Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: RFL 1 - A New Day
Date: Apr 13, 2024

#R1#
Cruz tests Deckel's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Cruz buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Deckel gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Cruz tries to land a leg kick but Deckel saw it coming and moves away.
Cruz throws a leg kick that misses.
Deckel appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Cruz paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Cruz throws a hook but Deckel blocks it.
Cruz with the inside leg kick.
Cruz throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Deckel stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Cruz tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Deckel manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Deckel now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Deckel fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Cruz missing with a left hand there. Deckel was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
The crowd cheers as Cruz lands an impressive looking overhand right. Deckel doesn't seem phased though.#CL#
Cruz closes the distance and clinches.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch. #TD#
Cruz manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back. #T1#
Cruz is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Deckel trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB#
Cruz looking for a guillotine here but Deckel defends easily.
Deckel looking to pass the guard.
Deckel keeps trying to improve his position.
Deckel sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Cruz's guard. #T2#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Cruz trying to hold on to Deckel's head to control him but Deckel postures up.
Cruz tries to roll over but Deckel keeps him under control.
Deckel 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.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB2#
Deckel is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Deckel looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Cruz is staying active underneath Deckel, who seems content to just control the action from this position. #T3#
Cruz wants to control but Deckel is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Deckel prevents Cruz from improving his position.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Cruz is working hard here to advance position.
Cruz trying to control here. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Cruz lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Cruz lands a nice looking body kick.
Cruz dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Deckel. That did some damage!#CL#
Cruz rushes Deckel and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz lands a right hand.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz. #BC#
Cruz breaks from the clinch. #T4#
Cruz moves in looking to clinch but Deckel pushes him off.
Deckel takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there. #CL2#
Deckel clinches. #TD#
Cruz ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Cruz no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Deckel trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Deckel passes Cruz's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Deckel is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Cruz reverses the position - he's now on top in Deckel's guard.
Deckel wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment.
Our spies down at at MMA Training and Sparring Buddies inform us that Deckel has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Cruz trying to control but Deckel is working from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Deckel avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Deckel wants to counter with a clinch but Cruz pushes him away.
Deckel walks into a left hand.
A nice leg kick lands there from Cruz. #TD2#
Deckel throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Cruz was covering up waiting for the punch and Deckel finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Cruz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Deckel advances position into side control!#SUB2#
Deckel goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Cruz rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Deckel's guard! Nice work there by Cruz!
Deckel is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVB#
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Deckel tries to pass the half guard into mount. Cruz knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt. #T1#
Cruz gets back to full guard.
Deckel trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Cruz is on top in guard. #REVR##SUB2#
Deckel looking for a guillotine here but Cruz defends easily.
Cruz not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up. #T2#
Cruz wants to control from the top but Deckel keeps moving. #SUB2#
Deckel 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.#SUB2#
Deckel 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.
Deckel wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment. #T3#
Cruz is stalling in the full guard.
Topf Deckel has got the better of the ground game so far.
Cruz preventing the sweep.
Cruz looking to pass the guard.
Deckel wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz trying to control but Deckel is working from the bottom.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.#T4#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.#SUB2#
Deckel isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Cruz stacks Deckel on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Cruz!
Cruz staying calm.
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.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Deckel is looking for a sweep.#REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Jacinto Cruz will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!#R3#
Cruz lands with a shot to the body.
Cruz scores with a head kick. Deckel tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick.
Jacinto Cruz is winning the standup battle so far.
Cruz feints and then cracks Deckel's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Deckel down.
Cruz tries to land a front kick but Deckel steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.#TD2#
Deckel looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Deckel trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz trying to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz is pulling down on Deckel's head to control his posture.
Deckel tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard. #T1#
Deckel postures up.
Cruz is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Jacinto Cruz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Cruz fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Deckel on the side of the head.
Topf Deckel is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick.
We've been told by Cruz's head coaches at League of Shadows MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Deckel paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Cruz fails with an attempt to clinch.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Deckel! But no joy.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Deckel can do to turn this around?
Cruz is looking to take this fight into the clinch.#CL#
Cruz moves into the clinch.#T2#
Cruz lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Cruz scores with a shoulder strike. #TD2#
Deckel is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Cruz can't fight it off and eventually Deckel manages to take the fight to the floor. Cruz looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Deckel would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck. #SUB#
Deckel avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Deckel trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #T3#
Deckel 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.
Deckel wants to pass to mount but Cruz is defending the position.
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Deckel is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Jacinto Cruz is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Deckel wants to pass to mount but Cruz is defending the position.
Deckel wants to advance to full mount but Cruz doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
Cruz controls Deckel momentarily but Deckel frees himself.
Deckel is fighting to break Cruz's control of his arms but Cruz is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Deckel is pushing down on Cruz's leg trying to pass to half guard. Cruz is fighting to maintain full guard but Deckel has managed to sneak the leg through.#T4#
Cruz is trying to maintain the position but Deckel is very close to passing his half guard.
Cruz is looking to improve his position.
Deckel trying to control from half guard but Cruz is working away. #SUB#
Cruz looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Well, if Deckel 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. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Topf Deckel has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Deckel misses with a wild body shot.
Cruz half committed to a counter leg kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Jacinto Cruz.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Cruz, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Elvis Blanc scores the fight 30:29
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 30:27
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!

Event: HFC 77:Von Wild vs Yamasaki
Date: Dec 09, 2023

#R1#
Cruz lands a nice hook to Cedillo's body. Cedillo takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Cruz tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Cruz backing away here, and Cedillo unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
We've been told by Cruz's head coaches at League of Shadows MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Cruz's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Cedillo connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Cruz scrambles back to his feet.
Good standup being displayed there by Cedillo as he connects with a hook.
Cruz lands a head shot.
Cruz lands with a nice body kick.
Cruz tries to clinch but Cedillo is having none of it.
Despite the aggression on Cedillo's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Cruz takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Cruz doesn't manage to clinch there - Cedillo circles away.
Cruz tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Cedillo pivots, looking for a leg kick but Cruz is out of range and Cedillo settles back down.
Cruz tries to clinch
and Cedillo counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Good exchange - Cruz coming out on top.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz tries to clinch there but Cedillo circles away.
Cruz scores with a nice body kick.
Cruz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Cedillo.
Cedillo circles away from the clinch attempt.
A low kick from Cruz is predictable there
and Cedillo counters with a series of strikes. Cruz will be more careful next time no doubt.
Cruz moves out of range of the body kick.#T1#
Cedillo does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Cedillo slips a straight right by Cruz.
Cruz fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cruz swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Cedillo.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cruz is looking to chop away at Cedillo's legs.
Cedillo walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch but Cedillo swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
A head kick misses from Cruz.
A punch lands to the side of Cedillo 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Cedillo checks a leg kick nicely.
Cedillo throws a leg kick but Cruz sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Cedillo stuns Cruz with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.#CL#
Cruz closes the distance and clinches.
Cedillo prevents a body shot from Cruz.
Cedillo is looking to break free of the clinch but Cruz has double underhooks.
Cruz misses with a punch on the inside.
Cruz tries a body shot but Cedillo blocks it. #BC2#
Cedillo pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.#T2#
Cruz tries to clinch but Cedillo is having none of it.
Left hook, right uppercut from Cedillo.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cedillo's jab looks to have found its range, popping Cruz under the eye.
Cedillo on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Cruz looks to throw the jab but Cedillo is out of range.
Cruz dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Cedillo. That did some damage!
Cedillo slips a straight right by Cruz.
A bone on bone clash there as Cruz blocks the leg kick.
Cedillo loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
Cedillo attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Cruz tries to land a front kick but Cedillo steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Cruz tries to clinch up.
A solid leg kick lands there for Cruz. #CL#
Cruz rushes Cedillo and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Cedillo is working Cruz over against the cage.
Cruz softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it. #T3#
Cruz can't break the clinch.
Cruz is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Cruz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Cedillo.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Cruz jumps guard but Cedillo stands there with Cruz around his waist. Cruz gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch. #BC#
Cruz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance. #CL#
Cedillo tries to keep at a distance but Cruz has taken the fight into the clinch.
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs. #BC2#
Cedillo pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Cruz darts in trying to clinch
and Cedillo counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Cruz pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Cruz moves out of range as Cedillo throws a body kick.
Cedillo misses with a wild body shot.
Cedillo works Cruz's body with a nice hook.
Cedillo throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range. #T4#
Cruz wants to clinch
and Cedillo counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Cruz tries to clinch
and Cedillo counters with a stiff right hand.
Cedillo throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cedillo takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cedillo is looking to slow Cruz down with leg kicks.
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick.
Cedillo chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Cruz tries to clinch up.
Cruz throws out a loose jab but Cedillo uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cedillo is looking for the big counter here.
Cruz tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Cruz tries to clinch but Cedillo moves out of range.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cruz with a hook.
Cedillo throws the kick towards the body but Cruz avoids it.
Cruz misses with a body shot
and Cedillo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Cruz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cedillo throws out the jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Kylan Cedillo will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2##CL#
Cruz darts in and clinches Cedillo up against the cage.
Cruz is trying to pull guard but Cedillo turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Cruz jumps guard but Cedillo stands there with Cruz around his waist. Cruz gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch. #BC2#
Cedillo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Cruz connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Cedillo connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Cruz shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Cruz thuds his right hand into Cedillo's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Cruz connects with an inside leg kick.
Cedillo lands an overhand right.
Cruz wants to clinch up but Cedillo keeps it at a distance.
Cedillo now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Cruz tries to clinch but Cedillo is having none of it.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Cedillo sees it coming and moves out of range.
Cedillo moves out of range of the strikes.
Cruz throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cruz tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Cedillo counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Cedillo throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cruz has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.#T1#
Cruz checks a leg kick nicely.
Cedillo tries to work over Cruz's front leg with a kick but Cruz checks it.
Cedillo throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
Cedillo misses with a body shot.
Cruz takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Cedillo takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Cruz attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Cedillo replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Cruz blocks it well.
Cedillo throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Cruz throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Cedillo throws a body kick that misses.
Cruz misses with an uppercut. Cedillo saw that one coming.
An inside leg kick lands from Cruz.
Cedillo throws a hook but Cruz avoids it easily.
A jab from Cedillo misses.
Cruz tries to clinch there but Cedillo circles away.
Kylan Cedillo seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Cruz moves in looking to clinch but Cedillo pushes him off.#T2#
Cruz is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cedillo.
Cruz tries to clinch up.
Cedillo throws a series of punches but Cruz avoids them all with ease.
Cedillo misses with a hook.
Cruz lands with a nice body punch.
Cruz moves out of range of the body kick from Cedillo.
Cedillo throws a low kick, looking for Cruz's leg but Cruz calmly moves out of range.
Cruz tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Cedillo manages to circle out of the way.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cruz tries to clinch but Cedillo moves away
and Cedillo connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Cedillo ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Cruz tries to clinch but Cedillo is having none of it. #CL#
Cruz has Cedillo up against the cage in a clinch.
Cedillo throws a head punch that misses.
Cruz jumps guard but Cedillo turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jacinto Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cedillo lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Cedillo blocks a body shot from Cruz. #BC#
Cruz's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.#T3#
Cedillo takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Cruz tries to clinch up but Cedillo circles away and keeps his distance.
Cruz misses with a leg kick
and Cedillo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Cedillo lands with a shot to the body.
Cruz is looking to clinch but Cedillo is avoiding it.
A slow jab from Cruz misses its intended target.
Cedillo is trying to counter with his kicks.
Cedillo misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Cruz tries to clinch up
and Cedillo counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Cruz misses with a body shot
and Cedillo cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cedillo throws a quick inside leg kick.
Cedillo tries a low kick but Cruz avoids it.
Cedillo slips a jab from Cruz.
Cruz doesn't manage to clinch there - Cedillo circles away.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Cruz, as that shot connected. #T4#
Cruz tries to clinch but fails miserably
enabling Cedillo to counter with a crisp jab.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!#CL#
Cruz gets in close and instigates a clinch. #BC2#
Cedillo's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cedillo looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.
Cruz just misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz misses with a low kick as Cedillo jumps back.
Cruz staying out of range there.
Cedillo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cruz.
Cruz wants to clinch.
Cruz wants to clinch.
Cruz tries to clinch there but Cedillo circles away.
Cedillo avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Cruz checks a low kick from Cedillo.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Kylan Cedillo showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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. And we move into the final round!#R3#
Cruz misses with a hook.
Cedillo now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Cruz lands a body shot.
Cruz on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
A slow jab from Cedillo misses its intended target.
Cedillo pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Cruz tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Cedillo counters with a solid body kick.
Cruz tests Cedillo's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Cedillo throws a series of punches but Cruz avoids them all with ease.
Cedillo lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Cruz swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Cedillo.
Cruz doesn't manage to clinch there - Cedillo circles away.
Cruz throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Cruz tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Cruz tries to clinch but Cedillo is having none of it.
Cruz cracks Cedillo with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz digs a good body shot into Cedillo's ribs.#T1#
Cruz scores with a leg kick.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Cruz crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Cedillo - the referee stops the clock and Cruz gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Cedillo. Cruz manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Cedillo's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Cedillo chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Cruz can pounce on him.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Cruz wants to clinch.
Cedillo throws a half hearted mid kick.
Cedillo misses with an attempted mid kick.
Cruz connects with the punch.
Cruz stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Cedillo.
Cedillo throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Cruz's head.
Cedillo circles away from the clinch attempt.
Cedillo swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Cedillo tries to land a leg kick but Cruz saw it coming and moves away.
Cruz tried to counter with a leg kick but Cedillo avoided it.
Cruz fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Cedillo moved away.#T2#
Cruz tries to clinch there but Cedillo circles away.
A slow jab from Cedillo misses its intended target.
Cruz throws a leg kick that is checked
and Cedillo counters with a nice uppercut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cruz throws an off balance right hand
and Cedillo counters with a low kick, right behind Cruz 's knee.
Cedillo throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Cruz tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Cedillo counters with a good low kick that Cruz was not able to check.
Cedillo misses the jab.
Cedillo throws a jab when Cruz was well out of range.
Cruz moves in looking to clinch but Cedillo pushes him off.
Cruz buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Cruz checks a low kick from Cedillo.
Cruz fails with an attempt to clinch.
Cedillo misses with a straight left.
Cruz is looking to clinch.
Cedillo takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing. #T3#
Cedillo circles away from the clinch attempt.
Cruz uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Cedillo.
Cedillo defending well as Cruz loads up on a big left hand.
Cruz tries to clinch up.
Cruz smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch but Cedillo swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Cedillo takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Cruz tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Cedillo counters with a nice kick to the body.
Cedillo on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Cruz tries to clinch but Cedillo moves out of range.
Cruz takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Cedillo takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Cedillo chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Cruz with a nice cross.
Cedillo loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
Jacinto Cruz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cruz moves out of range of the body kick from Cedillo. #T4#
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz misses with an uppercut. Cedillo saw that one coming.
Cruz fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Cedillo has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
A nice leg kick from Cedillo, right into the meat of the thigh.
Cruz throws a leg kick
letting Cedillo counter with a right hand.
Kylan Cedillo is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
A bone on bone clash there as Cruz blocks the leg kick.
Cedillo is looking to land body kicks.
A bone on bone clash there as Cruz blocks the leg kick.
A good leg kick by Cruz. #CL#
Cruz gets a clinch.
Cedillo misses with a hook from the clinch.
Cruz misses with a body punch.
Cedillo lands an uppercut.
Cruz lands a hook to the side of the head.
Cruz swings away with an uppercut that misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Kylan Cedillo.
I've got Cedillo winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Sergei Dronov scores the fight 27:30
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 27:30
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kylan Cedillo!

Event: HFC Fight Night 14
Date: Nov 21, 2023

#R1#
Cruz walks into a straight right hand from Tomate.
A big left from Cruz misses.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Cruz checks a leg kick.
Cruz connects with a looping right hand.
Cruz lands with an overhand left.
A good leg kick by Cruz.
Cruz connects with a nice looking jab.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tomate connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Cruz lands a glancing blow to the side of Tomate's head.#CL2#
Tomate moves into range and clinches up with Cruz.#TD#
Cruz ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Cruz no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz trying to control the position.
Cruz pulls Tomate in to control the position.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet. #T1##SUB#
Cruz looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Tomate passes into side control.
Cruz tries to buck Tomate off but Tomate is having none of it.
You can see the frustration on Cruz's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Cruz is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Tomate off and has taken his back!
Cruz controls the position.#T2#
Cruz has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Cruz continues to stall.
Cruz wants to control but Tomate is keeping busy.#T3#
Cruz has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of Tomate's body.
Tomate is trying to get back to his feet but Cruz has full control of the position and if anything, Tomate has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Will Cruz go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Tomate is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Cruz. #T4#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Cruz is looking to control Tomate but Tomate is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Tomate wants to get back to his feet.
Cruz biding his time, looking for the opening.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
This is a sustained period of stalling by Cruz.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Tomate checks a leg kick.
Cruz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Tomate.
Cruz missing with a left hand there. Tomate was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Cruz lands a jab to the head.
Cruz attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Cruz lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Cruz with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
A chopping leg kick lands by Tomate.
We've been told by Cruz's head coaches at Zombie MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Cruz slips under a jab.
Cruz throws a poor cross that misses
enabling Tomate to counter with a crisp jab.
Cruz feints and then cracks Tomate's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Tomate down.
Cruz needs to keep his hands up - Tomate had a free shot at his head there.
Nice shot lands for Tomate.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz slips a jab from Tomate.#CL#
Cruz closes the distance and clinches.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Cruz is trying to pull guard but Tomate turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Tomate throws an elbow but it misses.
Cruz avoids the elbow strike from Tomate, against the cage.
Cruz dodges an elbow strike from Tomate. #T1#
Cruz tries to pull guard but Tomate holds him up against the cage and eventually Cruz drops back down to his feet.
Tomate takes a shot to the head.
Tomate lands an elbow inside.
Cruz jumps guard but Tomate stands there with Cruz around his waist. Cruz gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jacinto Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tomate scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Tomate looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
A short uppercut from Tomate.
Tomate lands a body shot in the clinch.
A right hand to the body from Tomate.
Tomate lands an elbow inside.
A short uppercut from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a body punch.
A head punch on the inside from Cruz fails to land.
Tomate throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Cruzs head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tomate lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Tomate goes for a body shot but it's blocked. #TD#
Cruz manages to pull guard.
Cruz looking to control. #T2##SUB#
Tomate is trying to tuck his arms in to keep them safe but Cruz has managed to isolate one of them and has got a loose triangle. Tomate is looking to defend but Cruz has done well to lock his legs together - this could be big trouble for Tomate! Cruz pulls down on the head and a little smile comes across his face - he knows he's got it. Yep, Tomate taps out and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:21 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Jacinto Cruz!

Event: HFC 70
Date: Oct 21, 2023

#R1#
Cruz closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
John lands a jab to Cruz's midsection.
Cruz explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
John throws an off balance right hand
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
John throws a head kick that misses
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Cruz throws an overhand right that lands on John's shoulder, as John tries to avoid the shot.
John misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters with a slapping leg kick.
John throws a leg kick that is checked
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
A nice inside leg kick there by Cruz. That's going to slow John down.
John swings for the body but Cruz moves out of range.
Cruz swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
John feints and then cracks Cruz's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Cruz down.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The crowd cheers as Cruz lands an impressive looking overhand right. John doesn't seem phased though.
Cruz avoids the body shot from John.
John rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Cruz counters with a lovely shot to the body.
We've been told by John's head coaches at Champion Gym that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Cruz with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Cruz keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab. #T1#
A looping hook to the body misses from John. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz thows a left - swing and a miss! #CL#
John has closed the distance and engaged Cruz in a clinch.
John scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Cruz fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by John.
Cruz tries to pull guard but John won't allow it. #TD2#
Cruz manages to pull guard.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing John from controlling successfully. #SUB2#
Cruz is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. John is aware though and is defending well.
John postures up.
Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
John in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
John with a flurry of punches that miss. #T2#
Cruz manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. John manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB##ES#
John is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Cruz presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz tries to pull guard but John forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruz jumps guard but John turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Chris John has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacinto Cruz.
Cruz throws a head punch that misses.
John lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
John pushes Cruz back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
John makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
John lands a nice uppercut.#BC#
John manages to break the clinch.
Cruz avoids a punch combination nicely.
Cruz appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.#T3#
John swings widly with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A telegraphed right hand from Cruz misses the target.
Good work by John as he checks the leg kick.
A thudding body kick lands there by John!
John swings widly with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
John swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Cruz tries a quick counter leg kick but John is wise to it.
Cruz keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from John.
A little jabbing left from Cruz on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Cruz throws an overhand right that lands on John's shoulder, as John tries to avoid the shot.
John fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Cruz tries a quick counter leg kick but John is wise to it.
A swing and a miss from Cruz.
John scores with a nice strike.
John misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cruz.
John just misses with a punch to the body.
John chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Cruz can pounce on him. #T4#
Cruz checks a leg kick.
John attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
John throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent John stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Cruz throws a leg kick but John sees it coming and checks it nicely.
John throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Cruz is looking to slow John down with leg kicks.
John thows a left - swing and a miss!
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Cruz! But no joy.
Cruz shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
John slips under a jab from Cruz.
Cruz smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Some wild striking there from John.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Chris John will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
John missing with a left hand there. Cruz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Cruz looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Cruz looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Cruz tries a low kick but John avoids it.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
John tests Cruz's chin there with a solid looking shot.
John gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Cruz.
John throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A nice leg kick lands there from John.
John steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Cruz. That one must have hurt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
John misses with a lunging right hand
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Cruz looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Cruz ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
John misses with a double jab. #T1#
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick.
John throws a body kick that misses
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Cruz blocks the body kick.
John throws a combination. Cruz tries to block but a couple of punches get through.#CUT#It looks like Jacinto Cruz has been cut.
A jab from John does it's job there.
Cruz takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Cruz fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
John misses with a low kick.
John misses with an uppercut
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Cruz doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cruz walks into a straight right hand from John.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as John checks a leg kick.
John swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches. #T2#
John looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple. #CL#
John has taken the fight to the clinch.
John looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
John prevents a body shot from Cruz. #BC#
John's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
John throws a low kick but Cruz avoids it.
A clash of legs there as John blocks the low kick.
It looked like John wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
A nice leg kick from Cruz, right into the meat of the thigh.
John will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Cruz looks like he wants to counter punch here.
John throws a big shot that misses.
Cruz takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
John looks to throw the jab but Cruz is out of range.
Cruz has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
John buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick. #T3#
John tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
John misses with a low kick.
Cruz defending well as John loads up on a big left hand.
John misses with a hook
and Cruz counters with an inside leg kick.
Cruz throws a low kick but it's checked well by John.
Cruz with a nice calf kick.
Cruz throws a push kick but John slaps the foot to one side.
Cruz takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
John throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
John throws a lazy right hand but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cruz looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Cruz checks the leg kick.
Cruz moves out of range as John strikes.
Cruz scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.#T4#
John thows a left - swing and a miss!
Cruz steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
John throws a quick inside leg kick.
John moves out of range as Cruz throws a body kick.
Cruz throws a leg kick which misses John's front leg but catches the back leg as John tries to avoid it.
John on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as John checks a leg kick.
John fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
A nice side step and Cruz releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
A leg kick checked by John.
John throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.
Cruz is clearly trying to counter these attacks from John with a body shot.
John uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Cruz has time to react.
John misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
John tries to bum rush Cruz with a series of wild strikes but Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Cruz throws a jab but it's blocked by John.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Chris John dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Jacinto Cruz's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!#R3#
John is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Cruz swings away with a leg kick that misses.
John appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
John misses with a straight right.
John throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
A little jabbing left from Cruz on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
John jabs Cruz right on the nose. Cruz blinks but takes it well.
John is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
John looks to throw the jab but Cruz is out of range.
Cruz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from John.
Cruz steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
John misses with a wild body shot.
John throws a sloppy body shot
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz looks to throw the jab but John is out of range.
John takes one to the side of the head.
John misses with a double jab
and Cruz counters with a slapping leg kick.
John throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air. #T1#
Cruz lands with a nice body kick.
John throws a body kick, spinning off balance
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
John waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cruz.
John lands a body shot.
Cruz defending well as John loads up on a big left hand.
A good leg kick by John.
Cruz connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
John misses with a leg kick.
John swings away with a body shot that misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Cruz has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from John.
Cruz checks the leg kick.
Nice body punch from Cruz. #T2#
Cruz moves out of range of the strikes.
John throws a right and a left that Cruz avoids nicely.
John throws a nice head kick!
This has been an exciting period of action!
John lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from John.
Cruz looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
John jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cruz appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
John thuds a left hand into Cruz's body.
John fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Nice jab there from John.
John attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
John swings widly with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a good low kick that John was not able to check.
John lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Cruz throws a mid kick that lands with a slap. #T3#
John loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
Cruz flicks out a counter leg kick but John steps away.
John throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Chris John seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cruz with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Cruz.
John misses with a combination
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Good standup being displayed there by John as he connects with a hook.
Cruz scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. John doesn't seem bothered though.
A head kick misses from John.
John lands with an overhand left.
Cruz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from John.
A low kick from John misses
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Cruz lands an overhand right.#T4#
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!
A slapping leg kick lands for Cruz.
Cruz ducks under a wild hook from John.
John swings widly with a right hand
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
Cruz checks the leg kick.
John throws a leg kick which misses Cruz's front leg but catches the back leg as Cruz tries to avoid it.
Cruz ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Cruz moves away from the strike by John.
John throws a right and a left that both miss.
John throws a shot from downtown. Cruz moves away and avoids it.
John throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
John throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
John backing away here, and Cruz unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
John swings for the body but Cruz moves out of range.
John backing away here, and Cruz unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Cruz avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Chris John clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Jacinto Cruz's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.#R4#
Cruz fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and John has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Cruz misses with a lunging right hand
and John counters with a nice uppercut.
John paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
John misses with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps John thinking.
John misses with a double jab
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Cruz is looking to land body kicks.
A little feinted left hand from John on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
John misses the jab.
John throws a right and a left that both miss.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
John lands a leg kick that knocks Cruz off balance momentarily.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Cruz.
John half committed to a counter leg kick.
Cruz takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Cruz! But no joy.
John throws a chopping leg kick but Cruz manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
John backing away here, and Cruz unleashes a leg kick that just misses.#T1#
John sizes up Cruz with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
John tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Cruz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
John lands with a nice combination. Cruz backs away looking to recover.
John misses with a straight left.
John misses with a leg kick
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
John looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
John throws a body kick that misses.
Cruz connects with a leg kick.
John wants to slow Cruz down by chopping away at his legs.
Cruz tries a quick counter leg kick but John is wise to it.
John takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Cruz! But no joy.
John pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Cruz back to the cage. John follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz staying out of range there.
John tries a head kick but it misses.
Cruz was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.#T2#
John throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
John throws out a loose jab but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz checks the leg kick nicely there.
John lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.#CL#
John moves into the clinch successfully.
Cruz tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. John just stands there and leans against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Cruz.
Cruz scores with a nice hook to the head.
Cruz misses with some punches.
Cruz keeps the fight in the clinch, despite John's efforts to push away.
Cruz lands a right hand. #BC#
John breaks the clinch.
John throws a sloppy head kick and Cruz moves out of range easily.
John misses with a looping right.#T3#
Nice body kick from John.
John throws a leg kick but Cruz checks it.
Cruz throws out a counter right but John avoids it with no problem.
John keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Cruz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from John.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Cruz! But no joy.
John throws a left and a right that both miss
and Cruz makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
John throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
John misses with a left hand
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
John lunges at Cruz with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Cruz's hand.
John looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Cruz swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
John throws a low kick but Cruz avoids it.
John throws a sloppy body shot
and Cruz counters with a nice body kick.
John will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Cruz takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.#T4#
Cruz slips under a jab.
John takes one to the side of the head.
Nice jab there from John.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
John checks a low kick from Cruz.
An attempted straight right counter from John misses the target.
John throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
John throws a hook to the side of Cruz's head but Cruz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Cruz on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
John throws an off balance right hand
and Cruz counters with a nice body kick.
John swings widly with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a leg kick.
John misses with a straight right.
John moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
John looks to throw the jab but Cruz is out of range.
Cruz flicks out a counter leg kick but John steps away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Chris John had his way with Jacinto Cruz in that round.
The cut man is working on Jacinto Cruz's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!#R5#
John misses with a body punch
and Cruz counters with a body kick.
John has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Cruz.
John throws a leg kick that is checked
and Cruz counters with an outside leg kick.
John throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
John throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cruz checks a low kick from John.
John misses with a body shot.
John throws a leg kick but Cruz sees it coming and moves out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from John. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
John backing away here, and Cruz unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz lands a nice shot to the body.
A nice inside leg kick there by Cruz. That's going to slow John down.
John throws a right and a left that both miss.
John dips down and scores with a jab to the body.#T1#
Cruz tries to score with a low kick but John moves his leg out of the way.
Cruz looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Cruz has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by John.
Cruz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
John scores with a jab to the body.
John tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A looping hook to the body misses from John. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
John rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Cruz finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
John scores with a jab to the jaw.
Cruz takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Cruz moves out of range as John strikes.
Cruz tries a quick counter leg kick but John is wise to it.
John lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Cruz at a distance. #T2#
John looks to land a right hand but Cruz moved out of range.
John backing away here, and Cruz unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
Cruz buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz chopping away at his opponent's legs.
John throws a series of strikes that have Cruz backpedaling.
John throws a series of punches but Cruz moves out of range. #CL#
John darts in and clinches Cruz up against the cage.
Cruz lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Cruz fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Cruz tries to pull guard but John holds him up against the cage and eventually Cruz drops back down to his feet.
Cruz tries to pull guard but John won't allow it.
Chris John has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacinto Cruz.
John blocks a punch to the side of the head.
John is working Cruz over against the cage.#T3#
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as John controls his hands.
Cruz cracks John with a nice body shot.
John gets through Cruz's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
John has Cruz pressed against the cage.
John softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Cruz tries to pull guard but John forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Chris John is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Cruz fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Cruz jumps guard but John stands there with Cruz around his waist. Cruz gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but John uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz throws a punch but it's blocked by John.
Jacinto Cruz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T4#
Cruz is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables John to keep the fight standing.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Cruz throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Johns head.
A head punch on the inside from John fails to land.
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruz working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Cruz tries to pull guard but John holds him up against the cage and eventually Cruz drops back down to his feet.
A head punch blocked on the inside by John.
Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as John controls his hands.
A head punch on the inside from Cruz fails to land.
Chris John has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Chris John showed his dominance in that final round.
Well John has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 50:45
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 50:45
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 50:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Chris John!
Chris John retains his lightweight title!
Chris John 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.

Event: HFC 63: Hunter vs Inhanamoto
Date: Sep 02, 2023

#R1#
Marek tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Marek checks the leg kick nicely there.
Cruz pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Marek throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it. #CL2#
Cruz fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Marek, pushing him back against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruz scores with a shoulder strike.
Marek blocks a body shot from Cruz.
Cruz has a couple of punches blocked by Marek.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Cruz.
A head punch on the inside from Cruz fails to land. #BC#
Marek breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance. #CL2#
Cruz gets a clinch.
Marek tries to pull guard but Cruz holds him up against the cage and eventually Marek drops back down to his feet.
Cruz blocks an uppercut.
A head punch on the inside from Cruz fails to land.
Marek fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Marek lands with a short shot to the head. #T1#
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
Cruz misses with a short punch on the inside.
Cruz tries a body shot but Marek blocks it.
Marek's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Cruz cracks Marek with a nice body shot.
Cruz blocks a body shot from Marek.
I was talking to Marek's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Cruz misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz tries a body shot but Marek blocks it.
Cruz lands a left hand.
Cruz lands with a left to the head. #BC#
Marek breaks from the clinch.
Cruz scores with a punch to the head.
Cruz throws a body punch but Marek moves out of range.
The fighters circling - Marek throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cruz moves in looking to clinch but Marek pushes him off.
The crowd cheers as Cruz lands an impressive looking overhand right. Marek doesn't seem phased though.#CUT2#It looks like Kamil Marek has been cut.#T2#
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Marek misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cruz.
Cruz doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cruz dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Marek. That did some damage!
Good leg kick by Cruz.
A jab from Cruz does it's job there.
Cruz defending well as Marek loads up on a big left hand.
Cruz drops his hands momentarily and Marek takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Cruz scores with a leg kick.
Some wild striking there from Marek.
Marek works over Cruz's head and body with a nice combination.#T3##CL2#
Cruz rushes Marek and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Marek misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cruz misses with some punches.
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cruz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Marek's elbow.
Marek lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Marek lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Cruz digs a right hand into Marek's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Marek's gas tank.
Cruz can't find room to land a body shot as Marek controls the action.
A shot in the inside from Cruz.
Marek tries to throw a body punch but Cruz avoids it by throwing Marek back against the cage.
Marek misses with a punch to the body. #TD#
Marek jumps into guard, dragging Cruz to the mat.
Cruz stopping the sweep attempt from Marek.
Cruz postures up. #T4##SUB#
Marek looking for a guillotine here but Cruz defends easily.
Cruz slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Marek wants to control but Cruz postures up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kamil Marek's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Cruz misses with a hook.#CL2#
Cruz instigates a clinch.
Marek tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Marek misses with a body punch.
Marek tries a body shot but Cruz blocks it.
Cruz working aggressively here. #BC#
Marek's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cruz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Cruz throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Marek was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Marek keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick. #CL2#
Cruz clinches up with Marek and pushes him back against the cage.
Cruz takes a shot to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Marek misses with a punch on the inside.
Marek swings wildly with an uppercut but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz misses with some punches.
Cruz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cruz misses with the head strike.
Marek lands an uppercut.#T1#
Marek blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike. #TD#
Marek pulls guard successfully.
Cruz stays in close to Marek's body and controls the position. #SUB#
Marek working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Cruz has passed into half guard!
Marek pushes Cruz off looking to stand but Cruz dives back in and keeps control.
Cruz takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.#T2##SUB#
Marek looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.#SUB#
Marek looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Kamil Marek has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Marek has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Cruz is working away from the top position though.
Marek preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head. #T3#
Marek is looking for a sweep. Cruz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.#REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Cruz lands with a right hand.
Cruz throws a nice inside leg kick. #CL2#
Cruz pushes Marek up against the cage in a clinch.
Marek swings wildly with an uppercut but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Marek tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Marek lands with a short shot to the head.
Cruz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked. #TD#
Marek jumps guard.
Marek keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T4#
Cruz controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Marek not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Marek is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVR#
Cruz regains full guard. Nicely done.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cruz pulls Marek in to control the position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Jacinto Cruz will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Kamil Marek's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!#R3#
Cruz throws a front kick aimed at Marek's knee but Marek avoids it well.
Marek scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Cruz doesn't seem bothered though.
Cruz throws a nice outside leg kick.
Marek lands with an overhand left.
Marek takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Marek rushes in with a sloppy looking punch #CL2#
and Cruz holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Cruz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A head punch on the inside from Cruz fails to land.
Marek can't find room to land a body shot as Cruz controls the action.
Cruz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cruz lands with a light punch inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cruz.
Marek blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Marek lands a body punch in the clinch.
Marek tries to work over Cruz's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target. #T1#
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
Marek lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Cruz backwards.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
Marek is trying to pull guard but Cruz turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Marek lands an uppercut.
Marek lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Marek's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Marek digs a right hand into Cruz's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Cruz's gas tank.
Marek 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. Marek gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Good standup being displayed there by Marek as he connects with a hook.
Marek scores with a one two! Cruz had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Cruz moves out of range of the strikes.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch but Marek swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Marek looks to throw the jab but Cruz is out of range.
Cruz cracks Marek with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.#T2#
Cruz throws a body shot but no joy.
Marek throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Marek takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Marek jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cruz scores with a shot to the body.
Marek swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
A nice leg kick from Cruz, right into the meat of the thigh.
Cruz fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cruz buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Cruz tries to clinch there but Marek circles away.
Cruz connects with the punch.
Cruz plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!#T3#
Cruz is looking to score with low kicks.
Marek takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Cruz looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Cruz throws a leg kick
and Marek counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Jacinto Cruz is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Marek gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Cruz tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Marek is able to avoid easily.
Marek is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Cruz misses with a body shot.
Marek misses with a looping right.
Marek defending well as Cruz loads up on a big left hand.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Marek misses with an uppercut.
Marek throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz counters with a leg kick. #T4#
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick.
Marek loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
Cruz tries to work over Marek's front leg with a kick but Marek checks it.
Cruz buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Cruz connects with a leg kick.
Marek scores with a punch to the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Marek lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Cruz scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.#CL2#
Cruz instigates a clinch.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Cruz tries to throw a body punch but Marek avoids it by throwing Cruz back against the cage.
Marek misses with the head strike.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Jacinto Cruz.
I've got Cruz winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 27:30
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 27:30
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!

Event: MMAHKI 65
Date: Jul 16, 2023

#R1#
Kruczek paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.#CL#
Cruz clinches with his opponent.
Kruczek blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cruz has a couple of punches blocked by Kruczek.
Kruczek'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.
Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Kruczek uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kruczek slowing the pace effectively.
Kruczek is trying to force a seperation but Cruz has the dominant position.
Cruz lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Cruz throws a head punch that misses.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Kruczek blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Kruczek is looking to break free of the clinch but Cruz has double underhooks.
Kruczek tries for a takedown but Cruz manages to get underhooks.
Kruczek blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A shot in the inside from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruz scores with a hook to the body.#T1#
Kruczek tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cruz misses with a body punch.
Kruczek tries to work over Cruz's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target. #BC2#
Kruczek escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kruczek keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot. #CL#
The fight moves into the clinch position.
A right handed body shot lands from Cruz.
Cruz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kruczek's elbow.
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kruczek tries to score a body lock takedown but Cruz shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Kruczek tries to work over Cruz's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kruczek prevents a body shot from Cruz.
A short uppercut from Cruz.
Kruczek wants to stall.
Cruz misses with a punch on the inside.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Kruczek.
Kruczek wants to break free but Cruz has control.
Kruczek blocks a couple of punches on the inside. #T2#
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kruczek misses with a body punch.
Kruczek softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Kruczek drops down looking for an ankle pick but Cruz pulls his leg out and moves away.
Jacinto Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dionizy Kruczek.
Cruz misses with a body shot.
Cruz lands with an overhand left.
Kruczek misses with an uppercut. Cruz saw that one coming.
Cruz tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Kruczek manages to circle out of the way.
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 takes one to the side of the head.
Kruczek looks to land a left hand but Cruz moved out of range nicely.
Jacinto Cruz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Cruz blocks a jab.
Kruczek scores with a decent looking hook.
Kruczek swings away with a body shot that misses
and Cruz counters with a leg kick.
Kruczek dives in and grabs Cruz's left leg, looking for a takedown. Cruz pushes down on Kruczek's head and hops out.
Kruczek ducks under a wild hook from Cruz.
Cruz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Cruz throws a low kick but Kruczek moves out of range easily.
Kruczek scores with a nice head shot.
Kruczek misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters with a leg kick. #T3#
Kruczek misses with a shot to the body
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Cruz tries to work over Kruczek's front leg with a kick but Kruczek checks it.
Kruczek lands a jab.
A jab from Kruczek misses.
Cruz connects with a body shot.
A jab from Kruczek misses.
We've been told by Cruz's head coaches at League of Shadows MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Cruz lands with a nice body punch.
Kruczek misses with a wild combination.
A chopping leg kick lands by Kruczek.
Good work by Cruz as he checks the leg kick.
Cruz is looking to counter punch.#CL#
Cruz has closed the distance and engaged Kruczek in a clinch.
Cruz misses with a body punch.
Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Kruczek controls his hands.
Kruczek lands a nice shot to the body.
Kruczek lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Cruz.#T4#
Cruz working aggressively here.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz can't find room to land a body shot as Kruczek controls the action.
Kruczek misses with a punch to the body.
Kruczek misses with a hook from the clinch.
Cruz lands a body punch.
Cruz lands an uppercut.
Cruz misses with a body punch.
Cruz lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Kruczek blocks a body shot from Cruz.
Kruczek tries to work over Cruz's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Cruz swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kruczek is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Cruz is defending well.
Kruczek can't find room to land a body shot as Cruz controls the action.
Cruz lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Kruczek lands a body shot.
Cruz scores with a hook to the body.
Kruczek lands a body punch.
Kruczek prevents a body shot from Cruz.
Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Kruczek uses good head movement to avoid it. #BC2#
Kruczek's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Cruz fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Kruczek is out of range.
Cruz wants to clinch up but Kruczek keeps it at a distance.
The fighters circling - Kruczek throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Cruz tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kruczek was well out of range. Poor timing from Cruz.
Dionizy Kruczek seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kruczek cracks Cruz with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Kruczek scores with the left hand. Cruz knows he should have avoided that one.
Kruczek lands with a good body shot.
Kruczek swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Cruz stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Cruz wants it to stay on the feet.
Kruczek just misses with a punch to the body.
Kruczek throws a low kick, looking for Cruz's leg but Cruz calmly moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kruczek throws a low kick but Cruz avoids it.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kruczek can do to turn this around?
Kruczek throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A cross from Kruczek lands.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kruczek swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kruczek works the jab nicely.
Cruz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kruczek throws out the jab.
Cruz went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Dionizy Kruczek seems to be getting the better of the standup.#T1#
Nice defenses there by Kruczek.
Cruz feints and then cracks Kruczek's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kruczek down.
Kruczek shoots in but Cruz avoids the takedown attempt easily.
A jab from Kruczek misses.
A nice leg kick from Cruz, right into the meat of the thigh.
Kruczek misses with a hook
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Kruczek feints and then cracks Cruz's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Cruz down.
Kruczek misses with a series of wild punches. #CL#
Kruczek tries to keep at a distance but Cruz has taken the fight into the clinch.
A short right from Kruczek on the inside. #BC2#
Kruczek breaks the clinch.
Kruczek on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Cruz. Cruz obviously looking to wear him down.
Kruczek scores with a slapping inside leg kick.#T2#
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz throws a leg kick which misses Kruczek's front leg but catches the back leg as Kruczek tries to avoid it.
The fight stays on the outside here - Cruz looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Cruz lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Kruczek's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Cruz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kruczek.
Good work by Cruz as he checks the leg kick.
Cruz is looking to slow Kruczek down with leg kicks.
Kruczek swats away the attempt to clinch by Cruz.
Kruczek misses with a takedown #CL#
and Cruz holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Jacinto Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dionizy Kruczek.
Kruczek blocks a body shot from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Kruczek takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Cruz digs a right hand into Kruczek's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kruczek's gas tank. #T3##BC2#
Kruczek breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kruczek. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick. #CL#
Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Kruczek.
Jacinto Cruz has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Cruz scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kruczek lands a hook that snaps the head of Cruz backwards.
Cruz throws a head punch that misses.
Cruz swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cruz prevents a body shot from Kruczek.
Cruz lands an uppercut.#BC2#
Kruczek breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kruczek pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cruz. Kruczek does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kruczek doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Cruz tries to clinch
and Kruczek counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cruz catches Kruczek with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A telegraphed right hand from Kruczek misses the target.
Cruz fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Kruczek has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Kruczek throws a big shot that misses.#T4#
Cruz takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
A swing and a miss from Kruczek.
Kruczek shoots in for a takedown but Cruz shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
As Kruczek tries to get set, Cruz tries to push him back and clinch up but Kruczek manages to avoid the attempt.#TD2#
Kruczek looking to score a takedown here. Cruz is defending well but Kruczek drives through and ends up in Cruz's guard.
Cruz is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Kruczek trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz trying to control the position.
Kruczek's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Let's hope that Kruczek 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.
Kruczek trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Dionizy Kruczek will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.#R3#
Kruczek moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.#CL#
Cruz rushes Kruczek and presses him up against the cage.
Kruczek tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Kruczek tries to break free but Cruz pushes him back against the cage.
Nice body punch from Cruz.
Kruczek's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Kruczek is trying to break the clinch but Cruz is controlling him.
Cruz lands a body punch in the clinch. #BC2#
Kruczek breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance. #CL#
Cruz has closed the distance and engaged Kruczek in a clinch.
Still in the clinch, Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz digs a right hand underneath Kruczek's ribcage. Kruczek let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Kruczek uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kruczek blocking some punches.
Cruz digs a right hand underneath Kruczek's ribcage. Kruczek let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Cruz digs a right hand into Kruczek's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kruczek's gas tank.
Kruczek takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Cruz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kruczek's elbow. #T1#
Cruz pushes Kruczek back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kruczek is trying to break the clinch but Cruz is controlling him.
Cruz blocks a body shot from Kruczek.
Cruz tries to work over Kruczek's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kruczek blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kruczek slowing the pace effectively.
Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Kruczek controls his hands.
A hook to the body from Cruz.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Cruz tries to work over Kruczek's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A short right from Kruczek.
Kruczek can't find room to land a body shot as Cruz controls the action.
Kruczek blocking some punches.
Kruczek goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A right handed body shot lands from Cruz.
A right hook to the body lands for Cruz.
Cruz lands a left hand.
Cruz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kruczek's elbow.
Cruz goes for a body shot but it's blocked. #T2#
Kruczek misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kruczek throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Cruz can't find room to land a body shot as Kruczek controls the action.
Cruz lands with a right to the head.
Kruczek has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Cruz after a bit of a struggle.
A frustrated look appears on Kruczek's face as he tries to break the clinch.
A right hand to the body from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Kruczek uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz lands a right hand.
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Kruczek controls his hands.
A short uppercut from Cruz.
Cruz lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kruczek backwards.
Cruz blocks a body shot from Kruczek.
Kruczek misses with a body punch.
Cruz cracks Kruczek with a nice body shot.
Kruczek tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A short right from Cruz on the inside. #T3#
A right handed body shot lands from Cruz.
Cruz presses Kruczek against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Cruz is leaning against Kruczek and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Cruz lands a body shot in the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Cruz.
Cruz softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Cruz scores with a nice hook to the head.
Cruz lands a body punch.
Cruz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A nice right hand lands inside from Cruz.
Kruczek blocks a body shot from Cruz.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Cruz.
Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Kruczek uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kruczek tries to throw a body punch but Cruz avoids it by throwing Kruczek back against the cage.
Cruz misses with a punch on the inside.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Cruz.
Cruz lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A body shot lands from Cruz. #T4#
A short right hand to the side of the head by Cruz.
Cruz lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kruczek backwards.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Cruz.
Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Kruczek controls his hands.
Cruz prevents a body shot from Kruczek.
Cruz lands a body shot in the clinch.
Cruz cracks Kruczek with a nice body shot.
Cruz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Cruz lands a shot to the body.
A hook to the body from Cruz.
Cruz scores with a shot to the side of Kruczek's head.
Cruz lands an uppercut.
Cruz lands a shot to the body.
Cruz softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Kruczek prevents a body shot from Cruz.
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
Kruczek blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jacinto Cruz showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Cruz has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 29:28
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!

Event: MMAHKI 59
Date: Jun 26, 2023

#R1#
Leben misses with a two punch combination.
Cruz is looking to counter with head kicks.
Leben misses the shot to the body.
A slapping leg kick lands for Cruz.
Leben misses with a straight right. #CL#
Cruz closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Leben goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cruz's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Leben cracks Cruz with a nice body shot.
Leben swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cruz lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Cruz blocking some punches.
Leben blocking some punches. #BC2#
Leben pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Cruz takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Cruz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Leben looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Leben misses with a looping left.#CL#
The fight moves into the clinch position.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Leben lands a left hand that snaps the head of Cruz backwards. #T1##BC2#
Leben breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Leben fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
As Leben tries to get set, Cruz tries to push him back and clinch up but Leben manages to avoid the attempt.
Cruz connects with a leg kick.
Cruz staying out of range there.
Leben throws a hook but Cruz avoids it easily.
Cruz seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Cruz throws a low kick, looking for Leben's leg but Leben calmly moves out of range.
Leben swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Leben connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Leben lands a two punch combo.
Leben throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Leben displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cruz throws out the jab.
Leben throws out a counter right but Cruz avoids it with no problem.
Cruz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Leben throws out the jab.
Cruz slips under a jab.
We've been told by Cruz's head coaches at League of Shadows MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Leben throws a jab but it's blocked by Cruz.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Leben scores with a sloppy right hand. Cruz should have avoided that one.
Leben dodges the punch combination from Cruz. #T2#
Cruz ducks under a wild hook from Leben.
Cruz misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Black Leben seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Leben loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
Leben throws a shot from downtown. Cruz moves away and avoids it.
Leben paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Cruz lands with an uppercut that bounces Leben off the cage and back into range.
Leben moves out of range of the body kick from Cruz.
Cruz closes the distance looking to clinch
and Leben cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Leben throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.
Leben misses with a hook.
Some bone on bone action there as Leben checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.#T3#
Cruz fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Leben has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Leben pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Cruz lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Leben throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Nice defenses there by Cruz.
Leben misses with a wild combination.
Leben thows a left - swing and a miss!
Cruz tries to land a leg kick but Leben saw it coming and moves away.
Cruz thumps Leben with a low kick.
Cruz walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Leben checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Cruz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Leben.
Cruz connects with a jab.
Cruz throws a leg kick that misses.
Leben scores with a shot to the body. #T4#
Cruz fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cruz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Leben lands with a shot to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Leben swats away the attempt to clinch by Cruz.
Leben misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Cruz tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A nice leg kick from Cruz, right into the meat of the thigh.
Leben catches Cruz with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Cruz misses with a straight right.
Cruz wants to clinch up but Leben keeps it at a distance.
A shot to the liver by Leben. Beautiful body shot.
Leben lands a jab to Cruz's midsection.
Cruz with a nice calf kick.
Cruz tries to move into range but Leben moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Black Leben dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
A jab from Cruz finds it's way through Leben's defenses.
Leben ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cruz moves away.
A big right from Leben misses.
Cruz on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Cruz finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Leben dodges the punch combination from Cruz.
Cruz lands a body shot.
Cruz getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Cruz throws a leg kick
and Leben counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz moves out of range of the strikes.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A combination from Cruz does no damage.
A telegraphed right hand from Leben misses the target.
Leben stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.#T1#
Cruz tried to score with a low kick but Leben checks it.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Leben!
Leben misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Leben throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cruz swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Leben has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Cruz tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Leben is able to avoid easily.
Cruz throws a low kick but it's checked well by Leben.
A little jabbing left from Leben on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Leben misses with an uppercut
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
A telegraphed right hand from Leben misses the target.
Leben looks to throw the jab but Cruz is out of range.
Cruz throws a solid leg kick but Leben takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Cruz.
Leben connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Black Leben seems to be getting the better of the standup.
No joy there for Cruz, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Leben scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Leben misses with a jab to the body
and Cruz counters with a thumping low kick. #T2#
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Leben lands a jab to Cruz's midsection.
Leben misses with a hook.
Leben cracks a nice hook into Cruz's ribs.
Leben throws a right hand that Cruz ducks under and follows up with a left that Cruz also avoids with ease.
Cruz doesn't manage to clinch there - Leben circles away.
Leben misses with a looping left.
Leben misses with a jab, cross combination.
Cruz lands a nice looking body shot.
Jab, jab by Leben - just one landing.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Leben checks it.
Cruz drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Leben dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Cruz tries to score with a low kick but Leben moves his leg out of the way.
It seemed like Leben was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Cruz is looking to clinch but Leben is avoiding it.
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Leben. #T3#
Cruz throws out a powerful jab.
Leben lands a right hook to the body.
Cruz fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Leben throws out a loose jab but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz fires out a quick counter leg kick but Leben just manages to avoid it.
Leben jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cruz loads up on a big right hand but Leben slips the punch.
Leben throws a lazy right hand but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Leben is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
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.
Cruz misses with a looping left.
Left hook, right uppercut from Leben.
Leben connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Cruz's hands.
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 scores with a leg kick.
Cruz moves away from the strike by Leben.
Cruz tries to counter by clinching up but Leben breaks away and moves out of range.#T4#
Leben stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Leben throws a hook to the side of Cruz's head but Cruz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Cruz looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Leben dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Nice uppercut there from Cruz.
Leben jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cruz misses with a hook
and Leben counters with a nice uppercut.
Leben misses with an uppercut. Cruz saw that one coming.
As Leben tries to get set, Cruz tries to push him back and clinch up but Leben manages to avoid the attempt.
Cruz staying out of range there.
As Leben tries to get set, Cruz tries to push him back and clinch up but Leben manages to avoid the attempt.#CL#
Cruz takes the fight into the clinch.
Leben swings away with an uppercut that misses.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Leben lands an uppercut.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Cruz creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
Cruz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cruz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Leben throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Cruzs head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Black Leben showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R3#
Nice jab there from Leben.
Cruz throws a low kick but Leben avoids it.
Cruz moves away from the strike by Leben.
Cruz tries to counter by clinching up but Leben breaks away and moves out of range.
Cruz with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Cruz tries to clinch there but Leben circles away.
Leben moves away from the strike by Cruz.
Leben misses with a jab to the body
and Cruz counters with a leg kick.
Leben throws out a powerful jab.
Cruz with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Leben to score with a decent uppercut.
Leben misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz slips under a jab.
Leben thows a left - swing and a miss!
Leben throws a right hand that misses
and Cruz counters with a nice low kick that buckles Leben's knee momentarily.
Leben looks to land a right hand but Cruz moved out of range.
Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Leben's sensitive parts. #T1#
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Leben changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Cruz swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Cruz is looking to clinch. #CL#
Cruz clinches up against the cage.
Leben tries to work over Cruz's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Leben lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Still in the clinch, Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Leben blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cruz pushes Leben back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.#BC2#
Leben breaks the clinch.
Leben is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cruz.
Leben cracks Cruz with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The fight stays on the outside here - Cruz looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
It seemed like Leben was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Leben's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.#T2#
Cruz takes a swing at Leben's ribcage but misses.
Leben throws out a counter right but Cruz avoids it with no problem.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Leben!
Leben misses with a wild body shot.
Cruz misses with a low kick.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Cruz lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Leben has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Leben and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Leben swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
A jab from Leben finds it's way through Cruz's defenses.
Cruz finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Leben avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Leben lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Leben lands a jab to the nose.
Leben misses with a wild body shot.
Cruz tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Leben manages to circle out of the way.
Leben circles away from the clinch attempt.
Cruz scores with a leg kick. #T3#
Cruz moves out of range as Leben strikes.
Leben looks to land a left hand but Cruz moved out of range nicely.
Leben thows a left - swing and a miss!
Cruz misses with a wild body shot.
Cruz tries to clinch there but Leben circles away. #CL#
Cruz forces Leben back against the cage and clinches.#BC2#
Leben escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Leben misses with a straight left.
Cruz takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Leben jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cruz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Leben throws out the jab.
Cruz does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Leben cracks a nice hook into Cruz's ribs.
Leben ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cruz moves away.#T4#
Cruz tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Leben keeps the fight on the outside.
Leben scores with the left hand. Cruz knows he should have avoided that one.
Leben throws a right and a left that both miss.
Leben wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Good shot there by Leben.
Leben throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.
Cruz appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Cruz lands with an uppercut that bounces Leben off the cage and back into range.#CUT#It looks like Black Leben has been cut.
Leben pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Leben on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Leben misses the shot to the body.
Leben misses with a hook.
Cruz avoids a punch combination nicely.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Black Leben really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Black Leben's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R4#
Leben lands a jab to the nose.
Leben scores with the left hand. Cruz knows he should have avoided that one.
Leben scores with a hook to the body. Cruz takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Cruz misses with a straight left.
Leben swings widly with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a nice leg kick.
Leben looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.
Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick. #CL#
Cruz rushes Leben and presses him up against the cage.
Cruz misses with the head strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Leben throws a punch but it's blocked by Cruz.
Cruz scores with an uppercut up the middle.#BC2#
Leben breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Cruz scores with a jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Leben lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Leben lands a jab to the head. #T1#
A cross from Leben lands.
A low kick from Cruz misses
and Cruz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
That kick from Cruz tenderised Leben's leg. Leben is trying to keep his angry face on.
Cruz moves away from the strike by Leben.
Cruz wants to slow Leben down by chopping away at his legs.
Leben looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Cruz takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Leben lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Cruz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Leben.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cruz. Leben does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz tries to clinch but Leben is having none of it.
Leben misses with a body shot.
Leben misses with a looping left.
A cross from Leben lands.
Leben swings widly with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a nice kick to the body. #T2#
Cruz takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz tests Leben's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Cruz lands a nice shot to the body.
Leben getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Cruz throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Cruz connects with a right hand. Leben shakes it off.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Cruz wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Leben throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruz slips a straight right by Leben.#CL#
Cruz has closed the distance and engaged Leben in a clinch. #BC2#
Leben pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Leben pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Leben scores with a decent looking hook.#T3##CL#
Cruz clinches up with Leben and pushes him back against the cage.#BC2#
Leben's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cruz throws a sloppy head kick and Leben moves out of range easily.
Cruz throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Leben lands with a shot to the body.
Leben throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Leben misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Cruz slips a jab from Leben.
Leben missing with a left hand there. Cruz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Leben sizes up Cruz with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Sloppy strikes from Leben. Those never looked like landing.
Cruz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Leben.
Leben stuns Cruz with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Leben wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.#T4#
Leben scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Leben bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Cruz's head.
Cruz lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Leben tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cruz was well out of range. Poor timing from Leben.
Leben just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromCruz.
Cruz looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Cruz tries to clinch but Leben moves out of range. #CL#
Cruz moves into the clinch.
Leben working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Cruz lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Leben doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Leben scores with a shoulder strike.
Cruz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.#BC2#
Leben's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Leben feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Cruzs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Cruz tries to clinch but Leben moves out of range.
Cruz throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Leben on the side of the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Black Leben dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Black Leben's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!#R5#
Leben looks to land a right hand but Cruz moved out of range.
Cruz fails with an attempt to clinch. #CL#
Cruz takes the fight into the clinch.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Leben lands a left hand.
Leben lands an uppercut.
Leben softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Cruz prevents Leben from breaking the clinch.
Leben misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruz tries a body shot but Leben blocks it.
Leben lands a body shot in the clinch. #BC2#
Leben breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab from Cruz misses.
A bone on bone clash there as Leben blocks the leg kick.
Leben swats away the attempt to clinch by Cruz.
It seemed like Leben was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.#T1#
Cruz slips a jab from Leben.
Cruz keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Leben.
Leben scores with a crisp jab that stopped Cruz in his tracks.
Leben throws an overhand right that lands on Cruz's shoulder, as Cruz tries to avoid the shot.
Cruz walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Leben checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
A cross from Leben lands.#CL#
Cruz clinches up against the cage.
Leben misses with some punches.
Cruz has Leben pressed against the cage, preventing Leben from circling away and getting back to striking at range.#BC2#
Leben breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Leben throws an off balance right hand
and Cruz counters with a left to the body.
Cruz takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Cruz slips a jab from Leben.
It looked like Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Leben sees it coming and moves out of range.
Leben throws out a counter right but Cruz avoids it with no problem.
Leben lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Leben.#T2#
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Leben blocks a jab.
No joy there for Leben, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Cruz tried to score with a low kick but Leben checks it.
Cruz misses the jab.
Leben has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Cruz finds it's way round the side to connect with Leben's head.
A jab from Leben misses.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Leben stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Cruz.
Cruz takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Cruz walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Cruz listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Leben ducks down and throws a hook to the body.#T3#
Leben swings and misses with a hook to the body.
It looked like Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.#CL#
Cruz darts in and clinches Leben up against the cage.
Leben lands an uppercut.
A shot in the inside from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a punch on the inside.
A short left from Cruz. #BC2#
Leben manages to break the clinch.
Leben scores with the left hand. Cruz knows he should have avoided that one. #CL#
Cruz closes the distance and pushes Leben back into the cage.
Black Leben is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Cruz throws a head punch that misses.
Cruz misses with the head strike.
Leben blocks an uppercut.
Cruz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cruz working aggressively here. #T4#
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Leben scores with a shoulder strike.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cruz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cruz lands a shot to the body.
Leben prevents a body shot from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Cruz working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Cruz can't find room to land a body shot as Leben controls the action.
Leben lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A head punch on the inside from Cruz fails to land.
Jacinto Cruz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A head punch on the inside from Cruz fails to land.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Black Leben.
I've got Leben winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 45:50
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 45:50
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Black Leben!
Black Leben is the new lightweight champion!
Black Leben thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: MMAHKI 51
Date: May 23, 2023

#R1##CL#
Cruz pushes Esponosa up against the cage in a clinch.
Esponosa fails to pull guard.
Cruz scores with a nice hook to the head.
Cruz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cruz lands with a left to the head.
Cruz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Still in the clinch, Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.
Esponosa tries to pull guard but Cruz forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Esponosa jumps guard but Cruz stands there with Esponosa around his waist. Esponosa gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Jacinto Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricardo Esponosa.
Esponosa goes for a takedown in the clinch but Cruz prevents it.
Esponosa looking for a takedown.
Cruz can't find room to land a body shot as Esponosa controls the action.
Cruz tries to throw a body punch but Esponosa avoids it by throwing Cruz back against the cage.
Cruz working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz throws a head punch that misses. #TD2#
Esponosa has picked Cruz up - he's going for a ride! Esponosa dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Esponosa 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 is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at League of Shadows MMA, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
Cruz trying to control from the bottom. #T1##SUB2#
Esponosa is working for a kimura from half guard. He's really concentrating on the hold and it's allowed Cruz to slip a leg under and get back to full guard.
Esponosa tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Cruz is trying to keep Esponosa in close. #SUB#
Cruz working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Esponosa doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Esponosa manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Esponosa won't allow Cruz to sweep him here. #T2#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Esponosa throwing strikes from guard but Cruz blocks nicely.
Esponosa throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Esponosa 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. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.#CL#
Cruz rushes Esponosa and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Esponosa 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. Esponosa gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Esponosa looks to clinch
and Cruz counters with a nice leg kick. #T3#
Esponosa takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Esponosa waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cruz.
As Esponosa backs away, Cruz returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Esponosa misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Esponosa shoots in for a double leg but Cruz sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Cruz stuffs the takedown attempt from Esponosa. Esponosa gets slowly back to his feet. #CL#
Cruz gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Cruz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cruz throws a punch but it's blocked by Esponosa.
Cruz misses with a punch to the body.
Esponosa jumps guard but Cruz turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing. #TD2#
Esponosa has picked Cruz up - he's going for a ride! Esponosa dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Cruz is staying active underneath Esponosa, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Esponosa not throwing his punches with enough precision this time. #T4#
Esponosa lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Cruz is doing well to control the position and prevent Esponosa from advancing to side control.#SUB#
Cruz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Esponosa pulls his head out easily.
Cruz tries to get to full guard but Esponosa has control of the leg.
Esponosa wants to take a breather but Cruz is having none of it.
Esponosa has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Esponosa thows a huge punch but Cruz dodges it nicely.
Esponosa thows a huge punch but Cruz dodges it nicely.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cruz won't allow Esponosa to pass to mount.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.#R2##CL#
Cruz clinches with his opponent.
Cruz tries a body shot but Esponosa blocks it.
Esponosa has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Cruz seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Esponosa can turn it around.#TD2#
Esponosa is trying to trip Cruz. He has hold of a leg but Cruz is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Esponosa persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Cruz is trying to keep Esponosa in close.
Esponosa trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Esponosa sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Esponosa trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz is trying to control the position but Esponosa postures up. #T1#
Esponosa wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Esponosa sitting in guard here, content to control.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Cruz defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Esponosa.
Esponosa throws a hook to the side of Cruz's head but Cruz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.#CL#
Cruz closes the distance and pushes Esponosa back into the cage.
A shot in the inside from Cruz. #TD2#
Esponosa jumps guard.
Ricardo Esponosa has got the better of the ground game so far.
Cruz sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Esponosa's guard.
Esponosa wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy. #T2##SUB2#
Esponosa looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Esponosa regains full guard. Nicely done.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
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. #SUB2#
Esponosa throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Cruz looking to pass the guard. #T3##SUB2#
Esponosa is looking for a triangle but Cruz pushes his legs off easily.
Esponosa being controlled here, momentarily.
Esponosa wants to control the position but Cruz says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Esponosa is looking to improve his position. #T4#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Esponosa has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Cruz is working away from the top position though.
Esponosa slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Cruz stopping the sweep attempt from Esponosa.#SUB2#
Esponosa looking for subs off his back but Cruz has passed one foot through into half guard.
Cruz controlling the pace.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Jacinto Cruz will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.#R3##TD2#
Esponosa feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Cruz avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Esponosa trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Esponosa pushing down on Cruz's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Esponosa throwing shots but Cruz is blocking nicely. #SUB2#
Esponosa is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz is refusing to be controlled, as Esponosa sits in half guard. #T1#
Esponosa stalling.
Cruz wants to get back to full guard.#SUB2#
Esponosa is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Cruz still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Cruz has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
Esponosa is trying to improve his position.#T2#
Cruz working away.
Cruz in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Esponosa tries to buck Cruz off but Cruz is having none of it.
Cruz is staying tight to Esponosa's torso, preventing him from escaping. #T3#
Esponosa is looking for a sweep.
Cruz controls the position.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
What's Esponosa going to do here then? He's in a bit of a pickle.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Cruz lands a head shot.
Esponosa takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Cruz stuffs the takedown.#CL#
Cruz clinches.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards. #T4#
Esponosa goes for a takedown attempt but Cruz pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
A nice leg kick lands there from Cruz.
Cruz lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Cruz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect. #CL#
Cruz gets a clinch.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Esponosa can do to turn this around?
A short right from Cruz.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Cruz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Esponosa controls his hands.
Esponosa jumps guard but Cruz turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Jacinto Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricardo Esponosa.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Esponosa tries to pull guard but Cruz forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Esponosa tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Cruz smiles and moves away.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Esponosa.
Cruz is looking for a counter combo.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R4#
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
Esponosa takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Esponosa dives in for a single leg takedown but Cruz sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.#CL#
Cruz clinches with his opponent.
A body shot lands from Cruz.
A hook to the body from Cruz.
Cruz is leaning against Esponosa and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Esponosa takes a shot to the head.
Esponosa tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Cruz just stands there and leans against the cage.
Esponosa prevents a body shot from Cruz.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz cracks Esponosa with a nice body shot.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Cruz.
Esponosa is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Esponosa 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. Esponosa gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Jacinto Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricardo Esponosa.
Cruz lands a nice shot that snaps Esponosa's head back.
Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Esponosa's sensitive parts. #T1#
Esponosa shoots in but no luck this time.
Cruz connects with a leg kick.
Cruz connects with a jab.
A slow jab from Esponosa misses its intended target.
Cruz scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Cruz turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A good leg kick by Cruz. #CL#
Cruz has taken the fight to the clinch.
Cruz tries a body shot but Esponosa blocks it.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Still in the clinch, Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.
Esponosa jumps guard but Cruz turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Esponosa is trying to pull guard but Cruz has him pressed against the cage.#T2#
Cruz lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Good body shot from Cruz.
Esponosa drops down looking for an ankle pick but Cruz pulls his leg out and moves away. #CL#
Cruz pushes Esponosa up against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz digs a right hand into Esponosa's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Esponosa's gas tank.
Jacinto Cruz has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Good body shot from Cruz.
A nice left hand lands by Cruz.
Cruz lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Cruz softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Nice body punch from Cruz - that landed with a thud.
Cruz lands a right hand.
Cruz lands with a right to the head.
Cruz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Cruz lands a nice shot to the body.
Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Esponosa controls his hands. #T3#
Cruz has a couple of punches blocked by Esponosa.
A nice right hand lands inside from Cruz.
Esponosa tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Cruz just stands there and leans against the cage.
Cruz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Esponosa.
Cruz working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Esponosa has Cruz pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Cruz manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Cruz misses with a body punch.
A short body shot lands from Cruz as the two fighters clinch.
Cruz lands a left hand that snaps the head of Esponosa backwards.
Cruz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Cruz.
Cruz lands with a short shot to the head.
Esponosa is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Cruz is defending well.
Cruz lands a hook to the side of the head.
A left hand lands to the body for Cruz.
Cruz lands a left hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz lands a body punch in the clinch.
Cruz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cruz is working Esponosa over against the cage.#T4#
Cruz lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Esponosa backwards.
Still in the clinch, Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.
Esponosa is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Cruz to keep the fight standing.
Cruz pushes Esponosa back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Esponosa tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Cruz just stands there and leans against the cage.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Esponosa blocks an uppercut.
Cruz lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Cruz lands a right hand that snaps the head of Esponosa backwards.
Cruz lands with a light punch inside.
A short uppercut from Cruz.
Cruz lands with a light punch inside.
Cruz lands with a short shot to the head.
Cruz lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage. #ROC#Esponosa is rocked!
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cruz tries to throw a body punch but Esponosa avoids it by throwing Cruz back against the cage.
Esponosa 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. Esponosa gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Cruz with a nice calf kick.
Esponosa throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Cruz's waist but Cruz gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Esponosa off to one side.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz had his way with Ricardo Esponosa in 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. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.#R5#
Esponosa looks for a takedown but Cruz sprawls well.
Esponosa's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Cruz throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
A good leg kick by Cruz.
Cruz digs a good body shot into Esponosa's ribs.
Cruz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Esponosa.#CL#
Cruz rushes Esponosa and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.#TD2#
Esponosa decides to pull guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB2#
Esponosa throws his legs up looking for a submission but Cruz uses it to pass to side control.
Cruz in side control, just content to control the action for now. #T1#
Esponosa wants to control but Cruz postures up.
Esponosa tries to bench press Cruz off him but Cruz keeps the position.
Esponosa keeps trying to improve his position.
A lull in the action here.
Esponosa is looking to reverse the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T2#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Cruz moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
Esponosa tries to bench press Cruz off him but Cruz keeps the position. #T3#
Esponosa tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Cruz presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
Cruz tries to control but Esponosa wriggling away.
Jacinto Cruz is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Esponosa is desperately trying to improve his position but Cruz has a good base and remains in mount.
Esponosa is still trying to improve position.
Cruz tries to stand up but he's trapped just for the moment.
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.#T4#
Esponosa tries to hold on but Cruz postures up.
Esponosa is looking to get to half guard.
Esponosa sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!#SUB2#
Esponosa with the active half guard here but Cruz passes nicely into side control.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jacinto Cruz showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Cruz, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 50:44
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 50:44
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 49:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!
Jacinto Cruz retains his lightweight title!
Ricardo Esponosa was interviewed post fight and said 'We’ll get it next time '.

Event: MMAHKI 44
Date: Apr 23, 2023

#R1#
Cruz tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Yama manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Yama uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cruz.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Cruz throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Cruz scores with a nice right hand.
A bone on bone clash there as Yama blocks the leg kick.
Cruz misses with a jab, cross combination.
Yama looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Yama swings for the body but Cruz moves out of range.
Yama sets himself, and Cruz steps forward looking for the clinch! Yama avoids it this time.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Yama is defended easily by Cruz.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yama circles away from the clinch attempt.
Cruz looks to land a right hand but Yama moved out of range.
Yama swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Yama's sensitive parts.
Cruz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Yama.#T1#
Yama swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cruz chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Cruz lunges at Yama with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Yama's hand.
Yama takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Yama throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Cruz throws a sloppy head kick and Yama moves out of range easily.
A clash of legs there as Yama blocks the low kick.
Yama feinted with a counter takedown.
Cruz throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Yama.
Cruz throws a leg kick that is checked
and Cruz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Yama bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz misses with a low kick.
Yama lands a nice shot that snaps Cruz's head back.
Cruz lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz tries to clinch but Yama is having none of it. #T2#
Cruz is looking to chop away at Yama's legs.
Cruz throws a head kick that misses.
Yama feinted with a counter takedown.#TD#
Yama gets a takedown into half guard.
Cruz trying to control but Yama postures up.
Yama landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Yama working the head and body with strikes.
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 trying to control here.
Yama sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Cruz defending well though. #T3#
Cruz tries to roll over but Yama keeps him under control.
Yama lands with a punch from half guard.
Yama wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz has his hands clasped together around Yama's back. He's all about the action.
Yama wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working.
Yama sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Cruz defending well though. #T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Yama is nestled in close to Cruz, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Yama working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
Yama scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Cruz is trying to maintain the position but Yama is very close to passing his half guard.
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
Yama trying to control from half guard but Cruz is working away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Jacinto Cruz will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
Cruz misses with a hook #TD#
and Yama counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Yama.
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Yama.
Yama throwing strikes from guard but Cruz blocks nicely.
Yama lands a couple of elbows.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Yama from controlling successfully.
Cruz looking to control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Yama from controlling successfully. #SUB2#
Yama got a little sloppy there for a moment and Cruz has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Yama has managed to get both his arms back between Cruz's legs - danger averted.#T1#
Yama throws an elbow that misses. Cruz uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Yama's guard. Nice move by Cruz!#REVB#
Cruz preventing the sweep.
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.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Yama holds on and takes a little breather.
Yama looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there. #T2#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Cruz has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Yama is proving hard to escape from.
Yama wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Yama blocks the body kick.
Cruz swings away with a body shot that misses
and Yama cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.#T3#
Yama throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruz misses with a low kick.
Yama comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Yama smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Donk. Cruz catches Yama right on the button with a cross.
Cruz changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Yama throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Yama tries to score a power double leg takedown but Cruz sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Yama somewhat.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Yama takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.#CL2#
Cruz clinches up against the cage.#T4#
Yama has Cruz pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Cruz manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Cruz tries a body shot but Yama blocks it.
Yama takes a shot to the head.
Yama blocking some punches.
Cruz working aggressively here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Yama uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz is pressed up against the cage. Yama has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Cruz down to the mat. Cruz avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kotetsu Yama. That's going to take a lot out of him.#CL2#
Cruz has managed to clinch.
Cruz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Yama.
Cruz softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A short right from Cruz on the inside.
Cruz misses with a punch on the inside.
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
Yama tries for a takedown but Cruz manages to get underhooks.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action!#R3#
Yama takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Cruz lands a leg kick that knocks Yama off balance momentarily.
Cruz throws a big shot that misses.
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.
Cruz is looking to clinch.
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Yama paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Cruz is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch but Yama swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Cruz looks like he's thinking about clinching though.#T1##CL2#
Cruz has taken the fight to the clinch.
A bit of stalling here from Yama.
Yama dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Yama.
Cruz lands a body shot.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Yama leaning against his opponent.
Cruz has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Yama is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Yama blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cruz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.#T2#
Cruz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Yama's elbow.
Yama'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.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
Yama prevents a body shot from Cruz.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Yama blocking some punches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
A nice right hand lands inside from Cruz.
Yama blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Yama wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Cruz lands an uppercut.
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cruz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Yama.#T3#
Cruz lands an uppercut.
Yama takes a shot to the head.
Cruz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.#TD#
Yama has clasped his hands together around Cruz's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Yama working the head and body with strikes.
Yama working the body and head with strikes.
Cruz manages to get one leg in to regain half guard. #SUB2#
Cruz looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Cruz wants to improve his position but Yama is controlling well.
Yama not throwing his punches with enough precision this time. #T4#
Cruz gets full guard.
Cruz seems keen to control Yama's posture.#SUB2#
Cruz is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Cruz bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Yama's guard. #REVB#
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Yama lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVR#
Yama trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R4#
Yama jabs at Cruz's body.
Yama uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cruz.
Yama avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Cruz moves in looking to clinch but Yama pushes him off.#TD#
Cruz gets caught flat footed, as Yama shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Yama throws a big right hand that misses.
Cruz wants to improve his position but instead Yama has moved into half guard.
Cruz wants to get back to full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yama trying to control from half guard but Cruz is working away.
Yama content to control rather than advance. #T1#
Yama prevents Cruz from improving his position.
Cruz trying to hold on to Yama's head to control him but Yama postures up.
Yama working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Yama lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Yama is looking to stall here but Cruz recovers full guard. #T2#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Yama passes Cruz's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Yama throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Cruz desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Cruz moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.#T3#
Yama trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Yama 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.
Yama is looking to work some ground and pound but Cruz has wrist control.
Yama is in close to Cruz's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Yama is working Cruz over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Cruz controls Yama momentarily but Yama frees himself.
Yama trying to control but Cruz is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Yama postures up and lands a big shot to Cruz's brow. #T4#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Cruz working a defensive guard here. #SUB2#
Yama got a little sloppy there for a moment and Cruz has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Yama has managed to get both his arms back between Cruz's legs - danger averted.
Cruz wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Yama sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Yama lands a jab to the head.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz throws a poor cross that misses #TD#
and Yama counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Cruz controls Yama momentarily but Yama frees himself.
Yama engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Kotetsu Yama had his way with Jacinto Cruz in that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!#R5#
Cruz tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Yama changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Yama circles away from the clinch attempt.
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Yama.
Yama ducks under a wild hook from Cruz.#CL2#
Cruz closes the distance and clinches.
Yama is pushing Cruz up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Yama blocks a body shot from Cruz. #BC#
Yama breaks the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Yama uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Cruz.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Yama sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Cruz looks to throw the jab but Yama is out of range. #T1#
Cruz fails with an attempt to clinch.
Cruz moves in looking to clinch but Yama pushes him off.
Cruz tries to clinch up but Yama circles away and keeps his distance.
Yama dives in and grabs Cruz's left leg, looking for a takedown. Cruz pushes down on Yama's head and hops out.
Cruz scores with a nice right hand.
Cruz tries to bum rush Yama with a series of wild strikes but Yama uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Cruz lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Yama has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Yama and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Cruz ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Cruz steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Yama.
Yama walks into a straight right hand from Cruz.
Cruz closes the distance looking to clinch #TD#
and Yama counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Yama sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Cruz defending well though.
Kotetsu Yama has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
Cruz is refusing to be controlled, as Yama sits in half guard.
Yama lands with a punch from half guard.
Cruz wants to get back to full guard.
Cruz is refusing to be controlled, as Yama sits 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!
Yama scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Cruz regains full guard. Nicely done.
Yama postures up in Cruz's guard and throws a big left but Cruz blocks it.
Yama in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time. #T3#
Cruz is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Yama landing with the ground and pound.
Jacinto Cruz is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Cruz has control of Yama's left arm, preventing Yama from doing any damage.
Cruz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Yama is one step ahead there.
Cruz not looking particularly offensive just at the moment. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.#T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Cruz throws a hook but Yama avoids it easily.
Cruz tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Yama is able to avoid easily.
A decent looking cross lands there for Cruz.
Cruz tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion. #CL2#
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Yama wants to take the fight to the mat but Cruz manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Cruz keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Yama's efforts to push away.
Yama misses with a body punch.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruz lands a left hand that snaps the head of Yama backwards.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Jacinto Cruz.
I think Cruz 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 46:49
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 46:49
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!
Jacinto Cruz is the new lightweight champion!

Event: MMAHKI 36
Date: Mar 26, 2023

#R1#
Kozlov moves forwards but Cruz connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Kozlov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it. #CL#
Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Kozlov.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Cruz.
Good body shot from Cruz.
Cruz is working Kozlov over against the cage.
Kozlov's coach down at All Elite Training was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Kozlov's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
A head punch on the inside from Kozlov fails to land.
Kozlov misses with a punch on the inside.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A right handed body shot lands from Cruz.
Cruz working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Cruz lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Kozlov backwards.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cruz lands a right hand.
Nice body punch from Cruz - that landed with a thud.
Kozlov throws a head punch that misses.
Cruz cracks Kozlov with a nice body shot.
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
Cruz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Kozlov or not.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike.
A right handed body shot lands from Cruz.
Cruz managing to block the knees to the body from Kozlov.
Kozlov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Cruz throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kozlovs head.
Kozlov takes a shot to the head. #T1#
Cruz lands a hook that snaps the head of Kozlov backwards.
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
Cruz lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kozlov backwards.
Cruz digs a right hand underneath Kozlov's ribcage. Kozlov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Kozlov looks winded!
Cruz gets through Kozlov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Cruz.
A nice right hand lands inside from Cruz.
A right hook to the body lands for Cruz.
A short right from Cruz on the inside.
Cruz digs a right hand underneath Kozlov's ribcage. Kozlov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A nice right hand lands inside from Cruz.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz scores with a nice hook to the head.
Cruz lands with a left to the head.
Cruz scores with a hook to the body.
Cruz presses Kozlov against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Cruz lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A short uppercut from Cruz.
Cruz digs a right hand underneath Kozlov's ribcage. Kozlov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Kozlov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A right hand to the body from Cruz.
Cruz lands a body punch in the clinch.
Cruz pushes Kozlov back against the cage and unloads with a body punch. #T2#
Cruz lands a body punch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Cruz.
Cruz cracks Kozlov with a nice body shot.
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
Cruz lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Nice body punch from Cruz.
Cruz working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Cruz is leaning against Kozlov and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Cruz lands a hook that snaps the head of Kozlov backwards.
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
Cruz working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Cruz scores with a hook to the body.
A right hand to the body from Cruz.
Cruz works on Kozlov's body with a couple of short punches.
A shot in the inside from Cruz.
Cruz scores with a shot to the side of Kozlov's head.
Cruz working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Cruz cracks Kozlov with a nice body shot.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Cruz. #T3#
Cruz stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Cruz lands a right hand that snaps the head of Kozlov backwards.
Cruz lands with a light punch inside.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Cruz.
Cruz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Kozlov or not.
Good body shot from Cruz.
Cruz scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Cruz lands a body punch in the clinch.
Cruz digs a right hand into Kozlov's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kozlov's gas tank.
Kozlov takes a shot to the head.
Cruz lands a body shot.
Cruz lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Cruz lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cruz lands with a right to the head.
Cruz lands an uppercut.
Nice body punch from Cruz - that landed with a thud.
A hook to the body from Cruz.
Cruz digs a right hand underneath Kozlov's ribcage. Kozlov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Still in the clinch, Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.
Nice body punch from Cruz - that landed with a thud.
A short right from Cruz on the inside.
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.#ROC#Kozlov is rocked!#T4#
Cruz lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Kozlov backwards.
Kozlov is still on wobbly legs! Can Cruz finish him?
Cruz scores with a shoulder strike.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Cruz working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A left hand lands to the body for Cruz.
Still in the clinch, Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.
Cruz lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kozlov backwards.
Cruz lands a right hand that snaps the head of Kozlov backwards.
Cruz works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Cruz lands an uppercut.
Cruz scores with a nice hook to the head.
Cruz lands a body punch.
A short right from Cruz on the inside.
A nice left hand lands by Cruz.
Cruz lands an uppercut in the clinch that drops Kozlov to his knees! Cruz keeps firing more shots against his stricken opponent and the referee jumps in to save him!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jacinto Cruz!

Event: MMAHKI 29
Date: Feb 25, 2023

#R1#
Cruz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Stokes.
Cruz throws a shot to the body.
Stokes slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Stokes misses with a wild body shot.
Cruz swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Stokes shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Cruz pinned against the cage. Cruz gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Cruz works over Stokes's head and body with a nice combination.
Cruz checks a leg kick nicely.
Cruz is looking to clinch.
Stokes misses the jab.
Stokes chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Cruz can pounce on him.
Cruz jabs Stokes to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Stokes checks a leg kick nicely.
Cruz is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Stokes scores with a crisp jab that stopped Cruz in his tracks. #TD2#
Cruz gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.#T1#
Stokes advances to half guard.
Stokes is controlling the pace.
Stokes wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working.
Cruz is trying to get back to full guard.
Stokes is looking to advance position but Cruz won't allow it.
Stokes is keen to just control but Cruz is a slippery customer.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Stokes is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Stokes controlling the action here.
Cruz keeping control of the position.
Cruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #T3#
Cruz makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Cruz.
Cruz is trying to control the position but Stokes postures up.
Cruz wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Stokes wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Cruz fails with an attempt to clinch.
Cruz tries to clinch but Stokes moves out of range.
Stokes throws a shot from downtown. Cruz moves away and avoids it.
Stokes tries for a takedown but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Stokes shoots in looking for a takedown but Cruz manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Stokes's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Jacinto Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kieth Stokes.
Cruz lets loose with a powerful body kick. Stokes will feel that in the morning.
Stokes defending well as Cruz loads up on a big left hand. #T4#
Decent striking displayed by Cruz there.
Cruz throws a low kick but it's checked well by Stokes.
Stokes tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Stokes misses with a wild body shot.
Stokes misses with an uppercut. Cruz saw that one coming.
Stokes swats away the attempt to clinch by Cruz.
Cruz wants to clinch up but Stokes keeps it at a distance.
Cruz fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Stokes shoots in but Cruz avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Stokes on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Stokes with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Cruz to score with a decent uppercut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
Stokes takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Cruz scores with a punch to the head.
Stokes paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Cruz swings and misses with a hook to the body. #CL#
Cruz drives through and clinches with Stokes against the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto 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#
Stokes scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Cruz tries to clinch there but Stokes circles away.
Stokes doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Cruz scores with the left hand. Stokes knows he should have avoided that one.
Cruz checks a leg kick nicely.
Cruz is looking to counter with a body kick.
Jacinto Cruz is winning the standup battle so far.#CL#
Cruz clinches.
Stokes lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Cruz backwards.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Stokes has Cruz pushed against the cage.
Stokes tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruz blocking some punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz lands a body punch in the clinch.
A hook to the body from Cruz.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Cruz.
Cruz tries to work over Stokes's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Stokes.
Stokes blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.#T1#
Stokes goes for a takedown in the clinch but Cruz prevents it.
Stokes wants a takedown.
Stokes taking a breather.
Stokes blocking some punches.
Cruz can't find room to land a body shot as Stokes controls the action.
Stokes is looking for a takedown.
Jacinto Cruz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kieth Stokes.
Cruz pushes Stokes back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Cruz working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Stokes can't find room to land a body shot as Cruz controls the action.
Cruz works on Stokes's body with a couple of short punches.
Cruz scores with a hook to the body.
Cruz scores with a hook to the body.
Cruz pushes Stokes back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Stokes is breathing heavily.
A left hand lands to the body for Cruz.
Cruz misses with some punches.
Cruz presses Stokes against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Cruz throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Stokes tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Cruz lands a body shot. #T2#
Cruz is working Stokes over against the cage.
Cruz gets through Stokes's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Cruz lands a body punch in the clinch.
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 lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Cruz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Cruz lands with a right to the head.
Cruz tries to throw a body punch but Stokes avoids it by throwing Cruz back against the cage.
Cruz misses with a short punch on the inside.
Cruz tries a body shot but Stokes blocks it.
A short right from Cruz. #TD2#
Stokes drags the fight down to the ground. #SUB2#
Stokes is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Cruz sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Stokes tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T3#
Cruz sitting in guard here, content to control.
Stokes has a closed guard, preventing Cruz from standing up.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Stokes is keeping the position.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Stokes is on top in guard. #REVB#
Stokes 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 Stokes controlling him for the moment. #T4#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Stokes wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Cruz pulls Stokes in close to prevent any damage.
Stokes wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving. #SUB#
Cruz looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Stokes wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that second 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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!#R3#
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
Cruz tries to clinch but Stokes is having none of it.
Nice shot by Stokes.
Stokes swats away the attempt to clinch by Cruz.
The crowd cheers as Cruz lands an impressive looking overhand right. Stokes doesn't seem phased though.
A slapping leg kick lands for Cruz.
Stokes misses the jab.
Cruz is looking to clinch but Stokes is avoiding it.
We've been told by Cruz's head coaches at League of Shadows MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.#CL#
Cruz darts in and clinches Stokes up against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#BC2#
Stokes's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cruz doesn't manage to clinch there - Stokes circles away.
Stokes pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Cruz scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Stokes digs a good body shot into Cruz's ribs.
Cruz throws a hook but Stokes avoids it easily.#T1#
Cruz doesn't manage to clinch there - Stokes circles away.
And Stokes tries to counter it with a takedown but Cruz pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Stokes shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Cruz as he avoids it easily.
Stokes has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Stokes there as he acknowledges the shot.
Cruz is looking to clinch but Stokes is avoiding it.
Stokes changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Cruz throws a leg kick that misses.
Stokes takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.#CL#
Cruz pushes Stokes up against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz blocks an uppercut.
A head punch on the inside from Cruz fails to land.
Stokes leaning against his opponent. #TD2#
Stokes has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Cruz uses from the top position.
Stokes 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.
Stokes lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Stokes from controlling successfully. #T2#
Stokes throws a big right hand that misses.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Stokes from controlling successfully.
Stokes 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.
Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Stokes trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Stokes can do to turn this around?
Stokes looking to sit in guard and control but Cruz gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVR##T3##SUB2#
Stokes looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Cruz passes into half guard.
Stokes wants to sweep but Cruz has passed to side control!
Jacinto Cruz is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Stokes is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Stokes has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Cruz is working away from the top position though.
Cruz stops Stokes from getting back to his feet.
Cruz is figuring out what he wants to do next.#T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Stokes scrambles, trying to get to his feet, but Cruz manages to mount him!
Stokes has given up his back here.
Stokes is really stuck here.
Kieth Stokes has got the better of the ground game so far.
Cruz biding his time, looking for the opening.
Stokes tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Stokes working to try and regain half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jacinto Cruz showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Cruz, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 30:27
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 30:27
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!

Event: MMAHKI 20
Date: Jan 13, 2023

#R1#
A looping hook to the body misses from Agnarr Jr. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz scores with a nice head shot.
Agnarr Jr lands with a shot to the body.
Agnarr Jr takes one to the chin there.
Agnarr Jr loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Cruz! But no joy.
Agnarr Jr throws a hook but Cruz blocks it.
Cruz with the inside leg kick.
Agnarr Jr throws a leg kick but Cruz moved away.
A big left from Agnarr Jr misses.
Agnarr Jr avoids the head kick by Cruz.
A little feinted left hand from Agnarr Jr on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Agnarr Jr rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Agnarr Jr throws a hook but Cruz blocks it.
Cruz digs a good hook to Agnarr Jr's body.
Cruz lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Agnarr Jr misses with a body punch
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.#CL2#
Cruz pushes Agnarr Jr up against the cage in a clinch.#T1#
Cruz trying to stall but Agnarr Jr improves his position.
Cruz content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Cruz is trying to maintain a safe position but Agnarr Jr gets an underhook and turns Cruz into the cage.
Cruz jumps guard but Agnarr Jr stands there with Cruz around his waist. Cruz gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Agnarr Jr. #BC#
Agnarr Jr breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
We've been told by Agnarr Jr's head coaches at Black Swans that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Agnarr Jr throws a jab when Cruz was well out of range.
Agnarr Jr looks to throw the jab but Cruz is out of range.
Agnarr Jr backing away here, and Cruz unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Agnarr Jr keeps the fight on the outside.
Agnarr Jr moves out of range as Cruz strikes.
Agnarr Jr throws a front kick aimed at Cruz's knee but Cruz avoids it well.
Agnarr Jr looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.
Donk. Cruz catches Agnarr Jr right on the button with a cross.
Cruz turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Cruz connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.#T2##CL2#
Cruz closes the distance and pushes Agnarr Jr back into the cage.#BC#
Agnarr Jr breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. #CL2#
Cruz closes the distance and clinches.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.#TD2#
Cruz pulls guard.
Agnarr Jr won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Cruz is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Cruz looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #SUB2#
Cruz is looking for a triangle but Agnarr Jr pushes his legs off easily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SU#
Agnarr Jr stands up from Cruz's guard - Agnarr Jr perhaps looking for a knockout.
Cruz lands with a thumping leg kick. #T3#
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch up but Agnarr Jr swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Agnarr Jr lands with a straight right. Cruz didn't see that one coming.
Cruz lands an overhand right.
Cruz avoids a punch combination nicely.
Agnarr Jr on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.#CL2#
Cruz clinches up against the cage.
Agnarr Jr lands with a right to the head. #BC#
Agnarr Jr breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
The fighters circling - Agnarr Jr throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Alfin Agnarr Jr seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cruz with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Agnarr Jr swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Cruz fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Agnarr Jr has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.#T4#
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!
Agnarr Jr avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Agnarr Jr is looking to counter punch.
Cruz is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Agnarr Jr had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Cruz fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Agnarr Jr checks a leg kick.#CL2#
Cruz rushes Agnarr Jr and presses him up against the cage.#TD2#
Cruz gets control of Agnarr Jr's arms and successfully pulls guard. Cruz will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Cruz looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Agnarr Jr is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions. #SU#
Agnarr Jr stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Agnarr Jr scores with a jab to the jaw.
Agnarr Jr takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto 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#
Agnarr Jr misses with a few strikes there.
Cruz tries a head kick but it misses. #CL2#
Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Agnarr Jr.#TD2#
Cruz pulls guard effortlessly.
Agnarr Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz controlling the position.#SU#
Agnarr Jr gets to his feet. Cruz looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Agnarr Jr swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Cruz.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Agnarr Jr.
A good leg kick by Cruz.
Agnarr Jr fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Cruz checks it well.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Agnarr Jr has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.#T1#
Agnarr Jr lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Agnarr Jr.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Cruz, as that shot connected.
Agnarr Jr is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Cruz looks to score with a jab to the body but Agnarr Jr is just out of range.
Agnarr Jr is looking to counter punch.
Cruz avoids the body shot from Agnarr Jr.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Agnarr Jr is looking to slow Cruz down with leg kicks.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Agnarr Jr paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Agnarr Jr throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Cruz connects with a right hand. Agnarr Jr shakes it off.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Cruz scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Agnarr Jr swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cruz tries a head kick but it misses.
Agnarr Jr misses with a lunging right hand
and Cruz counters with a left to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Agnarr Jr misses with a body shot.
A telegraphed right hand from Cruz misses the target. #T2##CL2#
Cruz rushes Agnarr Jr and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Agnarr Jr smiles and moves away.
Cruz keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Agnarr Jr.
Cruz looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Agnarr Jr tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Agnarr Jr.
Agnarr Jr swings away with a body shot that misses
and Cruz counters with a nice low kick that buckles Agnarr Jr's knee momentarily.
A slow jab from Agnarr Jr misses its intended target.
Cruz connects with a body shot.
Agnarr Jr throws a lazy right hand but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Cruz. Agnarr Jr shrugs it off though.
Agnarr Jr misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Cruz ducks under a wild hook from Agnarr Jr.#CL2#
Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Agnarr Jr.
Cruz is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Agnarr Jr to keep the fight standing.
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.#T3##BC#
Agnarr Jr pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Agnarr Jr lands a nice leg kick that just misses Cruz's sensitive parts.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch up but Agnarr Jr swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Decent striking displayed by Cruz there.
Agnarr Jr connects with a nice looking jab.
Cruz avoids the body shot from Agnarr Jr.
Cruz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Agnarr Jr throws out a loose jab but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz jabs Agnarr Jr right on the nose. Agnarr Jr blinks but takes it well.
Agnarr Jr throws a jab but it's blocked by Cruz.
Cruz connects with a good right hand that stumbles Agnarr Jr. Agnarr Jr circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Cruz misses the shot to the body.
Cruz lands the left hand.
Cruz misses with an uppercut. Agnarr Jr saw that one coming.#T4##CL2#
Cruz gets in close and instigates a clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.#BC#
Agnarr Jr escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cruz ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Agnarr Jr moves away.
Agnarr Jr throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cruz appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
A shot to the liver by Agnarr Jr. Beautiful body shot.
Agnarr Jr has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Cruz.
Cruz on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there. #CL2#
Cruz has Agnarr Jr up against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz stalling the fight. #BC#
Agnarr Jr escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Agnarr Jr avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Cruz scores with a jab to the head. #CL2#
Agnarr Jr tries to keep at a distance but Cruz has taken the fight into the clinch.#BC#
Agnarr Jr manages to break the clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Agnarr Jr's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!#R3#
Agnarr Jr misses with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Cruz tries to clinch there but Agnarr Jr circles away.
Agnarr Jr was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch up but Agnarr Jr swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Cruz stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Cruz motions for Agnarr Jr to come forward. Cruz throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz connects with an inside leg kick.
A big right from Agnarr Jr misses.
Cruz swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Cruz does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Cruz tries to work over Agnarr Jr's front leg with a kick but Agnarr Jr checks it.
Cruz throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Agnarr Jr stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Agnarr Jr jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Agnarr Jr takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Cruz avoids the body shot from Agnarr Jr.
Cruz tries a low kick but Agnarr Jr avoids it.
Cruz lands a jab to Agnarr Jr's midsection.#T1#
Agnarr Jr slips under a jab.#CL2#
Cruz closes the distance and pushes Agnarr Jr back into the cage.
Cruz fails to pull guard.
Cruz is trying to maintain a safe position but Agnarr Jr gets an underhook and turns Cruz into the cage.
Cruz tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Agnarr Jr smiles and moves away.
Cruz throws a solid leg kick but Agnarr Jr takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Cruz.
Cruz takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Cruz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Agnarr Jr.
Agnarr Jr bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz swings for the body but Agnarr Jr moves out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Agnarr Jr misses the target.
Agnarr Jr looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Cruz throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Agnarr Jr on the side of the head. #CL2#
Agnarr Jr gets tackled into the cage by Cruz. Cruz maintains the clinch.
Cruz tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Agnarr Jr just stands there and leans against the cage.
Alfin Agnarr Jr has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacinto Cruz.
Cruz fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Cruz fails to pull guard. #T2#
Agnarr Jr lands a right hand.
Agnarr Jr lands with a right to the head.
Cruz is trying to pull guard but Agnarr Jr has him pressed against the cage.
Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!#BC#
Agnarr Jr breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Agnarr Jr tries to work over Cruz's front leg with a kick but Cruz checks it.
Cruz looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Agnarr Jr looks to land a combination but Cruz avoids it well.
Agnarr Jr misses with a series of wild punches.
Cruz looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Agnarr Jr misses with a two punch combination.
Agnarr Jr gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Cruz.
Cruz scores with a spinning back kick!
Agnarr Jr misses with a straight right.
Agnarr Jr misses with a hook.
Agnarr Jr throws a hook to the side of Cruz's head but Cruz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Cruz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Agnarr Jr.#T3#
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Agnarr Jr paws at him with a jab and circles away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Cruz looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Jacinto Cruz is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Cruz throws a low kick but it's checked well by Agnarr Jr.
Agnarr Jr swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.#CL2#
Cruz clinches with his opponent.
Cruz blocks a punch to the side of the head.
The referee is keeping an eye on Cruz - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters. #BC#
Agnarr Jr breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Agnarr Jr waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cruz.
Cruz chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Cruz moves away from the strike by Agnarr Jr. #T4##CL2#
Cruz gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Agnarr Jr lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Cruz will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Agnarr Jr up against the cage.
Come on Cruz - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
The crowd are getting on Cruz's back here. They're not happy about his lack of aggression in the clinch.
Agnarr Jr misses with a punch to the body.
Agnarr Jr being controlled against the cage.#BC#
Agnarr Jr pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Agnarr Jr throws a lazy right hand but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Alfin Agnarr Jr has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Agnarr Jr throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cruz swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Jacinto Cruz.
Well Cruz has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 27:30
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!

Event: MANDOWN - Testing 1
Date: Apr 07, 2022

#R1#
Gerrard fails with an attempt to clinch. #CL2#
Cruz drives through and clinches with Gerrard against the ropes.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Cruz looking to stall.
Gerrard tries to stall but Cruz uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Gerrard is trying to stall.
Gerrard taking a breather.
Cruz slowing the pace effectively.
Cruz trying to control the position but instead, Gerrard has worked for underhooks and has pushed Cruz into the ropes.
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.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz is looking to control Gerrard's arms but Gerrard gets an underhook and turns him. Now Cruz has his back to the ropes.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Gerrard as Cruz tries to tie him up.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Jacinto Cruz.#CL2#
Cruz pushes Gerrard up against the ropes in a clinch.
The fighters are pressed against the ropes, as the pace of the fight slows. #T1#
Gerrard slowing the pace effectively.
Cruz is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Gerrard is keeping busy.
The fighters are pressed against the ropes, as the pace of the fight slows.
Cruz tries to stall but Gerrard uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Gerrard looking to slow down the pace here.
Gerrard is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Cruz looking to stall.
Cruz seems frustrated at his inability to get double underhooks.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Jacinto Cruz.#CL2#
Cruz has taken the fight to the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Gerrard'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.#T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Gerrard stalling in the clinch.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Cruz has Gerrard pressed against the ropes.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Cruz tries to stall but Gerrard uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Cruz looking to slow down the pace here.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Jacinto Cruz.#CL2#
Cruz has Gerrard up against the ropes in a clinch.
Gerrard pressing his opponent against the ropes.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz looking to slow down the pace here.
Cruz wants to stall.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jacinto Cruz comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Cruz has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1 round of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 9:10
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 9:10
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 9:10

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!

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