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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Pablo Mara�on (ranked 7 p4p, 1 weight class) and Dao Sonnen (ranked 68 p4p, 11 weight class). Mara�on comes to the cage accompanied by Pistolero. The crowd seem to be enjoying Sonnen's choice of entrance music: The Devil's Doorbell. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 186 cm
34
185 lbs
30 - 8 - 2 |
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183 cm
33
188 lbs
26 - 11 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
30 - 8 - 2, fighting out of London, Pablo Mara�on!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
26 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Dao Sonnen!
The judges for this bout are , Don Winkell and Jack Bonds.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mara�on throws a leg kick
and Sonnen counters with a nice double leg into side control. Mara�on won't be happy with that.
Mara�on throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
Mara�on moves in looking to clinch but Sonnen pushes him off.
Sonnen has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Sonnen changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Sonnen needs to keep his hands up - Mara�on had a free shot at his head there.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Mara�on looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Mara�on takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Mara�on connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Mara�on has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Dr Hatsumi's Clinic in the buildup to the fight.
Sonnen misses the shot to the body.
Sonnen throws the kick towards the body but Mara�on avoids it.
Mara�on is looking to counter punch.
Mara�on keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Mara�on uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Sonnen has time to react.
Mara�on misses with a hook
and Sonnen counters with a nice uppercut.
Sonnen takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Sonnen looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Sonnen.
Mara�on takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Mara�on tried to counter with a leg kick but Sonnen avoided it.
Sonnen paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sonnen tries to score with a low kick but Mara�on moves his leg out of the way.
Mara�on pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Mara�on is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Sonnen looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
It looked like Mara�on wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Sonnen connects with a nice looking jab.
Mara�on throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Sonnen checks a leg kick nicely.
Sonnen motions for Mara�on to come forward. Sonnen throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Sonnen throws a lazy right hand but Mara�on sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Mara�on moves away from the strike by Sonnen.
Sonnen misses with a straight left.
Mara�on fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Sonnen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sonnen looks to score with a jab to the body but Mara�on is just out of range.
Mara�on half committed to a counter leg kick.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Mara�on. Sonnen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Mara�on throws a jab but it's blocked by Sonnen.
Mara�on throws a big shot that misses.
Sonnen feints a counter leg kick.
Sonnen thuds his shin into the meat of Mara�on's side.
Sonnen gets a takedown into half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mara�on won't allow Sonnen to pass to mount.
Mara�on wants to control but Sonnen is keeping busy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mara�on is staying active underneath Sonnen, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Sonnen is working for a kimura but Mara�on is defending it quite comfortably.
Sonnen not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Mara�on is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Sonnen jumps into side control!
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Sonnen fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Mara�on is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Sonnen's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Mara�on desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Sonnen is trying to control. Mara�on wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Sonnen looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Mara�on trying to control here.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
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.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Sonnen missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Mara�on slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Mara�on has Sonnen pulled in close to control his posture.
Mara�on'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.
Sonnen tries to free his leg and advance position but Mara�on is retaining full guard.
Mara�on is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Sonnen trying to control but Mara�on is working from the bottom.
Mara�on looking for a sweep. Not yet Mara�on, not yet.
And that�s the end of the round � the fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Dao Sonnen will probably get the nod.
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.
Sonnen pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Sonnen bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sonnen changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Sonnen checks a leg kick.
Sonnen fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Mara�on has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Sonnen connects with a jab.
Mara�on misses with a body kick.
Sonnen smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Nice shot by Sonnen.
Sonnen throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Sonnen on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Mara�on takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Sonnen misses with a hook. Mara�on ducked under it nicely.
Mara�on keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
And Mara�on counters with a quick kick to the body but Sonnen blocks it.
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!
Mara�on moves out of range as Sonnen throws a body kick.
Mara�on misses the shot to the body.
Sonnen appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sonnen lands a two punch combo.
Mara�on throws a looping overhand right but Sonnen ducks down to avoid it.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Mara�on crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Sonnen - the referee stops the clock and Mara�on gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Sonnen. Mara�on manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
A jab from Sonnen misses.
Mara�on checks the leg kick.
Mara�on misses with a body kick.
Good leg kick by Sonnen there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Sonnen moves away from the strike by Mara�on.
Mara�on throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Mara�on instigates a clinch.
Sonnen lands a body punch in the clinch.
Sonnen tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Mara�on smiles and moves away.
Mara�on tests Sonnen's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Sonnen misses with an attempted mid kick.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mara�on pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Sonnen misses with a right hand
and Mara�on counters with a nice leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Mara�on swinging wildly here.
Sonnen changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Mara�on misses with a low kick.
Sonnen changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Mara�on throws a shot from downtown. Sonnen moves away and avoids it.
Sonnen moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Sonnen misses with a straight right.
Mara�on swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Sonnen looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
That kick from Mara�on tenderised Sonnen's leg. Sonnen is trying to keep his angry face on.
Mara�on connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Mara�on.
Sonnen throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Mara�on counters with a nice uppercut.
Mara�on throws a head kick but Sonnen moves out of range.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mara�on throws a leg kick
and Sonnen counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
A looping hook to the body misses from Mara�on. Sonnen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Sonnen throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Mara�on sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sonnen misses with a looping right.
Mara�on missing with a left hand there. Sonnen was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sonnen thuds his right hand into Mara�on's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Good work by Sonnen as he checks the leg kick.
Sonnen looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Sonnen ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
A clash of legs there as Sonnen blocks the low kick.
Mara�on throws the kick towards the body but Sonnen avoids it.
Some bone on bone action there as Mara�on checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Sonnen throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Mara�on takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Sonnen.
Sonnen misses the shot to the body.
Sonnen uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Sonnen shoots in but no luck this time.
Pablo Mara�on has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dao Sonnen.
The fighters circling - Sonnen throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Mara�on swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mara�on throws a jab when Sonnen was well out of range.
And Sonnen responds with a good body kick, but Mara�on manages to step out the way in time.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sonnen. Mara�on does a little dance to reset his feet.
Mara�on takes a swing at Sonnen's ribcage but misses.
Mara�on stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Mara�on wants it to stay on the feet.
Dao Sonnen seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Mara�on lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Mara�on throws a leg kick but Sonnen checks it.
Nice defenses there by Mara�on.
Sonnen lands with a good body shot.
Sonnen works Mara�on's body with a nice hook.
Sonnen misses with a straight right.
Sonnen moves out of range of the leg kick from Mara�on.
Mara�on fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
And that�s the end of the round � the fighters go back to their corners.
Dao Sonnen showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
Mara�on takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Mara�on throws the kick towards the body but Sonnen avoids it.
Good leg kick by Sonnen there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Sonnen uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Mara�on has time to react.
A looping hook to the body misses from Mara�on. Sonnen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Mara�on shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Sonnen cracks Mara�on with a good jab.
Mara�on will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Mara�on waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sonnen.
Sonnen stuns Mara�on with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Good leg kick by Sonnen there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mara�on has managed to clinch.
Mara�on blocks a body shot from Sonnen.
Sonnen fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Mara�on scores with a shot to the side of Sonnen's head.
Mara�on throws a punch but it's blocked by Sonnen.
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!
Mara�on is trying to maintain a safe position but Sonnen gets an underhook and turns Mara�on into the cage.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Mara�on blocks a body shot from Sonnen.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Sonnen creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Sonnen lands a body shot in the clinch.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Mara�on misses with a punch to the body.
Nice body punch from Sonnen.
Mara�on can't find room to land a body shot as Sonnen controls the action.
Mara�on can't find room to land a body shot as Sonnen controls the action.
Sonnen tries to throw a body punch but Mara�on avoids it by throwing Sonnen back against the cage.
Sonnen misses with a hook to the ribs.
Sonnen misses with the head strike.
Mara�on lands an uppercut.
Mara�on tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Sonnen has Mara�on pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Mara�on manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Sonnen lands a nice shot to the body.
Mara�on tries to throw a body punch but Sonnen avoids it by throwing Mara�on back against the cage.
Mara�on lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Mara�on misses with a hook from the clinch.
Sonnen works on Mara�on's body with a couple of short punches.
Mara�on throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Sonnens head.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Mara�on misses with a hook from the clinch.
Mara�on lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Mara�on struggles to land a body shot inside as Sonnen controls his hands.
Mara�on misses with the head strike.
Sonnen has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Mara�on after a bit of a struggle.
Sonnen works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Mara�on wriggles free and stands up.
Sonnen scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Sonnen throws a nice outside leg kick.
An inside leg kick from Mara�on misses.
Nice straight punches there by Mara�on. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Mara�on.
Mara�on looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Some bone on bone action there as Mara�on checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Mara�on throws a shot from downtown. Sonnen moves away and avoids it.
Mara�on takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen digs a good body shot into Mara�on's ribs.
Mara�on tries to land a leg kick but Sonnen saw it coming and moves away.
Sonnen drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Mara�on defends it well.
Sonnen darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Sonnen.
Mara�on throws a lazy right hand but Sonnen sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Pablo Mara�on is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Mara�on wants to slow Sonnen down by chopping away at his legs.
A decent looking cross lands there for Sonnen.
Sonnen thows a left - swing and a miss!
Mara�on slips a jab from Sonnen.
Sonnen lands with a nice body kick.
Mara�on tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sonnen was well out of range. Poor timing from Mara�on.
Sonnen misses with a body kick.
Sonnen throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Mara�on sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sonnen misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Mara�on.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Mara�on scores with the left hand. Sonnen knows he should have avoided that one.
Sonnen avoids a kick to the body.
Sonnen throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Sonnen looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sonnen closes the distance and clinches up with Mara�on, looking for a takedown. Sonnen pushes Mara�on against the cage but Mara�on circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
An attempted straight right counter from Mara�on misses the target.
Pablo Mara�on has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dao Sonnen.
Sonnen throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Sonnen moves out of range of the body kick.
Mara�on throws a lazy uppercut
and Sonnen makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Sonnen scores with a jab to the body.
A shot to the liver by Mara�on. Beautiful body shot.
Good leg kick by Sonnen there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Mara�on misses with an uppercut.
It seemed like Sonnen was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Sonnen moves out of range as Mara�on throws a body kick.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Sonnen.
And that�s the end of the round � the fighters go back to their corners.
A close third round but Dao Sonnen just about did enough to take it.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Mara�on keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Mara�on lands with a nice body punch.
Mara�on throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Good leg kick by Mara�on there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Sonnen on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Mara�on looks to land a body kick but Sonnen moved away.
Sonnen is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Mara�on throws a half hearted mid kick.
Mara�on walks into a jab.
Mara�on lands the left hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sonnen feints and then cracks Mara�on's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Mara�on down.
Mara�on is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Mara�on tries to land a leg kick but Sonnen saw it coming and moves away.
Sonnen keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nice body kick from Mara�on.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Mara�on displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Mara�on moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Mara�on throws a wild body kick that Sonnen sees coming a mile off.
Mara�on missing with a left hand there. Sonnen was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sonnen checks a low kick from Mara�on.
Mara�on fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Sonnen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Mara�on fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Mara�on is looking to clinch but Sonnen is avoiding it.
Mara�on lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
A swing and a miss from Mara�on.
Sonnen keeps Mara�on at a distance using the push kick.
Mara�on takes one to the chin there.
Sonnen misses with a looping left.
Sonnen misses with a low kick as Mara�on jumps back.
Sonnen lands a leg kick that knocks Mara�on off balance momentarily.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sonnen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Mara�on manages to avoid it.
Mara�on connects with a nice looking jab.
Mara�on keeps Sonnen at a distance using the push kick.
Mara�on looks to score with a jab to the body but Sonnen is just out of range.
Mara�on throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sonnen sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Mara�on steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Sonnen. That one must have hurt.
Mara�on throws a push kick but Sonnen slaps the foot to one side.
Sonnen is looking to slow Mara�on down with leg kicks.
Sonnen scores with a hook to the body. Mara�on takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Good exchange - Sonnen coming out on top.
Mara�on moves forwards but Sonnen connects with a nice, crisp jab.
A leg kick checked by Mara�on.
Sonnen slips a jab from Mara�on.
Mara�on connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Sonnen momentarily.
Mara�on checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mara�on swings widly with a right hand
and Sonnen counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Sonnen punishes Mara�on's body with a nice straight punch.
Mara�on turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Mara�on uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Sonnen.
Nice defenses there by Mara�on.
Sonnen steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Mara�on.
Sonnen wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Mara�on takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
An inside leg kick from Sonnen misses.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Sonnen. Mara�on shrugs it off though.
Mara�on fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Sonnen looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Sonnen tries to clinch but Mara�on moves out of range.
Mara�on displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Sonnen throws out the jab.
Mara�on scores with a jab.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mara�on fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Good exchange - Mara�on coming out on top.
Mara�on steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Sonnen.
Sonnen's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Mara�on lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Sonnen tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Mara�on counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Sonnen thinking.
Mara�on throws a leg kick that is checked
and Sonnen counters with a thumping low kick.
Mara�on misses with a low kick as Sonnen jumps back.
Mara�on bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sonnen misses with a hook.
A little feinted left hand from Mara�on on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
A lazy left from Sonnen finds it's target.
Sonnen slips under a jab from Mara�on.
Mara�on lands a really nice looking cross but Sonnen seems unphased.
Sonnen misses with a looping right.
Sonnen lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
And that�s the end of the round � the fighters go back to their corners.
Pablo Mara�on had his way with Dao Sonnen in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! And we move into the final round!
Mara�on takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Sonnen ducks under a wild hook from Mara�on.
Sonnen slips a straight right by Mara�on.
A bone on bone clash there as Mara�on blocks the leg kick.
Sonnen ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Mara�on will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Mara�on closes the distance but Sonnen moves to the side
and Sonnen counters with a nice leg kick.
Sonnen ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Mara�on moves away.
Mara�on fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sonnen manages to avoid it.
Sonnen bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Mara�on's head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mara�on with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Mara�on tries to land a leg kick but Sonnen saw it coming and moves away.
Mara�on throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Mara�on connects with an inside leg kick.
Sonnen works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Mara�on throws a looping overhand right but Sonnen ducks down to avoid it.
Mara�on scores with a nice right hand.
Sonnen has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Mara�on looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Sonnen misses with a hook. Mara�on ducked under it nicely.
Mara�on takes a swing at Sonnen's ribcage but misses.
Sonnen lands with a nice body punch.
Sonnen lands a really nice looking cross but Mara�on seems unphased.
A jab from Mara�on misses.
Mara�on loads up on a big right hand but Sonnen slips the punch.
Mara�on tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sonnen was well out of range. Poor timing from Mara�on.
Sonnen scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Sonnen defending well as Mara�on loads up on a big left hand.
Mara�on ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sonnen moves away.
Sonnen counters with a body kick.
The fighters circle momentarily. Sonnen darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sonnen steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Mara�on. That one must have hurt.
Mara�on throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Sonnen counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Mara�on thinking.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nice uppercut lands for Sonnen. That snapped Mara�on's head back.
Pablo Mara�on has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mara�on walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Sonnen checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
A big right from Mara�on misses.
Sonnen misses with a right hand
and Mara�on connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Sonnen throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Mara�on on the side of the head.
Mara�on takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Mara�on misses with a straight left.
Mara�on jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Nice defenses there by Mara�on.
Mara�on looks to land a left hand but Sonnen moved out of range nicely.
A slow jab from Sonnen misses its intended target.
Mara�on 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.
Mara�on slips a straight right by Sonnen.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mara�on misses with a body kick.
Sonnen misses with a hook.
Sonnen moves out of range as Mara�on throws a body kick.
Mara�on throws a looping overhand right but Sonnen ducks down to avoid it.
Sonnen connects with a body shot.
Sonnen uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Mara�on.
Sonnen cracks Mara�on with a good jab.
Sonnen will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Sonnen misses with an uppercut.
Mara�on moves into range and connects with a jab.
Sonnen lands with a thumping leg kick.
Mara�on misses with a straight right.
Sonnen on the wrong end of a nice jab.
It looks like Dao Sonnen has been cut.
Mara�on moves out of range of the body kick.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mara�on scores with a body shot.
A bone on bone clash there as Mara�on blocks the leg kick.
Mara�on ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Mara�on on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Sonnen takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Mara�on misses with a few strikes there.
Mara�on throws an off balance right hand
and Sonnen moves into the clinch.
Sonnen misses with the head strike.
Sonnen goes for a takedown attempt but Mara�on pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Mara�on tries to clinch up but Sonnen circles away and keeps his distance.
Mara�on rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Sonnen moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Mara�on throws a leg kick that misses.
Mara�on misses with a hook.
Sonnen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Dao Sonnen.
I think Sonnen 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 49:46
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 46:49
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 46:49
In favor of your winner, by split decision... Dao Sonnen!
Dao Sonnen is the new middleweight champion!
An out of breath Dao Sonnen thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
72% |
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