeping the position for now. #T11#
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.
Cruz's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Cruz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #T12#
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Bar is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz preventing the sweep.
Bar looking to control.
Bar looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there.
Cruz looking to control the position here, rather than advance. #T13##T14#
Cruz preventing the sweep.
Cruz is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Bar keeping full guard, as Cruz tries to pass.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Bar trying to control the position here.
And that's the end of the fight!
Bar takes the fight on points by 15 to 2.
Michael Cruz was interviewed post fight and said 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 399
Date: Jul 16, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 38 wins and 18 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Hilo, with a TWGC record of 21 wins and 23 losses; Ken Vrjalya!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Gwen Towbar and Cecil Peabody.
Let's get this grappling contest under way! Who will be victorious?
Vrjalya shoots in for a double leg but Cruz sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Vrjalya shoots in but Cruz avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Vrjalya dives in for a single leg takedown but Cruz sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the ropes.
Michael Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ken Vrjalya.#TD#
Cruz shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Vrjalya
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.#SUB2#
Vrjalya looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Cruz controls from within his opponent's guard.
Vrjalya looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Cruz puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz stalling. #T1#
Cruz is keen to just control but Vrjalya is a slippery customer.
Vrjalya wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Cruz slows the pace down in half guard.
Cruz prevents Vrjalya from improving his position.#T2#
Cruz trying to pass the guard but Vrjalya defending well.
Vrjalya is looking to improve his position.
Vrjalya is refusing to be controlled, as Cruz sits in half guard.
Cruz trying to pass the guard but Vrjalya defending well.
Vrjalya is trying to get back to full guard.#T3#
Cruz keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Vrjalya told us pre-fight that he has been working on his escapes in training. Let's see if he can call on some of his new skills to get back to his feet.
Vrjalya is trying to control but Cruz passes into side control!
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (0) Vrjalya
Cruz controls the position.
Cruz trying to control the action but Vrjalya is working from the bottom.
Vrjalya tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Cruz wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control. #T4#
Vrjalya prevents Cruz from moving into mount.
Vrjalya is trying to control Cruz's posture but Cruz avoids it.
Cruz wants to control but Vrjalya is keeping him busy.
Vrjalya being controlled for a moment.
Cruz working away.#T5#
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.
Vrjalya tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Vrjalya manages to work his way to half guard, despite Cruz's best efforts.
Cruz looking to pass the half guard. Not this time. #T6#
Vrjalya tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.
Cruz passes to side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (8) vs (0) Vrjalya
Vrjalya looks to move to half guard but instead Cruz has passed into mount! Damn! Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (10) vs (0) Vrjalya#T7#
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Vrjalya tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Cruz controlling the position easily from mount.
Vrjalya tries to control Cruz's body but Cruz pushes him off. Vrjalya squirms to his side and now Cruz has his back! Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (13) vs (0) Vrjalya
Will Cruz go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
#T8#
Vrjalya trying to control the position but Cruz manages to sink in the hooks.
What can Vrjalya do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!
Vrjalya wants to escape the position.
Cruz wants to control but Vrjalya is keeping busy.#T9#
Vrjalya tries to escape the position.
Cruz wants to control but Vrjalya is keeping busy.
Cruz is riding his opponent, not letting Vrjalya buck him off.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
You can see the frustration on Vrjalya's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Vrjalya is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.#T10#
What can Vrjalya do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!
Cruz not allowing Vrjalya to control his hands.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Cruz's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Cruz is hanging on to Vrjalya's back as he tries to escape.
Cruz wants to control but Vrjalya is keeping busy.
Cruz gets his hands free as Vrjalya looks to control. #T11#
Vrjalya is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Vrjalya wants to control his opponent's hands but Cruz gets his hands free.
I really don't envy Vrjalya right now.
Cruz is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.
Vrjalya manages to reverse the position and now he's in Cruz's guard. Nice work there by Vrjalya.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (13) vs (2) Vrjalya#T12#
Vrjalya trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz pulls Vrjalya in close to his closed guard and prevents Vrjalya from doing any damage or advancing position.
Vrjalya tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Vrjalya postures up.
Vrjalya trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom. #T13#
Vrjalya tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Vrjalya trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Vrjalya engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Vrjalya stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Vrjalya trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom. #T14#
Cruz working a defensive guard here.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Vrjalya from controlling successfully.
Cruz keeping full guard, as Vrjalya tries to pass.
Cruz wants to sweep here but Vrjalya controlling him for the moment.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz controlling Vrjalya's posture.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 13 to 2.
Michael Cruz retains his welterweight title!
Michael Cruz seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website. |
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Event:
CWC 392 Cruz vs Miyagi
Date: Jul 02, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 37 wins and 18 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 47 wins and 27 losses; Koryu Miyagi!
The judges for this bout are Tiny Johnson, Daniel Franklin and Alan Glass.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL2#
Miyagi gets a clinch.
Miyagi goes for a takedown in the clinch but Cruz prevents it.
Cruz goes for a takedown attempt but Miyagi pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Miyagi looks for a takedown but Cruz sprawls well.#CL2#
Miyagi clinches with his opponent.
#TD#
Cruz turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control! Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Cruz (4) vs (0) Miyagi
Miyagi is looking for a sweep.
Miyagi has one of Cruz's arms on lockdown, trying to prevent him from doing any damage.
Miyagi tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Cruz presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount! Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (6) vs (0) Miyagi
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz controlling his opponent. #T1#
Cruz trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Cruz avoids the attempt from Miyagi to control.
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position. #T2#
Cruz looking to control but Miyagi is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Miyagi is controlling an arm, preventing Cruz from taking his back. Although keeping him in mount is no better to be honest.
Cruz controlling from mount.
Cruz can't control as he wanted to and Miyagi manages to get the fight back to his half guard.
Miyagi is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.#T3#
Miyagi moves into full guard.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Cruz stopping the sweep attempt from Miyagi.#T4#
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
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.
Miyagi looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Miyagi keeps moving.
Miyagi working a defensive guard here.
#T5#
Cruz looking to sit in guard and control but Miyagi gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (6) vs (2) Miyagi
Miyagi pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now.
Cruz looking to control.
Miyagi wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Cruz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.#T6#
Miyagi pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now.
Miyagi trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T7#
Miyagi looking to pass the guard.
Miyagi controlling from the top position.
Cruz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Cruz is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage. #T8#
Miyagi trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck. #T9#
Miyagi trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Miyagi is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Miyagi trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Miyagi slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet. #T10#
Miyagi wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz being controlled here, momentarily.
Cruz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.#T11#
Miyagi trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Miyagi controls from within his opponent's guard.
Cruz wants to sweep here but Miyagi controlling him for the moment. #T12#
Miyagi stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Miyagi being controlled here momentarily.
Miyagi pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Cruz pulls Miyagi in close to his closed guard and prevents Miyagi from doing any damage or advancing position.#T13#
Cruz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Cruz keeping full guard, as Miyagi tries to pass.
Cruz pulls Miyagi in close to his closed guard and prevents Miyagi from doing any damage or advancing position.#T14#
Miyagi tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Cruz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Miyagi wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz wants to sweep here but Miyagi controlling him for the moment.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 6 to 2.
Michael Cruz retains his welterweight title!
A victorious Michael Cruz thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
Koryu Miyagi was interviewed post fight and said 'Ill train smarter and harder next time, so i come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 386
Date: Jun 18, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 36 wins and 18 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 58 wins and 38 losses; Conald Petersen!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Felipe Paraventi and Leandro Rodrigues.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#TD2#
Cruz gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (0) vs (2) Petersen
Petersen tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Cruz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Petersen is looking to pass into half guard but Cruz pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Cruz is in guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (2) Petersen
Petersen wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Petersen is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Petersen might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Cruz haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Petersen wants to sweep but no luck.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz content to stall in guard here.
Petersen managing to control the position. #T1#
Petersen not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Petersen pulls Cruz in close to prevent any damage.
Petersen trying to control the position.
#T2#
Cruz's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Cruz preventing the sweep.
Cruz postures up.
Cruz stopping the sweep attempt from Petersen.
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Petersen is retaining full guard.
Petersen wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now. #T3#
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Petersen is retaining full guard.
Petersen seems keen to control Cruz's posture.
Petersen working a defensive guard here.
Petersen wants to sweep but no luck.
Petersen is trying to keep Cruz in close.
Petersen seems keen to control Cruz's posture.
Petersen wants to sweep but no luck.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Petersen has Cruz pulled in close to control his posture. #T4#
Petersen trying to keep a closed guard but Cruz is proving a slippery customer.
Cruz preventing the sweep.
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Petersen is retaining full guard.
Cruz postures up.
Petersen wants to improve his position but instead Cruz has moved into half guard.
Petersen gets full guard.
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Petersen swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Petersen wants to hit a sweep here but Cruz passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Petersen there! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (2) Petersen
Cruz is trying to take his opponent's back.
#T5#
Cruz takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Petersen tries to reverse the position but Cruz maintains control.
Petersen gets back to half guard.
Cruz moves nicely into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (8) vs (2) Petersen
Petersen wants to control but Cruz postures up.
Cruz wants to lay and pray for a moment but Petersen keeps working.
Cruz working away.#T6#
Petersen is not content to let Cruz control the position.
Petersen prevents Cruz from moving into mount.
Cruz trying to control the action but Petersen is working from the bottom.
Petersen can't do much from the bottom here.
Petersen tries to improve position but can't. #T7#
Petersen can't do much from the bottom here.
Petersen is trying to improve his position.
Cruz wants to control but Petersen is keeping him busy.
Petersen can't do much from the bottom here. #T8#
Petersen gets back to half guard.
Cruz prevents Petersen from improving his position.
Petersen slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Petersen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Petersen working a defensive guard here.
#T9#
Petersen working a defensive guard but Cruz passes into half guard.
Petersen is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz controlling the action here.
Petersen has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Cruz is working away from the top position though.
Petersen wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Petersen is trying to control but can't.
#T10#
Petersen is not content to let Cruz control the position.
Petersen tries to get to full guard but Cruz has control of the leg.
Cruz controlling the action here.
Petersen gets back to full guard.
#T11#
Petersen trying to control the position here.
Petersen is trying to keep Cruz in close.
Petersen working a defensive guard but Cruz passes into half guard.
Cruz sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Petersen keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Petersen has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Cruz is working away from the top position though.#T12#
Petersen is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Cruz wants to free his trapped foot but Petersen is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Petersen holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Petersen is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.#T13#
Petersen is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Cruz jumps into side control! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (11) vs (2) Petersen
Cruz controls the position.
Petersen tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Cruz wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Cruz taking a breather here.
Petersen is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Cruz tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Cruz trying to control the action but Petersen is working from the bottom. #T14#
The referee asks Cruz politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Cruz prefers to stall for the moment though.
Petersen is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Cruz's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Cruz sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Petersen manages to get to full guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 11 to 2.
Michael Cruz retains his welterweight title!
A victorious Michael Cruz thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
The defeated Conald Petersen had this to say: 'Ta Ta there retard'. |
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Event:
CWC 383
Date: Jun 11, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 35 wins and 18 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 64 wins and 43 losses; Rolf Ottke!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Felipe Paraventi and Thiago Cunha.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.#CL#
Cruz closes the distance and clinches. #TD#
Cruz has clasped his hands together around Ottke's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done. Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Cruz (4) vs (0) Ottke
Ottke is being controlled here.
Ottke is trying to control Cruz's posture but Cruz avoids it.
Ottke tries to bench press Cruz off him but Cruz keeps the position.
Ottke tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Cruz presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount! Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (6) vs (0) Ottke
Cruz content just to control the position here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#T1#
Ottke is trying to escape the mount.
Ottke is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Ottke holds on for dear life.
Cruz avoids the attempt from Ottke to control.#T2#
Ottke is trying to escape the mount.
Cruz takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Cruz has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Ottke really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Ottke tries to hold on but Cruz postures up.#T3#
Ottke looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back! Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (9) vs (0) Ottke
Cruz keeps control of the position easily here as Ottke tries to buck him off.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
I really don't envy Ottke right now.
#T4#
Good control from Cruz.
Ottke trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Ottke wants to escape the position.
Cruz has good solid back control here.
Ottke trying to control the position but Cruz manages to sink in the hooks. #T5#
Cruz is hanging on to Ottke's back as he tries to escape.
Good control from Cruz.
Cruz is not going to allow Ottke to sit and survive in this position. #T6#
Cruz controls the position.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Ottke is in bad spot here.
Ottke keeps trying to improve his position.
I would not like to be Ottke right now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T7#
Ottke tries to roll but Cruz sticks to his back.
Cruz really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Ottke.
Ottke wants to escape the position.
#T8#
Cruz is riding his opponent, not letting Ottke buck him off.
Cruz is hanging on to Ottke's back as he tries to escape.
Cruz is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.
Cruz wants to control but Ottke manages to buck him off and is now in Cruz's guard! Nice work there by Ottke! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (9) vs (2) Ottke
Ottke not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up. #T9#
Ottke trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ottke is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Ottke wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall. #T10#
Ottke passes easily into side control. Nice work. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (9) vs (5) Ottke
Ottke wants to control for a moment but Cruz uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
Cruz controlling the leg, holding on to half guard. #T11#
Ottke is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
Ottke trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Ottke sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Cruz pulls Ottke in close to his closed guard and prevents Ottke from doing any damage or advancing position.#T12#
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Ottke from controlling successfully.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.
Ottke slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Ottke looking to sit in guard and control but Cruz gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (11) vs (5) Ottke#T13#
Cruz controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Cruz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ottke is keeping the position for now.
Ottke is trying to hold Cruz in close to prevent damage but Cruz has managed to pass into half guard.
#T14#
Cruz trying to control the pace.
Ottke trying to get back to full guard but Cruz takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (14) vs (5) Ottke
Ottke wants to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Ottke is in all sorts of trouble here.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz content just to control the position here.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 14 to 5.
Michael Cruz retains his welterweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Michael Cruz thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him. |
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Event:
CWC 379
Date: May 28, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 34 wins and 18 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 57 wins and 37 losses; Conald Petersen!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Daniel Cesar and Felipe Paraventi.
Let's get this grappling contest under way! Who will be victorious?#TD2#
Cruz tries to sprawl but Petersen drives through with a takedown into half guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (0) vs (2) Petersen
Cruz wants to get back to full guard.
Petersen controlling the action here.
Petersen is keen to just control but Cruz is a slippery customer.
Petersen controlling the action here.
It looks like Petersen might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
Cruz wants to control but Petersen is keeping busy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz regains full guard. Nicely done. #T1#
Petersen looking to pass the guard.
Petersen is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Petersen is one step ahead there.
Petersen is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (2) Petersen#T2#
Petersen tries to get to full guard but Cruz has control of the leg.
Petersen preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Petersen is trying to control but can't.
Petersen controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Petersen trying to control but Cruz postures up.
#T3#
Petersen wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
Petersen wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy.
Petersen tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.
Cruz wants to pass to mount but Petersen is defending the position. #T4#
Cruz with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Petersen is positioning himself well to prevent Cruz advancing to mount.
The fighters are battling for position here. Petersen manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Cruz postures up.
Petersen seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Petersen is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Petersen controlling the position.#T5#
Cruz looking to pass the guard.
Petersen has control of Cruz's left arm, preventing Cruz from doing any damage.
Petersen is trying to keep Cruz in close.
Petersen has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Cruz has passed into side control.
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (2) Petersen
Petersen stuck in half guard on the bottom here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Petersen is positioning himself to get back to half guard. #T6#
Cruz controls the position.
Petersen manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Petersen wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Petersen tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Cruz has advanced to mount. Uh oh. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (8) vs (2) Petersen
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position. #T7#
Petersen tries to lock up and control but Cruz gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Petersen looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back! Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (11) vs (2) Petersen
Cruz is riding his opponent, not letting Petersen buck him off.
Petersen can't escape the position.
#T8#
Petersen wants to control his opponent's hands but Cruz gets his hands free.
Petersen is in bad spot here.
Petersen controlling Cruz 's hands.
Petersen can't escape the position.
Petersen looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
Cruz controlling from the back.
Cruz not allowing Petersen to control his hands. #T9#
I really don't envy Petersen right now.
I would not like to be Petersen right now.
Petersen is in bad spot here.
Cruz avoiding Petersen 's attempts to control his hands.
Cruz has the hooks in. Petersen is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Cruz controls the position.
Cruz's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.#T10#
Petersen is really stuck here.
Cruz controlling the position well here. Petersen rolled but Cruz kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.
Cruz seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Petersen for as long as he can get away with.
Petersen is trying to break free.
Cruz has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of Petersen's body.
#T11#
Cruz keeps control of the position as Petersen tries to break free.
Cruz controlling from the back.
Cruz is trying to stick to Petersen's back but Petersen is turning into Cruz. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Cruz's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Petersen. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (11) vs (4) Petersen
Petersen is stalling in the full guard.
Petersen looking to pass the guard. #T12#
Petersen is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Petersen from controlling successfully.
Cruz wants to sweep here but Petersen controlling him for the moment.
Petersen's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Petersen trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T13#
Petersen seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Petersen pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now.
Petersen controls from within his opponent's guard.
Petersen tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard. #T14#
Petersen is stalling in the full guard.
Cruz is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Petersen showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz trying to keep a closed guard but Petersen is proving a slippery customer.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 11 to 4.
Michael Cruz retains his welterweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Michael Cruz thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
The defeated Conald Petersen had this to say: 'Ta Ta there retard'. |
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Event:
CWC 375
Date: May 14, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 96 wins and 46 losses; Matvey Pavlov! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 33 wins and 18 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Edson Gomes, Emerson Jorge and Thiago Cunha.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL2#
Cruz gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.#TD2#
Cruz turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control! Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Pavlov (0) vs (4) Cruz
Pavlov is being controlled here.
Pavlov tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Cruz presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount! Score +2 for reaching mount: Pavlov (0) vs (6) Cruz
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Pavlov tries to lock up and control but Cruz gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Pavlov is looking to improve his position but Cruz isn't that keen on the idea.
Pavlov is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Pavlov tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Pavlov wants to control but Cruz is having none of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pavlov sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Pavlov trying to control but Cruz postures up.
We've been hearing good reports from Pavlov's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.#T1#
Cruz seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Pavlov is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Cruz's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Cruz's back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Pavlov (4) vs (6) Cruz
Cruz rolls, trying to escape but Pavlov keeps control of the position.
Pavlov biding his time, looking for the opening.
#T2#
Cruz looking very determined here, making life difficult for Pavlov.
Cruz trying to control the position but Pavlov manages to sink in the hooks.
Cruz turns into Pavlov and is now in his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Pavlov (4) vs (8) Cruz
Cruz controlling from the top position.
Pavlov looking for a sweep. Not yet Pavlov, not yet.
Cruz being controlled here momentarily.
Pavlov has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.#T3#
This is a sustained period of stalling by Pavlov.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Pavlov looking to control.
Pavlov pulls Cruz in close to his closed guard and prevents Cruz from doing any damage or advancing position.
Pavlov trying to control the position.
Pavlov keeping full guard, as Cruz tries to pass.
Cruz is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions. #T4#
Pavlov pulls Cruz in to control the position.
Pavlov is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Pavlov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there.
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Pavlov wants to improve his position but instead Cruz has moved into half guard.
#T5#
Pavlov wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy.
Pavlov might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Cruz is controlling the pace.
Pavlov is trying to get back to full guard.
Cruz controlling the action here.
Pavlov is controlling Cruz's trapped leg to prevent Cruz from advancing to side control.#T6#
Pavlov is trying to get back to full guard.
Pavlov keeping hold of Cruz's head, controlling as best he can.
Pavlov trying to control here.
Pavlov is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Cruz slows the pace down in half guard. #T7#
Pavlov is looking to improve his position.
Pavlov moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Pavlov has his hands on Cruz's head, controlling the position.
Cruz sitting in guard here, content to control.
Pavlov trying to control the position here. #T8#
Cruz won't allow Pavlov to sweep him here.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Pavlov is keeping the position.
Pavlov managing to control the position.
Cruz is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Cruz stopping the sweep attempt from Pavlov.
Cruz controls from within his opponent's guard. #T9#
Pavlov looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Pavlov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Cruz manages to get himself to full guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Pavlov (6) vs (8) Cruz
Pavlov trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz pulls Pavlov in to control the position.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Pavlov from controlling successfully.
Cruz has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall. #T10#
Pavlov trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Pavlov seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Cruz is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Pavlov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Pavlov is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions. #T11#
Pavlov seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Cruz for as long as he can get away with.
Cruz has control of Pavlov's left arm, preventing Pavlov from doing any damage.
Pavlov won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Cruz is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Cruz trying to control the position here.
Pavlov seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Pavlov advances to half guard. #T12#
Pavlov seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Pavlov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Cruz does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Pavlov is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Cruz is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Cruz moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Pavlov trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Pavlov tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Pavlov from controlling successfully. #T13#
Pavlov looking to pass the guard.
Pavlov passes Cruz's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Pavlov is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
Pavlov is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet. #T14#
Pavlov pushes down on Cruz's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Pavlov controlling the action here.
Cruz has his hands clasped together around Pavlov's back. He's all about the action.
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.
Pavlov is controlling the pace.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz wins on points by 8 to 6.
Michael Cruz is the new welterweight champion!
Michael Cruz decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well. |
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Event:
CWC 372
Date: May 07, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Tokyo, with a TWGC record of 16 wins and 10 losses; John McCain! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 32 wins and 18 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Leandro Rodrigues and Luis Engracia.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.
Cruz slaps away a takedown attempt from McCain, before circling back to the center of the mat.
And Cruz tries to counter it with a takedown but McCain pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Cruz slaps away a takedown attempt from McCain, before circling back to the center of the mat.#TD2#
Cruz drives through with a takedown into McCain's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: McCain (0) vs (2) Cruz
Cruz stopping the sweep attempt from McCain.
McCain looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Cruz postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz looking to pass the guard. #T1#
McCain controlling the position.
McCain looking for a sweep. Not yet McCain, not yet.
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. McCain swivels though and keeps the full guard.
McCain not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
McCain looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there. #T2#
McCain pulls Cruz in close to his closed guard and prevents Cruz from doing any damage or advancing position.
McCain trying to keep a closed guard but Cruz is proving a slippery customer.
Cruz controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Cruz preventing the sweep.
McCain has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Cruz has passed into side control.
Score +3 for passing guard: McCain (0) vs (5) Cruz
McCain is trying to improve his position.#T3#
The referee asks Cruz politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Cruz prefers to stall for the moment though.
McCain is trying to get back to half guard.
You can see the frustration on McCain's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Cruz slows the pace down. #T4#
Cruz tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
McCain is trying to control Cruz's posture but Cruz avoids it.
A control attempt from McCain but he's now mounted! Score +2 for reaching mount: McCain (0) vs (7) Cruz
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.#T5#
McCain is working to get back to half guard.
McCain regains half guard.
McCain is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
McCain is trying to maintain the position but Cruz is very close to passing his half guard.#T6#
Cruz sitting and controlling from the half guard.
McCain is trying to control but can't.
McCain tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.
Cruz wants to pass to mount but McCain is defending the position. #T7#
Cruz controlling the action here.
McCain tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.
McCain slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
McCain not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
#T8#
Cruz engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
McCain is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control. #SUB#
McCain looking for a guillotine here but Cruz defends easily.
We've been hearing good reports from McCain's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Cruz content to stall in guard here. #T9##SUB#
Cruz got a little sloppy there for a moment and McCain has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Cruz has managed to get both his arms back between McCain's legs - danger averted.
Cruz not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up. #T10#
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as McCain holds on and takes a little breather.
Cruz not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up. #T11#
McCain is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
McCain is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Cruz engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
It looks like Cruz might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
McCain might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.#T12#
McCain wants to control but Cruz passes easily into half guard.
McCain wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
Cruz slows the pace down in half guard.
Cruz trying to pass the guard but McCain defending well. #T13#
Cruz is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
McCain is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.#T14#
Cruz with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
McCain is trying to get back to full guard.
Cruz stalling.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz is thwarting McCain's attempts to control the position.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz wins on points by 7 to 0.
Michael Cruz decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well. |
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Event:
CWC 369
Date: Apr 30, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 31 wins and 18 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 61 wins and 42 losses; Rolf Ottke!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Leandro Rodrigues and Luis Engracia.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.
Ottke shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Cruz but Cruz pushes him off and we're back to square one.#CL#
Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Ottke.
Ottke looking for a takedown.
Cruz wants a takedown.
Ottke has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Cruz is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Michael Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rolf Ottke.
Cruz goes for a takedown in the clinch but Ottke prevents it.
Cruz has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Ottke avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Ottke has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Cruz avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.#TD#
Cruz works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Ottke
Ottke working a defensive guard here.
Cruz content to stall in guard here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ottke is trying to control the position but Cruz postures up. #T1#
Cruz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Ottke wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Ottke wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Cruz seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Ottke for as long as he can get away with.
Ottke working a defensive guard but Cruz manages to pass into side control anyway.
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (0) Ottke#T2#
Cruz tries to move into full mount but can't pass Ottke's legs.
Ottke is looking to regain half guard here but Cruz keeps moving and retains side control.
Cruz working away.
Cruz controlling the position.
Cruz tries to advance to mount but can't. #T3#
Ottke struggling a bit here.
Cruz taking a breather here.
Cruz gets to mount! Ottke was on the offensive and wasn't defending properly. Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (7) vs (0) Ottke
Ottke really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
#T4#
Ottke looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back! Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (10) vs (0) Ottke
Cruz keeps control of the position as Ottke tries to break free.
Cruz controls the action.
Ottke tries to break free.
#T5#
Ottke trying to control the position but Cruz manages to sink in the hooks.
Cruz really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Ottke.
You can see the frustration on Ottke's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Ottke trying to control the hands but Cruz won't let him.
Cruz controlling well, preventing Ottke from escaping the position.
#T6#
Cruz avoiding Ottke 's attempts to control his hands.
Ottke can't escape the position.
Cruz trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Ottke doesn't escape.
Ottke can't escape the position.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
Cruz's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.#T7#
Ottke is keeping busy.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
Ottke is in bad spot here.
Cruz biding his time, looking for the opening.
#T8#
Ottke looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
Cruz keeps control of the position easily here as Ottke tries to buck him off.
Ottke is in bad spot here.
#T9#
Cruz is riding his opponent, not letting Ottke buck him off.
Ottke is trying to break free.
Ottke is still trying to improve position.
Ottke breaks Cruz's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (10) vs (2) Ottke
Cruz is pulling down on Ottke's head to control his posture.
Ottke showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control. #T10#
Ottke is stalling in the full guard.
Cruz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Cruz not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
#T11#
Ottke's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Ottke trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Ottke sitting in guard here, content to control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ottke stopping the sweep attempt from Cruz.
Ottke sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Cruz looking to control.
#T12#
Cruz bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Ottke's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (12) vs (2) Ottke
Cruz's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Ottke wants to sweep but no luck.
Ottke is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Ottke trying to control the position here.
Ottke is trying to control the position but Cruz postures up. #T13#
Ottke wants to sweep but no luck.
Ottke manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Cruz manages to get himself to full guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (12) vs (4) Ottke
Ottke trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Ottke is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Ottke looking to sit in guard and control but Cruz gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (14) vs (4) Ottke#T14#
Cruz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ottke is keeping the position for now.
Cruz sitting in guard here, content to control.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Ottke is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ottke looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Cruz puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 14 to 4.
A relieved looking Michael 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. |
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Event:
CWC 365
Date: Apr 23, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 30 wins and 18 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 14 wins and 4 losses; Derek Erwin!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Thiago Cunha and Paulo Santos.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#TD#
Cruz looking for a takedown here - he's got it. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Erwin
Cruz sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Erwin's guard.
Erwin controlling the position for now.
Cruz controlling the action here.
Erwin keeping hold of Cruz's head, controlling as best he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T1#
Cruz wants to free his trapped foot but Erwin is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Erwin tries to get to full guard but Cruz has control of the leg.
Cruz is pressing down on Erwin's thigh, looking to free his foot. Erwin is holding on for now.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.#T2#
Erwin is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Cruz is taking a breather. Erwin 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.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Erwin is looking to improve his position.
Erwin controlling the leg, holding on to half guard. #T3#
Let's hope that Erwin has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Cruz is thwarting Erwin's attempts to control the position.
Cruz controlling the pace.
Erwin 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.
Erwin is controlling Cruz's trapped leg to prevent Cruz from advancing to side control.#T4#
Erwin is looking to control Cruz's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Erwin avoid being mounted?
Cruz performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Erwin is trying to control but Cruz passes into side control!
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (0) Erwin
Erwin tries to buck Cruz off but Cruz is having none of it.#T5#
Erwin seems a little lost for a moment, as Cruz dominates the positioning.
Cruz has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Erwin wants to control but Cruz postures up.
Erwin is trying to get back to half guard.
Erwin is still trying to improve position.
Cruz trying to control the action but Erwin is working from the bottom. #T6#
Erwin is looking to regain half guard here but Cruz keeps moving and retains side control.
You can see the frustration on Erwin's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Erwin is trying to get back to half guard.
Cruz just content to control the position. #T7#
Erwin tries to buck Cruz off but Cruz is having none of it.
Erwin is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Cruz off and has taken his back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Cruz (5) vs (4) Erwin
Erwin is hanging on to Cruz's back as he tries to escape.
Erwin slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
Cruz tries to escape the position.
What can Cruz do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!
#T8#
Cruz just looking to survive in the bad position.
Erwin is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.
#T9#
Erwin's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Cruz tries to escape the position.
Cruz trying to control the hands but Erwin breaks the grip.
Erwin is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.
You can see the frustration on Cruz's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
#T10#
Cruz trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Erwin has good solid back control here.
It looks like Erwin might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
Cruz trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble. #T11#
Cruz is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
Cruz tries to roll but Erwin sticks to his back.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
Cruz wants to control his opponent's hands but Erwin gets his hands free. #T12#
Erwin keeps control of the position as Cruz tries to break free.
Cruz breaks Erwin's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (7) vs (4) Erwin
Erwin is trying to keep Cruz in close.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Erwin holds on and takes a little breather. #T13#
Cruz sitting in guard here, content to control.
Erwin looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Erwin swivels though and keeps the full guard. #T14#
Erwin controlling the position.
Erwin tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Erwin has his hands on Cruz's head, controlling the position.
Cruz is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz slips effortlessly into side control - very nice. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (10) vs (4) Erwin
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 10 to 4.
A relieved looking Michael 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.
Derek Erwin spoke after the fight, saying 'I didn't lose I just ran out of time'. |
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Event:
CWC 361
Date: Apr 16, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 30 wins and 17 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 24 wins and 13 losses; Wilhelm Bar!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Paulo Santos and Seu Braga.
Let's get this grappling contest under way! Who will be victorious?
Cruz fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Bar avoids it really well and circles away.#CL#
Bar tries to keep at a distance but Cruz has taken the fight into the clinch.#TD2#
Bar drags the fight down to the ground.
Bar can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cruz controls the pace.
Bar controlling Cruz's posture.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bar looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #T1#
Cruz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Bar can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cruz controls the pace.
Cruz seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Bar for as long as he can get away with.
Bar looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it. #T2#
Bar's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Cruz works a leg free and moves into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there. #T3#
Bar is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Bar is pressing down on Cruz's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Bar looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Bar is keeping the position.
Cruz is stalling in the full guard.
Cruz preventing the sweep. #T4#
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Bar is keeping the position.
Cruz is working hard here to advance position.
Cruz controlling from the top position.
Bar looking for a sweep. Not yet Bar, not yet. #T5#
Bar wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Cruz won't allow Bar to sweep him here.
Cruz looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Bar has Cruz pulled in close to control his posture. #T6#
Cruz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Bar lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (0) vs (2) Bar
Cruz wants to sweep here but Bar controlling him for the moment.
Bar controls from within his opponent's guard.
Bar wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.#T7#
Cruz seems keen to control Bar's posture.
Cruz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Bar 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.
Bar is fighting to break Cruz's control of his arms but Cruz is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.#T8#
Cruz keeping full guard, as Bar tries to pass.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.
Bar stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Bar being controlled here momentarily. #T9#
Cruz controls Bar momentarily but Bar frees himself.
Cruz controlling the position.
Cruz being controlled here, momentarily.
Cruz is trying to control the position but Bar postures up. #T10#
Cruz wants to sweep here but Bar controlling him for the moment.
Cruz controls Bar momentarily but Bar frees himself.
Bar works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Bar seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.#T11#
Cruz is refusing to be controlled, as Bar sits in half guard.
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Bar is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Cruz trying to control but Bar postures up.
#T12#
Cruz keeping hold of Bar's head, controlling as best he can.
Bar is figuring out what he wants to do next.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bar is trying to control the action in half guard but Cruz is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Cruz wants to get back to full guard.#T13#
Cruz is looking to control Bar's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Cruz avoid being mounted?
Bar with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Let's hope that Bar has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Cruz trying to control from the bottom.
#T14#
Bar works his way into full mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (0) vs (5) Bar
Bar controlling the pace for now.
Cruz is hanging on here. He's in a desperate position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz tries to hold on but Bar postures up.
And that's the end of the fight!
Bar wins on points by 5 to 0.
The defeated Michael Cruz had this to say: 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 358
Date: Apr 09, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 29 wins and 17 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 49 wins and 31 losses; Malaki Fiso!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Thiago Cunha and Edson Gomes.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.
Fiso shoots in but Cruz avoids the takedown attempt easily.#TD2#
Fiso shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Cruz's guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (0) vs (2) Fiso
Cruz can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Fiso controls the pace.
Fiso tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Fiso slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Fiso from controlling successfully. #T1#
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Fiso stays in close to Cruz's body and controls the position.
Fiso is looking to pass into half guard but Cruz pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Cruz is in guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (2) Fiso
Fiso wants to sweep but no luck.
Fiso is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T2#
Cruz postures up.
Fiso is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage. #SUB2#
Fiso looking for a guillotine here but Cruz defends easily.
Cruz postures up.
Cruz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Fiso is keeping the position for now.
Cruz stands and throws Fiso's legs to the side, diving into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (2) Fiso#T3#
Fiso can't do much from the bottom here.
Fiso is looking for a sweep.
Cruz tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Cruz takes a little break here. Fiso wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Fiso regains half guard.
Fiso is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding. #T4#
The fighters are battling for position here. Fiso manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Cruz is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Cruz won't allow Fiso to sweep him here.
Cruz forces his way into half guard.
Fiso has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Cruz is working away from the top position though.
Fiso might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Cruz haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.#T5#
Fiso is trying to control but Cruz passes into side control!
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (8) vs (2) Fiso
Fiso wants to control but Cruz postures up.
Fiso tries to improve position but can't.
Cruz tries to advance to mount but can't.
Fiso is trying to get back to half guard.
Cruz trying to control the position but Fiso is working away. #T6#
Fiso is looking to reverse the position.
Fiso seems a little lost for a moment, as Cruz dominates the positioning.
Fiso tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Cruz wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Fiso gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there! Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (10) vs (2) Fiso
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Fiso tries to reverse the position but Cruz maintains control.
Fiso has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.#T7#
Cruz controlling his opponent.
Cruz prevents Fiso from getting the reversal.
Fiso wants to control but Cruz is having none of it.
Cruz looking to control and managing it successfully.
Fiso is looking to get to half guard.
Fiso wants to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Fiso tries to get back to half guard but can't. #T8#
Cruz controlling his opponent.
Fiso tries to hold on but Cruz postures up.
Fiso is wriggling around trying to escape.
Fiso tries to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Fiso is looking to improve his position but Cruz isn't that keen on the idea.
Cruz sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment. #T9#
Fiso tries to hold on but Cruz postures up.
Fiso bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (10) vs (4) Fiso
Fiso sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Cruz has his hands on Fiso's head, controlling the position.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet. #T10#
Fiso wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz controlling Fiso's posture.
Fiso trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Fiso trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #T11#
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Cruz seems keen to control Fiso's posture.
Cruz not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Fiso is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Fiso trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Fiso pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now.
Fiso 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. #T12#
Fiso stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Fiso stopping the sweep attempt from Cruz.
Fiso 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.
Cruz controls Fiso momentarily but Fiso frees himself.
Fiso controls the pace of the fight for a moment.#T13#
Cruz pulls Fiso in close to prevent any damage.
Fiso content to stall in guard here.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Fiso is one step ahead there.
Fiso stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Fiso passes into half guard. #T14#
Cruz is controlling Fiso's trapped leg to prevent Fiso from advancing to side control.
Fiso is pressing down on Cruz's thigh, looking to free his foot. Cruz is holding on for now.
Cruz works his way to full guard. Good work.
Fiso trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Fiso controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Fiso wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 10 to 4.
After winning the bout, Michael Cruz thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility. |
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Event:
CWC 354
Date: Apr 02, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 29 wins and 16 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 13 wins and 2 losses; Derek Erwin!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Mauricio Rocha and Paulo Santos.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL#
Erwin tries to keep at a distance but Cruz has taken the fight into the clinch.#TD#
Cruz gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Erwin
Erwin not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Erwin wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Let's hope that Erwin has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.#T1#
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Erwin swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cruz engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Cruz seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Erwin for as long as he can get away with.#T2#
Cruz's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Erwin is retaining full guard.
Erwin being controlled here, momentarily.
Erwin is trying to control the position but Cruz postures up. #T3#
Erwin lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (2) Erwin
Cruz can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Erwin controls the pace.
Erwin's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.#T4#
Erwin wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Erwin's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Erwin tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard. #T5#
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Erwin 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.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Erwin is one step ahead there.
Erwin slips effortlessly into side control - very nice. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (2) vs (5) Erwin#T6#
Cruz tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The referee asks Erwin politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Erwin prefers to stall for the moment though.
Cruz tries to bench press Erwin off him but Erwin keeps the position.
Erwin moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
Cruz is looking to regain half guard here but Erwin keeps moving and retains side control. #T7#
Erwin staying calm.
Cruz tries to improve position but can't.
Erwin trying to control the action but Cruz is working from the bottom.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.#T8#
Erwin is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Cruz's shoulder. That is not cool.
Cruz tries to improve position but can't.
Erwin is looking to take a break and control but Cruz is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Cruz is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at SSJ Gym, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Erwin controls the position. #T9#
Cruz is trying to get back to half guard.
Erwin is looking to take a break and control but Cruz is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Cruz wants to control but Erwin postures up.#SUB2#
Erwin tries for a kimura but Cruz is defending well.
Cruz tries to buck Erwin off but Erwin is having none of it.#T10#
Cruz seems a little lost for a moment, as Erwin dominates the positioning.
Cruz can't do much from the bottom here.
Cruz tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Erwin wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
You can see the frustration on Cruz's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.#T11#
Erwin looking to control but instead Cruz has slipped a leg in, to regain half guard.
Erwin sitting and controlling from the half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz wants to improve his position but Erwin is controlling well.
#T12#
Erwin takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
Cruz trying to get back to full guard but Erwin takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (2) vs (8) Erwin
Erwin is trying to take his opponent's back.
Cruz really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
#T13#
Erwin fails to advance to Cruz's back.
My spies in HellCademy inform me that Erwin has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Erwin tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Erwin looking to control but Cruz is working nicely, looking to advance position himself. #T14#
Cruz is desperately trying to improve his position but Erwin has a good base and remains in mount.
Erwin controlling the pace for now.
Cruz really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Cruz is working hard here to advance position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Erwin trying to control but Cruz is having none of it.
And that's the end of the fight!
Erwin wins on points by 8 to 2.
Derek Erwin seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
In defeat, Michael Cruz stepped up to the mic, saying 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 349
Date: Mar 26, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 23 wins and 11 losses; Wilhelm Bar! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 28 wins and 16 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Felipe Paraventi and Luis Engracia.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL2#
Cruz clinches up with Bar and pushes him back against the cage.#TD#
Bar lands a takedown into guard.
Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Bar (2) vs (0) Cruz
Bar wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Cruz holds on and takes a little breather.
Bar slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Bar trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bar sitting in guard here, content to control. #T1#
Bar wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck.
Bar is fighting to break Cruz's control of his arms but Cruz is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Cruz wants to sweep here but Bar controlling him for the moment.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now. #T2#
Bar trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Bar is looking to advance position but Cruz has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Bar (2) vs (4) Cruz
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Cruz's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
It looks like Cruz might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.#T3#
More stalling from Cruz.
Bar is trying desperately to improve position.
Bar tries to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position. #T4#
Bar stops Cruz from taking his back. Still, being mounted isn't any better.
Bar holds on for dear life, controlling Cruz's posture momentarily. #T5#
Bar wants to control but Cruz is having none of it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bar regains half guard.
Bar is controlling Cruz's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Cruz passes into side control, despite Bar's attempt to control the position.
Score +3 for passing guard: Bar (2) vs (7) Cruz#T6#
Cruz content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Let's hope that Cruz has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Bar is trying to get back to half guard.
Bar manages to work his way to half guard, despite Cruz's best efforts.#T7#
Cruz trying to control the pace.
Bar keeping control of the position.
Cruz content to control rather than advance. #T8#
Bar trying to control but Cruz postures up.
Cruz controlling the action here.
Bar preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Bar trying to control from the bottom.
#T9#
Bar is holding on to half guard well.
Bar's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Cruz is figuring out what he wants to do next.#T10#
Bar won't allow Cruz to pass to mount.
Cruz controlling the action here.
Bar keeping hold of Cruz's head, controlling as best he can. #T11#
Cruz tries to pass the half guard into mount. Bar knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Bar trying to control from the bottom.
Cruz looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Bar is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at FIGHT FOUNDERS (CA), so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Bar moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.#T12#
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Bar is retaining full guard.
Bar looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Bar looking to control.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.#T13#
Cruz trying to move into half guard but instead Bar has managed to sweep! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Bar (4) vs (7) Cruz
Well,Bar is on his way to losing a decision here. Can he use his experience to pull something off in the closing minutes?
Bar won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Bar from controlling successfully.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Bar is one step ahead there.
Bar being controlled here momentarily. #T14#
Bar is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Cruz controlling the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Bar wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Bar (4) vs (9) Cruz
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz wins on points by 9 to 4.
Michael Cruz is the new middleweight champion!
A very excited looking Michael Cruz made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction. |
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Event:
CWC 346
Date: Mar 19, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 27 wins and 16 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Helsinki, with a TWGC record of 35 wins and 19 losses; Bo Nickal!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Timothy Bukovac and Frank Antenori.
Let's get this grappling contest under way! Who will be victorious?#TD#
Cruz shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Cruz showed some decent athleticism there. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Nickal
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nickal won't allow Cruz to pass to mount.
Cruz trying to control the pace. #T1#
Nickal is positioning himself well to prevent Cruz advancing to mount.
Cruz trying to control the pace.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nickal moves into full guard.
Nickal is controlling Cruz's posture.#T2#
Cruz stays in close to Nickal's body and controls the position.
Nickal has Cruz pulled in close to control his posture.
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Nickal swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Nickal is trying to control the position but Cruz postures up. #T3#
Cruz seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Nickal wants to sweep but no luck.
Nickal has his hands on Cruz's head, controlling the position.
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Nickal is retaining full guard. #T4#
Cruz trying to control but Nickal is working from the bottom.
Nickal looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Cruz puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Nickal is trying to get back to full guard.
Nickal is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Cruz with a momentary lay and pray from half guard. #T5#
Nickal is trying to control but can't.
Cruz is looking to advance position but Nickal won't allow it.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Cruz sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Nickal is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
We've been informed that Nickal has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.#T6#
Well, if Cruz is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Nickal tries to get to full guard but Cruz has control of the leg.
Cruz controlling the action here.
Nickal tries to get to full guard but Cruz has control of the leg. #T7#
Cruz controlling the action here.
Cruz's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Cruz seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Nickal for as long as he can get away with.#T8#
Nickal is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Cruz performing his best blanket impression for a moment. #T9#
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Nickal is defending well.
Cruz controlling the pace.
Nickal controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Nickal wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
#T10#
Nickal desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Nickal wants to get back to full guard.
Nickal is holding on to half guard well.#T11#
Cruz not doing much here.
Cruz passes into side control, despite Nickal's attempt to control the position.
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (0) Nickal
Cruz tries to advance to mount but can't.
Cruz taking a breather here. #T12#
Cruz tries to move to full mount but Nickal actually manages to regain half guard.
Cruz controlling the action here.
Cruz is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
Cruz trying to control but Nickal is working from the bottom. #T13#
Nickal controlling the position.
Cruz showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nickal controls Cruz momentarily but Cruz frees himself. #T14#
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Nickal wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Cruz is now in half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz content to control rather than advance.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 5 to 0.
Michael Cruz decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well. |
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Event:
CWC 340
Date: Mar 12, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 21 wins and 11 losses; Wilhelm Bar! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 27 wins and 15 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Matheus Silva, Emerson Jorge and Seu Braga.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#TD#
Bar closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth. Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Bar (4) vs (0) Cruz
Cruz sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Bar is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Bar is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Bar prevents Cruz from improving his position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#T1#
Cruz has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Bar content to control rather than advance.
Bar wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working. #T2#
Bar content to control rather than advance.
Cruz is controlling Bar's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Cruz is staying active underneath Bar, who seems content to just control the action from this position. #T3#
Bar takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Bar has control of the leg.
Bar trying to control from half guard but Cruz is working away.
Cruz manages to get to full guard.
Cruz looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it. #T4#
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Bar tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Bar won't allow Cruz to sweep him here. #T5#
Cruz looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Bar looking to pass the guard.
Cruz looking to control.
Bar trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #T6#
Bar postures up.
Bar slips nicely into half guard.
Bar perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bar content to sit in half guard and control for a moment. #T7#
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Bar is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Bar takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Bar wants to take a breather but Cruz is having none of it. #T8#
Cruz wants to control but Bar is keeping busy.
Cruz is in trouble now - Bar has advanced to mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Bar (7) vs (0) Cruz
Cruz tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Bar controlling from the full mount.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Bar tries to control but Cruz wriggling away. #T9#
Cruz is working to get back to half guard.
Bar looking to control and managing it successfully.
Bar tries to take his opponent's back but Cruz turns with him and manages to move into guard on the top. Nice work. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Bar (7) vs (2) Cruz
Cruz trying to control but Bar is working from the bottom. #T10#
Bar pulls Cruz in close to prevent any damage.
Bar keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully. #T11#
Cruz postures up.
Cruz controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Bar has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Cruz looking to control the position here, rather than advance. #T12#
Bar looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Cruz sitting in guard here, content to control. #T13#
Bar is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Bar looking for a sweep. Not yet Bar, not yet.
Cruz being controlled here momentarily.
Cruz passes Bar's right leg, so he's now in half guard. #T14#
Cruz slows the pace down in half guard.
Bar has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Cruz is working away from the top position though.
Cruz content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Cruz is keen to just control but Bar is a slippery customer.
And that's the end of the fight!
Bar takes the fight on points by 7 to 2.
Wilhelm Bar retains his middleweight title!
Michael Cruz spoke after the fight, saying 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 335
Date: Mar 05, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 26 wins and 15 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 58 wins and 37 losses; Rolf Ottke!
The judges for this bout are Leandro Rodrigues, Edson Gomes and Alexandre Firmino.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#TD#
Cruz shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Ottke manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Ottke
Ottke has Cruz pulled in close to control his posture.
Cruz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Cruz controlling from the top position.
Ottke looking for a sweep. Not yet Ottke, not yet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Ottke wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Ottke gets full guard.
Ottke is trying to control the position from the bottom.
#T1#
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Ottke is keeping the position.
Ottke has Cruz pulled in close to control his posture.
Ottke is trying to keep Cruz in close.
Cruz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ottke is keeping the position for now.
Ottke managing to control the position. #T2#
Cruz postures up.
Ottke is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Ottke not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cruz sitting in guard here, content to control.
Ottke wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment.
Cruz is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.#T3#
Ottke controls Cruz momentarily but Cruz frees himself.
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Ottke wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment. #T4#
Ottke wants to improve his position but instead Cruz has moved into half guard.
Cruz is controlling the pace.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T5##SUB2#
Ottke is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Cruz pulls his head out easily.
Ottke is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Cruz's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Cruz's back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Cruz (2) vs (4) Ottke
Ottke is not going to allow Cruz to sit and survive in this position.
Cruz turns into Ottke and is now in his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (4) vs (4) Ottke
Cruz controls from within his opponent's guard.
Ottke seems keen to control Cruz's posture.#T6#
Cruz engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Ottke controlling the position.
Cruz controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Ottke controls Cruz momentarily but Cruz frees himself.
Ottke pulls Cruz in to control the position. #T7#
Ottke wants to sweep but no luck.
Ottke wants to control but Cruz passes easily into half guard.
Ottke is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Cruz's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Cruz's back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Cruz (4) vs (8) Ottke
Cruz just trying to survive but Ottke is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
Ottke has good solid back control here. #T8#
Cruz breaks Ottke's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (6) vs (8) Ottke
Cruz won't allow Ottke to sweep him here.
Cruz controlling from the top position.
Ottke looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there.
Ottke is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control. #T9#
Cruz stopping the sweep attempt from Ottke.
Ottke trying to keep a closed guard but Cruz is proving a slippery customer.
Cruz's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Ottke is trying to control the position but Cruz postures up.
Ottke is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.#T10#
Ottke has his hands on Cruz's head, controlling the position.
Cruz controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Ottke looking for a sweep. Not yet Ottke, not yet.
Ottke is controlling Cruz's posture.
Ottke tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T11#
Cruz being controlled here momentarily.
Cruz passes Ottke's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Ottke trying to hold on to Cruz's head to control him but Cruz postures up.
#T12#
Ottke has a hand on Cruz's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Cruz takes advantage of the position though and mounts him! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (9) vs (8) Ottke
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Ottke is trying desperately to improve position.
Ottke tries to lock up and control but Cruz gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Ottke is trying desperately to improve position.#T13#
Ottke is controlling an arm, preventing Cruz from taking his back. Although keeping him in mount is no better to be honest.
Ottke wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back. Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (12) vs (8) Ottke
Ottke prevents Cruz from getting a body triangle.
Cruz trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Ottke doesn't escape. #T14#
Cruz's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
You can see the frustration on Ottke's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Cruz biding his time, controlling Ottke.
A lull in the action here.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
I really don't envy Ottke right now.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 12 to 8.
Michael Cruz is the new welterweight champion!
A victorious Michael Cruz thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter. |
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Event:
CWC 334
Date: Jan 22, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 57 wins and 37 losses; Rolf Ottke! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 26 wins and 14 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Cecil Peabody and Robert Twigg.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL2#
Cruz gets a clinch. #TD2#
Cruz works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Ottke (0) vs (2) Cruz
Ottke trying to control the position here.
Ottke trying to control the position.
Cruz looking to pass the guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up. #T1#
Ottke trying to control the position.
Ottke pulls Cruz in to control the position.
Ottke lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Ottke (2) vs (2) Cruz
Ottke wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Ottke controls from within his opponent's guard. #T2#
Ottke trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Ottke controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ottke trying to move into half guard but instead Cruz has managed to sweep! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Ottke (2) vs (4) Cruz
Ottke trying to keep a closed guard but Cruz is proving a slippery customer.
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.#T3#
Ottke is trying to keep Cruz in close.
Ottke tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Ottke is pulling down on Cruz's head. It's preventing any offense from Cruz, at least for the moment.
Cruz postures up.
#T4#
Cruz preventing the sweep.
Ottke is working hard here to advance position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Ottke keeping full guard, as Cruz tries to pass.
Cruz content to stall in guard here. #T5#
Ottke controlling Cruz's posture.
Ottke is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Cruz slips nicely into half guard.#T6#
Ottke regains full guard. Nicely done.
Cruz looking to pass the guard.
Ottke can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cruz controls the pace.
Ottke has control of Cruz's left arm, preventing Cruz from doing any damage.
Ottke trying to keep a closed guard but Cruz is proving a slippery customer.
#T7#
Cruz sitting in guard here, content to control.
Ottke is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Ottke (4) vs (4) Cruz
Ottke wants to pass the guard but Cruz is defending well.
Ottke is keen to just control but Cruz is a slippery customer.
Ottke looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Cruz has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.#T8#
Cruz is refusing to be controlled, as Ottke sits in half guard.
Cruz tries to roll over but Ottke keeps him under control.
Cruz is pressing down on Ottke's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Ottke tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Cruz is trying to keep Ottke in close.
#T9#
Ottke trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Ottke slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Ottke tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard. #T10#
Cruz can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Ottke controls the pace.
Ottke won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Ottke pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now.
Ottke stays in close to Cruz's body and controls the position.
Cruz has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Ottke is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions. #T11#
Cruz working a defensive guard here.
Cruz is pulling down on Ottke's head. It's preventing any offense from Ottke, at least for the moment.
Cruz wants to sweep here but Ottke controlling him for the moment. #T12#
Ottke tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Cruz managing to control the position.
Ottke 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.
Cruz not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
#T13#
Ottke is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Ottke passes easily into side control. Nice work. Score +3 for passing guard: Ottke (7) vs (4) Cruz
Cruz wants to control but Ottke postures up.
Ottke wants to control but Cruz is keeping him busy.
Cruz sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Ottke is keen to just control but Cruz is a slippery customer.#T14#
Ottke keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Ottke wants to control but Cruz is keeping him busy.
Cruz controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Ottke in particular looking to stall.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Ottke looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
And that's the end of the fight!
Ottke takes the fight on points by 7 to 4.
Rolf Ottke retains his welterweight title!
After winning the bout, Rolf Ottke thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.
In defeat, Michael Cruz stepped up to the mic, saying 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 333 - Hirsch vs Bandito
Date: Jan 15, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 25 wins and 14 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 2 wins and 1 losses; Gul Dukat!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Dmitry Maklakov and Viktor Lagutenko.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL#
The fight moves into the clinch position.#TD#
Cruz gets a trip takedown into half guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Dukat
Cruz takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Dukat tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.
Dukat keeps trying to improve his position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz controlling the action here.
Dukat has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Cruz is working away from the top position though.#T1#
Cruz prevents Dukat from improving his position.
Dukat wants to get back to full guard but Cruz has mounted him! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (0) Dukat
Dukat is working to get back to half guard.
Dukat tries to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Cruz prevents Dukat from getting the reversal.#T2#
Cruz controlling from the full mount.
Dukat is in all sorts of trouble here.
Dukat has given up his back. Will we see Cruz going for some submissions?
Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (8) vs (0) Dukat#T3#
Cruz is hanging on to Dukat's back as he tries to escape.
Dukat is still trying to improve position.
Cruz has good solid back control here. #T4#
Dukat tries to escape the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Dukat trying to control but not successfully.
Dukat rolls, trying to escape but Cruz keeps control of the position.
#T5#
Dukat is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Cruz really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Dukat.
Dukat trying to control the action but Cruz just sinks the hooks in.
I really don't envy Dukat right now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz biding his time, controlling Dukat.
Dukat tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell! #T6#
Cruz content just to control the position here.
Dukat is trying desperately to improve position.
Dukat tries to hold on but Cruz postures up.#T7#
Cruz content just to control the position here.
Cruz takes Dukat's back. Could be looking for a rear naked choke here - either way, Dukat is in trouble. Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (11) vs (0) Dukat
Cruz controls the position.
Dukat tries to break free.
Cruz has good solid back control here. #T8#
Cruz seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Dukat for as long as he can get away with.
Cruz is not going to allow Dukat to sit and survive in this position.
Cruz has good solid back control here. #T9#
Cruz controlling well, preventing Dukat from escaping the position.
Cruz slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
I really don't envy Dukat right now.
Dukat is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Cruz.
#T10#
Dukat wants to escape the position.
Cruz not allowing Dukat to control his hands.
Cruz is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.
I really don't envy Dukat right now.
Cruz keeps control of the position easily here as Dukat tries to buck him off.
Dukat looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment. #T11#
I really don't envy Dukat right now.
Dukat rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Dukat tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.
Cruz perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there. #T12#
Dukat makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Dukat.
Cruz sitting in guard here, content to control.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Dukat is keeping the position.
Cruz postures up.
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Cruz stands and throws Dukat's legs to the side, diving into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (14) vs (0) Dukat#T13#
Cruz controlling the position from side mount.
Dukat is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Cruz is one step ahead and moves to full mount! Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (16) vs (0) Dukat
Dukat is wriggling around trying to escape.
Cruz content just to control the position here.
Cruz prevents Dukat from getting the reversal.#T14#
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Dukat tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Cruz sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 16 to 0.
A very excited looking Michael Cruz made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction. |
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Event:
CWC 332 - Jackson vs Perez
Date: Jan 08, 2023 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Hilo, with a TWGC record of 13 wins and 14 losses; Ken Vrjalya! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 24 wins and 14 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Yves DeLean and Elvis Blanc.
Let's get this grappling contest under way! Who will be victorious?#TD#
Vrjalya bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control. Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Vrjalya (4) vs (0) Cruz
Vrjalya moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
Vrjalya wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working. #SUB#
Vrjalya goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Cruz rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Vrjalya's guard! Nice work there by Cruz! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Vrjalya (4) vs (2) Cruz
Vrjalya looking for a sweep. Not yet Vrjalya, not yet.
Vrjalya looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Cruz puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vrjalya is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz tries to pass the half guard into mount. Vrjalya knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Cruz controlling the action here.#T1#
Vrjalya is trying to get back to full guard.
Vrjalya moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Vrjalya is keeping the position.
Vrjalya looking to control.
Cruz engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Vrjalya wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment. #T2#
Cruz is stalling in the full guard. #SUB#
Vrjalya 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.
Vrjalya is trying to control the position but Cruz postures up. #T3#
Cruz seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Cruz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Vrjalya is keeping the position for now. #T4#
Cruz is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Vrjalya is trying to control the position but Cruz postures up.
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.
Cruz won't allow Vrjalya to sweep him here. #SUB#
Vrjalya looking for subs off his back but Cruz has passed one foot through into half guard.
Vrjalya is looking to get back to full guard here but Cruz has managed to pass to side control instead. Score +3 for passing guard: Vrjalya (4) vs (5) Cruz#T5#
Vrjalya is looking to reverse the position.
The referee asks Cruz politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Cruz prefers to stall for the moment though.
Vrjalya tries to bench press Cruz off him but Cruz keeps the position.
Vrjalya being controlled for a moment.
Vrjalya tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Cruz wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Vrjalya is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Cruz's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Cruz is controlling the pace.
#T6#
Cruz wants to lay and pray for a moment but Vrjalya keeps working.
Vrjalya wants to get back to full guard but Cruz has mounted him! Score +3 for passing guard: Vrjalya (4) vs (8) Cruz
Vrjalya can't escape the position.
Cruz content just to control the position here.
Vrjalya can't escape the position.
#T7#
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz controlling the position easily from mount.
Vrjalya is looking to improve his position but Cruz isn't that keen on the idea.
Vrjalya wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back. Score +3 for taking back: Vrjalya (4) vs (11) Cruz
Vrjalya tries to break free.
Vrjalya is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Cruz.
#T8#
Cruz keeps control of the position as Vrjalya tries to break free.
Cruz controls the action.
Vrjalya tries to break free.
Cruz controlling the position well here. Vrjalya rolled but Cruz kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.
Vrjalya is trying to break free.
#T9#
Cruz avoiding Vrjalya 's attempts to control his hands.
Vrjalya rolls, trying to escape but Cruz keeps control of the position.
Cruz has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of Vrjalya's body.
Let's hope that Cruz has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Cruz doesn't have the hooks in and Vrjalya manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Vrjalya (6) vs (11) Cruz
Vrjalya wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving. #T10#
Cruz can't keep his opponent in guard - Vrjalya advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
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.
Cruz is doing well to control the position and prevent Vrjalya from advancing to side control.
Vrjalya wants to advance to full mount but Cruz doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
Vrjalya pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now. #T11#
Cruz wants to sweep here but Vrjalya controlling him for the moment.
Cruz is trying to keep Vrjalya in close.
Vrjalya pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now.
Cruz is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Vrjalya (6) vs (13) Cruz
Cruz moves nicely into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Vrjalya (6) vs (16) Cruz
Vrjalya is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Irish Collar & Elbow Academy (ICE), so we'll see if he gets out of it.#T12#
Vrjalya tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Cruz presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount! Score +2 for reaching mount: Vrjalya (6) vs (18) Cruz
Vrjalya working to try and regain half guard.
Cruz controlling his opponent.
Vrjalya is looking to get to half guard.
Vrjalya is controlling an arm, preventing Cruz from taking his back. Although keeping him in mount is no better to be honest.
#T13#
Cruz prevents Vrjalya from getting the reversal.
Cruz looking to control but Vrjalya is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Vrjalya is wriggling around trying to escape.
Vrjalya bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Vrjalya (8) vs (18) Cruz
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Vrjalya from controlling successfully. #T14#
Cruz pulls Vrjalya in close to his closed guard and prevents Vrjalya from doing any damage or advancing position.
Cruz wants to sweep here but Vrjalya controlling him for the moment.
Vrjalya wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Vrjalya wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz trying to control the position here.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz wins on points by 18 to 8.
After winning the bout, Michael Cruz thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility. |
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Event:
CWC 330 - Trump vs Cruz
Date: Nov 13, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 41 wins and 17 losses; Donald Trump! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 24 wins and 13 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Alexandre Firmino and Daniel Cesar.
Let's get this grappling contest under way! Who will be victorious?#TD2#
Cruz drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Trump (0) vs (2) Cruz
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Cruz's corner is telling him to maintain position.#SUB#
Trump has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Cruz can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Trump is keeping the position.#SUB#
Trump working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Cruz doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Cruz manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Trump is adopting a defensive guard.#T1#
Cruz engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Trump controls Cruz momentarily but Cruz frees himself.
Cruz content to stall in guard here. #T2#
Trump looking for a sweep. Not yet Trump, not yet.
Trump is working hard here to advance position.
Cruz controls from within his opponent's guard.
Trump not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Trump seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
Trump is controlling Cruz's posture.#T3#
Trump is trying to keep Cruz in close.
Trump is controlling Cruz's posture.
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.#SUB#
Trump looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Trump has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall. #T4#
Cruz is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Cruz postures up.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Trump keeps moving.
Cruz being controlled here momentarily. #T5#
Cruz controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Trump seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Trump continues to stall.#SUB#
Cruz is posturing up here but Trump has hold of an arm and he's gone for an armbar! Cruz tries to roll out but it's too tight and Cruz has to tap! Slick submission there by Trump!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 5:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Donald Trump!
Donald Trump retains his welterweight title!
An out of breath Donald Trump thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
Michael Cruz spoke after the fight, saying 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
TWG 38 (205lbs, D1): Montreal Qualifier - Round 1
Date: Nov 04, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the light heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 47 wins and 25 losses; Tyrano Jackson! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 24 wins and 12 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Trevor Gratis, Gregory Folan and Alec Ball.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.
Cruz has a takedown stuffed.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Cruz changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Jackson tries to avoid it but Cruz manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Jackson to the ground. Jackson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Jackson looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Cruz is fending him off so far but Jackson persists. Nope, Cruz circles away and we're back to standing.
Jackson shoots in and drives through. Cruz sprawls well.
Cruz wants to counter with a clinch but Jackson pushes him away.#TD2#
Cruz bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control. Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Jackson (0) vs (4) Cruz
The referee asks Cruz politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Cruz prefers to stall for the moment though.
Cruz tries to move to mount but Jackson blocks the move with his legs. #SUB2#
Cruz wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Jackson, who protects the arm well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz takes a little break here. Jackson wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.#T1#
Jackson tries to buck Cruz off but Cruz is having none of it.
Cruz wants to lay and pray for a moment but Jackson keeps working. #SUB2#
Cruz thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead. #SUB2#
Cruz is trying to get an arm triangle but Jackson is defending well.
Cruz advances nicely into full mount. Score +2 for reaching mount: Jackson (0) vs (6) Cruz#T2#
Cruz takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Jackson tries to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Jackson manages to control the position for a moment.
Jackson is squirming around, avoiding Cruz's attempts to control the action.
Jackson keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
#T3#
Jackson tries to lock up and control but Cruz gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Jackson bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Jackson (2) vs (6) Cruz
Cruz is trying to keep Jackson in close.
Cruz is adopting a defensive guard.
Cruz controls Jackson momentarily but Jackson frees himself. #T4#
Cruz has his hands on Jackson's head, controlling the position.
Jackson wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Jackson seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Jackson tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard. #T5#
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck.
Jackson postures up.
Cruz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Jackson seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up. #SUB2#
Cruz looking for subs off his back but Jackson has passed one foot through into half guard.
Jackson looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding. #T6#
Cruz desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Cruz wants to get back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Jackson passes into side control, despite Cruz's attempt to control the position.
Score +3 for passing guard: Jackson (5) vs (6) Cruz
Cruz is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Jackson's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Cruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #T7#
Jackson trying to pass the guard but Cruz defending well.
Cruz regains full guard. Nicely done.
Jackson postures up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Jackson looking to pass the guard.
Cruz is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Jackson is pushing down on Cruz's leg trying to pass to half guard. Cruz is fighting to maintain full guard but Jackson has managed to sneak the leg through.#T8#
Jackson is controlling the pace.
Cruz wants to get back to full guard but Jackson has mounted him! Score +3 for passing guard: Jackson (8) vs (6) Cruz
Cruz is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Cruz is working to get back to half guard.
Jackson tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Cruz is writhing around trying to get back to his feet. #T9#
Jackson controlling from mount.
Cruz looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back! Score +3 for taking back: Jackson (11) vs (6) Cruz
Cruz looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
I would not like to be Cruz right now.
#T10#
Cruz can't escape the position.
Jackson wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy.
Cruz trying to control the position but Jackson manages to sink in the hooks.
Cruz rolls, trying to escape but Jackson keeps control of the position.
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.
Jackson controls the position.
Cruz rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Jackson is figuring out what he wants to do next.#T11#
Cruz is looking to control Jackson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Cruz avoid being mounted?
Jackson passes to full mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Jackson (14) vs (6) Cruz
Cruz is in all sorts of trouble here.
Jackson avoids the attempt from Cruz to control.
Cruz tries to reverse the position but Jackson maintains control.
Cruz wants to hold on but Jackson pushes him away.
Jackson looking to take Cruz's back but Cruz rolls and after a scramble, Cruz ends up on top in guard. Nice escape there from Cruz to escape a tricky position. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Jackson (14) vs (8) Cruz#T12#
Cruz wants to control from the top but Jackson keeps moving.
Cruz being controlled here momentarily.
Jackson is trying to control the position from the bottom.
#T13#
Jackson is adopting a defensive guard.
Jackson has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.#T14#
Jackson is trying to control the position but Cruz postures up.
Jackson keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully.
Jackson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Jackson is keeping the position.
And that's the end of the fight!
Jackson takes the fight on points by 14 to 8.
Tyrano Jackson decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
In defeat, Michael Cruz stepped up to the mic, saying 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 326
Date: Oct 16, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 23 wins and 12 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, with a TWGC record of 5 wins and 2 losses; Zima Voin!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Matheus Silva and Mauricio Rocha.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.
Cruz circles away from the clinch attempt.
#CL2#
Voin clinches with his opponent.
Voin has Cruz pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Cruz manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Cruz is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Voin pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Cruz has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Voin is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.#TD#
Cruz turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Cruz manages to end up in side control. Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Cruz (4) vs (0) Voin
Cruz is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Voin will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#T1#
Voin tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Cruz wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Cruz moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
Voin is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Cruz is one step ahead and moves to full mount! Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (6) vs (0) Voin
Cruz controlling the position easily from mount.
Voin holds on to Cruz as tight as he can, avoiding damage.#T2#
Voin tries to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Voin is trying desperately to improve position.
Voin is squirming around, avoiding Cruz's attempts to control the action.
Voin tries to lock up and control but Cruz gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.#T3#
Cruz prevents Voin from getting the reversal.
Voin is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Cruz's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.#T4#
Voin is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Voin is controlling an arm, preventing Cruz from taking his back. Although keeping him in mount is no better to be honest.
Voin is looking to get to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T5#
Cruz looking to control and managing it successfully.
Cruz wants to take Voin's back but he can't do it this time.
Voin tries to get back to half guard but can't. #T6#
Voin tries to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Voin reaches up and holds on to Cruz to control the position.
Cruz takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Voin looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back! Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (9) vs (0) Voin#T7#
Voin trying to control the position but Cruz manages to sink in the hooks.
Voin is really stuck here.
Voin trying to control but not successfully.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
#T8#
Further stalling from Cruz.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Voin wants to escape the position.
#T9#
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
#T10#
Voin wants to escape the position.
Cruz keeps control of the position easily here as Voin tries to buck him off.
#T11##T12#
Voin is really stuck here.
Voin trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Good control from Cruz.
Cruz is not going to allow Voin to sit and survive in this position. #T13#
Cruz really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Voin.
Cruz gets his hands free as Voin looks to control.
Cruz biding his time, controlling Voin. #T14#
Cruz gets his hands free as Voin looks to control.
You can see the frustration on Voin's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Cruz biding his time, looking for the opening.
Cruz controlling well, preventing Voin from escaping the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Voin.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 9 to 0.
Michael Cruz retains his welterweight title!
A victorious Michael Cruz thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter. |
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Event:
CWC 325 - Camara vs Petersen
Date: Oct 09, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 22 wins and 12 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 38 wins and 16 losses; Donald Trump!
The judges for this bout are William Peck, Alec Ball and Robert Douchet.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.
Cruz is looking to take this fight into the clinch.#CL#
Cruz gets a clinch. #TD#
Cruz works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Trump
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Trump is keeping the position.
Trump looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Trump keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully. #T1#
Trump trying to control the position here. #SUB2#
Trump is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Cruz is aware though and is defending well.
Cruz is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Trump controls Cruz momentarily but Cruz frees himself. #T2#
Trump pulls Cruz in close to his closed guard and prevents Cruz from doing any damage or advancing position.
Cruz slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Trump wants to sweep but no luck.
Trump can't keep his opponent in guard - Cruz advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Trump trying to control from the bottom.
#T3#
Trump wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Cruz has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Trump trying to control here.
Trump tries to get to full guard but Cruz has control of the leg. #T4#
Trump moves into full guard.
Trump keeping full guard, as Cruz tries to pass.
Trump pulls Cruz in close to prevent any damage.
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Cruz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #T5#
Cruz won't allow Trump to sweep him here.
Trump seems keen to control Cruz's posture.
Cruz looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Trump working a defensive guard but Cruz manages to pass into side control anyway.
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (0) Trump#T6#
Cruz tries to move to mount but Trump blocks the move with his legs.
Trump is trying to control Cruz's posture but Cruz avoids it.
Trump is not content to let Cruz control the position.
You can see the frustration on Trump's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.#T7#
Trump tries to bench press Cruz off him but Cruz keeps the position.
Cruz in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Trump struggling a bit here.
Cruz is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Trump will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.#T8#
Trump trying to control but Cruz flips him over like a cheap hooker and has his back! Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (8) vs (0) Trump
Trump tries to escape the position.
Cruz keeps control of the position easily here as Trump tries to buck him off.
Trump can't escape the position.
#T9#
Cruz controlling the position well here. Trump rolled but Cruz kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.
Trump trying to control the hands but Cruz breaks the grip. #T10#
Trump turns into Cruz and is now in his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (8) vs (2) Trump
Trump tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Cruz working a defensive guard here.
Trump trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz controlling the position.
Trump passes Cruz's left leg - he's now in half guard. #T11#
Cruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Trump is keen to just control but Cruz is a slippery customer.
Still in half guard, Trump seems content to control.
Trump trying to mount his opponent but Cruz defends it. #SUB2#
Trump is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Trump works his way into full mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (8) vs (5) Trump#T12#
Trump takes Cruz's back. Could be looking for a rear naked choke here - either way, Cruz is in trouble. Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (8) vs (8) Trump
Trump tries to get the hooks in deep but Cruz pushed the leg off.
Cruz is really stuck here.
#SUB2#
Cruz fending off the submission attempt from Trump. #T13##SUB2#
Trump looking for the RNC.
Cruz tries to roll but Trump sticks to his back.
A lull in the action here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Trump wants to control but Cruz manages to buck him off and is now in Trump's guard! Nice work there by Cruz! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (10) vs (8) Trump#SUB2#
Trump looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
#T14##SUB2#
Cruz avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Trump is trying to control the position from the bottom.
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.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Trump trying to control the position.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 10 to 8.
Michael Cruz retains his welterweight title!
After winning the bout, Michael Cruz thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility. |
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Event:
CWC 324 - Zulu vs Camara
Date: Oct 02, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 52 wins and 35 losses; Rolf Ottke! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 21 wins and 12 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Emerson Jorge, Leandro Rodrigues and Seu Braga.
Let's get this grappling contest under way! Who will be victorious?
Ottke looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Cruz stuffs the takedown.#CL2#
Cruz gets a clinch.
Ottke is trying to drag Cruz to the mat but Cruz just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rolf Ottke. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cruz tries for a takedown. No joy.
Cruz is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Ottke pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Cruz goes for a takedown in the clinch but Ottke prevents it.
Cruz gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Ottke.
Cruz is looking for a takedown.
Cruz wants a takedown but no success here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz gets underhooks to prevent Ottke's takedown attempt.
Cruz drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Ottke gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Cruz drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Ottke gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Ottke wants a takedown but no success here.
#T1#
Ottke gets underhooks to prevent Cruz's takedown attempt.
Ottke has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Cruz is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Ottke is pressed up against the cage. Cruz has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Ottke down to the mat. Ottke avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance. #CL2#
Cruz moves into the clinch successfully.
Cruz goes for a takedown in the clinch but Ottke prevents it.
Cruz is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Ottke is defending well.
Ottke drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Cruz can't get the takedown.
#TD2#
Cruz gets a trip takedown into half guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Ottke (0) vs (2) Cruz
Cruz wants to control but Ottke is keeping him busy.
Ottke keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Ottke wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
#T2#
Ottke is working hard here to advance position.
Cruz slows the pace down in half guard.
Ottke is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz trying to mount his opponent but Ottke defends it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T3#
Ottke wants to control the action here but instead Cruz manages to pass to full mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Ottke (0) vs (5) Cruz
Ottke is trying to escape the mount.
Ottke regains half guard.
Ottke trying to hold on to Cruz's head to control him but Cruz postures up.
Ottke works his way to full guard. Good work.#T4#
Cruz postures up.
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ottke swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Ottke has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Ottke wants to sweep but no luck.
Ottke is pulling down on Cruz's head to control his posture.
Cruz slips effortlessly into side control - very nice. Score +3 for passing guard: Ottke (0) vs (8) Cruz#T5#
Ottke is looking for a sweep.
A lull in the action here as Cruz stalls from top position.
Cruz trying to control the position but Ottke is working away. #T6#
I wouldn't like to be where Ottke is right now.
A lull in the action here as Cruz stalls from top position.
Cruz working away.#T7#
Ottke is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Cruz passes into side control, despite Ottke's attempt to control the position.
Score +3 for passing guard: Ottke (0) vs (11) Cruz
Ottke is holding Cruz down, trying to stall.
Ottke tries to improve position but can't. #T8#
Ottke is not content to let Cruz control the position.
Ottke keeping his opponent close.
Cruz happy to just control the position for now.
Ottke can't do much from the bottom here. #T9#
Cruz is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Ottke will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Cruz wants to control but Ottke is keeping him busy.
Ottke is looking for a sweep.
Ottke stops Cruz from passing to mount.
Ottke is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Cruz is one step ahead and moves to full mount! Score +2 for reaching mount: Ottke (0) vs (13) Cruz#T10#
Ottke is squirming around, avoiding Cruz's attempts to control the action.
Ottke is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Ottke wants to control but Cruz is having none of it.
Ottke is working to get back to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz controlling from mount.
Ottke wants to control but Cruz is having none of it.#T11#
Cruz content just to control the position here.
Cruz's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Ottke is squirming around, avoiding Cruz's attempts to control the action. #T12#
Cruz avoids the attempt from Ottke to control.
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Ottke manages to control the position for a moment.
Ottke tries to hold on but Cruz postures up.#T13#
Ottke is looking to improve his position but Cruz isn't that keen on the idea.
Ottke is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Cruz controlling from mount.
Cruz is trying to take his opponent's back.
Ottke is trying desperately to improve position.#T14#
Cruz avoids the attempt from Ottke to control.
Cruz looking to control and managing it successfully.
Ottke is trying to escape the mount.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz wins on points by 13 to 0.
Michael Cruz is the new welterweight champion!
After winning the bout, Michael Cruz thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility. |
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Event:
CATCHMANIA 3
Date: Sep 25, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Los Angeles, with a TWGC record of 41 wins and 26 losses; Bjj Steel! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 20 wins and 12 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Yukihiro Yamamoto.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.#CL2#
Cruz closes the distance and clinches.#TD2#
Cruz is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Steel can't fight it off and eventually Cruz manages to take the fight to the floor. Steel looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Steel (0) vs (2) Cruz
Steel is pulling down on Cruz's head to control his posture.
Cruz controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Steel wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now. #T1#
Cruz controlling from the top position.
Steel controlling Cruz's posture.
Cruz content to stall in guard here.
Cruz pushes down on Steel's leg and manages to get into half guard.#T2#
Cruz trying to pass the guard but Steel defending well.
Steel is pressing down on Cruz's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Cruz is fighting to break Steel's control of his arms but Steel is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Cruz looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Steel controlling Cruz's posture. #T3#
Steel is trying to control the position but Cruz postures up.
Cruz passes Steel's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Steel wants to get back to full guard.
Steel wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy.
Cruz takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Steel is trying to maintain the position but Cruz is very close to passing his half guard.#T4#
Steel tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.
Steel is working hard here to advance position.
Cruz keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
It looks like Cruz might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
Steel is trying to get back to full guard.#T5#
Cruz is looking to advance position but Steel won't allow it.
Steel keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Steel is trying to get back to full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz slows the pace down in half guard.
Steel is looking to improve his position.
#T6#
Steel controlling the position for now.
Steel trying to control from the bottom.
Cruz tries to pass the half guard into mount. Steel knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Steel tries to get to full guard but Cruz has control of the leg.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
#T7#
Cruz tries to pass to full mount but Steel defends it.
Steel desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Steel tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.
Steel controlling the leg, holding on to half guard. #T8#
Steel trying to hold on to Cruz's head to control him but Cruz postures up.
Steel tries to get to full guard but Cruz has control of the leg.
Still in half guard, Cruz seems content to control.
Steel regains full guard. Nicely done.
Steel pulls Cruz in close to prevent any damage.
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.#T9#
Cruz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Steel is keeping the position for now.
Cruz is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Cruz's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Steel working a defensive guard but Cruz manages to pass into side control anyway.
Score +3 for passing guard: Steel (0) vs (5) Cruz
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T10#
Cruz working away.
Steel tries to improve position but can't.
Steel wants to control but Cruz postures up.
Cruz advances to full mount. Score +2 for reaching mount: Steel (0) vs (7) Cruz
Steel tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Steel tries to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Steel tries to reverse the position but Cruz maintains control.
Cruz sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment. #T11#
Steel is wriggling around trying to escape.
Cruz with some aggressive grappling here, looking for the finish.
Cruz controlling his opponent.
Cruz wants to take Steel's back here but Steel is holding on to an arm, himself looking to escape.
Steel tries to hold on but Cruz pushes him away. #T12#
Steel is working to get back to half guard.
Cruz avoids the attempt from Steel to control.
Steel is working to get back to half guard.
Steel tries to hold on but Cruz postures up.
Cruz takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Cruz prevents Steel from getting the reversal.#T13#
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Steel wants to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Steel is working to get back to half guard.
Cruz sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Steel might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Steel wants to control but Cruz is having none of it.#T14#
Cruz sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Steel can't escape the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz wins on points by 7 to 0.
A relieved looking Michael 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. |
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Event:
CWC 322 - Ottke vs Savkov
Date: Sep 18, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 19 wins and 12 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 32 wins and 26 losses; Dick Diaz!
The judges for this bout are Dillan Fox, William Peck and Trevor Gratis.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL#
Cruz clinches up against the cage.#TD#
Cruz has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Diaz regains guard immediately. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Diaz
Diaz not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cruz stopping the sweep attempt from Diaz.
Cruz controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Diaz controlling the position.
Cruz is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Diaz is trying to keep Cruz in close.
Cruz not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Diaz tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T1#
Diaz seems keen to control Cruz's posture.
Diaz is continuing to stall.
Cruz is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Diaz trying to control the position.
Cruz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #T2#
Diaz pulls Cruz in close to his closed guard and prevents Cruz from doing any damage or advancing position.
Diaz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Diaz pulls Cruz in close to prevent any damage.
Diaz can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cruz controls the pace.
Diaz wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Diaz is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Cruz is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions. #T3#
Diaz controlling Cruz's posture.
Diaz is trying to hold Cruz in close to prevent damage but Cruz has managed to pass into half guard.
Cruz tries to pass the half guard into mount. Diaz knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Diaz desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Cruz prevents Diaz from improving his position.
Cruz is figuring out what he wants to do next.#T4#
Diaz is controlling Cruz's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Diaz trying to control from the bottom.
Diaz is controlling Cruz's trapped leg to prevent Cruz from advancing to side control.
Diaz is looking to improve his position.
Diaz is trying to control but can't.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz slows the pace down in half guard. #T5#
Diaz preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Cruz stalling.
Cruz is thwarting Diaz's attempts to control the position.#T6#
Cruz wants to pass to mount but Diaz is defending the position.
Diaz is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Diaz tries to get to full guard but Cruz has control of the leg. #T7#
Cruz trying to control the pace.
Diaz is looking to control Cruz's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Diaz avoid being mounted?
Diaz is controlling Cruz's position as best he can from this difficult position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (0) Diaz#T8#
Diaz bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (5) vs (2) Diaz
Diaz won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Diaz wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Cruz keeping full guard, as Diaz tries to pass. #T9#
Cruz is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Diaz tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Cruz lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (7) vs (2) Diaz
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Cruz being controlled here momentarily. #T10#
Cruz slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Diaz not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
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. #T11#
Diaz pulls Cruz in to control the position.
Cruz is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Diaz is keeping the position.
Diaz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Diaz wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Diaz is retaining full guard.
Diaz seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now. #T12#
Diaz's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Cruz controlling from the top position.
Diaz is trying to keep Cruz in close.
#T13#
Diaz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Diaz holds on and takes a little breather.
Diaz trying to control the position.
Diaz is pulling down on Cruz's head. It's preventing any offense from Cruz, at least for the moment.
Diaz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Diaz trying to control the position.
#T14#
Cruz is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Diaz is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (7) vs (4) Diaz
Cruz is holding on to half guard well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Diaz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 7 to 4.
Michael Cruz decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
The defeated Dick Diaz had this to say: 'I'll Slap you harder next time!!!'. |
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Event:
CWC 321 - Pavlov vs Sitsongrit
Date: Sep 11, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 18 wins and 12 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 35 wins and 25 losses; Joey Simone!
The judges for this bout are Fedor Mirinova, Illya Tyunina and Ivan Kurochkin.
Let's get this grappling contest under way! Who will be victorious?#TD#
Cruz manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Simone on his heels. He'll look to pass Simone's guard now, I'm sure. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Simone
Simone is controlling Cruz's posture.
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Simone swivels though and keeps the full guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Simone is on top in guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (2) Simone
Cruz wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Simone tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Cruz might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Simone sitting in guard here, content to control.
Simone won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Simone engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Simone trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T1#
Simone is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Simone from controlling successfully.
Cruz controlling the position.
Simone controls from within his opponent's guard. #T2#
Simone tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Cruz is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Simone trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Simone trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Cruz manages to land a sweep and now he's on top! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (4) vs (2) Simone
Simone is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Simone tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T3##SUB2#
Simone is looking for a triangle but Cruz pushes his legs off easily.
Simone tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Cruz showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Simone wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment.
Cruz is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Simone has control of Cruz's left arm, preventing Cruz from doing any damage. #T4#
Simone being controlled here, momentarily.
Cruz won't allow Simone to sweep him here.
Simone is looking to sweep but instead, Cruz has passed into half guard.
Cruz keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Simone trying to get back to full guard but Cruz takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (7) vs (2) Simone
Cruz controlling from mount. #T5#
Simone is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Simone tries to lock up and control but Cruz gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Simone wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back. Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (10) vs (2) Simone
Cruz controlling well, preventing Simone from escaping the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Simone is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.#T6#
Simone trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Cruz controlling well, preventing Simone from escaping the position.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
You can see the frustration on Simone's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Simone 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.
Simone trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Simone is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.#T7#
Cruz slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
Cruz seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Simone for as long as he can get away with.
You can see the frustration on Simone's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Cruz is looking to control Simone but Simone is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Cruz has good solid back control here.
Cruz not allowing Simone to control his hands.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T8#
Simone can't escape the position.
Simone trying to control the position but Cruz manages to sink in the hooks.
Simone is really stuck here.
Cruz slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
Simone rolls, trying to escape but Cruz keeps control of the position.
Cruz gets his hands free as Simone looks to control.
Simone might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Cruz haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.#T9#
Simone is being controlled on the ground here - he must escape this position otherwise surely the end is near.
Simone breaks Cruz's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (10) vs (4) Simone
Simone tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Simone trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz is trying to keep Simone in close.
Simone looking to sit in guard and control but Cruz gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (12) vs (4) Simone
Cruz wants to control from the top but Simone keeps moving. #T10#
Cruz preventing the sweep.
Cruz's corner is telling him to maintain position.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Simone is on top in guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (12) vs (6) Simone
Cruz seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Simone tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Simone seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up. #T11#
Simone looking to sit in guard and control but Cruz gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (14) vs (6) Simone
Cruz won't allow Simone to sweep him here.
Cruz looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Simone looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #T12#
Simone has control of Cruz's left arm, preventing Cruz from doing any damage.
Cruz slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Simone controlling Cruz's posture.
Simone is continuing to stall.
Simone not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cruz looking to pass the guard.
Simone tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T13#
Cruz is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Cruz has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Cruz won't allow Simone to sweep him here.
Cruz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Simone is keeping the position for now.
Cruz won't allow Simone to sweep him here.
Cruz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Cruz pushes down on Simone's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Cruz keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.#T14#
Cruz is thwarting Simone's attempts to control the position.
Simone moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Simone looking to control.
Cruz controls from within his opponent's guard.
Simone is looking to sweep but instead, Cruz has passed into half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Simone is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 14 to 6.
Michael Cruz thanked the fans post fight for their support. |
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Event:
CATCHMANIA 2
Date: Sep 04, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 34 wins and 15 losses; Donald Trump! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 18 wins and 11 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Emerson Jorge and Edson Gomes.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.
Cruz shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Trump as he jumps to the side. #TD#
Trump gets a takedown into half guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Trump (2) vs (0) Cruz
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Trump is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Trump perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Trump prevents Cruz from improving his position.
Trump stalling.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Trump wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T1#
Trump performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Cruz wants to improve his position but Trump is controlling well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Trump tries to pass to full mount but Cruz defends it.
Trump seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Cruz does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back. #T2#
Trump is really struggling to control Cruz but he's trying to hold on to the position.
The fighters are battling for position here. Cruz manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Cruz has control of Trump's left arm, preventing Trump from doing any damage.
Trump tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Cruz is pulling down on Trump's head to control his posture.
Cruz can't keep his opponent in guard - Trump advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Cruz has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Trump is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.#T3#
Cruz is trying is best to control the position here.
Cruz wants to control but Trump is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Cruz is looking to improve his position.
Trump controlling the action here.
Trump is thwarting Cruz's attempts to control the position.
Cruz is looking to improve his position.
#T4#
Trump wants to take a breather but Cruz is having none of it.
Trump is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Trump is trying to control. Cruz wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Cruz controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Trump trying to control the pace.
Trump is looking to advance position but Cruz won't allow it. #T5#
Trump is controlling the pace.
Trump is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
We've been hearing good reports from Trump's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Trump from controlling successfully.
Trump stays in close to Cruz's body and controls the position. #T6#
Cruz is controlling Trump's posture.
Trump trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Trump sitting in guard here, content to control.
Trump looking to pass the guard. #T7#
Trump seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Trump from controlling successfully.
Trump seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Trump wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.#T8#
Trump is stalling in the full guard.
Trump trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom. #T9#
Cruz pulls Trump in close to his closed guard and prevents Trump from doing any damage or advancing position.
Trump wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Trump is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Trump wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving. #T10#
Trump forces his way into half guard.
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Trump has control of the leg.
Cruz is refusing to be controlled, as Trump sits in half guard.
Trump prevents Cruz from improving his position.
Trump sitting and controlling from the half guard. #T11#
Trump wants to free his trapped foot but Cruz is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Trump works his foot free and advances to mount. Score +3 for passing guard: Trump (5) vs (0) Cruz
Cruz tries to lock up and control but Trump gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Cruz working to try and regain half guard.
Trump sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment. #T12#
Trump wants to take Cruz's back here but Cruz is holding on to an arm, himself looking to escape.
#SUB#
Trump has control of Cruz's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Cruz regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Trump controlling from mount. #T13#
Cruz tries to lock up and control but Trump gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.#SUB#
Trump working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Trump looking to control but Cruz is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Trump wants to take his opponent's back but instead Cruz manages to regain half guard.
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Trump is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Trump in particular looking to stall.#T14#
Trump looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Trump is working hard here to advance position.
Cruz is controlling Trump's trapped leg to prevent Trump from advancing to side control.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz is continuing to stall.
And that's the end of the fight!
Trump takes the fight on points by 5 to 0.
Donald Trump retains his welterweight title!
Donald Trump seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
Michael Cruz was interviewed post fight and said 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 318 - Hirsch vs El Toro Jr
Date: Aug 21, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of London, with a TWGC record of 36 wins and 26 losses; Esteban Mondragon! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 18 wins and 10 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Leandro Rodrigues, Seu Braga and Emerson Jorge.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL#
Mondragon rushes Cruz and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz looking for a takedown.
Mondragon is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Cruz is defending well.
Cruz wants a takedown but no success here.
#TD#
Mondragon has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Cruz clear over his head and slammed him to the mat! Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Mondragon (4) vs (0) Cruz
Cruz tries to break free.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Cruz is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Mondragon.
Cruz tries to break free.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Mondragon has good solid back control here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T1#
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.
Cruz rolls, trying to escape but Mondragon keeps control of the position.
#SUB#
Cruz is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
Cruz staying busy and making it hard for Mondragon to control. #T2#
Mondragon has the hooks in. Cruz is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Cruz staying busy and making it hard for Mondragon to control.
Mondragon controlling well, preventing Cruz from escaping the position.
Mondragon really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Cruz.
Mondragon's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.#T3##SUB#
Cruz preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Mondragon.
Cruz looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
Mondragon keeps control of the position easily here as Cruz tries to buck him off.
#T4#
Cruz staying busy and making it hard for Mondragon to control.
Mondragon controlling well, preventing Cruz from escaping the position.
Mondragon controls the position.#T5#
Cruz can't escape the position.
Mondragon has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Cruz prevents Mondragon from getting a body triangle.#SUB#
Mondragon working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Cruz is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
#T6#
Mondragon controlling the position well here. Cruz rolled but Mondragon kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.
Mondragon seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Cruz for as long as he can get away with.#T7#
Cruz wants to escape the position.
#SUB#
Mondragon looking to break Cruz's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Cruz remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Mondragon will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
Cruz is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Mondragon.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz needs to remain patient if he's going to get out of this sticky situation. #T8#
Cruz tries to escape the position.
Mondragon controlling the position well here. Cruz rolled but Mondragon kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.
Mondragon has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.#T9#
Mondragon has the hooks in. Cruz is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Cruz keeps trying to improve his position.
Cruz rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
#T10#
Mondragon trying to mount his opponent but Cruz defends it.
Cruz moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Mondragon wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Mondragon is one step ahead there. #T11#
Cruz managing to control the position.
Mondragon trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Mondragon looking to pass the guard. #T12#
Cruz looking to control.
Mondragon preventing the sweep.
Cruz keeping full guard, as Mondragon tries to pass.
Cruz pulls Mondragon in close to prevent any damage. #T13#
Cruz looking to control.
Mondragon trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz has Mondragon pulled in close to control his posture.
Mondragon trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz looking to control.
#T14#
Mondragon looking to pass the guard.
Mondragon has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Mondragon engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz controls Mondragon momentarily but Mondragon frees himself.
And that's the end of the fight!
Mondragon takes the fight on points by 4 to 0.
A relieved looking Esteban Mondragon thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
In defeat, Michael Cruz stepped up to the mic, saying 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 317 - Ottke vs Cruz
Date: Aug 14, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 47 wins and 33 losses; Rolf Ottke! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 18 wins and 9 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Emerson Jorge, Paulo Santos and Edson Gomes.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.#TD#
Ottke decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Ottke (2) vs (0) Cruz
Ottke wants to pass the guard but Cruz is defending well.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Ottke in particular looking to stall.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Ottke is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Cruz trying to control from the bottom.
Cruz has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ottke looking to pass the half guard. Not this time. #T1#
Ottke controlling the pace.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Ottke trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Ottke from controlling successfully.
Ottke sitting in guard here, content to control.
Cruz seems keen to control Ottke's posture.#T2#
Ottke wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Ottke looking to sit in guard and control but Cruz gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Ottke (2) vs (2) Cruz
Ottke wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz looking to pass the guard. #T3#
Ottke is trying to control the position from the bottom.
#SUB#
Cruz avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
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.
Ottke looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Ottke is keeping the position.#T4#
Ottke controlling Cruz's posture.
Ottke looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Ottke looking for a sweep. Not yet Ottke, not yet. #T5#
Ottke is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Ottke is keeping the position.
Cruz is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Cruz looking to pass the guard.
Cruz forces his way into half guard.#T6#
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Ottke is defending well.
Ottke is not content to let Cruz control the position.
Cruz is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Ottke is trying to get back to full guard.
Cruz is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Ottke reverses the position - he's now on top in Cruz's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Ottke (4) vs (2) Cruz#T7#
Ottke stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cruz controls Ottke momentarily but Ottke frees himself.
Cruz tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T8#
Ottke is stalling in the full guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Cruz holds on and takes a little breather.
Ottke tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard. #T9#
Ottke trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ottke pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now.
Cruz pulls Ottke in close to his closed guard and prevents Ottke from doing any damage or advancing position.
Ottke trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T10#
Ottke advances to half guard.
Ottke is pressing down on Cruz's thigh, looking to free his foot. Cruz is holding on for now.
Ottke controlling the pace.
Cruz preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Ottke keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.#T11#
Cruz has a hand on Ottke's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Ottke takes advantage of the position though and mounts him! Score +3 for passing guard: Ottke (7) vs (2) Cruz
Cruz tries to hold on but Ottke pushes him away.
Ottke controlling his opponent. #T12#
Ottke's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Cruz is wriggling around trying to escape.
Ottke controlling the pace for now.
Cruz wants to control but Ottke is having none of it.
Ottke controlling his opponent. #T13#
Cruz wants to hold on but Ottke pushes him away.
Ottke fails to take his opponent's back.
Cruz gets back to half guard.#T14#
Cruz has his hands clasped together around Ottke's back. He's all about the action.
Ottke wants to control but Cruz is keeping him busy.
Ottke controlling the pace.
Cruz tries to roll over but Ottke keeps him under control.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Ottke is trying to control the action in half guard but Cruz is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
And that's the end of the fight!
Ottke takes the fight on points by 7 to 2.
Rolf Ottke retains his welterweight title!
An out of breath Rolf Ottke thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
The defeated Michael Cruz had this to say: 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CATCHMANIA 1
Date: Aug 07, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 18 wins and 11 losses; Bogdan Kersikov! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 17 wins and 9 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Joseph Jones, Alyssa Summers and Eddie Farnsworth.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#TD#
Kersikov scores with a takedown into Cruz's guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Kersikov (2) vs (0) Cruz
Cruz wants to control but Kersikov passes easily into half guard.
Cruz is holding on to half guard well.
Cruz wants to improve his position but Kersikov is controlling well.
Kersikov is keen to just control but Cruz is a slippery customer.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz trying to control from the bottom.
Cruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #SUB#
Cruz is defending against the submission attempts here by Kersikov.
Cruz gets back to full guard.
#T1#
Kersikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz controlling Kersikov's posture.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kersikov is one step ahead there.
Kersikov stays in close to Cruz's body and controls the position. #T2#
Cruz is trying to control the position from the bottom.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Cruz is on top in guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Kersikov (2) vs (2) Cruz
Cruz trying to control but Kersikov is working from the bottom.
Kersikov trying to keep a closed guard but Cruz is proving a slippery customer.
#T3#
Cruz's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Kersikov keeps moving.
Cruz seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Kersikov pulls Cruz in to control the position.
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kersikov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cruz trying to control but Kersikov is working from the bottom. #T4#
Cruz looking to pass the guard.
Kersikov is trying to control the position but Cruz postures up.
Kersikov is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Kersikov (4) vs (2) Cruz
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Cruz trying to hold on to Kersikov's head to control him but Kersikov postures up.
#T5#
Kersikov is trying to control. Cruz wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Cruz is pressing down on Kersikov's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Kersikov from controlling successfully.
Cruz not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cruz wants to control the position but Kersikov says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Cruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Kersikov not doing much here.
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.
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Kersikov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.#T6#
Cruz is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Cruz is not content to let Kersikov control the position.
Kersikov prevents Cruz from improving his position.
Kersikov tries to pass the half guard into mount. Cruz knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Cruz holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Kersikov has control of the leg.
Kersikov is thwarting Cruz's attempts to control the position.
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Kersikov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.#T7#
Cruz trying to control but Kersikov postures up.
Kersikov wants to free his trapped foot but Cruz is holding on for dear life with his legs.
The fighters are battling for position here. Cruz manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Cruz is trying to control the position but Kersikov postures up.
Kersikov preventing the sweep.
Cruz controlling the position.#T8#
Kersikov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cruz is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Kersikov wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Kersikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kersikov won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Cruz wants to improve his position but instead Kersikov has moved into half guard.
#T9#
Kersikov trying to control the pace.
Cruz is not content to let Kersikov control the position.
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Kersikov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Kersikov's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Kersikov's back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Kersikov (4) vs (6) Cruz
Good control from Cruz.
Kersikov just trying to survive but Cruz is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
Kersikov is trying to break free.
#T10#
Kersikov trying to control the hands but Cruz won't let him.
Cruz is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.
Kersikov is in bad spot here.
Cruz gets his hands free as Kersikov looks to control.
Will Cruz go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
#T11#
I really don't envy Kersikov right now.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
Cruz struggling to keep hold of the position.
Cruz controlling the position well here. Kersikov rolled but Cruz kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.
Cruz avoiding Kersikov 's attempts to control his hands. #T12#
Kersikov tries to escape but Cruz has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Cruz avoiding Kersikov 's attempts to control his hands.
Kersikov can't escape the position.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Cruz's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Kersikov tries to break free.
#T13#
Will Cruz go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Kersikov trying to control but not successfully.
Cruz is hanging on to Kersikov's back as he tries to escape.
#T14#
What can Kersikov do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!
Will Cruz go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Kersikov just trying to survive but Cruz is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
Cruz has good solid back control here.
Cruz wants to control but Kersikov is keeping busy.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz wins on points by 6 to 4.
A very excited looking Michael Cruz made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction. |
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Event:
CWC 315 - Kersikov vs Trump
Date: Jul 31, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the welterweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 16 wins and 9 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 26 wins and 25 losses; Juu Dyon!
The judges for this bout are Gwen Towbar, Robert Twigg and Alan Glass.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#TD2#
Cruz gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Dyon to score an easy takedown into full guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (0) vs (2) Dyon
Cruz wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Dyon preventing the sweep.
Cruz is controlling Dyon's posture.
Dyon wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz has his hands on Dyon's head, controlling the position.
Dyon seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Cruz will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz trying to control the position.
Dyon controls from within his opponent's guard. #T1#
Cruz keeping full guard, as Dyon tries to pass.
Dyon keeps trying to improve his position.
Cruz not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Dyon trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Dyon sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Cruz wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Dyon looking to pass the guard.
Dyon passes Cruz's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Cruz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.#T2#
Dyon content to control rather than advance.
Dyon seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Cruz does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Cruz keeping control of the position.
Cruz tries to roll over but Dyon keeps him under control.
The fighters are battling for position here. Cruz manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Cruz has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Dyon pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now. #T3#
Dyon won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Cruz wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck.
Dyon tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Dyon looking to sit in guard and control but Cruz gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (2) Dyon
Cruz passes easily into side control. Nice work. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (2) Dyon
Dyon looking for a sweep but Cruz has passed into full mount! Oh no! Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (7) vs (2) Dyon
Dyon slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Well, if Cruz is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
#T4#
Dyon is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz content to control rather than advance.
Dyon tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.
Cruz content to control rather than advance.
Cruz passes into side control, despite Dyon's attempt to control the position.
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (10) vs (2) Dyon
Dyon is looking for a sweep.#T5#
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Dyon trying to remain calm as Cruz controls from the top position.
Dyon is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Dyon struggling a bit here.
Dyon is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Cruz is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position. #T6#
Cruz moves into full mount! Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (12) vs (2) Dyon
Dyon is wriggling around here but as he tries to escape, Cruz has taken his back.
Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (15) vs (2) Dyon
Dyon wants to escape the position.
#T7#
Cruz is not going to allow Dyon to sit and survive in this position.
Cruz controlling well, preventing Dyon from escaping the position.
Dyon trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Cruz controls the position.
Dyon rolls, trying to escape but Cruz keeps control of the position.
Cruz slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
Dyon trying to control the action but Cruz just sinks the hooks in.
Dyon can't escape the position.
#T8#
Cruz is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.
Dyon tries to escape the position.
Cruz controls the position.
Dyon is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Dyon manages to reverse the position and now he's in Cruz's guard. Nice work there by Dyon.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (15) vs (4) Dyon
Cruz is controlling Dyon's posture.#T9#
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.
Dyon trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Dyon showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Dyon pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now.
Dyon is fighting to break Cruz's control of his arms but Cruz is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
My spies in The Sparring Cages inform me that Dyon has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Dyon controls from within his opponent's guard.
Cruz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Dyon trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T10#
Dyon won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Dyon is fighting to break Cruz's control of his arms but Cruz is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Dyon slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Cruz is trying to keep Dyon in close.
Cruz bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Dyon's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (17) vs (4) Dyon
Cruz not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Dyon working a defensive guard here.
#T11#
Dyon wants to sweep but no luck.
Dyon looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Cruz puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Cruz tries to pass to full mount but Dyon defends it.
Dyon is trying to control but can't.
Dyon is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Dyon trying to control here.
Cruz with a momentary lay and pray from half guard. #T12#
Cruz trying to mount his opponent but Dyon defends it.
Dyon controlling the position for now.
Dyon manages to get to full guard.
Cruz preventing the sweep.
Dyon controlling Cruz's posture.
Cruz sitting in guard, not really doing much. #T13#
Dyon is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Cruz is stalling in the full guard.
Cruz works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Cruz is thwarting Dyon's attempts to control the position.#T14#
Cruz trying to pass the guard but Dyon defending well.
Dyon is trying to control but can't.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Dyon is trying to get back to full guard.
Cruz tries to pass the half guard into mount. Dyon knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 17 to 4.
Michael Cruz thanked the fans post fight for their support. |
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Event:
CWC 314 - Zulu vs Silva Jr
Date: Jul 24, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Los Angeles, with a TWGC record of 16 wins and 10 losses; Muhammad Jabbar! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 16 wins and 8 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Robert Douchet and Trevor Gratis.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.
Cruz misses with a takedown attempt #TD#
and Jabbar counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Jabbar. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Jabbar (2) vs (0) Cruz
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Cruz looking to control but Jabbar passes into half guard.
#SUB#
Jabbar looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Jabbar prevents Cruz from improving his position.#T1#
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jabbar trying to pass the guard but Cruz defending well.
Cruz has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
Cruz makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Cruz.
Jabbar tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Jabbar controls from within his opponent's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T2#
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Cruz has his hands on Jabbar's head, controlling the position.
Jabbar is stalling in the full guard.
Jabbar pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now. #T3#
Cruz being controlled here, momentarily.
Cruz is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Jabbar not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up. #T4#
Cruz looking to control.
Jabbar controls from within his opponent's guard.
Jabbar wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Jabbar content to stall in guard here.
Cruz tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T5#
Cruz is adopting a defensive guard.
Jabbar wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.#T6#
Cruz being controlled here, momentarily.
Jabbar trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Cruz seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Jabbar won't allow Cruz to sweep him here. #T7#
Jabbar stands and throws Cruz's legs to the side, diving into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Jabbar (5) vs (0) Cruz
Cruz sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Cruz is looking to improve his position.
#T8#
Jabbar seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Cruz tries to roll over but Jabbar keeps him under control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Jabbar takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Jabbar is looking to advance position but Cruz won't allow it. #T9#
Cruz is concentrating on defense, preventing Jabbar from advancing position.
Cruz is staying active underneath Jabbar, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Jabbar is looking to advance position but Cruz won't allow it.
Jabbar is keen to just control but Cruz is a slippery customer.#T10#
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Jabbar has control of the leg.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Jabbar in particular looking to stall.
Jabbar wants to free his trapped foot but Cruz is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Jabbar has control of the leg.
Cruz has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Jabbar is working away from the top position though.#T11#
Cruz slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Jabbar pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now. #SUB2#
Cruz looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Cruz wants to sweep here but Jabbar controlling him for the moment. #T12#
Jabbar wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Cruz can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Jabbar controls the pace.#T13#
Cruz pulls Jabbar in close to his closed guard and prevents Jabbar from doing any damage or advancing position.#T14#
Jabbar won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Cruz has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
And that's the end of the fight!
Jabbar takes the fight on points by 5 to 0.
Muhammad Jabbar retains his middleweight title!
An out of breath Muhammad Jabbar thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
In defeat, Michael Cruz stepped up to the mic, saying 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 313 - Zulu vs Hirsch
Date: Jul 17, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 15 wins and 8 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 12 wins and 10 losses; Billy Turturro!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Paulo Santos and Edson Gomes.
Let's get this grappling contest under way! Who will be victorious?#CL#
Cruz has managed to clinch.
Cruz wants a takedown.
Turturro is defending well against a takedown attempt.#TD#
Cruz has clasped his hands together around Turturro's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done. Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Cruz (4) vs (0) Turturro
Cruz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Cruz is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Turturro will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Turturro struggling a bit here.
A lull in the action here as Cruz stalls from top position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Turturro tries to buck Cruz off but Cruz is having none of it.
Cruz controls the position from side control.
Turturro can't do much from the bottom here. #T1#
Turturro tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Cruz presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount! Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (6) vs (0) Turturro
Cruz controlling from mount.
Cruz avoids the attempt from Turturro to control.
Turturro can't escape the position.
Cruz controlling from mount. #T2#
Turturro reaches up and holds on to Cruz to control the position.
Turturro is working to get back to half guard.
Turturro tries to hold on but Cruz postures up.
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T3#
Cruz prevents Turturro from getting the reversal.
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Turturro is trying to reverse the position but instead Cruz has taken his back - oops! Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (9) vs (0) Turturro
Turturro trying to control the hands but Cruz won't let him. #T4#
Cruz trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Turturro doesn't escape.
Cruz is not going to allow Turturro to sit and survive in this position.
Cruz biding his time, looking for the opening.
#T5#
Turturro trying to control the position but Cruz manages to sink in the hooks.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
Cruz has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.#T6#
Turturro trying to control the action but Cruz just sinks the hooks in.
Turturro rolls, trying to escape but Cruz keeps control of the position.
A lull in the action here.
Good control from Cruz.#T7#
Turturro tries to escape the position.
Turturro is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Cruz biding his time, looking for the opening.
Turturro is in bad spot here.
Turturro is holding onto Cruz's left hand, preventing any choke attempts.
Cruz is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish. #T8#
I really don't envy Turturro right now.
Turturro trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Cruz is hanging on to Turturro's back as he tries to escape.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz controls the position.
Cruz avoiding Turturro 's attempts to control his hands. #T9#
Cruz controls the action.
Turturro tries to break free.
Turturro trying to control the hands but Cruz breaks the grip.
Cruz really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Turturro.
Turturro trying to control the hands but Cruz breaks the grip. #T10#
Cruz doesn't have the hooks in and Turturro manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (9) vs (2) Turturro
Cruz is pulling down on Turturro's head. It's preventing any offense from Turturro, at least for the moment.
My spies in Blacktalians MMA inform me that Turturro has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Turturro won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Turturro looking to pass the guard.
Turturro keeps trying to improve his position.
Cruz is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Cruz working a defensive guard here.
#T11#
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Turturro is one step ahead there.
Turturro wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Turturro stopping the sweep attempt from Cruz.
Turturro trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz wants to sweep here but Turturro controlling him for the moment.
Turturro trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T12#
Cruz wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Turturro won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Turturro being controlled here momentarily.
Turturro showing good wrestling skills to control the position. #T13#
Cruz controlling Turturro's posture.
Turturro trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB2#
Turturro thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Cruz pulls Turturro in close to his closed guard and prevents Turturro from doing any damage or advancing position.
Turturro stopping the sweep attempt from Cruz.#T14#
Cruz is pulling down on Turturro's head. It's preventing any offense from Turturro, at least for the moment.
Cruz might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Turturro stopping the sweep attempt from Cruz.
Cruz wants to hit a sweep here but Turturro passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Cruz there! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (9) vs (5) Turturro
Cruz working to try and regain half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Turturro sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 9 to 5.
A victorious Michael Cruz thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter. |
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Event:
CWC 312 - Simone vs Kersikov
Date: Jul 10, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 14 wins and 8 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Los Angeles, with a TWGC record of 4 wins and 3 losses; Patty O Reilly!
The judges for this bout are Radbod Blank, Paulsen Ambrosius and Patrick Alders.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.
Cruz goes for a double leg but O Reilly avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as O Reilly continues to drive forward.
We've been informed that O Reilly has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Cruz is working for takedown but O Reilly is calmly controlling the position for now.#TD#
Cruz has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but O Reilly regains guard immediately. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) O Reilly
O Reilly trying to keep a closed guard but Cruz is proving a slippery customer.
O Reilly looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
O Reilly is trying to control the position from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
O Reilly wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment.
Cruz slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard. #T1#
There's a bit of a scramble here and now O Reilly is on top in guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (2) O Reilly
O Reilly being controlled here momentarily.
Cruz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Cruz trying to keep a closed guard but O Reilly is proving a slippery customer.
O Reilly stopping the sweep attempt from Cruz.
Cruz keeping full guard, as O Reilly tries to pass.
Cruz is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control. #T2#
Cruz looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but O Reilly puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Cruz controlling the position for now.
O Reilly is pressing down on Cruz's thigh, looking to free his foot. Cruz is holding on for now.
Cruz tries to roll over but O Reilly keeps him under control.
O Reilly looking to pass the half guard. Not this time. #T3#
O Reilly looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
O Reilly trying to control the action but Cruz is working from the bottom.
O Reilly sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Cruz moves into full guard.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.
O Reilly forces his way into half guard.
O Reilly works his foot free and advances to mount. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (2) vs (5) O Reilly#T4#
O Reilly wants to take Cruz's back here but Cruz is holding on to an arm, himself looking to escape.
O Reilly avoids the attempt from Cruz to control.
O Reilly works his way to his opponent's back.
Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (2) vs (8) O Reilly
Cruz rolls, trying to escape but O Reilly keeps control of the position.
Cruz wants to control his opponent's hands but O Reilly gets his hands free.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
Cruz manages to reverse the position and now he's in O Reilly's guard. Nice work there by Cruz.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (4) vs (8) O Reilly
Cruz stopping the sweep attempt from O Reilly.#T5#
Cruz sitting in guard here, content to control.
O Reilly not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cruz controlling from the top position. #SUB2#
O Reilly looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Cruz has picked O Reilly up and slammed him! O Reilly can't keep hold of the triangle and Cruz manages to pass to side control! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (7) vs (8) O Reilly
O Reilly tries to improve position but can't.
O Reilly seems a little lost for a moment, as Cruz dominates the positioning.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
O Reilly is trying to control Cruz's posture but Cruz avoids it.
O Reilly is looking for a sweep.#T6#
O Reilly regains half guard.
Cruz is controlling the pace.
Cruz prevents O Reilly from improving his position.
O Reilly is trying to maintain the position but Cruz is very close to passing his half guard.
O Reilly is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.#T7#
O Reilly is still trying to improve position.
O Reilly keeps trying to improve his position.
O Reilly trying to hold on to Cruz's head to control him but Cruz postures up.
O Reilly tries to get to full guard but Cruz has control of the leg.
Cruz sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Cruz is thwarting O Reilly's attempts to control the position.#T8#
O Reilly slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
O Reilly trying to control the position.
O Reilly is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (7) vs (10) O Reilly
O Reilly is looking to stall here but Cruz recovers full guard.
O Reilly stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard. #T9#
Cruz is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Cruz is trying to control the position from the bottom.
O Reilly trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz has O Reilly pulled in close to control his posture. #T10#
O Reilly stays in close to Cruz's body and controls the position.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but O Reilly is one step ahead there.
O Reilly tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Cruz is on top in guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (9) vs (10) O Reilly
Cruz postures up.
Cruz seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up. #T11#
O Reilly trying to keep a closed guard but Cruz is proving a slippery customer.
Cruz is pushing down on O Reilly's leg trying to pass to half guard. O Reilly is fighting to maintain full guard but Cruz has managed to sneak the leg through.
Cruz trying to control the pace.
O Reilly controlling the position well.
O Reilly wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
#T12#
O Reilly is trying to control but Cruz manages to pass to mount!
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (12) vs (10) O Reilly
O Reilly keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
O Reilly is trying to reverse the position but instead Cruz has taken his back - oops! Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (15) vs (10) O Reilly
Cruz just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
#T13#
O Reilly trying to control the action but Cruz just sinks the hooks in.
Cruz keeps control of the position easily here as O Reilly tries to buck him off.
Cruz wants to control but O Reilly is keeping busy.#T14#
O Reilly tries to roll but Cruz sticks to his back.
O Reilly trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Cruz biding his time, looking for the opening.
Cruz's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
I really don't envy O Reilly right now.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
O Reilly turns into Cruz and is now in his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (15) vs (12) O Reilly
O Reilly trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
O Reilly won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 15 to 12.
After winning the bout, Michael Cruz thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility. |
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Event:
CWC 311 - Steel vs Simone
Date: Jul 03, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 14 wins and 7 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Los Angeles, with a TWGC record of 13 wins and 10 losses; Muhammad Jabbar!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Don Winkell and Jack Bonds.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.#CL#
Cruz has managed to clinch.
Jabbar tries for a takedown but Cruz manages to get underhooks.
Cruz gets underhooks to prevent Jabbar's takedown attempt.
Cruz drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Jabbar gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Cruz drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Jabbar gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Jabbar is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Cruz is defending well.
Cruz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Michael Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Muhammad Jabbar.
Cruz goes for a takedown attempt but Jabbar pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
#CL#
Cruz moves into the clinch successfully.
#TD#
Cruz has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Jabbar regains guard immediately. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Jabbar
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jabbar is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Jabbar keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully. #T1#
Jabbar seems keen to control Cruz's posture.
Cruz stopping the sweep attempt from Jabbar.#SUB2#
Cruz has a momentary lapse of concentration, allowing Jabbar to throw up a leg and lock on what appears to be a pretty tight triangle! Cruz is fighting it off but it's all too little too late - Jabbar pulls down on the head and he's put Cruz to sleep! This one is all over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:51 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Muhammad Jabbar!
Muhammad Jabbar seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
In defeat, Michael Cruz stepped up to the mic, saying 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 310 - Peterson vs Zulu
Date: Jun 26, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 14 wins and 6 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Helsinki, with a TWGC record of 18 wins and 10 losses; Bo Nickal!
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, Columbo Gatti and John Kavanagh.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.
Nickal keeps the fight on the outside.
Cruz gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily #CL2#
and Nickal holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Cruz tries to score a body lock takedown but Nickal shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Cruz is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Nickal pulls him back up using the underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Michael Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cruz is trying to drag Nickal to the mat but Nickal just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.#TD2#
Nickal turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control! Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Cruz (0) vs (4) Nickal
Cruz being controlled for a moment.
Cruz is not content to let Nickal control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nickal is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Cruz's shoulder. That is not cool.
Nickal working away.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T1#
Cruz is trying to improve his position.
Cruz manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Nickal keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
Nickal content to control rather than advance.
Nickal wants to control but Cruz is keeping him busy.
Cruz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.#T2#
Cruz is concentrating on defense, preventing Nickal from advancing position.
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Nickal has control of the leg.
Nickal tries to pass to full mount but Cruz defends it.
Cruz tries to roll over but Nickal keeps him under control.
Cruz trying to control but Nickal postures up.
Nickal tries to pass to full mount but Cruz defends it.
Cruz wants to get back to full guard.#T3#
Cruz trying to hold on to Nickal's head to control him but Nickal postures up.
Cruz wants to improve his position but Nickal is controlling well.
Cruz trying to control here.
Nickal controlling the action here.
It looks like Nickal might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.#T4#
Cruz wants to get back to full guard.
Nickal looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Nickal trying to mount his opponent but Cruz defends it.
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
Nickal wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working. #T5#
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Cruz is not content to let Nickal control the position.
Cruz moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Nickal tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Nickal sitting in guard here, content to control.
Cruz is trying to control the position but Nickal postures up. #T6#
Nickal sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Cruz's guard.
Nickal is looking to stall here but Cruz recovers full guard.
Cruz keeping full guard, as Nickal tries to pass.
Nickal is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Cruz is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Cruz wants to improve his position but instead Nickal has moved into half guard.
We've been informed that Nickal has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Nickal perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there. #T7#
Nickal wants to control but Cruz is keeping him busy.
Cruz tries to roll over but Nickal keeps him under control.
Cruz has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Nickal is working away from the top position though.
Cruz gets full guard.
Nickal wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Nickal is pushing down on Cruz's leg trying to pass to half guard. Cruz is fighting to maintain full guard but Nickal has managed to sneak the leg through.
Nickal perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Cruz wants to get back to full guard but Nickal has passed into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (0) vs (7) Nickal
Cruz sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.#T8#
Nickal with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Cruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Cruz regains full guard. Nicely done.
Nickal slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #T9#
Nickal's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Nickal trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz is trying to hold Nickal in close to prevent damage but Nickal has managed to pass into half guard.
Nickal trying to pass the guard but Cruz defending well.
Cruz wants to get back to full guard.
Cruz is trying to control but Nickal manages to pass to mount!
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (0) vs (10) Nickal
Cruz is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
#T10#
Cruz tries to lock up and control but Nickal gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Nickal controlling the position easily from mount. #SUB2#
Nickal with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Cruz is looking to improve his position but Nickal isn't that keen on the idea.
Cruz is controlling an arm, preventing Nickal from taking his back. Although keeping him in mount is no better to be honest.
#T11#
Nickal manages to capitalize on a mistake by Cruz to take his back! Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (0) vs (13) Nickal
Cruz tries to break free.
Cruz is keeping busy.
Nickal has the hooks in. Cruz is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted. #SUB2#
Cruz defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Nickal's arms.
Nickal gets his hands free as Cruz looks to control. #T12#
Nickal controls the position.
Cruz tries to escape but Nickal has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Cruz trying to control the hands but Nickal won't let him. #SUB2#
Nickal working for a choke but Cruz is defending well.
Nickal controls the action.#T13#
Let's hope that Nickal has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Cruz rolls, trying to escape but Nickal keeps control of the position.
Nickal is not going to allow Cruz to sit and survive in this position.
Nickal is looking to control Cruz but Cruz is wriggling around and keeping busy. #T14#
Nickal controls the position.#SUB2#
Nickal tightening his grip on Cruz, looking for the choke.
Nickal controlling well, preventing Cruz from escaping the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
And that's the end of the fight!
Nickal wins on points by 13 to 0.
Bo Nickal seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
The defeated Michael Cruz had this to say: 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 309 - Cruz vs Trump
Date: Jun 19, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 14 wins and 5 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 26 wins and 13 losses; Donald Trump!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Chris Downing and Stewart Dunkirk.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.#CL#
Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Trump.#TD2#
Trump has hold of one of Cruz's legs. Cruz is fighting the takedown attempt but Trump gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (0) vs (2) Trump
Trump postures up.
Trump showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Cruz trying to control the position.
Trump wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Trump looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz pulls Trump in close to prevent any damage.
Trump looking to control the position here, rather than advance. #T1#
Trump trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Trump controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Cruz trying to control the position.
Trump wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
My spies in Nap or Tap inform me that Trump has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!#T2#
Trump wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Cruz looking to control.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Trump from controlling successfully.
Trump is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Cruz keeping full guard, as Trump tries to pass. #T3#
Trump stays in close to Cruz's body and controls the position.
Trump trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Cruz can't keep his opponent in guard - Trump advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Trump wants to pass the guard but Cruz is defending well.
Cruz is trying to control but can't.
Still in half guard, Trump seems content to control.
Cruz trying to control from the bottom.
Trump 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.
Cruz controlling the position well. #T4#
Trump with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Cruz controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Trump has control of the leg.
Cruz trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Trump manages to pass to mount!
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (0) vs (5) Trump
Trump prevents Cruz from getting the reversal.#T5#
Trump wants to control the pace but Cruz is squirming around nicely.
Cruz is wriggling around trying to escape.
Trump trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Cruz has given up his back here.
Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (0) vs (8) Trump
Cruz can't escape the position.
#SUB2#
Trump is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
Trump is riding his opponent, not letting Cruz buck him off.
Cruz wants to control his opponent's hands but Trump gets his hands free.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T6#
Trump trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
#SUB2#
Cruz is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
Cruz manages to reverse the position and now he's in Trump's guard. Nice work there by Cruz.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (8) Trump
Trump trying to control the position.
#SUB2#
Trump working for submissions but it's allowed Cruz to get to half guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Cruz in particular looking to stall.#T7#
Trump manages to get to full guard.
#SUB2#
Trump throws his legs up looking for a submission but Cruz uses it to pass to side control.
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (8) Trump
Trump is looking for a sweep.
Trump stops Cruz from passing to mount.
Cruz controlling from side mount. #T8#
Cruz trying to control the position but Trump is working away.
Trump holds on to Cruz's head and controls the position momentarily.
Cruz is staying tight to Trump's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Cruz is looking to take a break and control but Trump is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #T9#
Trump is letting Cruz control him for a moment.
Cruz wants to take a breather but Trump manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Cruz.
Trump managing to control the position. #T10#
Cruz postures up.
Trump is adopting a defensive guard.
Trump being controlled here, momentarily.
Trump pulls Cruz in close to prevent any damage. #SUB2#
Trump looking for a guillotine here but Cruz defends easily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T11#
Trump not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Trump is controlling Cruz's posture.
Cruz slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard. #T12#
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Trump is retaining full guard.
Trump pulls Cruz in close to prevent any damage.
Trump is trying to control the position but Cruz postures up.
Trump is trying to hold Cruz in close to prevent damage but Cruz has managed to pass into half guard.
Trump tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.
Trump slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.#T13#
Cruz stays in close to Trump's body and controls the position.
Cruz won't allow Trump to sweep him here. #SUB2#
Trump is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Cruz is aware though and is defending well.
Cruz stopping the sweep attempt from Trump.
Cruz advances to half guard.
Trump trying to control but Cruz postures up.
#T14#
Cruz is looking to advance position but Trump won't allow it.
Trump is looking to control Cruz's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Trump avoid being mounted?
Trump wants to control but Cruz passes into side.
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (8) vs (8) Trump
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz laying and praying for a moment but Trump takes advantage and regains half guard.
And that's the end of the fight!
As we have tied on points, we go to a tie breaker and Trump gets a bonus point for attempting more subs.
Trump wins on points by 9 to 8.
Donald Trump is the new middleweight champion!
A victorious Donald Trump thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
Michael Cruz was interviewed post fight and said 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 308 - Cruz vs Jabbar
Date: Jun 12, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 13 wins and 5 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 3 wins and 2 losses; Wilky Pierre!
The judges for this bout are Trevor Gratis, Yves DeLean and Alec Ball.
Let's get this grappling contest under way! Who will be victorious?#TD#
Pierre tries to sprawl but Cruz drives through with a takedown into half guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Pierre
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz stalling.
Cruz prevents Pierre from improving his position.
Cruz is looking to advance position but Pierre won't allow it.
Cruz performing his best blanket impression for a moment. #SUB2#
Pierre is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Cruz pulls his head out easily.
Pierre wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB2#
Pierre actively working from the bottom here.
Pierre wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
#T1#
Cruz controlling the action here.#SUB2#
Pierre looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Pierre is looking to get back to full guard here but Cruz has managed to pass to side control instead. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (0) Pierre
Pierre gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Well, if Cruz is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Cruz prevents Pierre from improving his position.#T2#
Pierre trying to hold on to Cruz's head to control him but Cruz postures up.
Cruz tries to pass the half guard into mount. Pierre knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Pierre is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Cruz's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Cruz's back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Cruz (5) vs (4) Pierre#SUB2#
Pierre has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
Cruz turns into Pierre and is now in his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (7) vs (4) Pierre
Pierre has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Cruz has passed into side control.
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (10) vs (4) Pierre
Cruz is looking to take a break and control but Pierre is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Pierre is positioning himself to get back to half guard. #T3#
Pierre wants to control but Cruz postures up.
Pierre tries to buck Cruz off but Cruz is having none of it.
Cruz just content to control the position.
Cruz seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Pierre for as long as he can get away with.
Pierre tries to bench press Cruz off him but Cruz keeps the position.
We've been informed that Pierre has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Pierre gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there! Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (12) vs (4) Pierre
Pierre can't escape the position.
#T4#
Cruz controlling from the full mount.
Pierre tries to reverse the position but Cruz maintains control.
Cruz wants to take Pierre's back here but Pierre is holding on to an arm, himself looking to escape.
Pierre tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Pierre is still trying to improve position.
Pierre keeps trying to improve his position.#T5#
Cruz looking to control and managing it successfully.
Pierre is looking to improve his position but Cruz isn't that keen on the idea.
Pierre is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Pierre gets back to half guard.
Cruz not doing much here.
#T6#
Pierre is trying to control but can't.
Pierre is trying to control but Cruz passes into side control!
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (15) vs (4) Pierre
Pierre is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Cruz off and has taken his back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Cruz (15) vs (8) Pierre#SUB2#
Pierre is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Cruz has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here. #SUB2#
Pierre is looking for a choke. Cruz gets to his feet with his opponent on his back and slams him to the mat. Cruz manages to squirm out of the attempted choke and turns into his opponent's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (17) vs (8) Pierre
Pierre manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Cruz manages to get himself to full guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (17) vs (10) Pierre
Pierre pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now. #T7#
Cruz can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Pierre controls the pace.
Cruz trying to control the position here.
Pierre stands and throws Cruz's legs to the side, diving into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (17) vs (13) Pierre
Cruz tries to bench press Pierre off him but Pierre keeps the position.
Cruz is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Cruz moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Cruz wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Pierre trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T8#
Cruz keeping full guard, as Pierre tries to pass.
Pierre wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Pierre preventing the sweep.
Pierre trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom. #T9#
Cruz pulls Pierre in close to prevent any damage. #SUB2#
Pierre has gone for a leg lock! Cruz slips out almost immediately though and dives into Pierre's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (19) vs (13) Pierre
Cruz's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Cruz slips nicely into half guard.
Cruz slows the pace down in half guard.
Pierre wants to get back to full guard.#T10#
Pierre wants to get back to full guard but Cruz has mounted him! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (22) vs (13) Pierre
Pierre tries to reverse the position but Cruz maintains control.
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Pierre is desperately trying to improve his position but Cruz has a good base and remains in mount.
Pierre tries to lock up and control but Cruz gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz controlling from the full mount.
Pierre is looking to improve his position but Cruz isn't that keen on the idea.
Pierre looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back! Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (25) vs (13) Pierre
I really don't envy Pierre right now.
#T11#
Cruz has good solid back control here.
Pierre tries to break free.
Pierre is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Cruz.
Pierre is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Pierre trying to control the hands but Cruz won't let him.
Pierre tries to escape the position.
Cruz slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
#T12#
Cruz controlling well, preventing Pierre from escaping the position.
Cruz controlling from the back.
Cruz is hanging on to Pierre's back as he tries to escape.
Cruz controlling from the back.
Pierre just trying to survive but Cruz is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
Pierre turns into Cruz and is now in his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (25) vs (15) Pierre#T13#
Cruz controlling the position.
Cruz has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Pierre is one step ahead there.
Pierre showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Cruz managing to control the position.
Pierre passes easily into side control. Nice work. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (25) vs (18) Pierre#T14#
Pierre trying to control the action but Cruz is working from the bottom. #SUB2#
Pierre tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Pierre has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought! #SUB2#
Pierre wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Cruz, who protects the arm well.
Cruz gets back to half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!#SUB2#
Pierre is looking for a kimura here.
Cruz is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at SSJ Gym, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Cruz wants to improve his position but Pierre is controlling well.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 25 to 18.
Michael Cruz retains his middleweight title!
After winning the bout, Michael Cruz thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility. |
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Event:
CWC 307 - Cruz vs Nickal
Date: Jun 05, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 12 wins and 5 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Helsinki, with a TWGC record of 17 wins and 9 losses; Bo Nickal!
The judges for this bout are Mauricio Rocha, Emerson Jorge and Felipe Paraventi.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL#
Cruz darts in and clinches Nickal up against the cage.
Cruz is working for takedown but Nickal is calmly controlling the position for now.#TD#
Cruz gets a trip takedown into half guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Nickal
Nickal is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Cruz wants to free his trapped foot but Nickal is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Cruz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Nickal wants to get back to full guard.
Cruz looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nickal tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.#T1#
Nickal wants to control the action here but instead Cruz manages to pass to full mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (0) Nickal
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Nickal wants to control but Cruz is having none of it.
Nickal is looking to get to half guard.#T2#
Cruz fails to take his opponent's back.
Nickal is wriggling around trying to escape.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz looking to control and managing it successfully.
Nickal regains half guard.
Cruz is looking to take a break and control but Nickal is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #T3#
Nickal holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Nickal is looking to control Cruz's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Nickal avoid being mounted?
Cruz trying to mount his opponent but Nickal defends it.
Nickal moves into full guard.
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Nickal is retaining full guard. #T4#
Cruz controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Nickal keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully.
Nickal tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Nickal controlling Cruz's posture. #T5#
Cruz not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Nickal is keeping the position.
Cruz trying to move into half guard but instead Nickal has managed to sweep! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (5) vs (2) Nickal#T6#
Cruz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Cruz bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Nickal's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (7) vs (2) Nickal
Nickal is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.#T7#
Nickal is controlling Cruz's posture.
Nickal is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
We've been informed that Nickal has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Cruz's corner is telling him to maintain position.#T8#
Nickal looking for a sweep. Not yet Nickal, not yet.
Nickal controlling the position.
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Nickal is retaining full guard.
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. #T9#
Cruz postures up.
Cruz sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Cruz won't allow Nickal to sweep him here.
Cruz engaging in some classic timewasting tactics. #T10#
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Nickal swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cruz forces his way into half guard.
Nickal wants to get back to full guard.
Cruz is figuring out what he wants to do next.#T11#
Nickal preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Cruz wants to pass to mount but Nickal is defending the position.
Cruz with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Cruz trying to mount his opponent but Nickal defends it. #T12#
Cruz with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Cruz's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Cruz seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Nickal for as long as he can get away with.
Nickal wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
#T13#
Cruz sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Nickal is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz is looking to take a break and control but Nickal is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Cruz content to control rather than advance. #T14#
Nickal wants to get back to full guard.
Cruz is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Cruz uses his free foot to push down on Nickal's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Nickal. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (10) vs (2) Nickal
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Nickal is working to get back to half guard.
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 10 to 2.
Michael Cruz retains his middleweight title!
Michael Cruz seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website. |
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Event:
CWC 306 - Prelims
Date: May 29, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 11 wins and 5 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 9 wins and 7 losses; Billy Turturro!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Robert Twigg and Stewart Dunkirk.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL#
Cruz takes the fight into the clinch.
Turturro prevents the takedown attempt.
Cruz is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Turturro gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Cruz drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Turturro gets the underhooks and prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Michael Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Turturro tries for a takedown but Cruz manages to get underhooks.
Cruz prevents the takedown attempt.
Turturro wants a takedown.
Cruz can't get the takedown.
#TD#
Turturro is fighting off a takedown attempt but Cruz is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Turturro to the mat. Turturro regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Turturro
Turturro manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Cruz manages to get himself to full guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (2) Turturro
Cruz has control of Turturro's left arm, preventing Turturro from doing any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Turturro wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz looking to control but Turturro passes into half guard.
#SUB2#
Turturro is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
#T1#
Turturro trying to mount his opponent but Cruz defends it. #SUB2#
Turturro is working for a submission of some sort.
Cruz's coaches at SSJ Gym 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.#SUB2#
Turturro wants to work for an arm triangle but Cruz is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
#SUB2#
Turturro is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Cruz works his way to full guard. Good work.#T2#
Turturro preventing the sweep.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Turturro from controlling successfully.
Cruz bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Turturro's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (4) vs (2) Turturro
Cruz won't allow Turturro to sweep him here. #SUB2#
Turturro working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Cruz has passed into half guard!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Turturro is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz wants to free his trapped foot but Turturro is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Cruz is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.#T3#
Turturro is trying is best to control the position here. #SUB2#
Cruz moves into side control, avoiding a weak kimura attempt from Turturro. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (7) vs (2) Turturro
Cruz taking a breather here.
Turturro sneaks back into half guard.#T4#
Cruz controlling the pace.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Cruz wants to free his trapped foot but Turturro is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Cruz content to control rather than advance.
Turturro tries to get to full guard but Cruz has control of the leg. #T5#
Cruz passes into side control, despite Turturro's attempt to control the position.
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (10) vs (2) Turturro
Cruz controls the position.
Turturro regains half guard.#T6#
Cruz is taking a breather. Turturro 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.
Turturro trying to control from the bottom.
Turturro tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Cruz has advanced to mount. Uh oh. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (13) vs (2) Turturro
Cruz content just to control the position here. #T7#
Turturro tries to control Cruz's body but Cruz pushes him off. Turturro squirms to his side and now Cruz has his back! Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (16) vs (2) Turturro
Cruz just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
#T8#
Turturro wants to control his opponent's hands but Cruz gets his hands free.
Turturro is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Cruz is staying active.
Turturro looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Turturro breaks Cruz's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (16) vs (4) Turturro
Cruz controlling the position.#T9#
Turturro pushes down on Cruz's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Cruz is staying active underneath Turturro, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB2#
Turturro is looking for a kimura here.
#SUB2#
Turturro is looking for a kimura but Cruz is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Turturro to get the leverage.
Cruz wants to improve his position but Turturro is controlling well.
#SUB2#
Turturro seems to be looking for submissions.
Cruz is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Turturro's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Turturro's back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Cruz (20) vs (4) Turturro#T10#
Cruz is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.
Cruz avoiding Turturro 's attempts to control his hands.
Cruz controlling well, preventing Turturro from escaping the position.
Cruz not allowing Turturro to control his hands.
Cruz has good solid back control here. #T11#
Turturro tries to escape but Cruz has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Turturro trying to control the action but Cruz just sinks the hooks in.
Turturro is being controlled on the ground here - he must escape this position otherwise surely the end is near.
#T12#
Cruz seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Turturro for as long as he can get away with.
Turturro trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Cruz just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
#T13#
Turturro tries to escape the position.
Turturro wants to control his opponent's hands but Cruz gets his hands free.
I would not like to be Turturro right now.
Cruz continues to stall.
Turturro trying to control but not successfully.
Cruz is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish. #T14#
More hug and hope from Cruz.
Turturro can't escape the position.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 20 to 4.
Michael Cruz retains his middleweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Michael Cruz thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him. |
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Event:
CWC 305
Date: May 22, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 10 wins and 5 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 21 wins and 17 losses; Sid Murrdock!
The judges for this bout are Mauricio Rocha, Leandro Rodrigues and Felipe Paraventi.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL#
Cruz clinches up against the cage.
Cruz has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Murrdock avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Cruz goes for a takedown in the clinch but Murrdock prevents it.
#TD#
Cruz lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Murrdock
Cruz not doing much here.
Cruz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Murrdock trying to control here.
Cruz controlling the pace.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Murrdock is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz sitting and controlling from the half guard. #T1#
Murrdock is concentrating on defense, preventing Cruz from advancing position.
Cruz slows the pace down in half guard.
Murrdock tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.
Murrdock moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.#T2#
Cruz won't allow Murrdock to sweep him here.
Murrdock managing to control the position.
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Murrdock swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Murrdock controls Cruz momentarily but Cruz frees himself. #T3#
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Murrdock is on top in guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (2) Murrdock
Cruz trying to control the position.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Murrdock is one step ahead there.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Murrdock from controlling successfully.
Murrdock wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Murrdock trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom. #T4#
Cruz manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Murrdock manages to get himself to full guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (4) vs (2) Murrdock
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Murrdock swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Murrdock is adopting a defensive guard.
Murrdock looking to control.
#T5#
Murrdock looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
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.
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Murrdock is retaining full guard.
Murrdock trying to control the position here.
Let's hope that Murrdock has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Cruz engaging in some classic timewasting tactics. #T6#
Cruz preventing the sweep.
Murrdock bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Cruz's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (4) vs (4) Murrdock
Cruz not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cruz is pulling down on Murrdock's head. It's preventing any offense from Murrdock, at least for the moment.
Cruz controls Murrdock momentarily but Murrdock frees himself.
Murrdock trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #T7#
Cruz is adopting a defensive guard.
Cruz keeping full guard, as Murrdock tries to pass.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Murrdock from controlling successfully.
Cruz looking to control.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.
Murrdock wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.#T8#
Murrdock keeps trying to improve his position.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Murrdock from controlling successfully.
Murrdock engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Cruz has control of Murrdock's left arm, preventing Murrdock from doing any damage.
Murrdock pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now. #T9#
Cruz pulls Murrdock in to control the position.
Cruz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Cruz has Murrdock pulled in close to control his posture.
Cruz keeping full guard, as Murrdock tries to pass.
Cruz is pulling down on Murrdock's head. It's preventing any offense from Murrdock, at least for the moment.
Murrdock trying to move into half guard but instead Cruz has managed to sweep! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (6) vs (4) Murrdock#T10#
Murrdock is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Cruz forces his way into half guard.
Cruz stalling.
Murrdock controlling the position well. #T11#
Murrdock wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy.
Murrdock moves into full guard.
Cruz trying to move into half guard but instead Murrdock has managed to sweep! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (6) vs (6) Murrdock
Cruz pulls Murrdock in close to prevent any damage.
Murrdock pushing down on Cruz's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Murrdock has control of the leg. #T12#
Murrdock wants to pass the guard but Cruz is defending well.
Murrdock wants to control but Cruz is keeping him busy.
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Murrdock has control of the leg.
Cruz is concentrating on defense, preventing Murrdock from advancing position.
The fighters are battling for position here. Cruz manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Murrdock wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Cruz trying to keep a closed guard but Murrdock is proving a slippery customer.
Cruz is pulling down on Murrdock's head to control his posture.
Murrdock wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving. #T13#
Cruz is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Murrdock trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Murrdock stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Murrdock is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Murrdock stopping the sweep attempt from Cruz.
Cruz is trying to control the position but Murrdock postures up.
Murrdock tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard. #T14#
Murrdock is fighting to break Cruz's control of his arms but Cruz is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Murrdock wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!#SUB#
Cruz looking for a guillotine here but Murrdock defends easily.
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck.
And that's the end of the fight!
As we have tied on points, we go to a tie breaker and Cruz gets a bonus point for attempting more subs.
Cruz takes the fight on points by 7 to 6.
Michael Cruz retains his middleweight title!
Michael Cruz decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well. |
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Event:
CWC 304 - Silva Jr vs Sparxx
Date: May 15, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 9 wins and 5 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 24 wins and 11 losses; Donald Trump!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Percy O'Donnell and Timothy Bukovac.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.#TD2#
Cruz gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Trump to score an easy takedown into full guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (0) vs (2) Trump
Cruz working a defensive guard here.
Trump 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.
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz controlling the position.
Cruz's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Trump preventing the sweep.
Trump's corner is telling him to maintain position.#T1#
Cruz is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Trump trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Cruz manages to land a sweep and now he's on top! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (2) Trump
Trump not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cruz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Trump is keeping the position for now.
Trump looking for a sweep. Not yet Trump, not yet.
Trump managing to control the position. #SUB2#
Trump looking for a guillotine here but Cruz defends easily.
#T2#
Cruz is fighting to break Trump's control of his arms but Trump is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Trump controls Cruz momentarily but Cruz frees himself.
Trump looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Cruz looking to pass the guard.
Trump trying to keep a closed guard but Cruz is proving a slippery customer.
#T3#
Trump is controlling Cruz's posture.
Trump's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Cruz slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Trump seems keen to control Cruz's posture.#T4#
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Trump is keeping the position.
Trump is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Trump looking to control.
Cruz controls from within his opponent's guard. #SUB2#
Trump is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Cruz defends well.#T5##SUB2#
Cruz avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Trump looking to control.
Cruz content to stall in guard here.
Trump looking to control.
#T6#
Cruz is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Trump pulls Cruz in close to his closed guard and prevents Cruz from doing any damage or advancing position.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Trump keeps moving.
Cruz postures up.
#T7#
Trump is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Trump can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cruz controls the pace.
Trump wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now. #SUB2#
Trump looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Cruz passes into side control.
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (2) Trump
Cruz moves into full mount! Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (7) vs (2) Trump#T8#
Cruz trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Trump is wriggling around here but as he tries to escape, Cruz has taken his back.
Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (10) vs (2) Trump
Trump tries to escape the position.
Trump is still trying to improve position.#T9#
Trump tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Trump really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Trump prevents Cruz from taking his back.
Trump tries to lock up and control but Cruz gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Cruz prevents Trump from getting the reversal.
Cruz is trying to take his opponent's back.
Trump tries to lock up and control but Cruz gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.#T10#
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Trump holds on to Cruz as tight as he can, avoiding damage.
Trump regains half guard.
Trump wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
Cruz trying to control the pace.
Trump is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Cruz jumps into side control! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (13) vs (2) Trump#T11#
Cruz controlling the position.
Trump wants to control but Cruz postures up.
Trump tries to buck Cruz off but Cruz is having none of it.
Cruz trying to control the action but Trump is working from the bottom. #T12#
Trump is trying to improve his position.
Trump stops Cruz from passing to mount.
Cruz trying to control the position but Trump is working away.
Trump looks to move to half guard but instead Cruz has passed into mount! Damn! Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (15) vs (2) Trump
Trump is writhing around trying to get back to his feet. #T13#
Trump tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Cruz trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Trump working to try and regain half guard.
Cruz sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Trump tries to hold on but Cruz pushes him away. #T14#
Trump is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Cruz is staying active.
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Trump bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (15) vs (4) Trump
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Trump is pushing down on Cruz's leg trying to pass to half guard. Cruz is fighting to maintain full guard but Trump has managed to sneak the leg through.
Cruz wants to control but Trump is keeping busy.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 15 to 4.
Michael Cruz retains his middleweight title!
Michael Cruz thanked the fans post fight for their support. |
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Event:
CWC 303 - Priest vs Jackson
Date: May 08, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 46 wins and 30 losses; Vulcahn Dravezesdi! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 8 wins and 5 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Igor Prikhodko and Viktor Lagutenko.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.
Cruz throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Dravezesdi's waist but Dravezesdi gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Cruz off to one side.
Dravezesdi changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Nice takedown defense from Dravezesdi. No joy for Cruz on that attempt. #TD#
Dravezesdi shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Cruz manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Dravezesdi (2) vs (0) Cruz
Dravezesdi works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Cruz tries to roll over but Dravezesdi keeps him under control.
Dravezesdi trying to control the action but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz is trying to maintain the position but Dravezesdi is very close to passing his half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dravezesdi wants to take a breather but Cruz is having none of it.
Dravezesdi 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.
Dravezesdi is looking to advance position but Cruz won't allow it. #T1#
Dravezesdi is working hard here to advance position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Dravezesdi wants to control but Cruz is keeping him busy.
Cruz slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Cruz bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Dravezesdi's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Dravezesdi (2) vs (2) Cruz
Dravezesdi is trying to keep Cruz in close.
Cruz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Dravezesdi is keeping the position for now.
Dravezesdi looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there. #T2#
Cruz sitting in guard here, content to control.
Dravezesdi is pulling down on Cruz's head to control his posture.
Dravezesdi might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Cruz works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Dravezesdi tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.#T3#
Dravezesdi keeping control of the position.
Dravezesdi tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.
Dravezesdi is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Roosters Coop, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Cruz wants to pass to mount but Dravezesdi is defending the position.
Dravezesdi is looking to improve his position.
#T4#
Cruz wants to pass to mount but Dravezesdi is defending the position.
Dravezesdi is looking to improve his position.
Cruz trying to control the pace. #T5#
Dravezesdi is looking to improve his position.
Cruz controlling the action here.
Dravezesdi wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy.
Dravezesdi tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.#T6#
Cruz is controlling the pace.
Cruz is pressing down on Dravezesdi's thigh, looking to free his foot. Dravezesdi is holding on for now. #T7#
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Cruz in particular looking to stall.
Cruz wants to lay and pray for a moment but Dravezesdi keeps working.
Dravezesdi is looking to improve his position.
Dravezesdi is trying to control but can't.
Cruz slows the pace down in half guard. #T8#
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Dravezesdi is defending well.
Dravezesdi is trying to get back to full guard.
Dravezesdi gets full guard.#SUB#
Dravezesdi looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Cruz passes into half guard.
Dravezesdi is trying to control but can't.
#T9#
Dravezesdi is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Cruz is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Dravezesdi is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Dravezesdi gets back to full guard.
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Cruz's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.#T10##SUB#
Dravezesdi looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Cruz won't allow Dravezesdi to sweep him here.
Cruz looking to pass the guard.
Cruz won't allow Dravezesdi to sweep him here.
Cruz passes Dravezesdi's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Cruz is trying to control. Dravezesdi wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Dravezesdi trying to control but Cruz postures up.
Dravezesdi tries to roll over but Cruz keeps him under control.#T11#
Dravezesdi slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Cruz passes easily into side control. Nice work. Score +3 for passing guard: Dravezesdi (2) vs (5) Cruz
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
Cruz is looking to take a break and control but Dravezesdi is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Dravezesdi manages to get one leg in to regain half guard. #T12#
Cruz not doing much here.
Cruz works his foot free and advances to mount. Score +3 for passing guard: Dravezesdi (2) vs (8) Cruz
Cruz looking to control and managing it successfully. #T13#
Dravezesdi is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Dravezesdi tries to hold on but Cruz postures up.
Cruz tries to control but Dravezesdi wriggling away.
Cruz takes Dravezesdi's back. Score +3 for taking back: Dravezesdi (2) vs (11) Cruz
Cruz is hanging on to Dravezesdi's back as he tries to escape.
Cruz is riding his opponent, not letting Dravezesdi buck him off. #T14#
Cruz controlling well, preventing Dravezesdi from escaping the position.
Dravezesdi trying to control the position but Cruz manages to sink in the hooks.
You can see the frustration on Dravezesdi's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Good control from Cruz.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz wins on points by 11 to 2.
Michael Cruz is the new middleweight champion!
A relieved looking Michael 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. |
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Event:
CWC 302 - Simone vs Ottke
Date: Apr 17, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 7 wins and 5 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 8 wins and 6 losses; Billy Turturro!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, George Francis and Chris Downing.
Let's get this grappling contest under way! Who will be victorious?#CL#
Cruz takes the fight into the clinch.
Turturro looking for a takedown. #TD#
Cruz wants the takedown. Turturro is fighting it off but Cruz persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Turturro's guard against the cage. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Turturro
Turturro trying to keep a closed guard but Cruz is proving a slippery customer.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Turturro is on top in guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (2) Turturro
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Turturro postures up.
#SUB#
Cruz is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Turturro looking to pass the guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz managing to control the position. #T1#
Turturro looking to pass the guard.
Cruz is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Turturro won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Cruz not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
#SUB2#
Turturro has gone for a leg lock! Cruz slips out almost immediately though and dives into Turturro's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (4) vs (2) Turturro
Cruz is stalling in the full guard. #T2##SUB2#
Turturro is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Turturro wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz sitting in guard, not really doing much. #SUB2#
Turturro is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Turturro controlling the position.#T3#
Turturro looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Cruz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Cruz might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.#SUB2#
Turturro working for a triangle but Cruz defends it easily.
#SUB2#
Turturro is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Cruz looking to pass the guard. #T4##SUB2#
Turturro is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Cruz showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Turturro keeping full guard, as Cruz tries to pass.
Turturro tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T5##SUB2#
Cruz got a little sloppy there for a moment and Turturro has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Cruz has managed to get both his arms back between Turturro's legs - danger averted.
Turturro has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Cruz has passed into side control.
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (7) vs (2) Turturro
Turturro holds on tight, trying to prevent any damage.
Turturro struggling a bit here.
Turturro is looking for a sweep.#T6#
The referee asks Cruz politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Cruz prefers to stall for the moment though.
Cruz in the domination position with Turturro hanging on.
The referee asks Cruz politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Cruz prefers to stall for the moment though.
You can see the frustration on Turturro's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Cruz is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Turturro's shoulder. That is not cool.
Turturro tries to bench press Cruz off him but Cruz keeps the position.
Turturro looking for a sweep but Cruz has passed into full mount! Oh no! Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (9) vs (2) Turturro#T7#
Cruz tries to control but Turturro wriggling away.
Cruz is looking to work his way around to Turturro's back. He needs to be careful though, as he's in danger of losing this dominant position.
Turturro is in all sorts of trouble here.
Cruz controlling his opponent.
Turturro tries to reverse the position but Cruz maintains control.#T8#
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position. #T9#
Turturro is looking to get to half guard.
Turturro slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Cruz is looking to advance position but Turturro won't allow it.
Cruz trying to control the pace. #T10##SUB2#
Turturro looking to force a kimura from the bottom here. He's concentrating on that move too much though and Cruz pushes past his half guard into mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (12) vs (2) Turturro
Turturro is looking to improve his position but Cruz isn't that keen on the idea.
Turturro is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.#T11#
Cruz sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Turturro wants to control but Cruz is having none of it.
Cruz controlling his opponent.
Turturro is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Turturro keeps trying to improve his position.#T12#
Cruz wants to take Turturro's back but he can't do it this time.
Turturro looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Turturro is in all sorts of trouble here.
Cruz can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Turturro is looking to escape.
Cruz controlling from the full mount. #T13#
Turturro is trying desperately to improve position.
Turturro is wriggling around here but as he tries to escape, Cruz has taken his back.
Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (15) vs (2) Turturro
Cruz is looking to control Turturro but Turturro is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Cruz avoiding Turturro 's attempts to control his hands.
Cruz controlling the position well here. Turturro rolled but Cruz kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.
#T14#
Turturro rolls, trying to escape but Cruz keeps control of the position.
A bit of a pause in the action here. Cruz controlling the positon.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz controlling well, preventing Turturro from escaping the position.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 15 to 2.
Michael Cruz seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website. |
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Event:
CWC 301 - Simone vs Dyon
Date: Apr 10, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 6 wins and 5 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Helsinki, with a TWGC record of 18 wins and 12 losses; Arthur Kincaid!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Mauricio Rocha and Emerson Jorge.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.
Kincaid fails with the takedown.#CL#
Cruz rushes Kincaid and presses him up against the cage.#TD2#
Kincaid pulls guard successfully.
#SUB2#
Kincaid looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Cruz content to stall in guard here. #SUB2#
Kincaid has an active guard here but Cruz has managed to pass into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kincaid wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T1#
Cruz perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Kincaid is trying to get back to full guard.
Cruz frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (3) vs (0) Kincaid
Kincaid tries to reverse the position but Cruz maintains control.
Cruz wants to control the pace but Kincaid is squirming around nicely.
Cruz controlling the position easily from mount. #T2#
Cruz prevents Kincaid from getting the reversal.
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Kincaid really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Kincaid is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Cruz wants to take his opponent's back but Kincaid doesn't allow it. #T3#
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Kincaid really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Cruz is looking to take Kincaid's back but instead Kincaid gets back to half guard. Nice work.
Kincaid trying to control from the bottom.
#T4#
Cruz is looking to advance position but Kincaid won't allow it.
Kincaid wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
Cruz tries to pass the half guard into mount. Kincaid knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Kincaid trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Cruz manages to pass to mount!
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (6) vs (0) Kincaid
Kincaid is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
#T5#
Cruz controlling from the full mount.
Cruz prevents Kincaid from getting the reversal.
Cruz controlling from the full mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Kincaid is looking to escape.
Kincaid is desperately trying to improve his position but Cruz has a good base and remains in mount.
Cruz avoids the attempt from Kincaid to control.
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position. #T6#
Kincaid is looking to improve his position but Cruz isn't that keen on the idea.
Cruz controlling from the full mount.
Cruz seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Kincaid for as long as he can get away with.
Kincaid is trying desperately to improve position.#T7#
Kincaid tries to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Cruz prevents Kincaid from getting the reversal.
Kincaid is still trying to improve position.
Kincaid reaches up to try and control the position but Cruz seems to have an arm triangle now! Uh oh! Kincaid rolls and tries to escape and now Cruz has his back!
Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (9) vs (0) Kincaid
Kincaid tries to escape the position.
Kincaid looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
Kincaid is keeping busy.
#T8#
Kincaid is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Cruz.
Cruz has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Kincaid can't escape the position.
Cruz controls the position.#T9#
Kincaid tries to escape but Cruz has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Cruz has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of Kincaid's body.
Cruz is not going to allow Kincaid to sit and survive in this position.
Cruz controlling the position well here. Kincaid rolled but Cruz kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.
#T10#
Kincaid tries to escape the position.
Kincaid trying to control the position but Cruz manages to sink in the hooks. #T11#
Cruz is trying to stick to Kincaid's back but Kincaid is turning into Cruz. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Cruz's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Kincaid. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (9) vs (2) Kincaid
Cruz might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Kincaid trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom. #SUB2#
Kincaid drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Cruz dives on top into guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (11) vs (2) Kincaid
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kincaid swivels though and keeps the full guard. #SUB2#
Kincaid had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Cruz defends it easily.
Kincaid keeping full guard, as Cruz tries to pass.
Kincaid is trying to hold Cruz in close to prevent damage but Cruz has managed to pass into half guard.
#T12#
Kincaid trying to hold on to Cruz's head to control him but Cruz postures up.
Cruz takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Kincaid wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy.
Kincaid wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
Kincaid is trying to maintain the position but Cruz is very close to passing his half guard.
Kincaid wants to get back to full guard.#T13##SUB2#
Kincaid looking to force a kimura from the bottom here. He's concentrating on that move too much though and Cruz pushes past his half guard into mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (14) vs (2) Kincaid
Cruz pushing the pace here, looking to move to his opponents back and work for a finish.
Kincaid is desperately trying to improve his position but Cruz has a good base and remains in mount.
Cruz trying to control but Kincaid is having none of it.
Cruz controlling his opponent.
Cruz continues to stall.#T14#
Kincaid wants to control but Cruz is having none of it.
Kincaid is squirming around, avoiding Cruz's attempts to control the action.
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Kincaid regains half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Kincaid moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 14 to 2.
During a confident post fight interview, Michael Cruz thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him. |
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Event:
CWC 300 - SUPERNOVA Prelims
Date: Apr 03, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 5 wins and 5 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 29 wins and 21 losses; Dick Diaz!
The judges for this bout are Tiny Johnson, Chris Downing and Cecil Peabody.
Let's get this grappling contest under way! Who will be victorious?#CL2#
Diaz closes the distance and pushes Cruz back into the cage.
Cruz tries for a takedown. No joy.
Diaz prevents a takedown attempt there.
Diaz is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Cruz pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Cruz tries for a takedown but Diaz manages to get underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Michael Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Diaz prevents the takedown attempt.
I was talking to Cruz's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.#TD#
Cruz has hold of one of Diaz's legs. Diaz is fighting the takedown attempt but Cruz gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Diaz
Cruz controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Diaz is retaining full guard.
Diaz pulls Cruz in to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz looking to pass the guard.
Diaz being controlled here, momentarily. #T1#
Diaz pulls Cruz in close to prevent any damage.
Diaz's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.#T2#
Diaz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Diaz has control of Cruz's left arm, preventing Cruz from doing any damage.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Diaz is on top in guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (2) Diaz
Cruz wants to sweep here but Diaz controlling him for the moment. #SUB#
Cruz has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Diaz can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Diaz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.#T3#
Cruz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Cruz wants to improve his position but instead Diaz has moved into half guard.
Diaz 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.
Diaz prevents Cruz from improving his position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T4#
Cruz is working hard here to advance position.
Diaz wants to take a breather but Cruz is having none of it.
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
Diaz trying to control the action but Cruz is working from the bottom.
The fighters are battling for position here. Cruz manages to regain full guard. Nice work. #T5#
Cruz lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (4) vs (2) Diaz
Cruz controlling from the top position.
Diaz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there.
Cruz's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Cruz is fighting to break Diaz's control of his arms but Diaz is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Cruz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.#T6#
Diaz has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Diaz looking to control.
Diaz wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz stays in close to Diaz's body and controls the position.
Diaz pulls Cruz in to control the position.
Diaz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Diaz is controlling Cruz's posture.#T7#
Cruz postures up.
Diaz being controlled here, momentarily.
Our spies down at at Westside Martial Arts inform us that Diaz has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Diaz is keeping the position.#T8#
Diaz trying to control the position here.
Cruz controlling from the top position.
Diaz is pulling down on Cruz's head to control his posture. #T9#
Diaz trying to control the position.
Cruz is stalling in the full guard.
Diaz wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now. #T10#
Diaz is trying to keep Cruz in close.
Diaz seems keen to control Cruz's posture.
Diaz keeping full guard, as Cruz tries to pass.
Diaz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there.
Cruz looking to pass the guard. #T11#
Diaz wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Diaz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Diaz wants to control but Cruz passes easily into half guard.
Still in half guard, Cruz seems content to control.
Diaz is doing well to control the position and prevent Cruz from advancing to side control.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Diaz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Cruz stalling. #T12#
Diaz keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Diaz is looking to improve his position.
Diaz wants to sweep but Cruz has passed to side control! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (7) vs (2) Diaz
Diaz is being controlled here.
You can see the frustration on Diaz's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.#T13#
Cruz controls the position.
Cruz trying to control the position but Diaz is working away.
You can see the frustration on Diaz's face as Cruz controls the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Diaz is trying to get back to half guard.
Cruz is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Diaz will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.#T14#
This fight is sponsored by Chainsaw 7. More blood and guts and stuff like that, in cinemas everywhere now!
Cruz is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Cruz has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Diaz tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz controls the position.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 7 to 2.
Michael Cruz thanked the fans post fight for their support.
In defeat, Dick Diaz stepped up to the mic, saying 'I'll Slap you harder next time!!!'. |
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Event:
CWC 299 - Ottke vs Savkov
Date: Mar 20, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 5 wins and 4 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 6 wins and 5 losses; Billy Turturro!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Emerson Jorge and Mauricio Rocha.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL#
Cruz forces Turturro back against the cage and clinches.
Cruz has Turturro pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Turturro manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Turturro can't get the takedown.
Cruz is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Turturro gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Cruz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.#TD2#
Turturro wants the takedown. Cruz is fighting it off but Turturro persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Cruz's guard against the cage. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (0) vs (2) Turturro
Turturro trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB#
Cruz is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Turturro stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cruz working a defensive guard but Turturro passes into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Turturro looking to pass the guard.
Turturro keeps trying to improve his position.#T1#
Turturro pushes down on Cruz's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Turturro works his way into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (0) vs (5) Turturro#SUB2#
Turturro is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Cruz knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
My spies in Snake Eyes Fighting Systems inform me that Turturro has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Cruz is looking to reverse the position.#SUB2#
Turturro looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything. #SUB2#
Turturro is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Cruz knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Turturro wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working. #T2#
Cruz is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Turturro's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Cruz wants to improve his position but Turturro is controlling well.
#SUB2#
Turturro seems to be working for a kimura but Cruz defends the submission attempt.
Cruz gets back to full guard.
Turturro passes Cruz's right leg, so he's now in half guard. #SUB2#
Turturro seems to be looking for submissions.
Cruz tries to roll over but Turturro keeps him under control.#T3#
Turturro trying to pass the guard but Cruz defending well. #SUB2#
Turturro is looking for a kimura here.
#SUB2#
Turturro looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Turturro is looking to advance position but Cruz won't allow it. #T4#
Cruz moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Cruz not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Turturro slips nicely into half guard.
Turturro has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (0) vs (8) Turturro
Cruz prevents Turturro from taking his back.
Turturro can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Cruz is looking to escape.
Cruz can't escape the position.
Cruz is working hard here to advance position.#T5##SUB2#
Turturro with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
#SUB2#
Turturro moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Cruz has worked his arm free - good work by Cruz!
Cruz is looking for a sweep.
Cruz is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.#SUB2#
Turturro seems to be looking for submissions.
Cruz trying to control here.
Cruz regains full guard. Nicely done.
Cruz trying to keep a closed guard but Turturro is proving a slippery customer.
Turturro sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Cruz's guard. #T6#
Turturro is looking to take a break and control but Cruz is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Cruz tries to roll over but Turturro keeps him under control.
The fighters are battling for position here. Cruz manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Cruz being controlled here, momentarily.
Turturro passes Cruz's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Cruz is pressing down on Turturro's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Turturro wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.#T7##SUB#
Cruz working for a triangle but Turturro defends it easily.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Turturro from controlling successfully.
Turturro is pushing down on Cruz's leg trying to pass to half guard. Cruz is fighting to maintain full guard but Turturro has managed to sneak the leg through.
Turturro trying to mount his opponent but Cruz defends it.
Turturro not doing much here.
#T8#
Turturro is trying to control the action in half guard but Cruz is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard. #SUB2#
Turturro wants to work for an arm triangle but Cruz is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Cruz manages to get to full guard.
Turturro wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Turturro trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Turturro slips nicely into half guard.
Cruz slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.#T9#
Cruz wants to sweep here but Turturro controlling him for the moment.
Turturro trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Turturro is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Cruz has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Turturro advances to half guard.
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
Cruz is trying to maintain the position but Turturro is very close to passing his half guard.
Cruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #T10##SUB2#
Turturro looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
#SUB2#
Turturro seems to be looking for submissions.
Cruz moves into full guard.
Turturro wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz is trying to control the position from the bottom.
#T11#
Turturro wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Cruz keeping full guard, as Turturro tries to pass.
Cruz pulls Turturro in to control the position.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.
Cruz pulls Turturro in close to prevent any damage.
Turturro works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Cruz moves into full guard.
Turturro wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.#SUB#
Cruz is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle. #T12#
Turturro trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Turturro won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Cruz controls Turturro momentarily but Turturro frees himself.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.
Well,Cruz is on his way to losing a decision here. Can he use his experience to pull something off in the closing minutes?
Turturro trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it. #T13#
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.
Turturro sitting in guard here, content to control.
Turturro stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cruz might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.#SUB#
Cruz is looking for a triangle but Turturro pushes his legs off easily.
Turturro wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving. #T14##SUB#
Cruz had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Turturro defends it easily.
Turturro preventing the sweep.
Turturro slips effortlessly into side control - very nice. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (0) vs (11) Turturro
Turturro tries to advance to mount but can't. #SUB2#
Turturro is trying to get an arm triangle but Cruz is defending well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!#SUB2#
Turturro is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Cruz has escaped the position, nice work there.
Cruz sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
And that's the end of the fight!
Turturro wins on points by 11 to 0.
A victorious Billy Turturro thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
The defeated Michael Cruz had this to say: 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 298 - Steel vs Lee
Date: Mar 13, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of London, with a TWGC record of 13 wins and 16 losses; Ruben Gracie! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 4 wins and 4 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Frank Dennis and Alan Glass.
Let's get this grappling contest under way! Who will be victorious?
Cruz shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Gracie sprawls well. Gracie wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Cruz gets slowly back to his feet.
Michael Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#CL2#
Cruz gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Cruz is trying to drag Gracie to the mat but Gracie just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.#TD#
Gracie is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Cruz can't fight it off and eventually Gracie manages to take the fight to the floor. Cruz looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Gracie (2) vs (0) Cruz
Gracie postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB#
Gracie is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Gracie stopping the sweep attempt from Cruz.#T1#
Cruz trying to control the position.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.
Cruz working a defensive guard here.
Gracie looking to pass the guard.
Gracie stopping the sweep attempt from Cruz.#T2#
Cruz keeps trying to improve his position.#SUB2#
Cruz has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Gracie 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 Cruz. Score +3 for passing guard: Gracie (5) vs (0) Cruz
Cruz tries to improve position but can't.
Cruz can't do much from the bottom here.
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.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Gracie is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz has a hand on Gracie's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Gracie takes advantage of the position though and mounts him! Score +3 for passing guard: Gracie (8) vs (0) Cruz
Cruz working to try and regain half guard.
#T3#
Cruz is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Cruz is working to get back to half guard.
Gracie wants to control the pace but Cruz is squirming around nicely.
Cruz is trying to escape the mount.
#SUB#
Gracie looking to secure an arm triangle but Cruz defends it well. #SUB#
Gracie is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Cruz to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Cruz shrugs it off. #T4#
Cruz is looking to get to half guard.
Cruz is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Cruz is looking to improve his position but Gracie isn't that keen on the idea.
Cruz wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back. Score +3 for taking back: Gracie (11) vs (0) Cruz
Gracie struggling to keep hold of the position.
Cruz tries to escape but Gracie has the hooks in and won't let him break free. #SUB#
Gracie looking for the choke but no joy. #SUB#
Cruz is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
#T5##SUB#
Cruz preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Gracie.
Cruz is really stuck here.
#SUB#
Gracie is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Cruz is defending well though. Gracie let's go of the attempt for now.
Gracie doesn't have the hooks in and Cruz manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Gracie (11) vs (2) Cruz
Cruz slips nicely into half guard.
We've been hearing good reports from Gracie's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.#T6#
Cruz has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount. Score +3 for passing guard: Gracie (11) vs (5) Cruz
Gracie regains half guard.
Cruz trying to control the pace.
Gracie works his way to full guard. Good work.#T7#
Gracie keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully.
Cruz controlling from the top position. #SUB#
Gracie looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Cruz passes into side control.
Score +3 for passing guard: Gracie (11) vs (8) Cruz
Gracie is trying to improve his position.#T8#
Gracie is working hard here to advance position.
Cruz tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Gracie wants to control but Cruz postures up.#T9#
A lull in the action here.
Gracie is trying to improve his position.
Cruz tries to advance to mount but can't.
Cruz gets to mount! Gracie was on the offensive and wasn't defending properly. Score +2 for reaching mount: Gracie (11) vs (10) Cruz#T10#
Gracie wants to control but Cruz is having none of it.
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Gracie sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.#T11#
Gracie is trying to get back to full guard.
Cruz wants to take a breather but Gracie is having none of it.
Cruz is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Cruz is thwarting Gracie's attempts to control the position.
Cruz keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.#T12#
Cruz passes to side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Gracie (11) vs (13) Cruz
Gracie is trying to control Cruz's posture but Cruz avoids it.
Cruz tries to advance to mount but Gracie denies him. #T13#
Cruz wants to control but Gracie is keeping him busy.
Gracie is looking to regain half guard here but Cruz keeps moving and retains side control.
Gracie is trying to work for a sweep but Cruz has mounted him! Score +2 for reaching mount: Gracie (11) vs (15) Cruz
Gracie is looking to improve his position but Cruz isn't that keen on the idea.
Cruz sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment. #T14#
Cruz's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Gracie is desperately trying to improve his position but Cruz has a good base and remains in mount.
Cruz sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Gracie is working to get back to half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz wins on points by 15 to 11.
A relieved looking Michael 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. |
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Event:
CWC 297 - Pavlov vs Cosades
Date: Mar 06, 2022 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Los Angeles, with a TWGC record of 7 wins and 7 losses; Muhammad Jabbar! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 4 wins and 3 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, George Francis and Stewart Dunkirk.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.#CL2#
Cruz moves into the clinch successfully.
Jabbar tries for a takedown but Cruz manages to get underhooks.
#TD#
Jabbar has Cruz pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Jabbar pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Cruz tumbling to the mat - Jabbar dives into Cruz's guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Jabbar (2) vs (0) Cruz
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Jabbar is one step ahead there.
Cruz controls Jabbar momentarily but Jabbar frees himself.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jabbar stopping the sweep attempt from Cruz.
Cruz wants to hit a sweep here but Jabbar passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Cruz there! Score +3 for passing guard: Jabbar (5) vs (0) Cruz
Cruz is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
#T1#
Cruz manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Cruz won't allow Jabbar to pass to mount.
Cruz trying to control from the bottom.
Cruz preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Cruz wants to improve his position but Jabbar is controlling well.
#T2#
Jabbar sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Cruz tries to roll over but Jabbar keeps him under control.
Cruz manages to get to full guard.
Jabbar has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Cruz is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Jabbar (5) vs (2) Cruz
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz content to sit in half guard and control for a moment. #T3#
Cruz is thwarting Jabbar's attempts to control the position.
Jabbar gets full guard.
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.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Jabbar keeps moving.
Cruz passes Jabbar's left leg - he's now in half guard. #T4#
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
It looks like Cruz might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
Cruz prevents Jabbar from improving his position.
Jabbar has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Cruz is working away from the top position though.
Cruz content to sit in half guard and control for a moment. #T5#
Jabbar is trying is best to control the position here.
Cruz tries to pass to full mount but Jabbar defends it. #T6#
Jabbar is looking to improve his position.
Jabbar is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Cruz's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Cruz's back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Jabbar (9) vs (2) Cruz
You can see the frustration on Cruz's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Jabbar is not going to allow Cruz to sit and survive in this position.
Jabbar doesn't have the hooks in and Cruz manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Jabbar (9) vs (4) Cruz
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Jabbar is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T7#
Cruz won't allow Jabbar to sweep him here.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Jabbar is on top in guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Jabbar (11) vs (4) Cruz
Jabbar advances position into side control! Score +3 for passing guard: Jabbar (14) vs (4) Cruz
You can see the frustration on Cruz's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Cruz is looking for a sweep.
Cruz manages to work his way to half guard, despite Jabbar's best efforts.
Cruz has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Jabbar is working away from the top position though.#T8#
Cruz might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Jabbar haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Jabbar is keen to just control but Cruz is a slippery customer.
Cruz wants to control but Jabbar is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Jabbar content to control rather than advance.
Cruz is trying to control but can't.
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Jabbar has control of the leg.
Cruz trying to control but Jabbar postures up.
#T9#
Jabbar stalling.
Cruz tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Jabbar has advanced to mount. Uh oh. Score +3 for passing guard: Jabbar (17) vs (4) Cruz
Cruz is squirming around, avoiding Jabbar's attempts to control the action.
Jabbar is really struggling to control Cruz but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Jabbar looking to control and managing it successfully. #T10#
Cruz tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Cruz keeps trying to improve his position.
Jabbar looking to control and managing it successfully.
Cruz keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Jabbar tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Cruz is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Jabbar controlling from mount. #T11#
Jabbar prevents Cruz from getting the reversal.
Cruz sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Cruz wants to improve his position but Jabbar is controlling well.
Jabbar wants to pass the guard but Cruz is defending well.
Cruz is looking to improve his position.
Jabbar stalling. #T12#
Cruz trying to control but Jabbar postures up.
Cruz has a hand on Jabbar's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Jabbar takes advantage of the position though and mounts him! Score +3 for passing guard: Jabbar (20) vs (4) Cruz
Cruz is looking to improve his position but Jabbar isn't that keen on the idea.
Cruz wants to hold on but Jabbar pushes him away.#T13#
Cruz is in all sorts of trouble here.
Cruz wants to control but Jabbar is having none of it.
Jabbar controlling the pace for now.
Cruz working to try and regain half guard.
Jabbar looking to control and managing it successfully. #T14#
Cruz keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Jabbar controlling his opponent.
Cruz is trying to escape the mount.
Jabbar tries to control but Cruz wriggling away.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Jabbar tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Cruz working to try and regain half guard.
And that's the end of the fight!
Jabbar takes the fight on points by 20 to 4.
Muhammad Jabbar decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
In defeat, Michael Cruz stepped up to the mic, saying 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CFC 462: Beach vs Mirage
Date: Feb 25, 2022 |
#R1#
Nice defenses there by Glass.
Cruz's corner calls for a 1-2. Cruz obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range. #CUT2#It looks like Desmond Glass has been cut.
Cruz takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Desmond Glass seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#CL2#
Cruz drives through and clinches with Glass against the cage.
Cruz is trying to drag Glass to the mat but Glass just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Cruz is pushing Glass up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
A head punch on the inside from Cruz fails to land.
Glass can't find room to land a body shot as Cruz controls the action.
Cruz tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Cruz goes for a takedown in the clinch but Glass prevents it.
Cruz cracks Glass with a nice body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Glass misses with a hook from the clinch. #TD2#
Cruz has clasped his hands together around Glass's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Glass wants to get back to his feet but Cruz is dominant here and he's now got Glass's back!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Glass is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet. #T1#
Cruz lands shots from the back.
Glass wants to get back to his feet.
Cruz scores with punches to the body.
Glass is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Glass knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Cruz on the ground.
Cruz thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.
Cruz loading up with punches from the back mount - how long can Glass hold on?
Glass trying to get back to his feet but Cruz is in full control for now. #T2##SUB2#
Cruz looking to break Glass's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Glass remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Cruz will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
A lull in the action here.
Glass avoids the strikes from Cruz.
Cruz missing with strikes. #SUB2#
Cruz is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Glass defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Glass is trying to stand back up. #T3#
Cruz thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.
Cruz misses with an elbow to the head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#ES#
Glass is trying escape back to his feet. He turns into his opponent's guard and eventually finds his way back to his feet.
Cruz looks to throw the jab but Glass is out of range.
A jab from Glass finds it's way through Cruz's defenses.
Glass lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Cruz fails with an attempt to clinch.
A nice leg kick lands there from Glass.
Glass pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Cruz misses the jab.
Glass rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Glass throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruz tries to counter with a clinch but Glass shakes him off and moves away.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A telegraphed right hand from Glass misses the target. #CL2#
Cruz fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Glass, pushing him back against the cage.
Cruz stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Glass is breathing heavily.#T4#
Glass throws a head punch that misses.
Cruz lands with a light punch inside. #TD2#
Cruz jumps into guard, dragging Glass to the mat.
Cruz looking to control.
Glass won't allow Cruz to sweep him here. #SUB2#
Cruz has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Glass can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself. #SUB2#
Cruz looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Cruz will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Glass takes a decent strike to the side of the head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Glass wants to stand but Cruz is controlling his posture from full guard.
Cruz working a defensive guard here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Michael Cruz dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Desmond Glass's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
A shot to the liver by Cruz. Beautiful body shot.
Cruz lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Glass circles away quickly and effectively.
Glass misses with a body shot.
It seemed like Cruz was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Glass tries to close the distance and clinch up but Cruz swats him away and circles back towards the center. #CL2#
Cruz rushes Glass and presses him up against the cage.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Cruz.
Cruz throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Glass blocks it with crossed arms.
Nice body punch from Glass. #TD2#
Cruz manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back. #SUB2#
Cruz throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Cruz controls Glass momentarily but Glass frees himself.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB2#
Cruz has his foot on Glass's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Glass works his way back into a safe position though.
Cruz striking off his back but it's not causing Glass any problems. #SU#
Glass decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow. #T1##CL2#
Cruz gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Cruz taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Glass blocking some punches.
Cruz drops down looking for an ankle pick but Glass pulls his leg out and moves away.
Cruz lands a slapping body shot.
Cruz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.#CL2#
Cruz darts in and clinches Glass up against the cage.
Cruz lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Glass backwards.
Glass goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cruz is looking to take this one to the mat.
Glass goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cruz goes for a takedown in the clinch but Glass prevents it.
Desmond Glass has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Michael Cruz.
Glass tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Glass misses with a body punch.
Glass has a couple of punches blocked by Cruz.
#T2#
Cruz is working for takedown but Glass is calmly controlling the position for now.
Glass takes a shot to the head.
Glass prevents a takedown attempt there.
Cruz throws a knee to the head but misses.
Glass tries a body shot but Cruz blocks it.
Glass misses with a body punch.
Glass lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Michael Cruz seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Glass avoids a wild elbow strike from Cruz.
Glass scores a nice knee to the body.
Cruz lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Glass misses with a punch to the body.
#TD2#
Cruz decides to pull guard.
Glass trying to stand up but can't free himself from Cruz's guard.
Cruz trying to strike off his back.
#T3#
Glass has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Cruz is proving hard to escape from.
Cruz striking off his back but it's not causing Glass any problems.
Glass is looking to stand up but Cruz won't let him.
Cruz working a defensive guard here.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Glass wanted to stand there but Cruz had control of the position. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.#CL2#
Cruz darts in and clinches Glass up against the cage.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike. #TD2#
Cruz gets control of Glass's arms and successfully pulls guard. Cruz will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Cruz doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #SUB2#
Cruz has his foot on Glass's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Glass works his way back into a safe position though.
Glass wants to get up but he can't break Cruz's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here. #T4#
Cruz lands with a heel strike from the guard.
#SU#
Glass gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Glass misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cruz.
Cruz stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Glass.
Cruz dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Glass. That did some damage!
Glass misses with an uppercut. Cruz saw that one coming.
Glass on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Cruz takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz missing with a left hand there. Glass was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one. #CL2#
Cruz darts in and clinches Glass up against the cage.
A body shot lands from Glass.
Glass misses with a short punch on the inside.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Michael Cruz showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Desmond Glass's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!#R3#
Glass scores with a sloppy right hand. Cruz should have avoided that one.
Cruz throws a nice looking combination but Glass bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Cruz loads up on a big right hand but Glass slips the punch.
A head kick misses from Glass.
Glass moves away from the strike by Cruz.
Cruz lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Nice cross by Glass.
Glass is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.#TD2#
Cruz drives through with a takedown into Glass's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Cruz passes Glass's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Glass is trying to stand.
Cruz scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Glass blocking the ground and pound attempt from Cruz. #SUB2#
Cruz looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Cruz lands a nice short elbow.#T1#
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Cruz connects with a nice short shot to Glass's temple.
Cruz lands with a punch from half guard. #ROC2#Glass is rocked!#CUT2#Desmond Glass's cut is getting worse.
Glass blocking the ground and pound attempt from Cruz. #SUB2#
Cruz is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Glass avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Cruz. #T2##SUB2#
Cruz seems like he's working for an arm triangle here. He's freed his trapped foot and he's rotating nicely. Glass is in big trouble! He's tapping out! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:23 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Michael Cruz!
An out of breath Michael Cruz thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
In defeat, Desmond Glass stepped up to the mic, saying 'I have to get with my coaches and manager, and rethink my gameplan going forward. I'll be back.'. |
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Event:
CFC 454: Fire v IsMore
Date: Jan 21, 2022 |
#R1#
Cruz throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Swanson counters with a stiff right hand.
Swanson connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Cruz looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Swanson misses with a two punch combination.
Swanson misses with a two punch combination.
Cruz appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Cruz takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Cruz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Swanson.
Cruz half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Cruz looks to land a right hand but Swanson moved out of range.
Swanson misses with a few strikes there.
Cruz missing with a left hand there. Swanson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Jab, jab by Cruz - just one landing.
The fighters circling - Cruz throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A good leg kick by Cruz.
Swanson slips under a jab from Cruz.#TD#
Cruz shoots in and gets a takedown into Swanson's 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!
Cruz in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time. #T1#
Swanson seems keen to control Cruz's posture.
Swanson tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Cruz has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Cruz throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Cruz throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Swanson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Swanson wants to stand up but Cruz is controlling him.
Swanson is trying to hold Cruz in close to prevent damage but Cruz has managed to pass into half guard.
Swanson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Swanson wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
Swanson wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy and won't allow it. #SUB#
Cruz is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Swanson doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Cruz. #T2#
Cruz with the ground and pound but Swanson uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Cruz landing with the ground and pound.
Cruz keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Swanson's head.
Swanson pulls Cruz in to control the position.
Cruz throwing strikes but missing.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Swanson keeps moving.
Cruz missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Swanson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T3#
Swanson not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cruz works over Swanson with some ground and pound from guard.
Swanson has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Cruz with a nice head shot there.
Swanson keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully.
Cruz stands and throws Swanson's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Cruz creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Swanson sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Swanson avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Cruz. #SUB#
Cruz is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Swanson knows the correct defense though, so he's OK. #T4##SUB#
Cruz tries for a kimura but Swanson is defending well.
Cruz trying to control the position but Swanson is working away.
Swanson parries the strikes from Cruz easily there. Cruz is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Swanson to escape.
#SUB#
Cruz tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Cruz has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Swanson is trying to improve his position.
Swanson wants to control but Cruz postures up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Michael Cruz dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Cruz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Swanson connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Swanson goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Swanson connects with a leg kick. #TD#
Cruz closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Swanson tries to get back to half guard but can't.#SUB#
Cruz looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Cruz postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Swanson is trying to control Cruz's posture but Cruz avoids it. #SUB#
Cruz goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Swanson rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Cruz's guard! Nice work there by Swanson!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T1##SUB#
Cruz has an active guard here but Swanson has managed to pass into half guard.
Swanson not doing much here.
Cruz is looking to improve his position.
Cruz manages to get to full guard.
#SUB#
Cruz has an active guard here but Swanson has managed to pass into half guard.
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Swanson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.#T2##SU2#
Swanson escapes and gets back to his feet.
Cruz uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Swanson has time to react.
Cruz avoids the body shot from Swanson.
Cruz appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Swanson with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Cruz misses with a hook. Swanson ducked under it nicely.
Benedicte Swanson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Swanson with a nice cross.
Swanson misses with a few strikes there.
Cruz missing with a left hand there. Swanson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Cruz misses with a left hand
and Swanson counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Swanson connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz throws a body punch but Swanson moves out of range. #T3#
Cruz misses with a straight right.
Cruz tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Swanson manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Swanson lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Cruz misses with a straight left.
Swanson swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Cruz.
Swanson moves out of range as Cruz strikes.
Cruz is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Swanson lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Swanson throws a nice head kick!
A jab from Cruz misses. #CL#
Cruz gets a clinch.
Cruz lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Swanson can't break the clinch.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Swanson's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!#T4#
Cruz lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A nice right hand lands inside from Swanson.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz tries to pull guard but Swanson won't allow it.
Swanson tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Cruz avoids it.#BC2#
Swanson manages to break the clinch.
Cruz blocks a head kick by Swanson.
Cruz is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Swanson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Swanson misses with a double jab.
Cruz fails with the takedown
and Swanson cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cruz misses the shot to the body.
Cruz has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Benedicte Swanson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Cruz pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Benedicte Swanson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!#R3#
Cruz throws a lazy right hand but Swanson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Swanson fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Cruz.
Swanson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Swanson's jab looks to have found its range, popping Cruz under the eye.
Cruz blocks a jab.
Benedicte Swanson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Swanson connects with a solid leg kick.
Swanson stuns Cruz with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.#CL#
Cruz clinches with his opponent.
Swanson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz trying to control the position but instead, Swanson has worked for underhooks and has pushed Cruz into the cage.
Cruz will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Swanson up against the cage.
Swanson has Cruz pushed against the cage.#T1#
Cruz is looking to take this one to the mat.
Cruz lands an uppercut.
Cruz drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Swanson gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Swanson lands a hook that snaps the head of Cruz backwards.
Cruz's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.#TD#
Cruz has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Swanson uses from the top position.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Swanson from controlling successfully. #SU2#
Swanson decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Benedicte Swanson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#T2#
Swanson swinging wildly here.
Cruz throws a hook to the side of Swanson's head but Swanson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Swanson misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Cruz seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
An inside leg kick lands from Swanson.
A looping hook to the body misses from Swanson. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz throws a body punch but Swanson moves out of range.
Swanson scores with a jab to the jaw.
Cruz ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Swanson with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nice cross by Cruz.
Left hook, right uppercut from Swanson.
Swanson misses with a head kick.
#T3#
Cruz misses with a right hand
and Swanson counters with a three punch combo that has Cruz backing up. Cruz nods at Swanson to acknowledge the strikes.
Cruz lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Cruz showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Swanson.
Swanson bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Cruz stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Swanson.
Swanson pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Swanson lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Swanson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cruz moves away.
Swanson lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Cruz at a distance.
Cruz slips a jab from Swanson.
Cruz tries to counter with a takedown but Swanson is quick to defend against it.#T4#
Cruz moves out of range as Swanson strikes.
Swanson throws a right and a left that Cruz avoids nicely.
Cruz feinted with a counter takedown.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cruz throws a hook but Swanson avoids it easily.
Good leg kick by Swanson.
Cruz misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Swanson.
A head kick misses from Swanson.
Cruz swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Cruz ducks right into an uppercut from Swanson.
Cruz blocks a head kick by Swanson.
Swanson walks into a left hand.
Swanson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A low kick from Swanson misses #TD#
and Cruz counters with a single leg into guard. Swanson didn't expect that.
Cruz throws a big elbow that misses.
And that's the end of the fight!
Benedicte Swanson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Swanson has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Francis DeMontford scores the fight 28:29
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 28:29
Judge Chris Dean scores the fight 28:29
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Benedicte Swanson!
Benedicte Swanson thanked the fans post fight for their support.
Michael Cruz spoke after the fight, saying 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CFC 445: Knox v Gonza
Date: Dec 19, 2021 |
#R1#
Cruz lands a slapping body shot.
Ferreira-Alves lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Cruz checks a leg kick.
Cruz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Ferreira-Alves sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Felipe Ferreira-Alves seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ferreira-Alves takes one on the chin but seems OK.
A big left from Ferreira-Alves misses.
Cruz looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.#CL2#
Cruz clinches up against the ropes.#TD2#
Cruz has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Ferreira-Alves is trying to keep an underhook but Cruz manages to get the takedown into half guard.#SUB#
Ferreira-Alves looking for submissions from an awkward position here.#SUB#
Ferreira-Alves looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Cruz works his way into side control.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Cruz is looking to take a break and control but Ferreira-Alves is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Ferreira-Alves tries to improve position but can't.
Ferreira-Alves is working hard here to advance position.
Cruz trying to control the position but Ferreira-Alves is working away. #T1#
Ferreira-Alves takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Cruz lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Ferreira-Alves down.
#SUB2#
Cruz looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything. #SUB2#
Cruz tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Cruz has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Cruz looks up at the clock and then as Ferreira-Alves takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Cruz smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Ferreira-Alves is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.#SUB2#
Cruz is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
#SUB#
Ferreira-Alves actively working from the bottom here.#SUB#
Ferreira-Alves looking for submissions off his back.#SUB#
Ferreira-Alves looking for submissions off his back.#T2##SUB#
Ferreira-Alves actively working from the bottom here.#SUB#
Ferreira-Alves with the active half guard here but Cruz passes nicely into side control.
Cruz controls the position.
Cruz wants to control but Ferreira-Alves is keeping him busy.
Cruz working the ground and pound.
Ferreira-Alves tries to bench press Cruz off him but Cruz keeps the position.
Ferreira-Alves manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz is trying to control but can't.
#SUB2#
Cruz looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Ferreira-Alves missing with the ground and pound from half guard. #T3#
Cruz is looking to improve his position.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Ferreira-Alves connects with a nice short shot to Cruz's temple. #SUB2#
Cruz actively working from the bottom here.
Ferreira-Alves prevents Cruz from improving his position.
Ferreira-Alves trying to control from half guard but Cruz is working away. #SUB2#
Cruz looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Cruz punching from the bottom.
Ferreira-Alves drops an elbow to the side of Cruz's head.
Ferreira-Alves tries to pass the half guard into mount. Cruz knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt. #T4#
Cruz moves into full guard.
Ferreira-Alves trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz tries to strike from the bottom.
Ferreira-Alves passes into half guard.
Ferreira-Alves is trying to control. Cruz wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Cruz has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.#SUB2#
Cruz looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.#SUB#
Ferreira-Alves seems to be looking for submissions.
Ferreira-Alves lands with a punch from half guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Michael Cruz dominated that round.
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.#R2#
Ferreira-Alves uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Cruz.
Ferreira-Alves lands a nice shot to the body.
Cruz shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ferreira-Alves. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz throws out a counter right but Ferreira-Alves avoids it with no problem.
Ferreira-Alves dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Cruz, as that shot connected.
Ferreira-Alves throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Cruz stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Ferreira-Alves slips a straight right by Cruz.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Ferreira-Alves uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cruz.
Ferreira-Alves is looking to counter the offense by Cruz and move into the clinch.#TD#
Ferreira-Alves looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in 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!
Cruz is trying to maintain the position but Ferreira-Alves is very close to passing his half guard.
Cruz might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Ferreira-Alves haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Cruz gets full guard.
Ferreira-Alves throwing strikes but missing. #SUB2#
Ferreira-Alves got a little sloppy there for a moment and Cruz has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Ferreira-Alves has managed to get both his arms back between Cruz's legs - danger averted.#T1#
Cruz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Ferreira-Alves stands and throws Cruz's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Cruz regains half guard there - taking advantage of Ferreira-Alves's attempt to lay and pray for a moment.
Cruz tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Cruz flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Cruz is looking to improve his position.
Cruz gets back to full guard.
Ferreira-Alves postures up and lands a big shot to Cruz's brow. #T2#
Ferreira-Alves pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now. #SUB2#
Cruz is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Ferreira-Alves works over Cruz with some ground and pound from guard.
Ferreira-Alves working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Cruz throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Ferreira-Alves is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Ferreira-Alves is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Cruz is pulling down on Ferreira-Alves's head. It's preventing any offense from Ferreira-Alves, at least for the moment.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Ferreira-Alves from controlling successfully. #SUB2#
Cruz throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
#T3#
Ferreira-Alves is in close to Cruz's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Ferreira-Alves preventing the sweep.
Ferreira-Alves chips away with some ground and pound.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Ferreira-Alves from controlling successfully. #SUB2#
Cruz looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Ferreira-Alves passes into half guard.
Ferreira-Alves lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Felipe Ferreira-Alves overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Ferreira-Alves slips a nice elbow through Cruz's hands, connecting with Cruz's forehead.
Ferreira-Alves seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime. #SUB2#
Cruz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Ferreira-Alves pulls his head out easily. #SUB2#
Cruz with the active half guard here but Ferreira-Alves passes nicely into side control.#T4#
Ferreira-Alves working away.
Cruz tries to bench press Ferreira-Alves off him but Ferreira-Alves keeps the position.
Cruz taking punishment in the form of punches.
Ferreira-Alves working the ground and pound.
Ferreira-Alves cracks Cruz with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Ferreira-Alves is chipping away with strikes.
Ferreira-Alves is working Cruz over with some ground and pound from side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ferreira-Alves scoring with punches and elbows.
Ferreira-Alves has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Cruz!
Ferreira-Alves postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Cruz looks a forlorn figure.
The referee warns Cruz that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
#ROC#Cruz is rocked!
Ferreira-Alves tries to control but Cruz wriggling away.
Ferreira-Alves putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Felipe Ferreira-Alves dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!#R3#
Ferreira-Alves scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Ferreira-Alves dives in for a single leg takedown but Cruz sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the ropes.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
Ferreira-Alves tries for a takedown but Cruz manages to get underhooks.
#TD#
Ferreira-Alves lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Ferreira-Alves is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Cruz moves into full guard.
#SUB2#
Cruz is looking for a triangle but Ferreira-Alves pushes his legs off easily.
Ferreira-Alves trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ferreira-Alves trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom. #SUB2#
Cruz is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle. #T1#
Ferreira-Alves lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Ferreira-Alves cracks Cruz with a solid left hand.#SUB2#
Ferreira-Alves avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Ferreira-Alves preventing the sweep.
Ferreira-Alves wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Cruz throwing short punches from the bottom.
Cruz is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Ferreira-Alves trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz trying to strike off his back.
#T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Ferreira-Alves wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving. #SUB2#
Cruz is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Ferreira-Alves is aware though and is defending well.
Cruz not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Ferreira-Alves lands a couple of elbows.
Ferreira-Alves pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now.
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Ferreira-Alves is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Cruz can do to turn this around?
Ferreira-Alves trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Ferreira-Alves works over Cruz with some ground and pound from guard.
Ferreira-Alves trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ferreira-Alves cracks Cruz with a solid left hand.#T3#
Ferreira-Alves lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Ferreira-Alves wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Ferreira-Alves advances position into side control!
Cruz manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Ferreira-Alves winds up and cracks Cruz with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Cruz wants to control but Ferreira-Alves is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Ferreira-Alves prevents Cruz from improving his position.
Cruz trying to control but Ferreira-Alves postures up.
Ferreira-Alves looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Cruz is looking to improve his position.
Ferreira-Alves takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.#T4#
Cruz trying to control from the bottom.
Ferreira-Alves tries to pass the half guard into mount. Cruz knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Ferreira-Alves is looking to take a break and control but Cruz is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Cruz trying to hold on to Ferreira-Alves's head to control him but Ferreira-Alves postures up.
Ferreira-Alves content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#SUB2#
Cruz actively working from the bottom here.
Cruz trying to hold on to Ferreira-Alves's head to control him but Ferreira-Alves postures up.
And that's the end of the fight!
Felipe Ferreira-Alves showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Ferreira-Alves has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 29:28
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 29:28
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 29:28
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Felipe Ferreira-Alves!
Felipe Ferreira-Alves seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
The defeated Michael Cruz had this to say: 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
CWC 280
Date: Nov 01, 2021 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 3 wins and 3 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Amsterdam, with a TWGC record of 13 wins and 13 losses; Raul Gracie!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, Chad Campbell and Jorge Garcia.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#TD#
Cruz gets a double leg takedown into Gracie's guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Gracie
Cruz trying to control but Gracie is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gracie trying to control the position.
Gracie is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Cruz showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Our spies down at at Broken Dragon Rhythm Arts (HQ) 🔥🔥🔥 inform us that Gracie has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Gracie is keeping the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie trying to control the position.
#T1#
Cruz is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.#SUB2#
Gracie had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Cruz defends it easily.
Cruz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Gracie keeps moving. #SUB2#
Gracie throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Cruz's corner is telling him to maintain position.#T2#
Gracie not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Gracie being controlled here, momentarily.
Gracie controls Cruz momentarily but Cruz frees himself. #SUB2#
Gracie looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Cruz stands and throws Gracie's legs to the side, diving into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (0) Gracie#T3#
Gracie trying his best to control but Cruz has mounted him. Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (7) vs (0) Gracie
Cruz controlling from mount.
Gracie wants to control but Cruz is having none of it.
Cruz controlling from the full mount.
Gracie can't escape the position.
#T4#
Cruz tries to control but Gracie wriggling away.
Gracie tries to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Cruz controlling the position easily from mount. #T5#
Cruz wants to take Gracie's back but he can't do it this time.
Cruz sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Gracie wants to control but Cruz is having none of it.
Cruz controlling his opponent. #T6#
Gracie tries to hold on but Cruz postures up.
Cruz content just to control the position here.
Cruz forces the positional change into back control. Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (10) vs (0) Gracie
Cruz trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Gracie doesn't escape. #T7#
Gracie looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
Cruz is controlling the position but Gracie somehow manages to roll and ends up with half guard.
#SUB2#
Gracie actively working from the bottom here.
Gracie is not content to let Cruz control the position.#T8#
Well, if Cruz is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Cruz seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Gracie does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Cruz wants to pass to mount but Gracie is defending the position.
Cruz has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (13) vs (0) Gracie
Gracie tries to reverse the position but Cruz maintains control.#T9#
Gracie tries to lock up and control but Cruz gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Cruz trying to control but Gracie is having none of it.
Cruz is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Gracie is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Cruz is trying to take his opponent's back.
#T10#
Cruz avoids the attempt from Gracie to control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz controlling from mount.
Gracie tries to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Cruz with some aggressive grappling here, looking for the finish.
Cruz looking to control and managing it successfully. #T11#
Gracie is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Cruz fails to move to back control.
Gracie wants to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Cruz trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Gracie wants to control but Cruz is having none of it.
Gracie is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Cruz is staying active.#T12#
Cruz looking to control and managing it successfully.
Cruz tries to control but Gracie wriggling away.
Gracie working to try and regain half guard.
#T13#
Cruz tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Cruz looking to control but Gracie is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Gracie is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Gracie stops Cruz from taking his back. Still, being mounted isn't any better.
Cruz avoids the attempt from Gracie to control.#T14#
Cruz looking to control and managing it successfully.
Cruz avoids the attempt from Gracie to control.
Gracie regains half guard.#SUB2#
Gracie looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Gracie trying to hold on to Cruz's head to control him but Cruz postures up.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 13 to 0.
Our winner, Michael 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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Event:
CWC 278
Date: Oct 24, 2021 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 2 wins and 3 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 7 wins and 9 losses; Eduardo Cunha!
The judges for this bout are Trevor Gratis, William Peck and Ian Loll.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#TD#
Cruz feints and as Cunha raises his hands in defense, Cruz changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (0) Cunha
Cunha looking to control.
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Cunha is retaining full guard.
Cruz passes into half guard.
Cunha is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cunha is still trying to improve position.
Cruz slows the pace down in half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cunha wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
#T1#
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Cunha is defending well.
Cruz is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Cruz looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Cunha wants to get back to full guard.#T2#
Cunha wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy.
Cunha is doing well to control the position and prevent Cruz from advancing to side control.
Cunha is looking to control Cruz's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Cunha avoid being mounted?
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Cruz wants to free his trapped foot but Cunha is holding on for dear life with his legs. #SUB2#
Cunha looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Cruz controlling the action here.#T3#
Cunha is trying to get back to full guard.
Cunha is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Cruz jumps into side control! Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (5) vs (0) Cunha
Cruz working away.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Cunha is trying to improve his position.
Cunha is not content to let Cruz control the position. #T4#
Cunha has one of Cruz's arms on lockdown, trying to prevent him from doing any damage.
Cunha wants to control but Cruz postures up.
Cunha tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Cruz wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Cunha is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Cruz works to advance to full mount. Cunha defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs. Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (7) vs (0) Cunha
Cruz controlling from the full mount.
Cunha is squirming around, avoiding Cruz's attempts to control the action. #T5#
Cruz is really struggling to control Cunha but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Cunha tries to hold on but Cruz postures up.
Cunha looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back! Score +3 for taking back: Cruz (10) vs (0) Cunha
Cruz controls the position.
Cruz controlling well, preventing Cunha from escaping the position.
#T6#
Cruz controls the position.
Cunha tries to escape the position.
Cunha trying to control but not successfully.
Cruz controls the action.
Cunha is really stuck here.
Cruz biding his time, controlling Cunha. #T7#
Cunha wants to escape the position.
Cruz biding his time, controlling Cunha.
Cunha trying to control the position but Cruz manages to sink in the hooks.
Cruz trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Cunha doesn't escape.
Cunha tries to roll but Cruz sticks to his back.
#T8#
Cruz has good solid back control here.
Cunha trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Cunha manages to reverse the position and now he's in Cruz's guard. Nice work there by Cunha.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (10) vs (2) Cunha
Cruz wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Cunha is stalling in the full guard. #T9#
Cruz wants to sweep here but Cunha controlling him for the moment.
Cunha wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz pulls Cunha in close to prevent any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cunha trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T10#
Cunha stopping the sweep attempt from Cruz.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Cruz holds on and takes a little breather.
Cunha wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cunha is one step ahead there. #T11#
Cunha wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Cruz holds on and takes a little breather.
Cunha trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz has Cunha pulled in close to control his posture.
Cunha trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T12#
Cunha stopping the sweep attempt from Cruz.
Cunha looking to sit in guard and control but Cruz gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (12) vs (2) Cunha
Cunha looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Cunha not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cruz engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Cunha is retaining full guard.
Cunha being controlled here, momentarily. #T13#
Cunha pulls Cruz in close to his closed guard and prevents Cruz from doing any damage or advancing position.
Cunha's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Cruz content to stall in guard here. #T14#
Cunha is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Cunha working a defensive guard but Cruz manages to pass into side control anyway.
Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (15) vs (2) Cunha
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cunha tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Cruz presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount! Score +2 for reaching mount: Cruz (17) vs (2) Cunha
Cunha bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (17) vs (4) Cunha
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz takes the fight on points by 17 to 4.
Michael Cruz seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website. |
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Event:
CWC 272
Date: Oct 03, 2021 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 0 wins and 5 losses; Mark Merel! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 2 wins and 2 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Elvis Blanc, Gregory Folan and Dillan Fox.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.#TD#
Merel scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice. Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Merel (4) vs (0) Cruz#SUB#
Merel working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Cruz struggling a bit here.
Merel trying to control the action but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Merel will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Merel goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Cruz has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Merel but great work by Cruz. Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Merel (4) vs (4) Cruz#T1#
Cruz is staying tight to Merel's torso, preventing him from escaping.
You can see the frustration on Merel's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Cruz controlling the position from side mount.
Cruz tries to advance to mount but can't. #SUB2#
Cruz goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Merel has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Cruz but great work by Merel. Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Merel (8) vs (4) Cruz#T2#
Cruz is not content to let Merel control the position.
You can see the frustration on Cruz's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Cruz manages to work his way to half guard, despite Merel's best efforts.
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Merel has control of the leg.
Cruz is trying to maintain the position but Merel is very close to passing his half guard.#T3#
Cruz is concentrating on defense, preventing Merel from advancing position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Cruz trying to control here.
Cruz wants to get back to full guard.
Merel wants to pass the guard but Cruz is defending well. #SUB#
Cruz is looking to regain full guard. He's left an arm up in the air though and Merel has latched onto it... Big trouble! Merel pivots for an armbar - it's in tight and it Cruz is tapping in no time flat! Great counter grappling there from Merel!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Mark Merel!
During a confident post fight interview, Mark Merel thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
The defeated Michael Cruz had this to say: 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
TWGC 35 (185lbs, D1): London Qualifier - Round 2
Date: Sep 12, 2021 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 2 wins and 1 losses; Michael Cruz! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 8 wins and 8 losses; Jesus Sanchez!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, Donald Grub and William Gold.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#TD2#
Sanchez gets a double leg takedown into Cruz's guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cruz (0) vs (2) Sanchez
Sanchez stands and throws Cruz's legs to the side, diving into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (0) vs (5) Sanchez
Sanchez tries to move into full mount but can't pass Cruz's legs.
Sanchez takes a little break here. Cruz wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Sanchez working away.
Cruz is looking to regain half guard here but Sanchez keeps moving and retains side control.
Cruz can't do much from the bottom here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sanchez wants to control but Cruz is keeping him busy.
Cruz can't do much from the bottom here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T1#
Sanchez tries to move to mount but Cruz blocks the move with his legs.
Cruz is trying to improve his position.
Cruz is not content to let Sanchez control the position.
Cruz is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at SSJ Gym, so we'll see if he gets out of it.#SUB2#
Sanchez is trying to get an arm triangle but Cruz is defending well. #T2#
Sanchez wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working.
Sanchez controls the position.
You can see the frustration on Cruz's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Sanchez wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working.
Sanchez tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Cruz tries to improve position but can't.
Sanchez tries to advance to mount but can't.
Cruz manages to get one leg in to regain half guard. #T3#
Cruz gets back to full guard.
Cruz is trying to keep Sanchez in close.
Sanchez looking to pass the guard.
Sanchez trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.
Cruz bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Sanchez's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (5) Sanchez
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Sanchez is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sanchez working a defensive guard here.
Cruz controlling from the top position.
Sanchez looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there. #T4#
Cruz looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Cruz is fighting to break Sanchez's control of his arms but Sanchez is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Sanchez tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Our spies down at at Tran MMA Gym inform us that Sanchez has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Cruz is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Sanchez looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there. #T5#
Sanchez controls Cruz momentarily but Cruz frees himself.
Cruz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Sanchez swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Sanchez manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Cruz manages to get himself to full guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (2) vs (7) Sanchez
Sanchez trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Sanchez trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sanchez is fighting to break Cruz's control of his arms but Cruz is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Sanchez wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck. #T6#
Sanchez trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz pulls Sanchez in to control the position.
Cruz keeping full guard, as Sanchez tries to pass.
Cruz pulls Sanchez in close to his closed guard and prevents Sanchez from doing any damage or advancing position.#SUB#
Cruz throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Sanchez tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Sanchez controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Sanchez stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Sanchez being controlled here momentarily. #T7#
Sanchez trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sanchez is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.#SUB#
Cruz looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Sanchez is one step ahead there.
Sanchez wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.#T8#
Sanchez slips nicely into half guard.
Sanchez trying to pass the guard but Cruz defending well.
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Sanchez has control of the leg.
Sanchez wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working.
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
Sanchez is looking to take a break and control but Cruz is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Cruz trying to control but Sanchez postures up.
Sanchez trying to mount his opponent but Cruz defends it. #T9#
Sanchez has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (2) vs (10) Sanchez
Sanchez avoids the attempt from Cruz to control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sanchez trying to control but Cruz is having none of it.
Sanchez controlling his opponent.
Cruz is squirming around, avoiding Sanchez's attempts to control the action. #T10#
Cruz is working to get back to half guard.
Sanchez wants to control the pace but Cruz is squirming around nicely.
Cruz is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Sanchez trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Cruz regains half guard.#T11#
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Sanchez has control of the leg.
Cruz is working hard here to advance position.
Cruz is concentrating on defense, preventing Sanchez from advancing position.
Sanchez is looking to advance position but Cruz won't allow it.
Sanchez has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount. Score +3 for passing guard: Cruz (2) vs (13) Sanchez
Cruz is squirming around, avoiding Sanchez's attempts to control the action. #SUB2#
Sanchez is working for a guillotine from mount but Cruz frees his head quite easily.
#T12#
Cruz is desperately trying to improve his position but Sanchez has a good base and remains in mount.
Sanchez content just to control the position here.
Sanchez wants to control the pace but Cruz is squirming around nicely.
Sanchez prevents Cruz from getting the reversal.
Cruz is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Sanchez controlling the position easily from mount.
Sanchez trying to control but he's not successful this time. #T13##SUB2#
Sanchez jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Cruz manages to avoid the submission attempt.
Cruz gets back to half guard.
Cruz holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Sanchez has control of the leg.
Sanchez is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Cruz preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head. #T14#
Sanchez trying to control the action but Cruz is working from the bottom.
The fighters are battling for position here. Cruz manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Cruz bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Sanchez's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cruz (4) vs (13) Sanchez
Sanchez wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment.
Cruz controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Sanchez wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment.
And that's the end of the fight!
Sanchez wins on points by 13 to 4.
A very excited looking Jesus Sanchez rambled incoherently for about 5 minutes post fight about how awesome he is. It was kinda funny for a while but then everyone got annoyed.
In defeat, Michael Cruz stepped up to the mic, saying 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
TWGC 35 (185lbs, D1): London Qualifier - Round 1
Date: Sep 11, 2021 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the middleweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Los Angeles, with a TWGC record of 0 wins and 2 losses; Jorginho Marcelo! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 1 wins and 1 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, Donald Grub and Daniel Bishop.
Let's get this grappling contest under way! Who will be victorious?#TD2#
Cruz shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Marcelo (0) vs (2) Cruz
Cruz not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Let's hope that Cruz has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Marcelo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB#
Marcelo working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Cruz has passed into half guard!
Cruz passes to side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Marcelo (0) vs (5) Cruz
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Marcelo is trying to control Cruz's posture but Cruz avoids it.
We've been hearing good reports from Marcelo's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T1#
Cruz moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
Marcelo keeping his opponent close.
Marcelo seems a little lost for a moment, as Cruz dominates the positioning.
Marcelo gets back to half guard.#SUB2#
Cruz is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Marcelo still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Marcelo has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Marcelo (4) vs (5) Cruz
Cruz is trying to control Marcelo's posture but Marcelo avoids it. #T2#
Cruz tries to buck Marcelo off but Marcelo is having none of it.
Cruz is still trying to improve position.#SUB#
Marcelo thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Cruz is trying to control Marcelo's posture but Marcelo avoids it.
Marcelo controls the position from side control.
Cruz is positioning himself to get back to half guard. #T3#
Cruz is trying to control Marcelo's posture but Marcelo avoids it.
Marcelo wants to control but Cruz is keeping him busy.
Marcelo just content to control the position.
Cruz sneaks back into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Marcelo wants to pass the guard but Cruz is defending well.
Cruz is looking to control Marcelo's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Cruz avoid being mounted?
The fighters are battling for position here. Cruz manages to regain full guard. Nice work. #T4#
Marcelo trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Marcelo seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Cruz looking to control.
Cruz has his hands on Marcelo's head, controlling the position.
Marcelo postures up.
Marcelo trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Marcelo's corner is telling him to maintain position.#T5#
Cruz trying to keep a closed guard but Marcelo is proving a slippery customer.
Marcelo looking to pass the guard.
Cruz not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Marcelo stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cruz is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Cruz manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Marcelo manages to get himself to full guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Marcelo (4) vs (7) Cruz
Marcelo looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there.
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Marcelo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T6#
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Marcelo is keeping the position.
Marcelo is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Cruz slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
It looks like Cruz might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.#T7#
Marcelo wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Marcelo keeping full guard, as Cruz tries to pass.
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Marcelo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T8#
Marcelo wants to sweep but no luck.
Marcelo keeping full guard, as Cruz tries to pass.
Cruz controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Marcelo looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there.
Cruz stays in close to Marcelo's body and controls the position.
Marcelo has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Marcelo keeping full guard, as Cruz tries to pass. #T9#
Marcelo is trying to control the position but Cruz postures up.
Marcelo keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully.
Cruz sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Marcelo's guard.
Marcelo is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Cruz in particular looking to stall.#T10#
Marcelo wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy.
My spies in SSJ Gym inform me that Cruz has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Cruz controlling the action here.
Cruz wants to lay and pray for a moment but Marcelo keeps working.
Cruz is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Marcelo! Score +3 for passing guard: Marcelo (4) vs (10) Cruz#T11#
Cruz can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Marcelo is looking to escape.
Marcelo regains half guard.
Cruz prevents Marcelo from improving his position.
Cruz is trying to control the action in half guard but Marcelo is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Marcelo is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Cruz wants to lay and pray for a moment but Marcelo keeps working.
Cruz passes to side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Marcelo (4) vs (13) Cruz#T12#
Marcelo can't do much from the bottom here.
Well,Marcelo is on his way to losing a decision here. Can he use his experience to pull something off in the closing minutes?
Cruz controls the position.
Marcelo is trying to improve his position.
Marcelo is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.#T13#
Cruz passes the guard and advances to mount! Score +3 for passing guard: Marcelo (4) vs (16) Cruz
Marcelo is trying desperately to improve position.
Marcelo is squirming around, avoiding Cruz's attempts to control the action.
Marcelo is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Cruz trying to control but he's not successful this time. #T14#
Marcelo keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Cruz content just to control the position here.
We're seeing a lot of stalling here from Cruz.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz trying to control but he's not successful this time.
And that's the end of the fight!
Cruz wins on points by 16 to 4.
A relieved looking Michael 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. |
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Event:
SFL 94 | Shipilov vs Atunes II
Date: Aug 22, 2021 |
#R1#
A looping hook to the body misses from Cruz. Nakamura does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz misses the shot to the body.
Cruz scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Nakamura doesn't seem bothered though. #TD2#
Nakamura closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Cruz's guard.
Cruz can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Nakamura controls the pace.
Nakamura throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Nakamura throws a big right hand that misses. #SUB#
Nakamura avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nakamura is one step ahead there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#T1#
Nakamura is looking to work some ground and pound but Cruz has wrist control.
Nakamura lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Cruz controls Nakamura momentarily but Nakamura frees himself.
Nakamura postures up and lands a big shot to Cruz's brow.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Nakamura from controlling successfully.
Cruz is trying to keep Nakamura in close.
#SUB#
Cruz is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Nakamura wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving. #T2#
Nakamura is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Nakamura landing some decent shots from guard. #SUB#
Nakamura got a little sloppy there for a moment and Cruz has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Nakamura has managed to get both his arms back between Cruz's legs - danger averted.
Nakamura wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Nakamura trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Cruz will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.#SUB#
Cruz working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Nakamura doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Oh but Cruz is tightening it up a little... Nakamura has to be careful here... He's got his foot tucked under now, this looks tight! Nakamura reacted too slowly and this one could be over in a matter of seconds! YES! Nakamura taps out! Nice BJJ there by Cruz!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Michael Cruz!
Our winner, Michael 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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Event:
SFL 83 | McCracken vs Jun
Date: Jul 01, 2021 |
#R1#
Dunes walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Cruz lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Michael Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Dunes staying out of range there.
It looked like Dunes wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Decent striking displayed by Dunes there.
Dunes lands with a kick to the temple. Cruz shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
A big left from Cruz misses.
Dunes is looking to counter with head kicks.
Dunes waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cruz.
Dunes keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cruz.
Cruz throws an overhand right that lands on Dunes's shoulder, as Dunes tries to avoid the shot.
Cruz misses with a hook
and Dunes counters with a straight that turns Cruz's legs to rubber! Dunes pushes forward with more strikes and Cruz goes down, battered and bloody! That's a wrap folks!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Slugger Dunes!
Slugger Dunes thanked the fans post fight for their support.
In defeat, Michael Cruz stepped up to the mic, saying 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
TWGC 33 (265lbs, D1): Helsinki Qualifier - Round 2
Date: May 11, 2021 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Los Angeles, with a TWGC record of 18 wins and 10 losses; Hero Galanos! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 1 wins and 0 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Arvi Lind and Roosa Järviläinen.
The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.#CL2#
Cruz has closed the distance and engaged Galanos in a clinch.
#TD#
Galanos gets a trip takedown into half guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Galanos (2) vs (0) Cruz
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
Galanos slows the pace down in half guard.
Galanos seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Cruz does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Cruz moves into full guard.
Galanos content to stall in guard here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Galanos is one step ahead there. #T1#
Galanos's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Galanos stands and throws Cruz's legs to the side, diving into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Galanos (5) vs (0) Cruz
Galanos staying calm.#T2#
Cruz wants to control but Galanos postures up.
Galanos wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working.
Cruz tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz looks to move to half guard but instead Galanos has passed into mount! Damn! Score +2 for reaching mount: Galanos (7) vs (0) Cruz
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Cruz wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back. Score +3 for taking back: Galanos (10) vs (0) Cruz#T3##SUB#
Cruz fending off the submission attempt from Galanos.
Cruz is really stuck here.
Cruz is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Galanos keeps control of the position easily here as Cruz tries to buck him off.
Cruz just trying to survive but Galanos is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish. #T4##SUB#
Galanos has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Cruz has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
#SUB#
Galanos is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Cruz knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Cruz for a finish.
Cruz tries to roll but Galanos sticks to his back.
Galanos biding his time, controlling Cruz.
Galanos will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.#T5#
Cruz rolls, trying to escape but Galanos keeps control of the position.
Cruz trying to control the hands but Galanos won't let him. #SUB#
Galanos looking for the choke but no joy.
Galanos is riding his opponent, not letting Cruz buck him off.
Galanos seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
Cruz tries to roll but Galanos sticks to his back.
Cruz trying to control the position but Galanos manages to sink in the hooks. #T6#
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.
Cruz might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Galanos haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.#SUB#
Cruz defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
Galanos just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
Cruz tries to break free.
#SUB#
Galanos working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet. #T7#
Cruz is trying to break free.
Galanos struggling to keep hold of the position.
Galanos controlling well, preventing Cruz from escaping the position.
#SUB#
Galanos is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Cruz is defending well though. Galanos let's go of the attempt for now.
Galanos has the hooks in. Cruz is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Galanos keeps control of the position easily here as Cruz tries to buck him off.
Galanos has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.#T8##SUB#
Galanos is looking for the choke from the back position but Cruz is controlling his hands well.
Cruz trying to control the hands but Galanos breaks the grip.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz rolls, trying to escape but Galanos keeps control of the position.
Cruz is being controlled on the ground here - he must escape this position otherwise surely the end is near.
Galanos gets his hands free as Cruz looks to control. #SUB#
Galanos looking for the RNC. #SUB#
Galanos tightening his grip on Cruz, looking for the choke. #T9#
Galanos not allowing Cruz to control his hands.
Galanos really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Cruz.
Galanos tries to get the hooks in deep but Cruz pushed the leg off.
Cruz tries to break free.
Galanos is looking to control Cruz but Cruz is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Cruz tries to roll but Galanos sticks to his back.
#T10#
Galanos wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy.
I would not like to be Cruz right now.
Galanos doesn't have the hooks in and Cruz manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Galanos (10) vs (2) Cruz
Cruz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #SUB#
Galanos is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Cruz defends well.
Galanos keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully.
Galanos is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Galanos (12) vs (2) Cruz#T11#
Cruz wants to get back to full guard but Galanos has passed into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Galanos (15) vs (2) Cruz
Cruz stops Galanos from passing to mount.
Cruz tries to improve position but can't.
Galanos controls the position.
Galanos is looking to take a break and control but Cruz is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Cruz tries to control but Galanos manages to take his back. Score +3 for taking back: Galanos (18) vs (2) Cruz#T12##SUB#
Galanos has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
Cruz tries to escape the position.
#SUB#
Cruz defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
I would not like to be Cruz right now.
#T13#
I really don't envy Cruz right now.
#SUB#
Galanos is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Cruz knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Cruz for a finish.
Cruz tries to roll but Galanos sticks to his back.
#SUB#
Galanos is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Cruz knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Cruz for a finish. #T14##SUB#
Cruz is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
Cruz is really stuck here.
Cruz keeps trying to improve his position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Galanos not allowing Cruz to control his hands.
Cruz is really stuck here.
And that's the end of the fight!
Galanos takes the fight on points by 18 to 2.
A victorious Hero Galanos thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
The defeated Michael Cruz had this to say: 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
TWGC 33 (265lbs, D1): Helsinki Qualifier - Round 1
Date: May 10, 2021 |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of St Petersburg, with a TWGC record of 0 wins and 1 losses; David Cain! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 0 wins and 0 losses; Michael Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Anni Minnemäki and Tarja Halkonen.
The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL#
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Cruz goes for a takedown in the clinch but Cain prevents it.
Cruz goes for a takedown in the clinch but Cain prevents it.
Cruz has Cain pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Cain manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
David Cain has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Michael Cruz.
Cruz goes for a takedown attempt but Cain pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
#CL2#
Cruz instigates a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cain is looking for a takedown.
Cruz is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Cain pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Cain is defending well against a takedown attempt.#T1##TD2#
Cruz wants the takedown. Cain is fighting it off but Cruz persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Cain's guard against the cage. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Cain (0) vs (2) Cruz
Cruz wants to control from the top but Cain keeps moving.
Cruz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cain is keeping the position for now.
Cain wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Cruz slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Cain seems keen to control Cruz's posture.
Cruz looking to sit in guard and control but Cain gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cain (2) vs (2) Cruz
Our spies down at at SSJ Gym inform us that Cruz has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T2#
Cruz wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Cain is now in half guard. #SUB2#
Cruz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Cain pulls his head out easily.
Cain perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Cruz wants to control but Cain is keeping busy.
Cruz is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Cain's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Cain's back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Cain (2) vs (6) Cruz
Cruz trying to control.
We've been hearing good reports from Cain's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Cain breaks Cruz's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Cain (4) vs (6) Cruz#T3#
Cain passes into half guard.
Cruz wants to improve his position but Cain is controlling well.
#SUB2#
Cruz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Cain pulls his head out easily.
Cruz is looking to control Cain's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Cruz avoid being mounted?
Cruz wants to get back to full guard but Cain has passed into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Cain (7) vs (6) Cruz
The referee asks Cain politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Cain prefers to stall for the moment though.#SUB#
Cain is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Cruz has escaped the position, nice work there.
Cruz is positioning himself to get back to half guard. #T4#
Cain wants to control but Cruz is keeping him busy.
Cruz wants to control but Cain postures up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cain tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Cruz sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Cruz is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Cain's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Cain's back! Score +4 for clean sweep to past guard: Cain (7) vs (10) Cruz
Cain trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble. #T5##SUB2#
Cruz patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Cain trying to control the hands but Cruz breaks the grip. #SUB2#
Cruz working from the back looking to end the fight with a rear naked choke. Cain is doing well to defend. Cruz seems to have got his hand under the chin though and he's sunk the choke in! Cain is forced to tap and this one is over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 5:31 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Michael Cruz!
Michael Cruz thanked the fans post fight for their support. |
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Event:
SFL 54 | Jussi vs Viking
Date: Mar 13, 2021 |
#R1#
Brawler throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Cruz paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Brawler connects with a nice looking jab.
Cruz swings and misses with a shot to the body
letting Brawler counter with a right hand.
Cruz misses with a hook
and Brawler counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Brawler moves away from the strike by Cruz.
Cruz bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
We've been told by Brawler's head coaches at Tosen's Home for Lost Boys that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
A jab from Cruz misses.
Cruz moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A slow jab from Cruz misses its intended target.
Cruz misses the jab.
Cruz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Brawler.
Cruz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Brawler throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Cruz slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.#T1#
Cruz scores with a crisp jab that stopped Brawler in his tracks. #ROC2#Brawler is rocked!
Michael Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Brawler takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Brawler with the inside leg kick.
A swing and a miss from Cruz.
Cruz uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Brawler.
Brawler lands a jab to the nose.
Cruz cracks Brawler with a good jab.
Oh Brawler is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Brawler listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Cruz 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.
Cruz misses with an uppercut.
Brawler seems to have got his legs back now.
Brawler lands a jab to the head.
Brawler drops his hands momentarily and Cruz takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cruz scores with a hook.
Brawler ducks under a wild hook from Cruz.
Brawler keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
#T2#
Brawler lands with a thumping leg kick.
Cruz misses the shot to the body.
Cruz swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Brawler looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Cruz is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Brawler had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Cruz lunges at Brawler with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Brawler's hand.
Cruz misses with a lunging right hand
and Brawler counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Brawler attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Cruz swings widly with a right hand
and Brawler counters with a stiff right hand. #ROC#Cruz is rocked!
Brawler takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Cruz is still on wobbly legs! Can Brawler finish him?
Brawler stuns Cruz with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Cruz jabs Brawler right on the nose. Brawler blinks but takes it well.
Brawler throws a monster overhand right that drops Cruz! Brawler follows up with more strikes from mount and the fight is all over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Bobby Brawler!
Bobby Brawler thanked the fans post fight for their support.
The defeated Michael Cruz had this to say: 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
SFL 47 | Atunes vs Alcala
Date: Feb 14, 2021 |
#R1#
Cruz stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Cruz connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Magrin momentarily.
Cruz throws a body punch but Magrin moves out of range.
Magrin is looking to clinch but Cruz is avoiding it.
Magrin tries to clinch there but Cruz circles away.
Cruz's jab looks to have found its range, popping Magrin under the eye.#ROC#Magrin is rocked!
Cruz scores with a body shot.
Magrin is still on wobbly legs! Can Cruz finish him?
Cruz is throwing punches like he's double parked. Oh my word! Huge right hand from Cruz shuts the power down on Magrin. Lights out, game over! Cruz is your winner.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:28 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Michael Cruz!
During a confident post fight interview, Michael Cruz thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him. |
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Event:
SFL 38 | Fusi vs Babinski III
Date: Jan 09, 2021 |
#R1##CL2#
Cruz clinches with his opponent.
Munson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Cruz.
#BC#
Munson breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Munson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Munson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
#CL2#
Cruz fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Munson, pushing him back against the cage.#TD2#
Cruz gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Munson regains guard.
Cruz stopping the sweep attempt from Munson.
Cruz working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Munson keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz landing with the ground and pound. #SUB#
Munson is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Cruz is aware though and is defending well.
Munson has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Munson pulls Cruz in close to prevent any damage. #T1#
Munson keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully.
Munson trying to control the position.
Cruz loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Munson pulls Cruz in close to his closed guard and prevents Cruz from doing any damage or advancing position.#SUB#
Munson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Cruz defends well.
Munson looking to control but Cruz passes into half guard.
#T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Munson is trying to control but can't.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Cruz lands a nice short elbow.
Cruz lands strikes from half guard.
Cruz prevents Munson from improving his position.
Munson has hold of Cruz's hands but Cruz slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Cruz passes to side control.
Munson takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Munson is trying to get back to half guard.
Munson is trying to escape the position but Cruz is controlling the position. #T3#
Cruz wants to control but Munson is keeping him busy.
Munson tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Cruz wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Munson is working hard here to advance position.
Cruz is looking to take a break and control but Munson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Cruz is chipping away with strikes.
Munson is looking to reverse the position.
Cruz wants to control but Munson is keeping him busy.
Munson wants to control but Cruz postures up.#T4#
Cruz scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Munson to see if he's OK.
Cruz wants to control but Munson is keeping him busy.
Munson is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Cruz lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt. #SUB2#
Cruz wants to work for an arm triangle but Munson is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Cruz lands a nice short elbow.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Munson trying to control from the bottom.
Cruz has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.#SUB#
Munson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.#SUB2#
Cruz seems to be working for a kimura but Munson defends the submission attempt.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Michael Cruz 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##TD2#
Cruz changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Munson looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Cruz trying to control the action but Munson is working from the bottom.
Munson can't do much from the bottom here.
Munson tries to bench press Cruz off him but Cruz keeps the position.
Michael Cruz has got the better of the ground game so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz in side control lands a decent elbow.
You can see the frustration on Munson's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Cruz scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Munson to see if he's OK.#T1#
Cruz wants to lay and pray for a moment but Munson keeps working.
Cruz scores with punches from side control.
Cruz advances to mount.
Cruz with good strikes from the mount here!
Cruz controlling his opponent.
Cruz scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Munson is trying to escape the mount.
Cruz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.#T2#
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Cruz breaks from Munson's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Cruz can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Munson is looking to escape.
A nice elbow there by Cruz.
Cruz wants to control the pace but Munson is squirming around nicely.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Munson tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Cruz avoids the attempt from Munson to control.#T3#
Cruz unloading with bombs!
Cruz sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
My spies in SSJ Gym inform me that Cruz has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Munson is in all sorts of trouble here.
Cruz with good strikes from the mount here!
Cruz scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Munson?
Cruz sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Cruz avoids the attempt from Munson to control.
Cruz working the ground and pound effectively.
#T4#
Cruz lands a couple of good shots and Munson has given up his back, trying to escape the position!#ROC2#Munson is rocked!
Munson tries to escape but Cruz has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Oh Munson is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Munson is keeping busy.
Munson seems to have got his legs back now.
Cruz has the hooks in. Munson is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cruz punishes Munson with strikes from the back mount.
Cruz lands a series of strikes from the back and Munson goes limp! The ref jumps in to save him!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Michael Cruz!
After the fight, Michael Cruz was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly. |
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Event:
FARTMMA 122
Date: Oct 24, 2020 |
#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Pikachu is trying hard to land a takedown here. Cruz sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Pikachu ducks under a wild hook from Cruz.
A countering left hand to the body from Pikachu misses.#CL#
Cruz closes the distance and clinches.
Cruz with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Cruz on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruz stalling in the clinch.
Cruz lands with a light punch inside.
Cruz misses with a knee to the head.
Cruz misses with the head strike.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Pikachu.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz swings away with an uppercut that misses.
I was talking to Cruz's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Cruz lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Cruz has a couple of punches blocked by Pikachu.
Cruz lands a hook that snaps the head of Pikachu backwards. #T1#
Pikachu blocks the elbow strike.
Pikachu 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. Pikachu gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Cruz paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Cruz lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
A head kick misses from Cruz.
Cruz tries a head kick but it misses.
Pikachu looks for a takedown but Cruz sprawls well.
Michael Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Detektyw Pikachu.
Pikachu fails with a takedown attempt.
Pikachu defending well as Cruz loads up on a big left hand.
Cruz scores with a hook.#CL#
Cruz clinches up with Pikachu and pushes him back against the cage.
Pikachu tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Cruz blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Cruz lands with a short head shot on the inside. #T2#
Cruz is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Pikachu is defending well for now.#TD2#
Pikachu pulls guard successfully.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Pikachu not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cruz working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Pikachu's head.
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Pikachu is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Pikachu is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Cruz's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Cruz postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Cruz working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Pikachu wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment.
Cruz landing with the ground and pound. #T3#
Cruz showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Pikachu is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Cruz trying to control but Pikachu is working from the bottom.
Cruz is really struggling to control Pikachu but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Pikachu is controlling Cruz's posture.
Cruz connects with a couple of short punches.#T4#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Cruz passes into half guard.
Cruz is nestled in close to Pikachu, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Pikachu gets full guard.
Cruz landing with the ground and pound.
Cruz content to stall in guard here. #SUB2#
Pikachu looking for a guillotine here but Cruz defends easily.
#SUB2#
Pikachu has his foot on Cruz's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Cruz works his way back into a safe position though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Michael Cruz dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2##TD2#
A momentary lapse in concentration from Cruz enables Pikachu to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Cruz manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Cruz trying to keep a closed guard but Pikachu is proving a slippery customer.
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Pikachu can do to turn this around?
Cruz has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Pikachu wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz wants to sweep here but Pikachu controlling him for the moment.
Cruz trying to control the position here. #T1#
Cruz is trying to control the position but Pikachu postures up.
Pikachu must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Pikachu is one step ahead there.
Pikachu trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Pikachu tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Cruz defends well and Pikachu ends up having to push Cruz into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Cruz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cruz lands with a hook. Pikachu tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Cruz cracks Pikachu with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cruz. Pikachu does a little dance to reset his feet.
A swing and a miss from Cruz.
A big left from Cruz misses.
The crowd cheers as Cruz lands an impressive looking overhand right. Pikachu doesn't seem phased though.
Pikachu takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses. #T2#
A jab from Cruz misses. #TD#
Cruz changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Pikachu looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cruz creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Pikachu sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Cruz lands an elbow.
Michael Cruz overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Pikachu tries to bench press Cruz off him but Cruz keeps the position.
Pikachu is trying to control Cruz's posture but Cruz avoids it.
Pikachu tries to bench press Cruz off him but Cruz keeps the position.
Cruz trying to control the position but Pikachu is working away. #SUB#
Cruz is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Pikachu knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Cruz throwing shots but missing, from side control. #T3#
Cruz tries to advance to mount but Pikachu denies him.
Cruz lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Pikachu is not content to let Cruz control the position.
Pikachu gets back to half guard.
Pikachu is trying to maintain the position but Cruz is very close to passing his half guard.
Cruz landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent. #T4#
Pikachu wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.
Cruz seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Pikachu trying to control from the bottom.
#SUB#
Cruz is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Pikachu is just riding it out for now. Cruz eventually gives up the hold. #SUB2#
Pikachu is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Cruz pulls his head out easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Pikachu is not content to let Cruz control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Michael Cruz dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!#R3#
Nice shot by Cruz.
Cruz misses with a straight left.
Cruz works the jab nicely.
Cruz punishes Pikachu's body with a nice straight punch.
A jab from Cruz misses.
Pikachu fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Cruz avoids it really well and circles away.
Pikachu shoots for a double leg takedown but Cruz sprawls well. He's pushed Pikachu's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Pikachu is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Cruz was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Pikachu blocks a jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pikachu shoots in for a takedown but Cruz shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Michael Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Detektyw Pikachu.
Pikachu keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cruz.
A countering left hand to the body from Pikachu misses.
Pikachu lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Cruz scores with a sloppy right hand. Pikachu should have avoided that one.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!#CL2#
Pikachu darts in and clinches Cruz up against the cage.#T1##TD2#
Pikachu gets control of Cruz's arms and successfully pulls guard. Pikachu will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Cruz postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Cruz stands up over Pikachu, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head. #SUB2#
Pikachu looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Cruz passes into half guard.
Cruz working Pikachu over with strikes.
Cruz is looking to take a break and control but Pikachu is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Nice strikes from Cruz there.
Cruz winds up and cracks Pikachu with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Pikachu trying to control here.
Pikachu won't allow Cruz to pass to mount. #T2#
Pikachu is trying to control but can't.
Cruz moves nicely into side control.
Cruz lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Pikachu trying his best to control but Cruz has mounted him.
Cruz postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Pikachu looks a forlorn figure.
Cruz with a couple of short strikes.#ROC#Pikachu is rocked!#CUT#It looks like Detektyw Pikachu has been cut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Pikachu can't escape the position.
Pikachu is still in real trouble! Can Cruz finish him?
Cruz punishing his opponent with strikes.
Cruz looking to finish here with some ground and pound. He lands one big shot that has Pikachu covering up... and two more big strikes land, forcing the referee to step in and put and end to proceedings! This fight is all over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:59 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Michael Cruz!
In his post fight interview, Michael Cruz started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception. |
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Event:
FARTMMA 112
Date: Aug 22, 2020 |
#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cruz misses with a right hand
and Vazzappo counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Vazzappo lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Cruz looks to clinch
enabling Vazzappo to counter with a crisp jab.
Vazzappo misses with a jab, cross combination.
Vazzappo throws a low kick but Cruz avoids it.
Cruz changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.#KD2#
Oooooh!!! Vazzappo has knocked Cruz down with a huge combo! Vazzappo steps away and waves a wobbly Cruz back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!#ROC2#Cruz is rocked!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Vazzappo darts in and lands a big hook, right on the button! Cruz's legs crumble underneath him as he falls to the canvas! The ref tackles Vazzappo before he gets to land any more shots to his stricken foe.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:35 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Tony Vazzappo!
Tony Vazzappo was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.
Michael Cruz spoke after the fight, saying 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'. |
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Event:
FARTMMA 104
Date: Jun 20, 2020 |
#R1#
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!#CL2#
Cruz pushes Holt up against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz leaning his opponent against the cage.
Still in the clinch, Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.#TD2#
Cruz pulls guard successfully.
#SUB2#
Cruz is working for submissions here. He's thrown up his legs looking for a triangle but Holt frees his head nicely. Oh but Cruz has switched to an armbar! Holt is tapping furiously! Lovely submission there!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:33 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Armbar). Michael Cruz!
Michael Cruz tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.
Luke Holt was interviewed post fight and said 'I will be back'. |
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Event:
SAFO 56 Mendoza v Anderson
Date: Apr 28, 2020 |
#R1#
Cruz throws a body shot but no joy.
Bro connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Cruz's hands.
Cruz tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Bro manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Bro is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Bro throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cruz is looking to clinch.
Bro swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Cruz wants to clinch#KD#
and Bro counters with a crisp one two that drops Cruz! Bro thinks about following him to the mat for a moment but instead steps back and waves Cruz to his feet! Cruz is in big trouble!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bro stuffs the takedown.
Cruz fails in his attempt to clinch.
Bro misses with a looping right.#T1##KD#
Bro cracks Cruz with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Cruz looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Bro finish him?
#ROC#
Cruz is rocked!
and Bro counters with a massive uppercut that badly hurts Cruz! He's just covering up as Bro starts to tee off till the referee steps in and stops the fight!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:19 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Come @ Me Bro!
The defeated Michael Cruz had this to say: 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'.
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Event:
RapidFC Tokyo 43
Date: Feb 08, 2020 |
#R1##CL#
Magrin moves into the clinch.
Cruz goes for a takedown in the clinch but Magrin prevents it.
Magrin blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
#BC2#
Cruz breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Cruz connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.#TD2#
Magrin gets caught napping as Cruz dives in and scores a takedown. Magrin manages to retain guard.
Cruz loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry. #SUB#
Magrin is looking for a triangle here but Cruz uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
#SUB2#
Cruz goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Magrin has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Cruz but great work by Magrin.
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.
Cruz sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Magrin is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Magrin content to sit in half guard and control for a moment. #T1##SUB#
Magrin is trying to work for a kimura but Cruz is defending well.
#SUB#
Magrin is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Cruz is just riding it out for now. Magrin eventually gives up the hold.
Cruz misses with some strikes from the bottom.
#T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Cruz landing a few short strikes.
Magrin seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Cruz does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Cruz is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Magrin's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Magrin's back!
Magrin is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
#SUB2#
Magrin preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Cruz.
Cruz trying to control momentarily.
Magrin covers up after taking a massive shot to the side of the head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz is not going to allow Magrin to sit and survive in this position.
Cruz doesn't have the hooks in and Magrin manages to turn into his guard.
#T3#
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Cruz trying to keep a closed guard but Magrin is proving a slippery customer.
Magrin trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB2#
Cruz escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Magrin gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Cruz wants to hit a switch here but Magrin passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Cruz there!
Magrin tries to control but Cruz wriggling away.
Magrin controlling from the full mount. #T4#
Cruz tries to lock up and control but Magrin gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.#SUB#
Magrin is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Cruz has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Cruz bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Magrin is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cruz works over Magrin with some ground and pound from guard.
Magrin looking to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Michael Cruz dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.
#R2#
Cruz moves in looking to clinch but Magrin pushes him off.
Magrin seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.#CL2#
Cruz takes the fight into the clinch.
Cruz displaying some good clinch control by pressing Magrin up against the cage.#TD2#
Cruz pulls Magrin into guard.
Cruz managing to control the position.
Cruz bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Magrin's guard. #REVB#
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Magrin keeps moving.
Magrin is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.#T1#
Magrin keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully. #SUB#
Magrin is actively looking for submissions from his back. He's worked himself a little space on the bottom and seems to be going for a triangle. No, he's switched into an armbar! That was slick! Cruz rolls with it to try and escape but Magrin cranks on the arm and Cruz is forced to tap out! This one is aaaaaaaaall over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:31 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Coiote Magrin!
Coiote Magrin seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
Michael Cruz was interviewed post fight and said 'Ill come back stronger than ever!'.
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Event:
RapidFC 59
Date: Jan 11, 2020 |
#R1##TD#
Cruz scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground. #SUB2#
Corleone looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Cruz lands a nice short elbow.
Corleone trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Cruz manages to pass to mount!
Cruz working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Cruz has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Corleone really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Corleone tries to lock up and control but Cruz gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Cruz controlling the pace for now.
Cruz with good strikes from the mount here!#T1#
Cruz is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Cruz avoids the attempt from Corleone to control.
Corleone tries to reverse the position but Cruz maintains control.
Cruz content just to control the position here.
Cruz trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Cruz avoids the attempt from Corleone to control.
Corleone tries to reverse the position but Cruz maintains control.#T2#
Cruz cracks Corleone with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Corleone looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Cruz lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Corleone tries to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Corleone might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Cruz haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Cruz cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Corleone is squirming around, avoiding Cruz's attempts to control the action.
Corleone is looking to improve his position but Cruz isn't that keen on the idea.#T3#
Corleone taking shots to the head.
Cruz looking to control but Corleone is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Cruz lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
#ROC#
Corleone is rocked!#CUT#
It looks like Danny Corleone has been cut.
Corleone tries to hold on but Cruz pushes him away.
Cruz pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Cruz has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Corleone's face.
Corleone is still in real trouble! Can Cruz finish him?
Corleone is wriggling around trying to escape.
Cruz lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.#CUT#
That has opened up Danny Corleone's cut even more.#T4#
Corleone tries to hold on but Cruz postures up.
Oooh a big shot lands for Cruz! Corleone is out! The ref dives in to save him from more punishment!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:26 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Michael Cruz!
Michael Cruz spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.
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Event:
RapidFC 55
Date: Nov 30, 2019 |
#R1#
Magrin blocks a head kick by Cruz.
Magrin avoids the body shot from Cruz.
Cruz swats away the attempt to clinch by Magrin.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Magrin 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 misses with a two punch combination.
Cruz avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
#CL2#
Magrin pushes Cruz up against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Magrin smiles and moves away.
#CL#
Cruz moves into the clinch successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Cruz stalling in the clinch but Magrin improves position. #T1#
Cruz misses with some punches.
Cruz tries to pull guard but Magrin won't allow it.
Magrin is trying to pull guard but Cruz turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Cruz misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Magrin.
Cruz tries to pull guard but Magrin forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Michael Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A short left from Cruz.
Magrin tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Magrin tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Cruz smiles and moves away.
Cruz misses with a series of wild punches.
Magrin blocks a head kick by Cruz.
Magrin tries to counter with a clinch but Cruz shakes him off and moves away.#CL2#
Magrin closes the distance and clinches.
Cruz throws a head punch that misses. #T2#
Magrin fails to pull guard.
Magrin tries to pull guard but Cruz forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Cruz wants to take the fight to the mat but Magrin manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Magrin tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Cruz smiles and moves away.
#CL2#
Magrin has taken the fight to the clinch.
Cruz misses with a punch on the inside.
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Magrin is trying to pull guard but Cruz turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Magrin is trying to pull guard but Cruz turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.#T3#
Magrin tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Cruz smiles and moves away.
Cruz lands a lovely overhand right.#CL2#
Magrin rushes Cruz and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Magrin tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Cruz misses with an elbow over the top.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
I was talking to Cruz's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Magrin tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Cruz just stands there and leans against the cage.
Magrin tries to pull guard but Cruz forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Cruz trying to land knees to the body.
Magrin tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Cruz smiles and moves away.
Cruz looks for a takedown but Magrin sprawls well.#T4##CL2#
Magrin clinches up with Cruz and pushes him back against the cage.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch. #TD#
Cruz pulls guard.
Magrin content to stall in guard here.
Magrin's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#SUB#
Cruz throws his legs up looking for a submission but Magrin uses it to pass to side control.
Cruz is trying to work for a sweep but Magrin has mounted him!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Michael Cruz dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
#R2#
A combination from Cruz does no damage.
Magrin avoids a punch combination nicely.
#TD#
Cruz shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Magrin is in trouble now - Cruz has advanced to mount!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Magrin wants to control but Cruz is having none of it.
Magrin sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.#T1#
Cruz is keen to just control but Magrin is a slippery customer.
Magrin regains full guard. Nicely done.
Magrin lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Magrin stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Magrin from controlling successfully.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Magrin can do to turn this around?
Magrin passes easily into side control. Nice work.#T2#
Cruz tries to bench press Magrin off him but Magrin keeps the position.
Magrin controlling from side mount.
Cruz tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Magrin wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Magrin tries to advance to mount but Cruz denies him. #T3#
Cruz seems a little lost for a moment, as Magrin dominates the positioning.
Cruz wants to control but Magrin postures up.
Magrin wants to control but Cruz is keeping him busy.
Coiote Magrin has got the better of the ground game so far.
Magrin just content to control the position. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.#CL2#
Magrin darts in and clinches Cruz up against the cage.#TD#
Cruz has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Magrin is trying to keep an underhook but Cruz manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Magrin has hold of Cruz's hands but Cruz slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T4#
Magrin is holding on to half guard well.
Cruz thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Magrin's head.
Magrin trying to control here.
Magrin has his hands clasped together around Cruz's back. He's all about the action.
Cruz takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position. #SUB#
Cruz is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Michael Cruz dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!
#R3##TD#
Cruz is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Magrin's half guard.
Cruz is trying to control the action in half guard but Magrin is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Magrin wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Magrin has hold of Cruz's hands but Cruz slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Cruz missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Magrin makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Magrin.
Magrin working a defensive guard here.
#T1#
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Magrin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Magrin wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment.
Cruz trying to control but Magrin is working from the bottom.
Cruz is looking to work some ground and pound but Magrin has wrist control.
Magrin wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Magrin keeps moving. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.#T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Magrin shoots in for a takedown but Cruz shows good takedown defense.
As Magrin looks to move away, Cruz throws a big counter combo but Magrin just gets out of the way.#CL2#
Magrin darts in and clinches Cruz up against the cage.#TD#
Cruz decides to pull guard. #SUB#
Cruz looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
#SUB#
Cruz looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
#SUB#
Cruz has his foot on Magrin's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Magrin works his way back into a safe position though.
Magrin stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard. #T3#
Magrin is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.#SUB#
Cruz working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Magrin doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Magrin manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem. #SUB#
Magrin is sitting in close to Cruz's body. Cruz has gone for a guillotine from the bottom. Oh damn, that looks pretty tight! Magrin is panicking - it looks like this one could be all over! Yes, Magrin is tapping! That was a very nice submission by Cruz.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:43 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Michael Cruz!
After the fight, Michael Cruz was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.
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Event:
Bloodbath 11 at The Expo
Date: Oct 12, 2019 |
#R1##TD2#
Cruz throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Araujo was covering up waiting for the punch and Cruz finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Araujo has momentary wrist control but Cruz slips an elbow through the middle.
Cruz scoring with some ground and pound.
Araujo throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Cruz slips nicely into half guard, despite the strikes coming from Araujo.
Cruz has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Cruz is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Araujo has hold of Cruz's hands but Cruz slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Cruz working the head and body with strikes. #ROC2#
Araujo is rocked!
Cruz landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Oh Araujo is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Cruz scores with a big shot! Araujo's head bounced off the canvas with a huge thud! More strikes land and the referee has jumped in to save Araujo! He was hurt real bad - good stoppage!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Michael Cruz!
Michael Cruz decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.
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Event:
UnderGround FC 32
Date: Aug 21, 2019 |
#R1#
Jab, jab by Cruz - just one landing.
Cruz swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Cruz just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromBurunduks.
Burunduks misses with a takedown attempt #TD2#
and Cruz counters with a shoot takedown into half guard. #ROC2#
Burunduks is rocked!
Burunduks has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Burunduks trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no!
Cruz lands a big shot to the head and Burunduks winces in pain. He's tapped out due to strikes!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:35 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Michael Cruz!
After the fight, Michael Cruz was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.
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Event:
Quick Fight Championship
Date: Jun 22, 2019 |
#R1##TD2#
Hatter gets caught napping as Cruz dives in and scores a takedown. Hatter manages to retain guard.
Hatter definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Hatter avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Hatter wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment.
Cruz keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Hatter's head.
Cruz stopping the sweep attempt from Hatter.#SUB2#
Cruz thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Hatter keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully.
Cruz preventing the sweep.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hatter keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully.
Cruz stands and throws Hatter's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Hatter gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there! #T1#
Cruz pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Cruz prevents Hatter from getting the reversal.
Cruz raining down shots from the mount!
Cruz is landing with some decent strikes but Hatter is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Cruz scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Hatter?
Hatter is desperately trying to improve his position but Cruz has a good base and remains in mount.#SUB2#
Cruz is working close to his opponent, looking to work a submission by the looks of things. Oh, he's managed to get a guillotine from mount as his opponent reached up! That looks tiiiiight! Will he tap? YES, he's tapped! Impressive submission by Cruz!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Michael Cruz!
Michael Cruz decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.
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