Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: C411: Adofo vs Cruz
Date: Apr 20, 2025

#R1#
Adofo throws a right hand that Cruz ducks under and follows up with a left that Cruz also avoids with ease.
Adofo tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Cruz paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Cruz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cruz connects with the punch.
The fight stays on the outside here - Adofo looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Cruz throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Cruz lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Adofo takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Adofo on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Cruz lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Donk. Cruz catches Adofo right on the button with a cross.
Cruz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Adofo.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Adofo moved away.
Adofo walks into a left hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Cruz wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.#T1#
Adofo tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Cruz paws at him with a jab and circles away.
A nice side step and Cruz releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Cruz looks to land a right hand but Adofo moved out of range.
Cruz misses with an uppercut. Adofo saw that one coming.
Cruz slips under a jab from Adofo.
Cruz blocks a head kick by Adofo.
It seemed like Cruz was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Adofo comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Cruz takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Cruz lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
We've been told by Adofo's head coaches at Canadian Elite Bruins Gym that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Adofo ducks right into an uppercut from Cruz.
Adofo takes a body punch but keeps moving.
A left lands for Cruz.
Adofo with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Cruz to score with a decent uppercut.
Cruz throws an off balance right hand
and Adofo counters with a straight right hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz lands a jab to the head.
Cruz with a nice calf kick.
Adofo drops his hands momentarily and Cruz takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Adofo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cruz. #T2#
Cruz slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Adofo is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cruz.
Cruz attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Adofo throws a head kick that misses.
Adofo takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Cruz throws out a loose jab but Adofo uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Cruz throws a nice inside leg kick.
Cruz jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cruz is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Adofo had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Cruz misses with a low kick.
Cruz misses with a looping left.
Cruz darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Cruz throws a body shot but no joy.
Adofo went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Jab by Cruz.
Cruz uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Adofo has time to react.
Adofo ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Adofo connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Cruz's hands.#T3##CL#
Adofo gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.#BC2#
Cruz breaks from the clinch.
Adofo bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Cruz keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Adofo.
Good standup being displayed there by Adofo as he connects with a hook.
Adofo tries to clinch there but Cruz circles away.
A big left from Adofo misses.
Adofo slips under a jab.
Cruz throws a right and a left that both miss.
Adofo ducks under a wild hook from Cruz.
As Cruz looks to move away, Adofo throws a big counter combo but Cruz just gets out of the way.
Cruz scores with a nice body kick.
Cruz darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Adofo connects with a right hand. Cruz shakes it off.
Cruz misses with a right hand
and Adofo counters with an inside leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Adofo takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.#T4#
Adofo takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Adofo doesn't manage to clinch there - Cruz circles away.
A nice leg kick from Cruz, right into the meat of the thigh. #CL#
Adofo closes the distance and clinches.
Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Adofo uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Adofo lands with a short head shot on the inside. #BC2#
Cruz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Adofo blocks a low kick nicely.
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.
A swing and a miss from Adofo.
Adofo will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cruz misses with a low kick.
Adofo throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
Cruz misses with a body shot.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Adofo tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Cruz looks to land a left hand but Adofo moved out of range nicely.
Adofo swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Adofo takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
A lazy left from Cruz finds it's target.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Adofo connects with a single shot there.
Cruz with a jab.
Cruz is looking to slow Adofo down with leg kicks.
Cruz is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Cruz fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Adofo manages to avoid it.
Cruz on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there. #CUT#It looks like Jacinto Cruz has been cut.
Cruz throws a nice outside leg kick.
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#
Adofo takes the fight into the clinch.
Adofo swings away with an uppercut that misses. #BC2#
Cruz breaks from the clinch.
Cruz misses the shot to the body.
Cruz ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Adofo moves away.#T1#
Adofo throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.
Adofo throws a hook to the side of Cruz's head but Cruz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Adofo is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Cruz fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Cruz defending well as Adofo loads up on a big left hand.
Cruz feints and then cracks Adofo's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Adofo down.
Adofo throws a jab but it's blocked by Cruz.
Adofo waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cruz.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Cruz! But no joy.
Cruz connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Cruz lands the left hand.
Cruz misses with a hook to the body
and Cruz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Adofo 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 with a nice cross.
Adofo has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Cruz finds it's way round the side to connect with Adofo's head.
Adofo on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Adofo throws a big shot that misses.
Cruz swings widly with a right hand
and Adofo counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Cruz throws a nice inside leg kick. #T2#
Cruz just misses with a punch to the body.
Adofo throws a lazy right hand but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cruz misses with a low kick.
Cruz scores with a jab. Adofo acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
A nice leg kick from Cruz, right into the meat of the thigh. #CL#
Adofo clinches up with Cruz and pushes him back against the cage.#BC2#
Cruz breaks from the clinch.
Cruz connects with a leg kick.
Adofo moves out of range of the leg kick from Cruz.
Adofo lands with a right hand.
Adofo 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.
Adofo avoids a kick to the body.
A low kick from Cruz is predictable there
and Adofo connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Adofo doesn't manage to clinch there - Cruz circles away.
Adofo 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. #T3##CL#
Adofo pushes Cruz up against the cage in a clinch.
Adofo lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Adofo tries a body shot but Cruz blocks it.
Cruz blocks a body shot from Adofo.
Cruz is trying to break the clinch but Adofo is controlling him.
Cruz tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Adofo smiles and moves away.
Adofo tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A head kick misses from Adofo.
Adofo on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Cruz lands a jab.
Adofo looks to throw the jab but Cruz is out of range.
Adofo with a jab.
Cruz blocks a jab.
Adofo takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Cruz throws a jab but it's blocked by Adofo.
Adofo is looking for a counter combo.
Adofo displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cruz throws out the jab.
Adofo throwing a counter right hand but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Cruz cracks Adofo with a right hand to the side of the head.#T4#
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nice defenses there by Cruz.
A left lands for Cruz.
Cruz lands a really nice looking cross but Adofo seems unphased.
Cruz looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Cruz pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Cruz throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruz looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Adofo lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Adofo throws a nice looking combination but Cruz bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Cruz fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Adofo on the side of the head.
Cruz looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Adofo tried to counter with a leg kick but Cruz avoided it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cruz lands the left hand.
A head kick misses from Adofo.
Adofo misses with a looping right.
Cruz looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Cruz ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
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.
The cut man is working on Jacinto Cruz's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R3#
Cruz cracks Adofo with an open hand slap.
Adofo wants to clinch up but Cruz keeps it at a distance.
Cruz connects with a leg kick.
Cruz with the inside leg kick.
Cruz looks to score with a jab to the body but Adofo is just out of range.
Adofo walks forward, straight into a front kick from Cruz.
Cruz on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Adofo tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Cruz manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Cruz staying out of range there.
Cruz dips to his left and cracks Adofo with an uppercut!
Adofo slips a straight right by Cruz.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Adofo blocks a 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.
Cruz ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Adofo moves away.
Cruz throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Adofo stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Cruz misses with a right hand
and Adofo counters with a lovely shot to the body.#T1#
Adofo tries to clinch but Cruz moves out of range.
Adofo lands a nice leg kick that just misses Cruz's sensitive parts.
Adofo moves in looking to clinch but Cruz pushes him off.
Cruz lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Adofo ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Cruz turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Adofo tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Cruz connects with a right hand. Adofo shakes it off.
Adofo tries to close the distance and clinch but Cruz swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Cruz is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Adofo.
Some wild striking there from Cruz.
Cruz cracks Adofo with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Cruz takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.#T2#
Good leg kick by Cruz.
Cruz throws a jab when Adofo was well out of range.
Adofo staying out of range there.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Adofo walks into a jab.
Cruz throws an overhand right that lands on Adofo's shoulder, as Adofo tries to avoid the shot.
Cruz throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Cruz throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Adofo is looking to land body kicks.
Cruz throws a hook but Adofo blocks it.
A nice leg kick lands there from Cruz.
Adofo blocks the body kick.
Cruz tries to score with a low kick but Adofo moves his leg out of the way.
Adofo gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Cruz fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Adofo has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.#T3#
Cruz ducks right into an uppercut from Adofo.
Cruz lands with a kick to the ribs.
Adofo tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cruz was well out of range. Poor timing from Adofo.
Adofo throws a head kick but Cruz moves out of range.
Cruz lands with a good body shot.
Adofo lands with a nice body punch.
Cruz lands the left hand.
Cruz misses with a body kick.
Adofo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cruz.
Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Adofo.
Adofo takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Cruz tried to score with a low kick but Adofo checks it.
Jab from Cruz.
Adofo walks into a jab.#T4#
This has been an exciting period of action!
Adofo ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Cruz bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Adofo walks into a left hand.
Cruz throws a hook but Adofo avoids it easily.
Adofo scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Cruz throws a push kick but Adofo slaps the foot to one side.
Adofo bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Cruz's head backwards.
Adofo takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Cruz throws a jab when Adofo was well out of range.
Adofo swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Adofo has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Cruz.
An inside leg kick lands from Cruz.
Adofo tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Adofo ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
An attempted straight right counter from Adofo misses the target.
Cruz looks to land a body kick but Adofo moved away.
A swing and a miss from Adofo.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jacinto Cruz's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R4#
Cruz bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Adofo's head.
Cruz dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Cruz scores with the left hand. Adofo knows he should have avoided that one.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz misses with a straight right.
It looked like Adofo was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Adofo takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Cruz misses with a hook. Adofo ducked under it nicely.
Cruz feints and then cracks Adofo's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Adofo down.
Nice defenses there by Cruz.
A telegraphed right hand from Cruz misses the target.
Adofo feinted there with a counter leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Nice straight punches there by Cruz. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Cruz.
Adofo tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Cruz paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Adofo checks a leg kick.
Adofo slips a jab and a cross from Cruz. #T1#
Adofo scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Cruz doesn't seem bothered though.
Cruz looks to land a left hand but Adofo moved out of range nicely.
Cruz throws a leg kick which misses Adofo's front leg but catches the back leg as Adofo tries to avoid it.
Cruz moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Cruz fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Adofo displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cruz throws out the jab.
Cruz getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Adofo staying out of range there.
Cruz throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A quick step to the side and Adofo tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Adofo lands a really nice looking cross but Cruz seems unphased.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
Cruz tries to work over Adofo's front leg with a kick but Adofo checks it.
Adofo looks to land a left hand but Cruz moved out of range nicely.
Adofo checks a leg kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cruz. Adofo does a little dance to reset his feet.
Adofo swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.#T2#
A low kick from Cruz is predictable there
and Adofo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Cruz. Adofo shrugs it off though.
A decent looking cross lands there for Cruz.
Cruz misses with an uppercut #KD#
and Adofo counters with a head kick that drops Cruz to the mat! Cruz scrambles across the canvas and gets back to his feet, still wobbly!#ROC#Cruz is rocked!
Adofo checks a low kick from Cruz.
An attempted straight right counter from Adofo misses the target.
Cruz is still on wobbly legs! Can Adofo finish him?
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.
Adofo is looking to counter punch.
Cruz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
It looked like Adofo wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Adofo looks to land a left hand but Cruz moved out of range nicely.
Cruz moves out of range as Adofo strikes.#CL#
Adofo moves into the clinch successfully.
Adofo's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Adofo misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruz lands with a short shot to the head.
Cruz seems to have recovered his senses.
Adofo throws a head punch that misses.
Adofo lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Cruz backwards.
A battle for position here, against the cage.#BC2#
Cruz manages to break the clinch. #T3#
Cruz slips a straight right by Adofo.
Cruz connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Adofo momentarily.
Adofo walks into a left hand.
A swing and a miss from Adofo.
Cruz misses with a shot to the body
and Adofo counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cruz throws a nice inside leg kick.
Adofo tries to close the distance and clinch but Cruz swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Cruz tries to land a leg kick but Adofo saw it coming and moves away.
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick.
Adofo fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Cruz has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Adofo just misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Adofo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cruz moves away.#T4#
Adofo stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Cruz.
Adofo tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Cruz throws a body punch but Adofo moves out of range.
Adofo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cruz moves away.
Nice defenses there by Adofo.
Good standup being displayed there by Cruz as he connects with a hook.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz throws a leg kick but Adofo sees it coming and moves out of range.
Adofo on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Adofo 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.
Adofo takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Adofo has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Cruz finds it's way round the side to connect with Adofo's head.
Cruz blocks a head kick by Adofo.
Cruz looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Adofo tries to close the distance and clinch but Cruz swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Cruz feints a counter leg kick.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Jacinto Cruz's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!#R5#
Adofo throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
Adofo misses the jab.
Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick.
Cruz dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Adofo. That did some damage!
Cruz lands a nice hook to Adofo's body. Adofo takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Cruz scores with a nice right hand.
Cruz thows a leg kick but Adofo checks it
and Cruz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cruz throws a leg kick
and Adofo counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Adofo checks a leg kick.
Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Adofo checks it.
Adofo feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Cruz lands with a thumping leg kick.
Adofo connects with the punch.
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 with a cross. #T1#
Cruz looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Cruz lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.#CL#
Adofo clinches up with Cruz and pushes him back against the cage.
Adofo misses with the head strike.
A shot in the inside from Adofo.
Adofo digs a right hand underneath Cruz's ribcage. Cruz let out a lung full of air as it connected.#BC2#
Cruz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cruz on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Cruz tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Adofo was well out of range. Poor timing from Cruz.
Cruz throws a right hand that misses
enabling Adofo to counter with a crisp jab.
Cruz keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Cruz tries to score with a low kick but Adofo moves his leg out of the way.
Cruz lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Cruz thows a left - swing and a miss!
Adofo throws a lazy right hand but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Chumani Adofo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
Cruz tried to score with a low kick but Adofo checks it.
An attempted straight right counter from Adofo misses the target.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz lands a two punch combo.
Cruz swings away with a body shot that misses #KD#
and Adofo counters with a nice right hand that sends Cruz toppling to the canvas! Cruz scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Adofo finish him?!
Adofo misses with an uppercut.
Adofo moves out of range of the strikes.
Nice uppercut lands for Cruz. That snapped Adofo's head back.
A jab from Cruz finds it's way through Adofo's defenses.
Adofo works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Adofo lands with a straight right. Cruz didn't see that one coming.
Adofo missing with a left hand there. Cruz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
and Adofo counters with a massive uppercut that badly hurts Cruz! He's just covering up as Adofo starts to tee off till the referee steps in and stops the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:53 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Chumani Adofo!
Chumani Adofo retains his featherweight title!
Chumani Adofo seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: C408: Cruz vs Traumen
Date: Apr 06, 2025

#R1#
Cruz misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Cruz misses with a wild body shot.
Traumen checks a leg kick.
Traumen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Cruz tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Traumen was well out of range. Poor timing from Cruz.
Traumen misses with a hook
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
Cruz looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
A slapping leg kick lands for Cruz.
Traumen swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Traumen avoids the body shot from Cruz.
Traumen throws a nice inside leg kick.
Cruz misses the jab.
Traumen lands a head shot.
Cruz stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Traumen.
Traumen takes a shot to the body in his stride.
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!
Traumen is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cruz.
A decent looking cross lands there for Cruz.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Cruz staying out of range there.
Traumen lands with a hook. Cruz tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Traumen throws a low kick but Cruz avoids it.#T1#
Traumen takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Cruz looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Traumen takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Cruz works Traumen's body with a nice hook.
Cruz lands with a cross.
Cruz misses with a body shot.
Cruz is looking to slow Traumen down with leg kicks.
Cruz dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Traumen. That did some damage!
Traumen checks a low kick from Cruz.
Traumen doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Traumen misses with a body shot.
Cruz missing with a left hand there. Traumen was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
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.
Traumen waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cruz.
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Traumen.
Cruz has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Cruz there as he acknowledges the shot.
Traumen misses the shot to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz throws a jab when Traumen was well out of range.
Traumen just misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz is looking to counter punch.
Traumen listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Traumen pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.#T2#
Traumen dodges the punch combination from Cruz.
Traumen uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a wild body shot.
Cruz connects with a single shot there.
Traumen avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Cruz misses with an attempted mid kick.
Traumen doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Traumen waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cruz.
Traumen ducks under a wild hook from Cruz.
Traumen lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Traumen misses with a jab to the body
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Cruz throws an off balance right hand
and Traumen counters with a stiff right hand.
The fighters circling - Traumen throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Traumen tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Traumen throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cruz lands a lovely overhand right.
Cruz throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Traumen counters with a straight right hand.
Traumen throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Cruz misses with an uppercut. #T3#
A punch combination from Cruz misses.
Traumen defending well as Cruz loads up on a big left hand.
Cruz on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Traumen. Traumen obviously looking to wear him down.
Traumen dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Cruz. That did some damage!
Traumen tries to bum rush Cruz with a series of wild strikes but Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Cruz paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Cruz throws a lazy right hand but Traumen sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cruz throws a low kick but it's checked well by Traumen.
Cruz throws a hook but Traumen blocks it.
Traumen feints a counter leg kick.
Cruz avoids a kick to the body.
A nice leg kick lands there from Traumen.
Traumen throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Traumen lands with a thumping leg kick.
Traumen throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
Traumen missing with a left hand there. Cruz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Cruz pivots, looking for a leg kick but Traumen is out of range and Cruz settles back down.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A swing and a miss from Traumen.
Cruz throws a leg kick that misses. #T4#
Cruz looks to land a right hand but Traumen moved out of range.
Traumen walks into a jab.
A slow jab from Cruz misses its intended target.
Traumen was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Cruz loads up on a big right hand but Traumen slips the punch.
A punch lands to the side of Traumen 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Cruz is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Cruz ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Traumen moves away.
Traumen appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Traumen throws a lazy uppercut
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Traumen sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
A slapping leg kick lands for Cruz.
Cruz is looking to slow Traumen down with leg kicks.
Traumen 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.
Traumen misses the shot to the body.
Cruz works the jab nicely.
Cruz blocks a jab.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cruz lands with a kick to the ribs.
Cruz lands a lovely overhand right.
A good leg kick by Cruz.
Traumen loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R2#
Traumen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Cruz is looking for a counter combo.
Traumen misses with a looping left.
Traumen misses with a straight left.
Traumen throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Crunch! Cruz slams his shin into Traumen's torso.
Traumen closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Cruz avoids the body shot from Traumen.
Cruz walks into a jab.
Cruz throws a low kick but it's checked well by Traumen.
Cruz is looking to score with low kicks.
Cruz ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Traumen's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Cruz lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with each other but Traumen might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Cruz has got the better of the exchanges.
Traumen swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
A big left from Traumen misses.
Traumen moves out of range of the leg kick from Cruz.
Traumen was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Traumen.
Cruz lands a leg kick that knocks Traumen off balance momentarily.
Cruz misses with a looping left.#T1#
Cruz slips a jab from Traumen.
Cruz lunges at Traumen with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Traumen's hand.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Traumen crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Cruz - the referee stops the clock and Traumen gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Cruz. Traumen manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Traumen.
Cruz tries to land a front kick but Traumen steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
A jab from Traumen misses.
Traumen throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Traumen misses with a body shot.
Cruz scores with a jab to the body.
Traumen throws a big shot that misses.
Cruz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Cruz is looking to chop away at Traumen's legs.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Cruz here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Traumen throws out a leg kick but Cruz moves out of range and Traumen only half commits.
Traumen sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Traumen has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Cruz.
Cruz checks a leg kick.
Cruz shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Traumen misses with a kick to the body.
Cruz throws out a loose jab but Traumen uses good head movement to avoid it. #T2#
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A big right from Traumen misses.
A bone on bone clash there as Traumen blocks the leg kick.
Traumen misses with a shot to the body
and Cruz counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Traumen moves out of range of the strikes.
Jacinto Cruz is winning the standup battle so far.
Cruz is looking to score with low kicks.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Traumen in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
Cruz thuds a left hand into Traumen's body.
Traumen bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Traumen replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Cruz blocks it well.
Cruz keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Traumen.
As Traumen backs away, Cruz returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Cruz works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Cruz paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Traumen 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.
Traumen with the inside leg kick.
Cruz with the inside leg kick.
Cruz lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Traumen at a distance.
Cruz lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Traumen throws a low kick but Cruz moves out of range easily.
Traumen tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cruz was well out of range. Poor timing from Traumen.#T3#
A swing and a miss from Traumen.
Cruz was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
A swing and a miss from Cruz.
Traumen misses with a looping left.
Traumen looks to land a left hand but Cruz moved out of range nicely.
Traumen takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Cruz throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Traumen lands a jab to Cruz's midsection.
Cruz just misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz scores with a nice right hand.
Cruz with the inside leg kick.
Cruz comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Cruz scores with a jab. Traumen acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Traumen misses with a wild combination.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Traumen can do to turn this around?
Cruz lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
The fighters circling - Cruz throws out the jab but it was never going to land. #T4#
Traumen misses with a low kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz lunges at Traumen with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Traumen's hand.
Traumen takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Traumen ducks under a wild hook from Cruz.
Cruz swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Traumen fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Cruz has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Traumen scores with a head kick. Cruz tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Cruz finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Cruz misses with a kick to the body.
Traumen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Cruz jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
The fighters circling - Traumen throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Cruz throws a shot from downtown. Traumen moves away and avoids it.
Traumen throws out a loose jab but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
A leg kick checked by Cruz.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Traumen loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
Cruz throws a leg kick which misses Traumen's front leg but catches the back leg as Traumen tries to avoid it.
Traumen takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that second 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.#R3#
Cruz throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
A countering left hand to the body from Traumen misses.
Cruz throws a shot from downtown. Traumen moves away and avoids it.
A shot to the liver by Traumen. Beautiful body shot.
Cruz throws a leg kick that misses.
Cruz stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Traumen lets loose with a powerful body kick. Cruz will feel that in the morning.
Cruz swings for the body but Traumen moves out of range.
A low kick lands for Cruz.
Traumen tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz is looking to counter punch.
Cruz takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Cruz throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
A jab lands there for Cruz.
Traumen connects with a crisp jab.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Traumen looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Cruz takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Traumen looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Cruz blocks a jab.
Traumen has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.#T1#
Cruz slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Traumen looks to land a right hand but Cruz moved out of range.
Cruz ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Traumen looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Cruz takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
An inside leg kick lands from Cruz.
Traumen lands a nice shot to the body.
Cruz throws a shot from downtown. Traumen moves away and avoids it.
A solid leg kick lands there for Traumen.
Traumen is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cruz.
Cruz takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
A looping hook to the body misses from Traumen. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz scores with a punch to the head.
Traumen shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cruz blocks the body kick.
Traumen throws a hook to the side of Cruz's head but Cruz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Cruz lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.#T2#
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.
Traumen throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
Cruz checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
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 connects with a right hand. Traumen shakes it off.
Cruz lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Traumen throws a hook to the side of Cruz's head but Cruz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Cruz fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Traumen manages to avoid it.
Cruz lands a jab to Traumen's midsection.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Traumen sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Good shot there by Cruz.
Cruz blocks the body kick.
Cruz looks to throw the jab but Traumen is out of range.
Traumen just misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A looping hook to the body misses from Traumen. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Traumen moves out of range as Cruz throws a body kick. #T3#
Cruz lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Cruz fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Traumen connects with the punch.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Traumen sees it coming and moves out of range.
Traumen misses the shot to the body.
Cruz misses with a double jab.
A looping hook to the body misses from Traumen. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz throws a lazy right hand but Traumen sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cruz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Traumen fails in his attempt to clinch.
Traumen throws a hook to the side of Cruz's head but Cruz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Traumen throws a right hand that misses
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Traumen tries to land a leg kick but Cruz saw it coming and moves away.
Traumen moves out of range of the leg kick from Cruz.
Cruz looks to throw the jab but Traumen is out of range.
Traumen moves away from the strike by Cruz.
Traumen throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #T4#
Cruz takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
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.
A big right from Traumen misses.
Cruz throws a poor cross that misses
and Traumen counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Nice jab there from Cruz.
Traumen connects with a jab.
Traumen avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Traumen.
Cruz fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Traumen on the side of the head.
Cruz darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Traumen is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Cruz throws a jab but it's blocked by Traumen.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A jab from Traumen misses.
Cruz was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Cruz looks to throw the jab but Traumen is out of range.
Cruz cracks Traumen with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Cruz lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Cruz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Traumen throws out the jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz clearly takes 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.#R4#
Traumen is looking to slow Cruz down with leg kicks.
Traumen misses with a wild body shot.
Cruz works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Traumen punishes Cruz's body with a nice straight punch.
Traumen uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cruz.
Cruz swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Traumen misses with a body punch
and Cruz makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Cruz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Traumen.
Cruz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Traumen.
A leg kick checked by Traumen.
Traumen lands a nice shot to the body.
Cruz checks a leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Traumen avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Traumen fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Cruz tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Traumen was well out of range. Poor timing from Cruz.
Cruz checks the leg kick nicely there.
Cruz connects with a looping right hand. #T1#
Cruz missing with a left hand there. Traumen was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Jab from Traumen.
Traumen missing with a left hand there. Cruz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Traumen lands with a good body shot.
Cruz scores with a jab to the head.
Traumen with a nice cross.
Traumen checks the leg kick.
Cruz uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Traumen.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
Cruz tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Traumen swings for the body but Cruz moves out of range.
Traumen takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
The fighters circle momentarily. Cruz darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Cruz thumps Traumen with a low kick.
Traumen throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
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!
Traumen misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cruz.
Cruz connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.#T2#
Cruz misses with a low kick.
Traumen looks for the body kick but Cruz saw that one coming.
Cruz connects with a body shot.
Traumen misses with a low kick.
Cruz throws a right hand that Traumen ducks under and follows up with a left that Traumen also avoids with ease.
Traumen throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
Traumen throws a low kick but Cruz avoids it.
Cruz misses with an uppercut. Traumen saw that one coming.
Cruz lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Traumen checks a leg kick.
A solid leg kick lands there for Cruz.
Traumen looks to land a combination. Cruz sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.#CUT2#It looks like Jacinto Cruz has been cut.
Traumen fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Cruz looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Traumen's corner calls for a 1-2. Traumen obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Traumen lands with a shot to the body.
Traumen moves out of range of the body kick.#T3#
Traumen tries a head kick but it misses.
Traumen tries to land a leg kick but Cruz saw it coming and moves away.
Traumen lands a nice hook to Cruz's body. Cruz takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Traumen takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Traumen with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Nice uppercut there from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a straight right.
A nice inside leg kick there by Cruz. That's going to slow Traumen down.
Traumen misses with a body shot.
As Traumen backs away, Cruz returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Cruz throws a body punch but Traumen moves out of range.
Cruz moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
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 Traumen has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Traumen and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Cruz moves out of range of the strikes.
Traumen keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cruz.
Cruz throws a right hand that misses
and Traumen counters with a nice body kick.
Cruz lands a jab to Traumen's midsection.#T4#
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Traumen slips a jab from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a lunging right hand
and Traumen counters with a nice body shot.
Traumen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cruz swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Traumen throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
Cruz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Traumen.
Traumen blocks a jab.
Traumen throws a jab when Cruz was well out of range.
Cruz throwing a counter right hand but Traumen manages to avoid it.
Cruz misses with an uppercut
and Traumen counters with a left to the body.
Traumen misses with an uppercut. Cruz saw that one coming.
A low kick lands for Cruz.
Nice defenses there by Traumen.
Traumen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cruz lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Traumen throws a sloppy body shot
and Cruz counters with a good low kick that Traumen was not able to check.
Traumen misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Cruz lands a glancing blow to the side of Traumen's head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Lucas Traumen will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Jacinto Cruz's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!#R5#
A bone on bone clash there as Cruz blocks the leg kick.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Traumen sees it coming and moves out of range.
Cruz needs to keep his hands up - Traumen had a free shot at his head there.
Traumen throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Traumen connects with a body shot.
Traumen takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Traumen stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Cruz.
Traumen checks a low kick from Cruz.
Traumen connects with an inside leg kick.
Traumen looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.
Cruz scores with a body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A big left from Cruz misses.
The fighters circling - Traumen throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Traumen swings for the body but Cruz moves out of range.
Cruz takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Traumen takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
A swing and a miss from Traumen.#T1#
Cruz swings for the body but Traumen moves out of range.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Traumen! But no joy.
Cruz misses with a looping left.
Cruz lands a really nice looking cross but Traumen seems unphased.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
As Traumen backs away, Cruz returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Cruz lunges at Traumen with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Traumen's hand.
Traumen connects with a single shot there.
Traumen tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Cruz is able to avoid easily.
Cruz keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Traumen checks a low kick from Cruz.
Cruz's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Traumen connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Cruz scrambles back to his feet.
Cruz scores with a kick to the body.
Traumen on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Traumen throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
Cruz misses with a straight right.
A little jabbing left from Traumen on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Cruz misses with a left hand
and Traumen counters with a straight right hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Traumen waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cruz.#T2#
Traumen takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Traumen takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Traumen lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Cruz chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Cruz staying out of range there.
Traumen slips a jab from Cruz.
Traumen feints a counter leg kick.
Cruz throws a push kick but Traumen slaps the foot to one side.
A countering left hand to the body from Traumen misses.
Traumen ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cruz moves away.
Traumen throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Cruz throws a hook but Traumen blocks it.
Traumen was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Traumen stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Cruz.
Traumen swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Cruz counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
That kick from Traumen tenderised Cruz's leg. Cruz is trying to keep his angry face on.
Cruz avoids the body shot from Traumen.
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick.
Cruz fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Traumen manages to avoid it.#T3#
Traumen looks to land a right hand but Cruz moved out of range.
Cruz connects with an inside leg kick.
Cruz feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Traumens jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
A swing and a miss from Traumen.
Cruz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cruz throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Cruz throws a looping overhand right but Traumen ducks down to avoid it.
Traumen checks the leg kick nicely there.
Traumen follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
Lucas Traumen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A swing and a miss from Cruz.
Cruz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Traumen.
Traumen on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Cruz throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Traumen.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Traumen.
A big left from Cruz misses.
Cruz takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Cruz pivots, looking for a leg kick but Traumen is out of range and Cruz settles back down.
Cruz misses with a looping right.#T4#
Cruz on the wrong end of a nice hook.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Traumen looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Traumen sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Cruz scores with a punch to the head.
Cruz throws a solid leg kick but Traumen takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Cruz.
Traumen scores with a head kick. #ROC2#Cruz is rocked!
Traumen takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Traumen throws a predictable looking body shot
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cruz dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Traumen. That did some damage!
A decent looking cross lands there for Cruz.
A lazy left from Cruz finds it's target.
A solid leg kick lands there for Traumen.
Traumen just misses with a punch to the body.
Traumen takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice 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 Cruz has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 49:46
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 49:46
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!
Jacinto Cruz retains his lightweight title!
After winning the bout, Jacinto Cruz thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: C403: Cruz vs Jiang II
Date: Mar 23, 2025

#R1#
Cruz throws an overhand right that lands on Jiang's shoulder, as Jiang tries to avoid the shot.
Cruz digs a good body shot into Jiang's ribs.
Jiang throws a body kick that misses
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Nice defenses there by Cruz.
Jiang closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Cruz slips a straight right by Jiang.
Cruz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Jiang throws out the jab.
A big left from Jiang misses.
A jab lands there for Jiang.
Nice cross by Jiang.
A lazy left from Jiang finds it's target.
Jiang tries a low kick but Cruz avoids it.
Cruz slips under a jab from Jiang.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Jiang blocks a low kick nicely.
A slow jab from Cruz misses its intended target.
Jiang throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Jiang takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cruz comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.#T1#
Jiang swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cruz takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Cruz attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Jiang throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A clash of legs there as Cruz blocks the low kick.
Jiang throws a lazy right hand but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cruz is looking to counter with a body kick.
Cruz with the inside leg kick.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cruz throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Cruz looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Jiang scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Jiang lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Cruz throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Jiang checks a low kick from Cruz.
A combination from Jiang does no damage.
Jiang wants to clinch
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#T2#
Good leg kick by Jiang.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Jiang throws a left and a right that both miss
and Cruz counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Jiang tries to clinch but Cruz moves away
and Jiang takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Jiang is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cruz.
Cruz appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Cruz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A decent looking cross lands there for Cruz.
Jiang wants to clinch but Cruz slips to the side
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cruz with a nice calf kick.
Jiang takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Jiang takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Jiang uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cruz.
Jiang has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Cruz finds it's way round the side to connect with Jiang's head.
Cruz is looking to score with low kicks.
Jiang throws an off balance right hand
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Cruz with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Cruz lands a jab to Jiang's midsection.#T3#
Cruz takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Cruz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Jiang takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Jiang throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Jiang.
It looked like Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
The fighters circling - Jiang throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Cruz fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
A low kick lands for Cruz.
Jiang drops his hands momentarily and Cruz takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Jiang takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Cruz appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Cruz ducks under a wild hook from Jiang.
Jiang throws a half hearted mid kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cruz. Jiang does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz scores with a nice right hand. #T4#
Jiang throws a lazy head kick
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Jiang chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Cruz can pounce on him.
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!
Jiang throws a front kick that sends Cruz stumbling back into the cage.
Jiang swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Cruz getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Jiang connects with the punch.
Jiang throws a body kick that misses
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cruz scores with a jab. Jiang acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Jiang throws a sloppy head kick and Cruz moves out of range easily.
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.
Jiang throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
Cruz is looking to score with low kicks.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cruz lands a jab to the nose.
Jiang throws a leg kick
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Jiang moves out of range as Cruz throws a body kick.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Jiang! But no joy.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!#R2#
Decent striking displayed by Cruz there.
Jiang throws a predictable looking body shot
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Jiang tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Cruz manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Jiang misses the shot to the body.
Jiang connects with an inside leg kick.
Cruz is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Jiang takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Jiang throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Good work by Jiang as he checks the leg kick.
Cruz scores with a leg kick.
Cruz scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
A slow jab from Cruz misses its intended target.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Jiang can do to turn this around?
Cruz lands with a hook. Jiang tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Cruz avoids the body shot from Jiang.
Jiang misses with a lunging right hand
and Cruz counters with an outside leg kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Jiang throws a leg kick that is checked
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab. #T1#
Cruz moves out of range of the body kick from Jiang.
Cruz thinks about countering with a body kick.
Jiang takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.#CL2#
Jiang takes the fight into the clinch.
Cruz wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Jiang lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Cruz or not.
Cruz misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz tries to pull guard but Jiang won't allow it.
Jiang lands a left hand.
Jiang tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Jiang lands a left hand that snaps the head of Cruz backwards.
Jiang is looking to control Cruz's arms but Cruz gets an underhook and turns him. Now Jiang has his back to the cage.
Jiang blocking some punches.
Jiang tries to work over Cruz's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Jiang stalling in the clinch but Cruz improves position.
Cruz jumps guard but Jiang stands there with Cruz around his waist. Cruz gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Jiang tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Cruz avoids it.
A nice left hand lands by Cruz. #T2#
Jiang working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.#TD#
Cruz jumps into guard, dragging Jiang to the mat.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cruz trying to control the position.
Cruz bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Jiang's guard. #REVR#
Jiang is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Cruz tries to free his leg and advance position but Jiang is retaining full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz is pushing down on Jiang's leg trying to pass to half guard. Jiang is fighting to maintain full guard but Cruz has managed to sneak the leg through.#ES2#
Jiang has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Cruz is on him like a limpet, forcing Jiang back against the cage.#T3##BC#
Cruz manages to break the clinch.
The fight stays on the outside here - Jiang looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Cruz feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Cruz ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Jiang avoids the body shot from Cruz.
Jiang counters with a body kick.
Cruz takes a swing at Jiang's ribcage but misses.
Da Jiang seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice straight punches there by Jiang. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Jiang.
Jiang throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Jiang looks to throw a body kick
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cruz takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Cruz moves out of range of the strikes.
Jiang throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Cruz is looking for a counter combo.
Jiang turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Cruz lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.#T4#
A lazy body kick from Jiang
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Jiang swings widly with a right hand
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Jiang has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Cruz.
Cruz goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Jiang fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Jiang throws a jab but it's blocked by Cruz.
Jiang has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
A cross from Jiang lands.
Cruz swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Jiang misses with a right hand
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
Jiang fakes the leg kick and cracks Cruz in the body.
Cruz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Jiang sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Jiang uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cruz.
Jiang uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cruz.
Cruz fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Jiang manages to avoid it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R3#
Jiang throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cruz swings widly with a right hand
and Jiang makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Jiang throws a half hearted mid kick.
Jiang lands with a thumping leg kick.
Jiang tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Jiang looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.
An inside leg kick lands from Cruz.
Jiang throws a sloppy head kick
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Jiang scores with a leg kick.
A low kick from Jiang is predictable there
and Cruz counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jiang throws a nice outside leg kick.
Jab, jab by Cruz - just one landing.
Jiang slips under a jab.
Jiang swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
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 shot to the body from Jiang misses
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.#T1#
Jiang fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cruz buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Cruz misses with a wild body shot.
Jiang walks into a left hand.
A low kick from Jiang is predictable there
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Jiang misses with a hook.
Jiang on the wrong end of a nice hook.
A lazy left from Jiang finds it's target.
Jiang closes the distance looking to clinch
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Cruz throws out a loose jab but Jiang uses good head movement to avoid it.
Jiang looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Jiang lunges at Cruz with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Cruz's hand.
Jiang tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Cruz paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Jiang slips under a jab from Cruz.#T2#
Cruz works Jiang's body with a nice hook.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz throws a hook but Jiang blocks it.
Cruz staying out of range there.
Cruz tried to counter with a leg kick but Jiang avoided it.
Jiang thows a leg kick but Cruz checks it
and Jiang takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cruz looks to land a left hand but Jiang moved out of range nicely.
Jacinto Cruz is winning the standup battle so far.
Jiang fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Jiang misses with a right hand
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Jiang misses with a low kick.
Jiang staying out of range there.
Jiang throws a right hand that misses
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cruz just misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz backing away here, and Jiang unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Jiang misses with a leg kick
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Jiang tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A low kick from Jiang misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Cruz moves out of range of the body kick.#T3#
Jiang looks to throw a body kick
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cruz fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Jiang is out of range.
Jiang swings widly with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Cruz fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Jiang has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Jiang misses with a body shot
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Jiang misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Jiang 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.
Jiang ducks under a wild hook from Cruz.
Cruz checks a low kick from Jiang.
The fight stays on the outside here - Jiang looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Cruz getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
A decent looking cross lands there for Jiang.#T4#
Jiang lands a jab to the nose.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A head kick by Jiang misses
and Cruz counters with a slapping leg kick.
Jiang throws a leg kick that is checked
and Jiang takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cruz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Jiang.
Nice body kick there by Jiang.
Cruz is looking to chop away at Jiang's legs.
Cruz misses with a leg kick.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Jiang! But no joy.
Jiang misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cruz.
Cruz 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.
Jiang misses with a leg kick
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Jiang misses the body punch
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Jiang misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
Cruz scores with a jab.
Jiang takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz clearly takes that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R4#
Cruz avoids a kick to the body.
Cruz throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Cruz jabs Jiang right on the nose. Jiang blinks but takes it well.
Jiang looks to clinch
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Jiang misses with an uppercut
and Cruz counters with a nice low kick that buckles Jiang's knee momentarily.
Cruz catches Jiang with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Cruz throws a body punch but Jiang moves out of range.
Jiang lands a nice leg kick that just misses Cruz's sensitive parts.
Jiang wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Jiang throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz counters with a good, hard body kick but Jiang shrugs it off.
Jiang scores with a kick to the body.
Good exchange - Jiang coming out on top.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Jiang throws a body kick that misses
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Jiang scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Cruz doesn't seem bothered though.
Cruz with a jab.
Jiang's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.#T1#
Jiang swings away with a body shot that misses
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
Cruz tries to score with a low kick but Jiang moves his leg out of the way.
Jiang tries to land a body kick
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Jiang throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz counters with a body kick.
Jiang throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cruz takes a swing at Jiang's ribcage but misses.
Jiang throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Jiang misses with an uppercut
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Jiang tries to clinch there but Cruz circles away.
Jiang wants to clinch but Cruz slips to the side
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
Cruz misses with a straight right.
Jiang lands a body shot.
Jiang throws a series of strikes that have Cruz backpedaling.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Jiang ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cruz moves away.#T2#
Jiang connects with a body shot.
Cruz swats away the attempt to clinch by Jiang.
Jiang scores with a push kick.
Cruz lands a right hook to the body.
Cruz's jab looks to have found its range, popping Jiang under the eye.
Nice shot by Cruz.
Jiang tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Cruz manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Cruz lands with a nice body kick.
Cruz lands with a hook. Jiang tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Cruz.
Jiang ducks right into an uppercut from Cruz.
Cruz moves out of range of the body kick from Jiang. #T3#
Jiang throws a hook but Cruz blocks it.
It appears Cruz was looking to counter with a kick there.
Jiang keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Jiang misses with an uppercut
and Cruz counters with a low kick, right behind Jiang 's knee.
Jiang chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Jiang has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Cruz.
Cruz takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Cruz moves out of range of the strikes.
Jiang throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Jiang 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 Cruz has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Cruz and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Cruz thuds a left hand into Jiang's body.
Cruz looks to land a right hand but Jiang moved out of range.
Jiang slips under a jab.
Jiang throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle. #T4#
Nice shot by Cruz.
Cruz on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Cruz throws a leg kick that is checked
and Jiang counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Jiang has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Cruz.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cruz scoring well with a low kick there.
Jiang tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Cruz paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Jiang misses with an uppercut
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Jiang is looking to slow Cruz down with leg kicks.
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.
Jiang throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cruz throws out a powerful jab.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Jiang tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Cruz paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Jiang on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Cruz walks into a jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz had his way with Da Jiang in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!#R5#
Jiang digs a good hook to Cruz's body.
Jiang throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Cruz tried to counter with a leg kick but Jiang avoided it.
Jiang throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Cruz stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Jiang tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Cruz manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.#CL2#
Jiang clinches up against the cage.
Cruz throws a punch but it's blocked by Jiang.
Jiang lands with a short shot to the head.
Still in the clinch, Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.
Jiang putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Cruz in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Jiang misses with a punch to the body.
Jiang misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Cruz.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz fails to pull guard.
Jiang lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Jiang fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Cruz is trying to force a seperation but Jiang has the dominant position.
Jiang misses with a hook to the ribs.
Jiang lands a shoulder strike. #T1#
Jiang makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Cruz has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Cruz tries to pull guard but Jiang holds him up against the cage and eventually Cruz drops back down to his feet.
Cruz tries to break the clinch but Jiang is controlling the position.
Jiang is leaning against Cruz and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Cruz wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Jiang keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Cruz's efforts to push away.
Jiang lands a right hand that snaps the head of Cruz backwards.
Jiang utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
A short right from Jiang on the inside.
A shot in the inside from Jiang.
Jiang lands an uppercut.
Jiang utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
A short left from Jiang. #T2#
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Jiang lands a knee to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz is trying to push Jiang away but Jiang has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Cruz swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Jiang lands a right hand.
Jiang digs a right hand into Cruz's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Cruz's gas tank.
Jiang throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Jiang goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cruz's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!#BC#
Cruz manages to break the clinch.
Cruz catches Jiang with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
The fighters circling - Cruz throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Cruz looks to land a right hand but Jiang moved out of range.
Cruz misses with a left hand
and Jiang counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Cruz thinking.
Da Jiang has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T3#
Cruz walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Jiang misses with an uppercut.
Jiang fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Cruz is out of range.
Jiang looks to land a combination but Cruz avoids it well.
Cruz is looking for a counter combo.
Jiang wants to clinch
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Jiang takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Jiang misses with a telegraphed body shot
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Jiang misses with the body kick
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Jiang throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.#CL2#
Jiang has Cruz up against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Jiang walks away with a smile on his face. Cruz gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jacinto Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cruz lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt! #T4#
This has been an exciting period of action!
Jiang throws a right hand that misses
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Cruz tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Jiang is able to avoid easily.
It seemed like Jiang was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
A shot to the body from Jiang misses
and Cruz counters with a thumping low kick.
A big right from Cruz misses.
Some bone on bone action there as Cruz checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
A nice leg kick lands there from Cruz.
Cruz lands a jab to the head.
Cruz on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A slapping body kick lands there for Jiang.
Jiang tries to land a body kick
and Cruz counters with an outside leg kick.
Jiang swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cruz works the jab nicely.
Cruz doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Da Jiang comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 49:46
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 49:46
Judge Roosa J�rvil�inen scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!
Jacinto Cruz retains his lightweight title!
A relieved looking Jacinto Cruz thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: C400: Jiang vs Cruz
Date: Mar 09, 2025

#R1#
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
Cruz throws a front kick aimed at Jiang's knee but Jiang avoids it well.
Jiang looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Cruz throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Jiang throws a jab but it's blocked by Cruz.
Cruz takes one to the side of the head.
Jiang tries to clinch up
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Cruz feints and then cracks Jiang's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Jiang down.
Cruz fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Jiang is out of range.
Cruz needs to keep his hands up - Jiang had a free shot at his head there.
Cruz scores with a jab.
Cruz walks forward, straight into a front kick from Jiang.
Jiang finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Jiang lands a nice looking body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Jiang swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Cruz counters with an outside leg kick.
Cruz swings for the body but Jiang moves out of range.
Cruz lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.#T1#
Cruz on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Cruz takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
A head kick misses from Jiang.
Jiang misses with a few strikes there.
Jiang swings away with a body shot that misses
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Cruz scoring well with a low kick there.
Jiang throws a predictable looking body shot
and Cruz counters with a nice low kick that buckles Jiang's knee momentarily.
Jiang throws a predictable looking body shot
and Cruz counters with a slapping leg kick.
Jiang misses with a head kick. #CL#
Jiang clinches.
Jiang landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Jiang lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Cruz backwards.
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 avoiding damage as Jiang throws knees to the body.
Jiang lands a right hand.
Jiang is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Cruz is defending well for now.
Cruz fails to pull guard.
Cruz is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Jiang to keep the fight standing.#T2#
Jiang goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Jiang working some nice short punches in the clinch.#BC2#
Cruz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Cruz throws a jab but it's blocked by Jiang.
Cruz pivots, looking for a leg kick but Jiang is out of range and Cruz settles back down.
Jiang avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Jiang appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Jiang slips under a jab from Cruz.
Cruz throws a leg kick which misses Jiang's front leg but catches the back leg as Jiang tries to avoid it.
Jiang misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Jiang misses with a body kick.
Jiang looks to throw a body kick
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#CL#
Jiang clinches with his opponent.
Cruz tries to pull guard but Jiang won't allow it.
Da Jiang has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacinto Cruz.
Cruz's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Jiang lands with a short shot to the head.
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Jiang working some nice short punches in the clinch.#T3#
Cruz blocks a body shot from Jiang.
Jiang misses with a hook to the ribs.
Jiang misses with the head strike.
Jiang tries to land knees in the clinch but Cruz avoids the damage to the body.
Jiang digs a right hand into Cruz's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Cruz's gas tank.
A short body shot lands from Jiang as the two fighters clinch.
Jiang lands a body shot.
Jiang lands a right hand that snaps the head of Cruz backwards.
A right hook to the body lands for Jiang.
Jiang 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.
Jiang swings wildly with an uppercut but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Jiang crunches a lovely knee into Cruz's ribcage.
Jiang doesn't land with the attempted body shot. #BC#
Jiang's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Jiang connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Cruz's hands.
Jiang takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.#T4#
Jiang jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Jiang blocks a jab.
Jiang throws a jab but it's blocked by Cruz.
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 fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Jiang has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Jiang is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Cruz throws a big shot that misses.
Cruz looks for the body kick but Jiang saw that one coming.
Cruz throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Cruz scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Jiang's sensitive parts.
Jiang throws a solid leg kick but Cruz takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Jiang.
Cruz takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Cruz jabbing away but nothing is landing.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick.
Jiang swings for the body but Cruz moves out of range.
Cruz looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Cruz looks to land a right hand but Jiang moved out of range.
Jiang scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Da Jiang dominated that round.
That's time! Jiang's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2#
Cruz jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Jiang closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Jiang is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Cruz can do to turn this around?
Jiang chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Cruz can pounce on him.
Cruz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Jiang lands with a straight right. Cruz didn't see that one coming.
Jiang misses with a leg kick.
Cruz throws a body punch but Jiang moves out of range.
Jiang scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Cruz scores with a body shot.
A nice leg kick from Cruz, right into the meat of the thigh.
Jiang gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Jiang throws a head kick that misses.
Jiang tries to work over Cruz's front leg with a kick but Cruz checks it.
Cruz throws a nice inside leg kick.
Cruz throws a front kick aimed at Jiang's knee but Jiang avoids it well.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Jiang looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.#T1#
Jiang just misses with a punch to the body.
Jiang sizes up Cruz with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
A looping hook to the body misses from Jiang. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Jiang looks to land a left hand but Cruz moved out of range nicely.
Cruz throws a nice outside leg kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Jiang. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Jiang looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Cruz throws a hook but Jiang blocks it.
Jiang lands with a hook. Cruz tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Jiang walks into a stiff left hand from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a wild body shot.
Jiang feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Jiang takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Jiang throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.
Jiang ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cruz moves away.
A jab from Cruz misses. #T2#
Jiang fails in his attempt to clinch.
Jiang misses with a looping right.
Cruz is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Jiang.
Jiang shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Jiang throws a leg kick
and Cruz counters with a slapping leg kick.
Jiang pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Cruz on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Jiang. Jiang obviously looking to wear him down.
Jiang swings for the body but Cruz moves out of range.
Cruz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cruz misses with a body kick.
Jiang steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Cruz. That one must have hurt.
Jiang misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Jiang scores with a hook.
Jiang is looking to clinch but Cruz is avoiding it.
Jiang misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely. #T3#
Jiang tries to close the distance and clinch but Cruz swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Nice defenses there by Jiang.
Jiang wants to clinch
and Cruz counters with a slapping leg kick.
Jiang bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Cruz misses with a hook. Jiang ducked under it nicely.
Jiang looking to land some kicks to the body here.
A nice side step and Cruz releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Jiang throws a nice inside leg kick.
Cruz throws the left hand but Jiang avoids the punch easily.
Cruz throws a shot from downtown. Jiang moves away and avoids it.
Cruz feints and then cracks Jiang's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Jiang down.
Cruz avoids a kick to the body.
A big left from Cruz misses.
Jiang throws an off balance right hand
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand. #T4#
Jiang chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Cruz can pounce on him.
Cruz throws a nice inside leg kick.
Jiang tries a head kick but it misses.
Jiang throws a right hand that misses
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cruz jabbing away but nothing is landing.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Jiang throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Cruz scores with a kick to the midsection.
Jiang throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Da Jiang seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cruz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Jiang sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Jiang throws a sloppy body shot
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cruz misses with an uppercut
and Jiang counters with a straight right hand.
Jiang tests Cruz's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Jiang swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Jiang takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cruz throws a right hand that Jiang ducks under and follows up with a left that Jiang also avoids with ease.
Jiang moves to clinch but Cruz breaks away
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
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.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R3#
Jiang misses with an uppercut
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
Jiang stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Jiang looks to land a right hand but Cruz moved out of range.
Cruz scores with a kick to the body.
Jiang fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Cruz checks it well.
Jiang shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Cruz stalks Jiang and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Jiang's face. Jiang staggers backwards, shaken.
Jiang throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Cruz punishes Jiang's body with a nice straight punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jiang throws a big shot that misses.
Cruz looks to land a right hand but Jiang moved out of range.
Jiang listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Jiang throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cruz swings away with a leg kick that misses.#T1#
Jiang throws a head kick but Cruz moves out of range.
Jiang misses with a lunging right hand
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Jiang throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Jiang thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Cruz if he has to take too many more of those.
Cruz with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Jiang is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Cruz jabs Jiang to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Jiang tries to clinch but Cruz is having none of it.
Jiang fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Cruz is out of range.
Cruz misses with a low kick.
Jiang appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Jiang throws a leg kick
and Jiang takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cruz takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Cruz takes a head kick and shrugs it off. #T2#
Jiang ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cruz moves away.
Cruz throws a jab but it's blocked by Jiang.
Jiang was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Good leg kick by Jiang.
Jiang misses with an uppercut. Cruz saw that one coming.
Cruz wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Cruz checks the leg kick nicely there.
Jiang swings widly with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Jiang throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Jiang swings widly with a right hand
and Jiang takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Jiang fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Cruz has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Cruz looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Cruz takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Cruz tries to work over Jiang's front leg with a kick but Jiang checks it. #T3#
Jiang throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Jiang throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
Jiang connects with the punch.
A low kick from Jiang is predictable there
and Cruz counters with a slapping leg kick.
Cruz scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Cruz lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Jiang tries to close the distance and clinch up but Cruz swats him away and circles back towards the center.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Cruz! But no joy.
A slapping leg kick lands for Cruz.
Jiang jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cruz takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Jiang tries to clinch up
and Jiang takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Jiang rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!#T4#
Jiang throws an ugly left hook that misses
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Jiang tries to clinch but Cruz moves away
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Jiang throws a solid leg kick but Cruz takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Jiang.
Jiang avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Jiang loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
Cruz was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.#CL#
Cruz tries to keep at a distance but Jiang has taken the fight into the clinch.
Cruz misses with a short punch on the inside.
Jiang 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 pushes Jiang back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.#BC2#
Cruz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Jiang tries to clinch up
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Cruz throws out a loose jab but Jiang uses good head movement to avoid it.
Jiang throwing a counter right hand but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Jiang fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz really dominated that round.
That's time! Jiang's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R4#
Jiang tries to close the distance and clinch but Cruz swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Jiang keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cruz.
A jab from Cruz misses.
Jiang throws a solid leg kick but Cruz takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Jiang.
Jiang looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Jiang takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Jiang walks into a left hand.
Cruz lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Cruz fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Jiang checks it well.
Jiang is looking to counter with a body kick.
A low kick from Jiang is predictable there
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz pivots, looking for a leg kick but Jiang is out of range and Cruz settles back down.
Cruz misses with a hook.
Cruz takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
A low kick from Jiang misses
and Jiang takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Jiang throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect. #T1#
Jiang throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Jiang checks a leg kick.
Cruz looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Cruz misses with an uppercut. Jiang saw that one coming.
Jiang tries to clinch but Cruz moves out of range.
Jiang throws a right hand that misses
and Cruz counters with a thumping low kick. #CL#
Jiang closes the distance and clinches.#BC2#
Cruz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Jiang misses with a combination
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
Jiang moves out of range of the strikes.
Cruz explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Jiang misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Cruz tries a quick counter leg kick but Jiang is wise to it.
A jab from Cruz misses. #T2#
Jiang tries to clinch but Cruz moves out of range.
Cruz misses with a hook. Jiang ducked under it nicely.
Jiang misses with a wild body shot.
Jiang connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Jiang is looking to score with low kicks.
Jiang lands with an overhand left.
Jiang throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Both fighters circling a little - Jiang finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Jiang jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Jiang throws an overhand right that lands on Cruz's shoulder, as Cruz tries to avoid the shot.
Cruz doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Cruz misses with a straight right.
Cruz moves out of range of the body kick from Jiang.
Jiang looks for the body kick but Cruz saw that one coming.
Jiang misses with a lunging right hand
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand. #T3#
A clash of legs there as Jiang blocks the low kick.
A big right from Jiang misses.
Jiang throws an off balance right hand
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Cruz throws a nice inside leg kick.
A slapping body kick lands there for Jiang.
Jiang tries to land a body kick
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Jiang misses with an attempted mid kick.
Jiang misses with an uppercut
and Cruz counters with a nice low kick that buckles Jiang's knee momentarily.
Jiang fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Jiang misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cruz.
Cruz is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Jiang with a body shot.
Jiang misses with an uppercut
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
Jiang buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
That kick from Cruz tenderised Jiang's leg. Jiang is trying to keep his angry face on.
Cruz catches Jiang with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!#T4#
This has been an exciting period of action!
Jiang connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Jiang throws a right hand that misses
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Jiang bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick.
Jiang moves out of range of the strikes.
Jab by Jiang.
Jiang moves away from the strike by Cruz.
Jiang appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Cruz moves out of range as Jiang strikes.
Jiang throws a head kick that misses.
Jiang connects with a solid leg kick.
Cruz throws a shot from downtown. Jiang moves away and avoids it.
Jiang pivots, looking for a leg kick but Cruz is out of range and Jiang settles back down.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cruz. Jiang does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Jacinto Cruz 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. This is the final round!#R5#
Jiang throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Jiang scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Jiang tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Jiang ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cruz moves away.
Cruz throws a poor cross that misses
and Jiang makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Cruz really felt that one!
Jiang missing with a left hand there. Cruz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one. #CL#
Jiang closes the distance and clinches.#BC#
Jiang escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cruz avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Cruz only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Jiang throws a lazy body kick
and Cruz 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.
Jiang misses with a right hand
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cruz loads up on a big right hand but Jiang slips the punch.
Jiang has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Cruz.
Cruz has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Jiang.
Jiang misses with a body shot. #T1#
Jiang misses with a right hand
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Jiang dips to his left and cracks Cruz with an uppercut!
Jiang thows a body kick. Cruz tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Jiang lands a nice leg kick that just misses Cruz's sensitive parts.
A low kick from Jiang is predictable there
and Jiang takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Jiang keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cruz.
Jiang misses with a hook
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Jiang connects with an inside leg kick.
Cruz attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz throws a push kick but Jiang slaps the foot to one side.
Jiang jabs at Cruz's body.
Jiang swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.#CL#
Jiang closes the distance and pushes Cruz back into the cage.
Jiang tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Da Jiang has scored more points in the clinch so far.#T2#
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Jiang takes a shot to the head.
Jiang misses with a body punch.
A head punch on the inside from Jiang fails to land. #BC2#
Cruz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cruz takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Jiang misses with a body kick.
The fighters circle momentarily. Jiang darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Jiang throws a leg kick but Cruz sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Decent striking displayed by Jiang there.
A swing and a miss from Cruz.
Jiang moves out of range as Cruz strikes.
Jiang misses the jab.
Cruz appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Jiang tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cruz was well out of range. Poor timing from Jiang.
A big right from Cruz misses.
Da Jiang has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T3#
Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Jiang.
Cruz misses with a looping right.
Jiang was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Jiang wants to clinch up but Cruz keeps it at a distance.
A jab from Cruz misses.
Jiang fails with an attempt to clinch.
Cruz takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.#CL#
Jiang rushes Cruz and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Jiang misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Cruz.
Cruz lands on the inside with an uppercut. #BC2#
Cruz's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cruz lands a head shot.
Jiang throws a combination that misses
and Cruz makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Nice uppercut there from Jiang.
Cruz punishes Jiang's body with a nice straight punch.#T4#
Cruz scores with a hook to the body. Jiang takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
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!
Jiang moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Jiang loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
Jiang misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Cruz looks to throw the jab but Jiang is out of range.
Jiang takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Nice defenses there by Cruz.
Jiang throws a body kick that misses.
Cruz lands a jab to the nose.
Jiang takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Jiang throws an overhand right that lands on Cruz's shoulder, as Cruz tries to avoid the shot.
Cruz fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Jiang misses with a leg kick
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Cruz keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
It seemed like Cruz was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.

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 Da Jiang.
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 Seu Braga scores the fight 47:48
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 47:48
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!
Jacinto Cruz is the new lightweight champion!
A relieved looking Jacinto Cruz thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: C395: Jiang vs Traumen III
Date: Feb 23, 2025

#R1#
Cruz looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Mangold lands with a hook. Cruz tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head. #CL2#
Mangold gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.#TD#
Cruz successfully pulls guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mangold wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Cruz is controlling Mangold's posture.
Cruz trying to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#T1##SUB#
Cruz isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Mangold stacks Cruz 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 Mangold!
Cruz struggling a bit here.#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.
Cruz is looking to reverse the position.
Cruz is working hard here to advance position.#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Mangold steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Cruz.
Cruz lands a glancing blow to the side of Mangold's head.
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick. #T3#
Cruz's jab looks to have found its range, popping Mangold under the eye.
Cruz chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Mangold keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cruz.
Cruz connects with a nice looking jab.
Cruz misses with a body punch
and Mangold counters with a straight right hand.
Cruz looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Cruz avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Mangold connects with a good right hand that stumbles Cruz. Cruz circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Cruz wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Cruz throws a body punch but Mangold moves out of range.
Mangold takes one to the chin there.
Mangold slips under a jab from Cruz.#T4#
Mangold connects with a jab.
Cruz misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Mangold.
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!
Mangold fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Cruz fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Mangold manages to avoid it.
Cruz throws a hook but Mangold avoids it easily.
Mangold looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
A solid leg kick lands there for Cruz.
Cruz misses with a body kick.
Cruz thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Mangold if he has to take too many more of those.
Mangold is looking to clinch but Cruz is avoiding it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mangold takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
A nice leg kick lands there from Cruz.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Cruz pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
It seemed like Mangold was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Cruz tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Mangold was well out of range. Poor timing from Cruz.
Cruz pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Cruz scores with a leg kick.
Mangold connects with a single shot there.
Cruz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Mangold.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Cruz here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Mangold keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Mangold walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz walks into a straight right hand from Mangold.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mangold lands a jab to the nose.
Cruz gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Cruz takes a swing at Mangold's ribcage but misses. #T1#
Mangold throws a front kick aimed at Cruz's knee but Cruz avoids it well.
Mangold has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Cruz misses with a hook. Mangold ducked under it nicely.
Cruz ducks under a wild hook from Mangold.
As Mangold backs away, Cruz returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Mangold connects with the punch.
Mangold gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Cruz jabs at Mangold's body.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Mangold can do to turn this around?
Cruz misses with a lunging right hand
and Cruz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Mangold throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Mangold moves into range and connects with a jab. #CL2#
Mangold closes the distance and pushes Cruz back into the cage.#T2#
Mangold lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Cruz backwards.
Cruz tries to pull guard but Mangold won't allow it.
Mangold digs a right hand into Cruz's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Cruz's gas tank.
Mangold misses with a punch to the body.
Mangold throws a head punch that misses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Mangold gets through Cruz's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Mangold fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Mangold fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Cruz softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Cruz blocks an uppercut. #TD#
Cruz manages to pull guard.
Cruz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Mangold controls from within his opponent's guard.
Cruz has Mangold pulled in close to control his posture. #T3#
Mangold looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Cruz is controlling Mangold's posture.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.#T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Cruz looking to control. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Cruz throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Mangold feints a counter leg kick.
Cruz fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Mangold checks it well.
Cruz walks into a straight right hand from Mangold.
Cruz misses with a low kick.
Mangold flicks out a counter leg kick but Cruz steps away.
Mangold blocks a jab.
Mangold misses with a shot to the body
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Chest Mangold showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Cruz's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!#R3#
Cruz walks into a jab.
Mangold looks to land a right hand but Cruz moved out of range.
Mangold wants to land a leg kick but Cruz is out of range.
Nice straight punches there by Cruz. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Cruz.
Mangold is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Mangold doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Mangold moves away from the strike by Cruz.
Mangold chopping away at his opponent's legs.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz connects with a looping right hand.
A telegraphed right hand from Cruz misses the target.
Mangold tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz fires out a quick counter leg kick but Mangold just manages to avoid it.#T1#
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Cruz.
Cruz lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Cruz misses with an uppercut. Mangold saw that one coming.
Mangold just misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick.
Mangold lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Cruz throws a lazy right hand but Mangold sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Mangold steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Cruz.
A slow jab from Cruz misses its intended target.
Mangold looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Cruz scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.#T2#
Mangold chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Cruz can pounce on him.
Cruz throws a push kick but Mangold slaps the foot to one side.
Mangold tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Mangold lands a body shot.
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!
Mangold slips under a jab from Cruz.
Mangold appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Cruz tests Mangold's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Mangold fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Jacinto Cruz is winning the standup battle so far.
A nice leg kick lands there from Mangold.
Mangold uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.#T3#
Mangold throws a leg kick which misses Cruz's front leg but catches the back leg as Cruz tries to avoid it.
A big left from Cruz misses.
No joy there for Cruz, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Mangold swings away with a leg kick that misses.
A little feinted left hand from Cruz on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Mangold goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Cruz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Mangold sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Mangold moves out of range of the leg kick from Cruz.
Mangold only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Mangold keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cruz.
Mangold blocks a leg kick.
Mangold checks a low kick from Cruz.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Mangold checks it.
Mangold's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.#T4#
Cruz checks a leg kick nicely.
Mangold throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Mangold lands a glancing blow to the side of Cruz's head.
Mangold moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cruz fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Mangold has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Mangold dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Cruz. That did some damage!
Some bone on bone action there as Mangold checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Mangold thumps Cruz with a low kick.
Cruz throws a low kick but it's checked well by Mangold.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cruz loads up on a big right hand but Mangold slips the punch.

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.
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 Yuuki Gou scores the fight 29:29
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Jacinto Cruz!
An out of breath Jacinto Cruz thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: C390: Cheese vs Adofo
Date: Feb 02, 2025

#R1#
Ferkingstad checks a leg kick.
Ferkingstad connects with a right hand. Cruz shakes it off.
Ferkingstad lands a high kick!
Ferkingstad throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ferkingstad throws a sloppy head kick and Cruz moves out of range easily.
Cruz misses with an uppercut. Ferkingstad saw that one coming.
Cruz throws a hook to the side of Ferkingstad's head but Ferkingstad sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Cruz throws a leg kick which misses Ferkingstad's front leg but catches the back leg as Ferkingstad tries to avoid it.
Ferkingstad thumps Cruz with a low kick.
Cruz moves out of range of the strikes.
Ferkingstad throws a chopping leg kick but Cruz manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Ferkingstad looks to throw the jab but Cruz is out of range.
Ferkingstad throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ferkingstad fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Ferkingstad throws a jab but it's blocked by Cruz.
A low kick from Ferkingstad misses
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Ferkingstad wants to slow Cruz down by chopping away at his legs.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ferkingstad misses with a left hand
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#T1#
Ferkingstad scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Ferkingstad wants to slow Cruz down by chopping away at his legs.
Cruz only half commits to the counter leg kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
Ferkingstad misses with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Ferkingstad throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Cruz counters with a right hand to the body.
Ferkingstad missing with a left hand there. Cruz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Cruz avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Ferkingstad tries to land a leg kick but Cruz saw it coming and moves away.
Cruz avoids a kick to the body.
Ferkingstad throws a lazy uppercut
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Ferkingstad throws a leg kick
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Cruz tries to land a leg kick but Ferkingstad saw it coming and moves away.
Ferkingstad misses with a hook
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Ferkingstad rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Cruz counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Ferkingstad thinking.
Ferkingstad feints and then cracks Cruz's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Cruz down.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ferkingstad throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
Cruz flicks out a counter leg kick but Ferkingstad steps away.
Ferkingstad throws a leg kick
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Ferkingstad looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Crunch! Cruz slams his shin into Ferkingstad's torso.
Ferkingstad moves out of range of the leg kick from Cruz.#T2#
Cruz keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Cruz chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Cruz walks into a straight right hand from Ferkingstad.
Cruz checks a leg kick.
Ferkingstad slips a straight right by Cruz.
Ferkingstad lands a body shot.
Cruz jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Ferkingstad appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Ferkingstad looks to land a left hand but Cruz moved out of range nicely.
Cruz has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Ferkingstad moves forwards but Cruz connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Ferkingstad misses with a straight left.
Cruz misses with a straight right.
Cruz is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Ferkingstad had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Ferkingstad throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Cruz punishes Ferkingstad's body with a nice straight punch.
Ferkingstad throws a right hand that misses
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Ferkingstad throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Cruz tries a quick counter leg kick but Ferkingstad is wise to it.
Ferkingstad uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Cruz.
Ferkingstad looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Cruz avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Ferkingstad throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range. #T3#
Ferkingstad misses with a straight left.
Cruz misses the shot to the body.
Ferkingstad uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cruz.
Ferkingstad looks to land a left hand but Cruz moved out of range nicely.
Cruz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ferkingstad.
Keith Kenneth Ferkingstad seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ferkingstad lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Ferkingstad keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cruz.
Ferkingstad misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
Ferkingstad jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cruz was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Cruz on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Ferkingstad connects with a good right hand that stumbles Cruz. Cruz circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Ferkingstad swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Cruz lands with a hook. Ferkingstad tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Ferkingstad tries to land a front kick but Cruz steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Ferkingstad throws a low kick but Cruz moves out of range easily.
Cruz moves out of range as Ferkingstad strikes.
Ferkingstad finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt. #T4#
Cruz blocks a jab.
Ferkingstad throws a hook to the side of Cruz's head but Cruz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ferkingstad looks to throw the jab but Cruz is out of range.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ferkingstad misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Cruz lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Ferkingstad listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Cruz throws a looping overhand right but Ferkingstad ducks down to avoid it.
Ferkingstad lands a nice hook to Cruz's body. Cruz takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Cruz looks to land a body kick but Ferkingstad moved away.
Ferkingstad half committed to a counter leg kick.
Cruz throws out a leg kick but Ferkingstad moves out of range and Cruz only half commits.
An attempted straight right counter from Ferkingstad misses the target.
Cruz avoids the body shot from Ferkingstad.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ferkingstad. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ferkingstad tries to score with a low kick but Cruz moves his leg out of the way.
Cruz connects with a looping right hand.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A low kick from Ferkingstad misses
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cruz moves out of range of the body kick from Ferkingstad.
Ferkingstad throws an off balance right hand
and Cruz counters with an outside leg kick.
Cruz checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
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.
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#
A jab from Ferkingstad finds it's way through Cruz's defenses.
Ferkingstad throws a leg kick which misses Cruz's front leg but catches the back leg as Cruz tries to avoid it.
Cruz fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Ferkingstad is out of range.
Cruz just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromFerkingstad.
Ferkingstad throws the kick towards the body but Cruz avoids it.
Nice cross by Ferkingstad.
Ferkingstad misses with a body kick.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Ferkingstad. Cruz shrugs it off though.
Ferkingstad throws a low kick but Cruz avoids it.
Cruz blocks a jab.
Cruz steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
Cruz ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ferkingstad moves away.
Cruz fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Ferkingstad has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
A solid leg kick lands there for Cruz.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A swing and a miss from Ferkingstad.
Cruz throws the kick towards the body but Ferkingstad avoids it.
An inside leg kick lands from Ferkingstad.
Cruz looks to land a right hand but Ferkingstad moved out of range.
Ferkingstad half committed to a counter leg kick.
Ferkingstad lands an overhand right.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cruz is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ferkingstad. #T1#
Ferkingstad misses with a straight right.
Ferkingstad attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Cruz feints a counter leg kick.
Ferkingstad misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Ferkingstad lands with a cross.
Cruz throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
It looked like Ferkingstad wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Ferkingstad turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Ferkingstad throws a hook but Cruz blocks it.
Cruz only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Ferkingstad looks for the body kick but Cruz saw that one coming.
Cruz moves out of range of the body kick from Ferkingstad.
Cruz staying out of range there.
Cruz moves out of range of the strikes.
Ferkingstad throws a leg kick but Cruz sees it coming and moves out of range.
Cruz appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Cruz throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ferkingstad walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Cruz checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Cruz slips a straight right by Ferkingstad.
Ferkingstad misses with a lunging right hand
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Ferkingstad connects with a crisp jab.
Ferkingstad ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.#T2#
Ferkingstad misses with a wild body shot.
A low kick from Ferkingstad is predictable there
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ferkingstad on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Cruz thows a left - swing and a miss!
Cruz needs to keep his hands up - Ferkingstad had a free shot at his head there.
Ferkingstad throws an off balance right hand
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A solid leg kick lands there for Cruz.
Cruz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Ferkingstad misses with a body punch
and Cruz counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Ferkingstad is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Ferkingstad misses with a jab to the body
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Ferkingstad throws a leg kick but Cruz sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Cruz checks a leg kick nicely.
Cruz looks to land a right hand but Ferkingstad moved out of range.
Ferkingstad misses with a leg kick
and Cruz makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Cruz missing with a left hand there. Ferkingstad was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Cruz moves out of range as Ferkingstad throws a body kick.
Ferkingstad on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot. #T3#
Ferkingstad throws a sloppy head kick
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
Nice defenses there by Ferkingstad.
Ferkingstad lands with a nice body punch.
Cruz fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Cruz lands a front kick.
Left hook, right uppercut from Ferkingstad.
Cruz staying out of range there.
Ferkingstad goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Ferkingstad bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz stuns Ferkingstad with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Ferkingstad cracks Cruz with a good jab.
Ferkingstad uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Cruz has time to react.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz throws a body punch but Ferkingstad moves out of range.
Ferkingstad misses the jab.
Cruz let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Cruz motions for Ferkingstad to come forward. Cruz throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Ferkingstad misses with a hook
and Ferkingstad takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Ferkingstad looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Ferkingstad swings and misses with a hook to the body. #T4#
Cruz misses with a hook.
A bone on bone clash there as Cruz blocks the leg kick.
Cruz flicks out a counter leg kick but Ferkingstad steps away.
A jab from Ferkingstad misses.
Ferkingstad tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cruz was well out of range. Poor timing from Ferkingstad.
Nice body punch from Ferkingstad.
Ferkingstad misses with a lunging right hand
and Cruz counters with an outside leg kick.
A head kick misses from Ferkingstad.
Ferkingstad throws a leg kick
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick.
Cruz misses with a hook.
An inside leg kick from Ferkingstad misses.
Cruz was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Cruz throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Ferkingstad walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Cruz checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Jab by Ferkingstad.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ferkingstad misses with a straight left.
Ferkingstad looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Cruz changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
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 Keith Kenneth Ferkingstad 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. And we move into the final round!#R3#
Ferkingstad swings widly with a right hand
and Ferkingstad takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cruz throws the left hand but Ferkingstad avoids the punch easily.
Ferkingstad displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cruz throws out the jab.
Ferkingstad throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ferkingstad moves away from the strike by Cruz.
Ferkingstad misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Ferkingstad misses with an uppercut
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Cruz throws a solid leg kick but Ferkingstad takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Cruz.
Cruz takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Ferkingstad takes a jab right on the kisser.
Ferkingstad throws a front kick aimed at Cruz's knee but Cruz avoids it well.
Cruz ducks under a wild hook from Ferkingstad.
Ferkingstad 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 takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Cruz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Ferkingstad.
Ferkingstad looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Ferkingstad keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Cruz throws a looping overhand right but Ferkingstad ducks down to avoid it.
A jab from Ferkingstad does it's job there.#T1#
Cruz avoids a kick to the body.
Cruz throws a shot from downtown. Ferkingstad moves away and avoids it.
Ferkingstad checks the leg kick nicely there.
Ferkingstad throws a body kick that misses.
Cruz throws a lazy right hand but Ferkingstad sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ferkingstad thows a leg kick but Cruz checks it
and Cruz counters with a leg kick.
Ferkingstad chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Cruz can pounce on him.
Ferkingstad swings widly with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Cruz takes a swing at Ferkingstad's ribcage but misses.
Ferkingstad looks to throw a body kick
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
A low kick from Ferkingstad is predictable there
and Cruz counters with a nice leg kick.
Cruz dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Cruz moves out of range of the leg kick from Ferkingstad.
Cruz ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Cruz. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.
Ferkingstad slips a jab and a cross from Cruz.
Ferkingstad throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.#T2#
Ferkingstad scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
A slapping leg kick lands for Cruz.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz throws a front kick aimed at Ferkingstad's knee but Ferkingstad avoids it well.
Ferkingstad cracks Cruz with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Cruz slips a jab from Ferkingstad.
Cruz avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Ferkingstad with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Cruz checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Cruz tries a quick counter leg kick but Ferkingstad is wise to it.
Cruz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Ferkingstad throws out the jab.
Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ferkingstad's sensitive parts.
Cruz misses with a wild body shot.
A low kick from Ferkingstad is predictable there
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Cruz throws a body punch but Ferkingstad moves out of range.
Ferkingstad avoids the body shot from Cruz.
Ferkingstad digs a good hook to Cruz's body.
Ferkingstad throws a good cross that connects.
Ferkingstad throws a jab but it's blocked by Cruz. #T3#
Cruz throws a hook but Ferkingstad blocks it.
Ferkingstad throws a body kick that misses.
Ferkingstad connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Cruz momentarily.
Ferkingstad takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Ferkingstad lands a jab to the nose.
Cruz checks the leg kick nicely there.
Cruz lands with a thumping leg kick.
Ferkingstad misses with a looping right.
Cruz with a nice calf kick.
Cruz takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Ferkingstad thows a leg kick but Cruz checks it
and Cruz counters with an outside leg kick.
Ferkingstad misses with a right hand
and Ferkingstad takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Ferkingstad throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Cruz feints and then cracks Ferkingstad's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Ferkingstad down.
A nice leg kick lands there from Ferkingstad.
Ferkingstad lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
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!
Ferkingstad with the inside leg kick. #T4#
Cruz misses with a hook. Ferkingstad ducked under it nicely.
Ferkingstad throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Cruz missing with a left hand there. Ferkingstad was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A low kick lands for Ferkingstad.
Cruz slips under a jab from Ferkingstad.
Ferkingstad takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Ferkingstad slips a jab from Cruz.
Ferkingstad misses with an uppercut. Cruz saw that one coming.
Ferkingstad throws a quick inside leg kick.
Cruz lands a jab to the head.
Cruz throws a shot from downtown. Ferkingstad moves away and avoids it.
Cruz with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Cruz lands a jab to the nose.
Cruz checks the leg kick.
Ferkingstad throws a leg kick
and Ferkingstad takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cruz walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

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 Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 29:29
Judge Anni Minnem�ki scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Jacinto Cruz!
Our winner, Jacinto Cruz, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.

Event: C385: Dorado vs Diaz II
Date: Jan 19, 2025

#R1#
Mfer keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Mfer lands a nice leg kick that just misses Cruz's sensitive parts.
Cruz scores with a jab.
A slow jab from Mfer misses its intended target.
Cruz looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Mfer throws a low kick but Cruz avoids it.
Huntti Mfer seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A bone on bone clash there as Mfer blocks the leg kick.
Cruz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Mfer misses the shot to the body.
Mfer misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Cruz lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Cruz throws an overhand right that lands on Mfer's shoulder, as Mfer tries to avoid the shot.
Cruz sets himself, and Mfer steps forward looking for the clinch! Cruz avoids it this time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Decent striking displayed by Mfer there.
A leg kick checked by Mfer.
Mfer throws a body kick that misses
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Mfer tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.#T1#
Mfer misses with a lunging right hand
and Cruz counters with a leg kick.
Mfer 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 connects with an inside leg kick.
Cruz just misses with a punch to the body.
Mfer is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A slow jab from Cruz misses its intended target.
Mfer on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Cruz throws a hook but Mfer blocks it.
Mfer throws a body kick that misses.
Cruz misses with a low kick as Mfer jumps back.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Mfer! But no joy.
A big left from Cruz misses.
Mfer gets cracked there but stands up to it.
A slow jab from Cruz misses its intended target.
Cruz throws a solid leg kick but Mfer takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Cruz.
Mfer looks to clinch
and Cruz counters with a nice low kick that buckles Mfer's knee momentarily.#T2#
Mfer is looking to clinch.
Mfer walks into a left hand.
Mfer works Cruz's body with a nice hook.
It looks like Cruz has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Mfer on the side of the head.
Mfer with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Cruz to score with a decent uppercut.
An inside leg kick from Cruz misses.
Cruz backing away here, and Mfer unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Mfer throws a hook but Cruz avoids it easily.
Mfer misses with a looping left.
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.
Mfer thows a leg kick but Cruz checks it
and Cruz makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Mfer. #CL2#
Mfer has closed the distance and engaged Cruz in a clinch.
Cruz blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Cruz cracks Mfer with a nice body shot.
Mfer blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cruz can't find room to land a body shot as Mfer controls the action. #T3#
Mfer creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Mfer blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Cruz makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Mfer working aggressively here.
Cruz misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A head punch on the inside from Mfer fails to land.
Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Mfer controls his hands.
Mfer lands with a left to the head.
Mfer lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Mfer's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Cruz scores with a shot to the side of Mfer's head.
Mfer tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A hook to the body from Mfer.
Mfer has a couple of punches blocked by Cruz.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
Mfer pushes Cruz back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Cruz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz lands a right hand.
Cruz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage. #T4#
Cruz lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Cruz blocks an uppercut.
Mfer fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Cruz misses with a body punch.
Mfer misses with a punch on the inside.
Mfer blocks an uppercut.
Cruz scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Cruz misses with the head strike.
Cruz swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Mfer throws a punch but it's blocked by Cruz.
Cruz blocks an elbow strike.
Cruz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Mfer fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Cruz blocks a body shot from Mfer.
Mfer misses with a hook from the clinch.
Nice body punch from Cruz.
Mfer trying to control the position but instead, Cruz has worked for underhooks and has pushed Mfer into the cage.
Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Mfer uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz tries to work over Mfer's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
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#
Mfer has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Cruz.#CL2#
Mfer clinches up with Cruz and pushes him back against the cage.
Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Mfer uses good head movement to avoid it.
Mfer has a couple of punches blocked by Cruz.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Mfer tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Mfer.
Nice body punch from Mfer.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Mfer.
Mfer tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Mfer lands a nice uppercut.
Mfer working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Mfer misses with the head strike.
Mfer blocks an uppercut.
Mfer blocks a body shot from Cruz.
Mfer is trying to stall.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Mfer in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Mfer stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Cruz throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Mfers head. #T1#
Cruz scores with a nice hook to the head.
Mfer lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Mfer can do to turn this around?
Cruz cracks Mfer with a nice body shot.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Mfer.
A body shot lands from Mfer.
Cruz scores with a shoulder strike.
Cruz gets through Mfer's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Cruz misses with a punch to the body.
Mfer working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Mfer prevents a body shot from Cruz.
A head punch on the inside from Cruz fails to land.
Cruz misses with a body punch.
Cruz jumps guard but Mfer turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Jacinto Cruz has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Mfer tries to throw a body punch but Cruz avoids it by throwing Mfer back against the cage.
Cruz is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Mfer to keep the fight standing.
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cruz misses with the head strike.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cruz. #T2#
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mfer trying to stall but Cruz improves his position.
Mfer can't find room to land a body shot as Cruz controls the action.
A nice left hand lands by Mfer.
A short right from Mfer.
Mfer misses with some punches.
Cruz lands a body punch.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cruz.
Mfer is struggling to control the position.
Mfer scores with a shot to the side of Cruz's head.
Cruz fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Cruz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Mfer.
Mfer misses with a hook from the clinch.
Mfer tries a body shot but Cruz blocks it.
Cruz lands an uppercut.
Mfer misses with a punch to the body.
Mfer manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Mfer misses with a hook to the ribs. #T3#
Cruz stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Mfer has a couple of punches blocked by Cruz.
Cruz tries to throw a body punch but Mfer avoids it by throwing Cruz back against the cage.
Cruz fails to pull guard.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jacinto Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cruz blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cruz misses with a short punch on the inside.
Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Mfer uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz lands a right hand that snaps the head of Mfer backwards.
Cruz swings wildly with an uppercut but Mfer uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
Mfer misses with a hook from the clinch.
Mfer blocks a body shot from Cruz.
Mfer 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 Mfer can turn it around.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
Mfer gets through Cruz's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Still in the clinch, Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.#T4#
Mfer working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Cruz blocking some punches.
Good body shot from Mfer.
Mfer throws a punch but it's blocked by Cruz.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Mfer misses with the head strike.
Cruz softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Mfer lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Mfer creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Cruz throws a head punch that misses.
Mfer swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cruz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Mfer's elbow.
Cruz swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cruz tries to throw a body punch but Mfer avoids it by throwing Cruz back against the cage.
Mfer softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Cruz blocks an elbow strike from Mfer.
Mfer misses with a punch on the inside.
Mfer misses with a short punch on the inside.
A short body shot lands from Cruz as the two fighters clinch.
A short uppercut from Cruz.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Huntti Mfer will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! And we move into the final round!#R3#
Mfer wants to clinch but Cruz slips to the side
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
A big left from Mfer misses.
Cruz misses with a hook.
A low kick from Mfer misses
and Cruz makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Mfer connects with a crisp jab.
Cruz slips under a jab from Mfer.
Cruz feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Mfer throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Cruz avoids a punch combination nicely.
Cruz throws a low kick, looking for Mfer's leg but Mfer calmly moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A shot to the liver by Cruz. Beautiful body shot.
Cruz tries to land a leg kick but Mfer saw it coming and moves away.
Mfer misses with a looping left.
Mfer has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Mfer there as he acknowledges the shot.
A big right from Mfer misses. #T1#
Mfer slips a straight right by Cruz.
A low kick from Mfer is predictable there
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Mfer scores with a nice strike.
Mfer takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Cruz tries to land a front kick but Mfer steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Mfer waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cruz.
Mfer takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Mfer lands a jab.
Cruz closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Mfer avoids the body shot from Cruz.
Mfer throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A big left from Cruz misses.
Cruz throws a hook but Mfer avoids it easily.
A nice inside leg kick there by Cruz. That's going to slow Mfer down. #T2#
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cruz circles away from the clinch attempt.
It looked like Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Cruz with a hook.
Mfer checks a leg kick.
It seemed like Mfer was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Mfer misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Cruz is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cruz thows a left - swing and a miss!
Mfer fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Cruz misses with a hook
and Mfer counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Mfer takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Cruz feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Cruz connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Mfer throws a lazy right hand but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cruz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Mfer.
Cruz takes a swing at Mfer's ribcage but misses.
Mfer takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it. #T3#
Cruz ducks under a wild hook from Mfer.
Cruz scores with a nice body kick.
Cruz thows a leg kick but Mfer checks it
and Mfer cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Cruz motions for Mfer to come forward. Cruz throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Cruz misses with a hook to the body
enabling Mfer to counter with a crisp jab.
Mfer finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Mfer misses with a wild combination.
Mfer uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Cruz.
A left lands for Mfer.
Mfer checks a leg kick.
Mfer checks the leg kick.
Mfer tries to counter with a clinch but Cruz shakes him off and moves away.
Mfer staying out of range there.
Mfer now looks to counter with a shot at the body.#T4#
Cruz throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Mfer stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Mfer takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Mfer's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mfer uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cruz.
Cruz misses with a body punch
and Mfer counters with a nice uppercut.
Mfer throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A jab from Mfer finds it's way through Cruz's defenses.
Cruz takes a swing at Mfer's ribcage but misses.
Cruz swings for the body but Mfer moves out of range.
Mfer let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Mfer tries to clinch there but Cruz circles away.
Cruz with a nice calf kick.
Mfer avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Mfer is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Mfer fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
The crowd cheers as Cruz lands an impressive looking overhand right. Mfer doesn't seem phased though.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz is looking to counter punch.

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 Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 29:28
Judge Matheus Silva scores the fight 29:28
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!
During a confident post fight interview, Jacinto Cruz thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: C378: Blaydes vs Jiang
Date: Dec 29, 2024

#R1#
Cruz connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by O Brien.
Cruz tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and O Brien is able to avoid easily.
A looping hook to the body misses from O Brien. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
O Brien takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
O Brien throws a big shot that misses.
O Brien misses with a wild body shot.
Nice defenses there by O Brien.
Cruz scores with a leg kick.
O Brien misses the jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on O Brien. That did some damage!
Cruz looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
O Brien throws a leg kick
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
O Brien comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Sloppy strikes from O Brien. Those never looked like landing. #T1#
O Brien misses with a kick to the body.
Cruz half committed to a counter leg kick.
O Brien throws a leg kick
and Cruz counters with a body kick.
Cruz throws a nice outside leg kick.
Cruz misses the shot to the body.
Cruz misses with an uppercut. O Brien saw that one coming.
O Brien tries to score with a low kick but Cruz moves his leg out of the way.
O Brien avoids the body shot from Cruz.
Cruz shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Cruz scores with a nice right hand.
Cruz checks a leg kick nicely.
Cruz lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
O Brien misses with a body kick.
Cruz appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.#T2#
Cruz blocks a low kick nicely.
Cruz lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
O Brien on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Cruz. Cruz obviously looking to wear him down.
Cruz jabs O Brien right on the nose. O Brien blinks but takes it well.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. O Brien sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cruz misses with a low kick.
O Brien checks the leg kick.
O Brien connects with a good right hand that stumbles Cruz. Cruz circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Cruz misses with a body shot.
Cruz is looking to land body kicks.
Cruz connects with a crisp jab.
O Brien closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so. #T3#
Cruz throws a low kick but O Brien moves out of range easily.
Cruz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
O Brien swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Cruz lands a leg kick that knocks O Brien off balance momentarily.
Cruz looks to land a right hand but O Brien moved out of range.
O Brien throws a hook to the side of Cruz's head but Cruz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
O Brien lunges at Cruz with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Cruz's hand. #CUT2#It looks like Jacinto Cruz has been cut.
O Brien throws a jab when Cruz was well out of range.
It looked like Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Cruz connects with a right hand. O Brien shakes it off.
O Brien throws a lazy right hand but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cruz fails to land with a series of punches.
Cruz digs a good hook to O Brien's body.
Cruz throws a leg kick that misses. #T4#
Cruz throws a leg kick but O Brien sees it coming and moves out of range.
O Brien staying out of range there.
O Brien checks a low kick from Cruz.
Some bone on bone action there as O Brien checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Cruz lands a head shot.
Cruz sizes up O Brien with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
This has been an exciting period of action!
O Brien tries a low kick but Cruz avoids it.
O Brien throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Cruz fires out a quick counter leg kick but O Brien just manages to avoid it.
O Brien goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Cruz is looking to counter punch.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
O Brien tries to work over Cruz's front leg with a kick but Cruz checks it.
Cruz was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
O Brien takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
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 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.#R2#
A cross from Cruz lands.
Jacinto Cruz is winning the standup battle so far.
Cruz throws a leg kick but O Brien checks it.
Cruz backing away here, and O Brien unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Cruz avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
As O Brien backs away, Cruz returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
A nice leg kick lands there from Cruz.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that O Brien can do to turn this around?
A low kick from Cruz misses
and O Brien counters with a low kick, right behind Cruz 's knee.
Cruz throws a body punch but O Brien moves out of range.
O Brien replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Cruz blocks it well.
Cruz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
A big left from Cruz misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Cruz connects with a body shot.
Cruz throws a shot from downtown. O Brien moves away and avoids it.
O Brien looks like he wanted to counter with a high kick but didn't throw it.
Cruz lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.#T1#
Cruz takes a swing at O Brien's ribcage but misses.
Cruz misses with a low kick.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from O Brien! But no joy.
Cruz blocks the body kick.
O Brien paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Cruz throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
O Brien looks to land a left hand but Cruz moved out of range nicely.
Cruz connects with a leg kick.
O Brien steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Cruz.
Cruz throws a shot to the body.
O Brien avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
O Brien throws a sloppy head kick and Cruz moves out of range easily.
Cruz takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section. #T2#
Cruz thows a leg kick but O Brien checks it
and O Brien counters with a lovely straight right hand!
O Brien throws a big shot that misses.
It looked like Cruz was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from O Brien.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Cruz sizes up O Brien with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
O Brien moves forwards but Cruz connects with a nice, crisp jab.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. O Brien looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
O Brien throws a big shot that misses.
O Brien uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Cruz.
O Brien takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Donk. Cruz catches O Brien right on the button with a cross.
Cruz lands a leg kick that knocks O Brien off balance momentarily.
O Brien's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.#T3#
Cruz scores with the left hand. O Brien knows he should have avoided that one.
O Brien drops his hands momentarily and Cruz takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
O Brien thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Cruz if he has to take too many more of those.
Cruz checks a leg kick nicely.
Cruz lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Good leg kick by Cruz.
Cruz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Cruz connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Cruz with a hook.
Cruz takes a jab right on the kisser.
Cruz lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Cruz.
Cruz backing away here, and O Brien unleashes a leg kick that just misses.#T4#
Cruz scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with each other but O Brien might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Cruz has got the better of the exchanges.
Cruz lands with an uppercut that bounces O Brien off the cage and back into range.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! O Brien crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Cruz - the referee stops the clock and O Brien gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Cruz. O Brien manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
O Brien throws a leg kick that misses.
O Brien uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Cruz.
O Brien flicks out a counter leg kick but Cruz steps away.
Cruz moves out of range as O Brien throws a body kick.
Cruz throws a hook but O Brien avoids it easily.
Cruz throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruz lands with an overhand left.
A nice inside leg kick there by Cruz. That's going to slow O Brien down.
O Brien looks to land a body kick but Cruz moved away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Jacinto Cruz's cut.
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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!#R3#
O Brien throws a wild body kick that Cruz sees coming a mile off.
Cruz blocks a head kick by O Brien.
Cruz is looking to counter punch.
O Brien has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick.
Cruz stuns O Brien with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
O Brien tries to bum rush Cruz with a series of wild strikes but Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
As O Brien backs away, Cruz returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
O Brien throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
O Brien throws a head kick that misses
and Cruz counters with a series of strikes. O Brien will be more careful next time no doubt.
Cruz misses with a wild combination.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz lands a right hook to the body.
Cruz connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe. #T1#
O Brien misses with a hook.
Cruz jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Cruz connects with an inside leg kick.
O Brien avoids the body shot from Cruz.
O Brien was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
The crowd cheers as Cruz lands an impressive looking overhand right. O Brien doesn't seem phased though.
O Brien is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cruz. O Brien does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick.
Cruz scores with a nice right hand.
Cruz wants to slow O Brien down by chopping away at his legs.
O Brien takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Miles O Brien has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
O Brien checks a leg kick nicely.
O Brien shapes to counter with a head kick.
Cruz misses with a low kick.
O Brien is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Cruz with a body shot.
A nice inside leg kick there by Cruz. That's going to slow O Brien down.
A low kick lands for Cruz.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
O Brien throws a lazy head kick
and Cruz counters with a solid body kick.
Nice defenses there by O Brien.
O Brien let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Cruz throws a solid leg kick but O Brien takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Cruz.
O Brien counters with a body kick.
Nice jab there from Cruz.
Cruz lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Cruz jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
O Brien chopping away at his opponent's legs. #T3#
O Brien blocks a jab.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick.
A nice leg kick from Cruz, right into the meat of the thigh.
O Brien moves out of range as Cruz strikes.
O Brien flicks out a counter leg kick but Cruz steps away.
O Brien misses with a body kick.
O Brien throws a leg kick which misses Cruz's front leg but catches the back leg as Cruz tries to avoid it.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from O Brien 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 Cruz has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Cruz and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Cruz throws a nice inside leg kick.
Good exchange - Cruz coming out on top.
Cruz lands the left hand.#T4#
Cruz fakes a jab and throws a low kick but O Brien checks it well.
O Brien throws out a leg kick but Cruz moves out of range and O Brien only half commits.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
O Brien misses with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
O Brien takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Cruz blocks the body kick.
Cruz lands a jab.
Cruz cracks O Brien with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Cruz with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
O Brien misses with a two punch combination.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 30:27
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 30:27
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!
During a confident post fight interview, Jacinto Cruz thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: C372: Khabib vs Blaydes
Date: Dec 15, 2024

#R1#
Kai takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Cruz wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Cruz misses with a straight right.
Kai misses with a looping right.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kai. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kai misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters with a thumping low kick.
An inside leg kick from Cruz misses.
Cruz needs to keep his hands up - Kai had a free shot at his head there.
Kai fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Kai just misses with a punch to the body.
We've been informed that Kai has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Cruz throws a lazy uppercut
and Kai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Cruz looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Kai cracks Cruz with an open hand slap.
Kai looks to land a right hand but Cruz moved out of range.
Nice defenses there by Kai.
Cruz throws the kick towards the body but Kai avoids it.#T1#
Kai lands a nice hook to Cruz's body. Cruz takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kai. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Cruz tries to land a leg kick but Kai saw it coming and moves away.
Menes Kai seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cruz slips under a jab.
Kai throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
It looked like Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Cruz is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kai.
Cruz throws a leg kick that misses.
Kai throws a predictable looking body shot
and Cruz counters with a slapping leg kick.
Kai tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cruz was well out of range. Poor timing from Kai.
Cruz feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Kai looks to throw the jab but Cruz is out of range.
Kai throws a sloppy head kick and Cruz moves out of range easily.
Kai fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Kai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cruz looks to land a left hand but Kai moved out of range nicely.
Kai takes one to the chin there.#T2#
Cruz jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kai now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Kai's sensitive parts.
Kai bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz tries a low kick but Kai avoids it.
Kai swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cruz was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Kai throws a lazy uppercut
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kai takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Kai throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cruz keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kai.
Nice defenses there by Kai.
Kai throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
Cruz staying out of range there.
Kai blocks a leg kick.
Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kai.#T3#
Kai throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Kai takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Cruz feints and then cracks Kai's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kai down.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Cruz.
Kai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cruz fires out a quick counter leg kick but Kai just manages to avoid it.
Kai misses with an uppercut
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Kai takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Kai throws a right hand that Cruz ducks under and follows up with a left that Cruz also avoids with ease.
Cruz fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Kai looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Kai drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Kai misses with a wild body shot.
Kai is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Cruz rather than just go for the knockout.
Kai throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Cruz counters with a good low kick that Kai was not able to check.
Cruz thumps Kai with a low kick.
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 throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.#T4#
Kai throws a body shot but no joy.
Kai listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Kai swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kai scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Cruz throws a body kick that misses.
Cruz fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Kai misses the body punch
and Cruz counters with a three punch combo that has Kai backing up. Kai nods at Cruz to acknowledge the strikes.
Kai keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kai appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Kai thuds his right hand into Cruz's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Kai takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Kai jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A jab lands there for Cruz.
Kai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cruz misses with an uppercut.
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 Jacinto Cruz will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Cruz ducks under a wild hook from Kai.
It looked like Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Cruz throws out a powerful jab.
A swing and a miss from Kai.
Kai moves forwards but Cruz connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Kai is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cruz.
Kai misses with a head kick.
A quick step to the side and Cruz tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kai misses with a wild body shot.
Cruz buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Cruz listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Kai swings for the body but Cruz moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
No joy there for Kai, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Kai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cruz throws a wild body kick that Kai sees coming a mile off.
Kai takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Kai's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Kai misses with an uppercut
and Cruz counters with a nice low kick that buckles Kai's knee momentarily.#T1#
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
Kai is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cruz.
Kai is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cruz.
Cruz misses with a low kick.
Kai checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Kai throws a predictable looking body shot
and Cruz counters with a one-two to the body.
Kai lands with a shot to the body.
Kai on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Cruz. Cruz obviously looking to wear him down.
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kai.
Cruz looks to throw the jab but Kai is out of range.
Cruz cracks a nice hook into Kai's ribs.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Cruz, as that shot connected.
Kai throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cruz thuds a left hand into Kai's body.#T2#
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz misses with a looping right.
Cruz misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kai.
Kai just misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz throws a leg kick which misses Kai's front leg but catches the back leg as Kai tries to avoid it.
Kai throws a lazy uppercut
and Cruz counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Nice uppercut there from Kai.
Kai throws an off balance right hand
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Cruz swings for the body but Kai moves out of range.
Cruz lands with an uppercut that bounces Kai off the cage and back into range.
Cruz throws a nice outside leg kick.
Kai loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
Cruz jabs Kai to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Kai throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Cruz misses the target.#T3#
Kai lands a glancing blow to the side of Cruz's head.
Cruz bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Kai throws out a loose jab but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz thows a body kick. Kai tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Cruz lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Kai moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Kai avoids the body shot from Cruz.
Cruz lands a glancing blow to the side of Kai's head.
Kai throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Cruz looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Kai's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Cruz connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Kai scrambles back to his feet.
A low kick from Cruz misses
and Kai counters with a nice body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cruz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kai.
Jacinto Cruz is winning the standup battle so far.
Cruz takes one on the chin but seems OK.
A good leg kick by Cruz. #T4#
Kai throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Cruz counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick.
Cruz looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Cruz scores with a hook to the body. Kai takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Kai fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Cruz avoids a punch combination nicely.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kai can do to turn this around?
Cruz takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Cruz throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kai swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Cruz rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Kai makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Kai scores with a nice strike.
Kai connects with a body shot that sends Cruz's belly button to the back.
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. This is the final round!#R3#
Cruz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kai.
Kai throws a right hand that misses
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Kai throws an overhand right that lands on Cruz's shoulder, as Cruz tries to avoid the shot.
Cruz throws a lazy right hand but Kai sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Nice cross by Kai.
Cruz blocks a jab.
Cruz looks to land a left hand but Kai moved out of range nicely.
Cruz cracks Kai with a good jab.
Kai slips a straight right by Cruz.
Cruz smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with each other but Kai might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Cruz has got the better of the exchanges.
Kai closes the distance and lands a one-two.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kai misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Kai misses with a combination
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.#T1#
Kai on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Kai has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Cruz misses the jab.
A swing and a miss from Kai.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
A slow jab from Cruz misses its intended target.
Kai appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Kai looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.
Cruz takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Cruz buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Kai waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cruz.
Cruz throws a leg kick which misses Kai's front leg but catches the back leg as Kai tries to avoid it.
Kai misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Cruz counters with a low kick, right behind Kai 's knee.
Cruz throws a nice outside leg kick. #T2#
Kai scores with a hook.
Cruz swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Kai.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Nice defenses there by Cruz.
Kai scores with a crisp jab that stopped Cruz in his tracks.
Cruz connects with a body shot.
Kai misses the shot to the body.
Cruz lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Kai moves out of range as Cruz strikes.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kai. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kai connects with a single shot there.
Cruz walks into a stiff left hand from Kai.
Cruz misses with a leg kick.
Kai pushing out the jab but it's not landing. #T3#
Kai checks a leg kick.
Kai throws out a counter right but Cruz avoids it with no problem.
Kai swings widly with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kai is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Kai checks a low kick from Cruz.
Cruz throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Kai scores with a jab.
Kai misses with a body shot
and Cruz counters with a one-two to the body.
Cruz scores with a leg kick.
Cruz tries to work over Kai's front leg with a kick but Kai checks it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kai. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz throwing a counter right hand but Kai manages to avoid it.
Kai misses with a body punch
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Cruz takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A shot to the body from Kai misses
and Cruz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#T4#
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cruz scores with a push kick.
Cruz scores with a body shot.
Cruz throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Kai misses the shot to the body.
Cruz appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Nice shot by Cruz.
The fighters circling - Cruz throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Cruz tests Kai's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Cruz with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Kai misses with a looping left.
Cruz half committed to a counter leg kick.
Kai misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters with a thumping low kick.
Menes Kai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cruz throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Kai on the side of the head.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 30:27
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 30:27
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!
Jacinto Cruz decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: C364: Walton vs Cheese II
Date: Nov 24, 2024

#R1#
Lacasa swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Lacasa throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.
Cruz stuns Lacasa with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Lacasa misses with a body shot.
Lacasa fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Cruz appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.#CL#
Cruz fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Lacasa, pushing him back against the cage.
Lacasa blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Lacasa goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Cruz has a couple of punches blocked by Lacasa.
Lacasa working aggressively here.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Lacasa.
Lacasa takes a shot to the head.
Cruz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Lacasa working aggressively here.
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Cruz.
Cruz blocking some punches.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A short uppercut from Cruz.
Cruz stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.#T1#
Lacasa tries to throw a body punch but Cruz avoids it by throwing Lacasa back against the cage.
Cruz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Lacasa's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Cruz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Cruz stalling the fight.
Lacasa struggles to land a body shot inside as Cruz controls his hands.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Lacasa's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.
Cruz lands an uppercut.
A short body shot lands from Cruz as the two fighters clinch.
Cruz lands a body punch.
Cruz lands a hook that snaps the head of Lacasa backwards.
Lacasa tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Lacasa blocks an uppercut.
Lacasa misses with a punch on the inside.
Cruz lands a body punch in the clinch.
Cruz scores with a hook to the body.
Cruz jumps guard but Lacasa turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz working aggressively here. #T2#
Cruz lands a shot to the body.
Cruz lands a body punch.
Cruz lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Lacasa backwards.
Cruz is trying to pull guard but Lacasa has him pressed against the cage.
Lacasa blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Cruz tries a body shot but Lacasa blocks it.
Cruz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Cruz blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Lacasa has a couple of punches blocked by Cruz.
Cruz misses with a punch on the inside.
Cruz tries to throw a body punch but Lacasa avoids it by throwing Cruz back against the cage.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Lacasa misses with the head strike.
Good body shot from Cruz.
Cruz throws a punch but it's blocked by Lacasa.
Cruz misses with some punches.
Lacasa misses with the head strike.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruz misses with some punches. #T3#
Cruz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Lacasa.
Lacasa tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
Cruz cracks Lacasa with a nice body shot.
Lacasa tries to throw a body punch but Cruz avoids it by throwing Lacasa back against the cage.
Cruz tries to pull guard but Lacasa won't allow it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jacinto Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cruz working aggressively here. #TD#
Cruz manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back. #SUB#
Cruz throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Cruz wants to improve his position but instead Lacasa has moved into half guard.
Cruz is looking for a sweep. Lacasa is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.#T4#
Well, if Lacasa 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.
Lacasa is pressing down on Cruz's thigh, looking to free his foot. Cruz is holding on for now. #SUB#
Cruz looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Cruz is looking to improve his position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Lacasa fails to land with a series of punches.
And Cruz counters with a quick kick to the body but Lacasa blocks it.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Lacasa can do to turn this around?
Lacasa misses with a shot to the body
and Cruz counters with a nice leg kick.
Lacasa throws a nice looking combination but Cruz bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A looping hook to the body misses from Lacasa. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Lacasa rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut. #CL#
Lacasa gets tackled into the cage by Cruz. Cruz maintains the clinch.
Lacasa swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Lacasa tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Cruz's elbow.
Cruz misses with the head strike.
Still in the clinch, Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.
Lacasa tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lacasa misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Jacinto Cruz has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Cruz has a couple of punches blocked by Lacasa.
A hook to the body from Cruz.
Lacasa misses with a hook to the ribs.
Lacasa lands a nice uppercut.
Cruz lands a shot to the body.#T1#
Nice body punch from Cruz - that landed with a thud.
Lacasa blocks an uppercut.
Lacasa lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Lacasa swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cruz scores with a shoulder strike.
Cruz working aggressively here.
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Cruz blocking some punches.
Lacasa blocks a body shot from Cruz.
Lacasa blocks an uppercut.
Lacasa blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cruz works on Lacasa's body with a couple of short punches.
A short right from Cruz.
A head punch on the inside from Lacasa fails to land.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cruz.
Cruz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Cruz throws a head punch that misses.
Cruz working aggressively here. #T2#
Cruz lands with a right to the head.
Lacasa's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A nice left hand lands by Cruz.
Cruz cracks Lacasa with a nice body shot.
Lacasa blocking some punches.
Lacasa misses with the head strike.
Cruz misses with a body punch.
Lacasa goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A head punch on the inside from Lacasa fails to land.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Lacasa fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A right handed body shot lands from Lacasa.
Lacasa lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Cruz backwards.
Lacasa misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruz works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Lacasa controls his hands.
Cruz throws a punch but it's blocked by Lacasa.
A right handed body shot lands from Cruz.
Lacasa blocks an uppercut. #T3#
Lacasa fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Lacasa doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Cruz blocking some punches.
Lacasa blocks an uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cruz. #BC2#
Lacasa's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cruz uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Lacasa.
Cruz cracks Lacasa with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Cruz ducks under a wild hook from Lacasa.
Lacasa avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cruz.
Lacasa takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Lacasa bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz throws a nice outside leg kick.
Lacasa has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Cruz.
Cruz looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Cruz drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Cruz finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt. #T4#
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Lacasa.
Lacasa punishes Cruz's body with a nice straight punch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Lacasa throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz counters with a nice low kick that buckles Lacasa's knee momentarily.
Cruz slips a jab from Lacasa.
Cruz thumps Lacasa with a low kick.
Cruz throws a lazy right hand but Lacasa sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cruz uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Lacasa.
Cruz tried to counter with a leg kick but Lacasa avoided it.
Cruz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Lacasa.#CL#
Cruz has Lacasa up against the cage in a clinch.
Cruz lands a body punch. #BC2#
Lacasa breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Cruz moves in looking to clinch but Lacasa pushes him off.
Lacasa misses with an uppercut. Cruz saw that one coming.
Cruz ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Lacasa moves away.
Lacasa just misses with a punch to the body.
Lacasa throws a shot from downtown. Cruz moves away and avoids it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!#R3#
Lacasa throws an off balance right hand
and Cruz counters with a leg kick.
Lacasa misses the shot to the body.
Cruz tried to counter with a leg kick but Lacasa avoided it.
Cruz showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Lacasa.
Lacasa throws a jab but it's blocked by Cruz.
Lacasa throws a predictable looking body shot
and Cruz counters with a right hand to the body.
Lacasa misses with a body shot.
Lacasa takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Cruz slips a jab from Lacasa.
Lacasa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
As Lacasa backs away, Cruz returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
A low kick lands for Cruz.
Lacasa throws a hook to the side of Cruz's head but Cruz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Cruz tried to score with a low kick but Lacasa checks it.
Lacasa circles away from the clinch attempt
and Lacasa counters with a nice uppercut. #T1#
Cruz uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Lacasa.
Lacasa listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Lacasa misses with an uppercut.
Lacasa swings for the body but Cruz moves out of range.
Lacasa takes one on the button.
Lacasa just misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz tried to counter with a leg kick but Lacasa avoided it.
Diego Lacasa seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Lacasa throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Cruz takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Cruz cracks Lacasa with an open hand slap.
Lacasa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cruz.
Lacasa lands a slapping body shot.
Lacasa throws a hook but Cruz avoids it easily.
A big right from Cruz misses.
Lacasa throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
Cruz ducks under a wild hook from Lacasa.
Lacasa throws a lazy right hand but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick. #T2#
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#CL#
Cruz forces Lacasa back against the cage and clinches.
Cruz misses with a punch on the inside.
Cruz blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A short left from Lacasa.
Lacasa swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cruz lands a hook to the side of the head.
A head punch on the inside from Cruz fails to land.
A nice left hand lands by Cruz.
Nice body punch from Cruz - that landed with a thud.
Cruz scores with a shot to the side of Lacasa's head.
Cruz misses with a punch on the inside.
Lacasa misses with a body punch.
Lacasa blocking some punches.
Lacasa tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Cruz's elbow.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Lacasa.
Lacasa blocks an uppercut.
Cruz pushes Lacasa back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Lacasa's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Cruz goes for a body shot but it's blocked. #T3#
Cruz working aggressively here.
Cruz lands with a light punch inside.
Cruz lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Lacasa backwards.
A short right from Lacasa.
Cruz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage. #BC2#
Lacasa breaks the clinch.
Lacasa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cruz.
Lacasa moves out of range of the leg kick from Cruz.
Lacasa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Lacasa takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Cruz tries to work over Lacasa's front leg with a kick but Lacasa checks it.
Lacasa takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Nice body punch from Lacasa.
Cruz connects with a leg kick.
Cruz staying out of range there.
Lacasa avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Lacasa slips a straight right by Cruz.#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!
Lacasa jabs Cruz right on the nose. Cruz blinks but takes it well.
Good shot there by Lacasa.
Cruz with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Lacasa swats away the attempt to clinch by Cruz.
Despite the aggression on Lacasa's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Lacasa looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.
Lacasa avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Cruz doesn't manage to clinch there - Lacasa circles away.
Lacasa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Lacasa avoids a kick to the body.
It seemed like Lacasa was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Cruz clobbers Lacasa with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Diego Lacasa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lacasa misses with a wild body shot.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Lacasa lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Diego Lacasa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cruz tries to clinch but Lacasa is having none of it.
Cruz's jab looks to have found its range, popping Lacasa under the eye.

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 Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 30:27
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 30:27
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacinto Cruz!
Jacinto Cruz seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: C357: Duran vs Slaissi
Date: Nov 03, 2024

#R1#
Medeiros jabs Cruz to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Cruz lands a head kick!
Medeiros chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Cruz can pounce on him.
Cruz missing with a left hand there. Medeiros was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Medeiros gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Cruz counters with a slapping leg kick.
Medeiros misses with a body shot.
Cruz thinks about the counter body kick.
Medeiros fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Medeiros shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Cruz but Cruz pushes him off and we're back to square one.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aljosa Medeiros. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cruz misses with a hook. Medeiros ducked under it nicely.
Medeiros appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Medeiros throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
Cruz lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Medeiros has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Ludus Magnus in the buildup to the fight.
Cruz scores with a hook.
Cruz throws a leg kick that misses.
Medeiros rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Cruz counters with a nice low kick that buckles Medeiros's knee momentarily.#T1#
A looping hook to the body misses from Cruz. Medeiros does a little dance to reset his feet.
Medeiros closes this distance looking for a takedown but Cruz circles away.
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 is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Medeiros.
It looked like Medeiros wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Cruz thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Medeiros if he has to take too many more of those.
Cruz wants to land a leg kick but Medeiros is out of range.
Medeiros missing with a left hand there. Cruz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Medeiros swings widly with a right hand
enabling Cruz to counter with a crisp jab.
Medeiros throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.
Medeiros looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.
Aljosa Medeiros seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The fighters circling - Medeiros throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Medeiros throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cruz lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Medeiros sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
A jab from Cruz finds it's way through Medeiros's defenses. #T2#
Cruz scores with a sloppy right hand. Medeiros should have avoided that one.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz moves away from the strike by Medeiros.
Cruz avoids the body shot from Medeiros.
Medeiros loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
Cruz thinks about the counter body kick.
Medeiros connects with a jab.
Medeiros uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cruz.
Cruz looks for the body kick but Medeiros saw that one coming.
Medeiros was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Medeiros displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cruz throws out the jab.
Medeiros swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Cruz moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Cruz motions for Medeiros to come forward. Cruz throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Medeiros misses the shot to the body.
Cruz tries a quick counter leg kick but Medeiros is wise to it.
A big left from Medeiros misses.
Cruz slips under a jab from Medeiros.#TD#
Medeiros throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Cruz was covering up waiting for the punch and Medeiros finishes the takedown easily into guard. #T3#
Medeiros tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Medeiros is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Medeiros pushing down on Cruz's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Cruz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Medeiros is keen to just control but Cruz is a slippery customer.
Medeiros lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Medeiros 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.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Medeiros in particular looking to stall.#T4#
Cruz is staying active underneath Medeiros, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Cruz trying to control but Medeiros postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Medeiros trying to control the action but Cruz is working from the bottom.
Cruz keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Medeiros trying to control from half guard but Cruz is working away.
Medeiros is stalling here. Cruz is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Medeiros seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Cruz has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work. #SUB2#
Cruz is trying to get an arm triangle but Medeiros is defending well.
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#
Medeiros throws a lazy uppercut
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
and Cruz counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Cruz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Cruz tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz stuffs the takedown.
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 jabs Medeiros to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Cruz scores with a jab.
Cruz has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Medeiros catches Cruz with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Medeiros fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Medeiros with a hook.
Cruz ducks under a wild hook from Medeiros.
Cruz doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Medeiros misses with a straight left.
Cruz scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Cruz - that will leave a mark!
Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#TD#
Cruz gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.#T1#
Medeiros controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Cruz is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Medeiros works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Medeiros wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cruz keeps working.
Cruz wants to get back to full guard.
Medeiros is thwarting Cruz's attempts to control the position.#T2#
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.
Cruz is refusing to be controlled, as Medeiros sits in half guard.
Medeiros throwing shots but Cruz is blocking nicely.
Medeiros is looking to take a break and control but Cruz is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Cruz works his way to full guard. Good work.
Medeiros wants to pass the guard but Cruz is keeping the position.
Medeiros scoring with some ground and pound. #T3#
Cruz has his hands on Medeiros's head, controlling the position.
Medeiros tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Cruz trying to control the position. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Medeiros misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cruz.
Cruz digs a good hook to Medeiros's body.
Cruz loads up on a big right hand but Medeiros slips the punch.
Cruz closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Cruz throws a shot from downtown. Medeiros moves away and avoids it.
Cruz takes one to the chin there.
Cruz scores with a hook.#T4#
Medeiros tries for a takedown but Cruz circles away easily
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aljosa Medeiros. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A looping hook to the body misses from Medeiros. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz looks like he wants to counter punch here.
No luck for Medeiros with that takedown attempt.
A shot to the body from Medeiros misses
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Cruz tries to bum rush Medeiros with a series of wild strikes but Medeiros uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Cruz avoids the body shot from Medeiros.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nice sprawl there from Cruz as Medeiros shoots in.
Medeiros swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Medeiros bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Medeiros walks into a stiff left hand from Cruz.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Medeiros.
Cruz let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
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.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!#R3#
Cruz thuds his shin into the meat of Medeiros's side.
Medeiros looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Cruz is fending him off so far but Medeiros persists. Nope, Cruz circles away and we're back to standing.
Medeiros misses the body punch
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
Cruz fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Medeiros manages to avoid it.
Medeiros looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.
A little jabbing left from Cruz on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Medeiros.
Cruz fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Medeiros bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Cruz's head backwards.
Cruz looks to score with a jab to the body but Medeiros is just out of range.
Medeiros throws a lazy right hand but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Medeiros throws out a loose jab but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it. #T1#
Medeiros tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Cruz defends well and Medeiros ends up having to push Cruz into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Cruz flicks out a counter leg kick but Medeiros steps away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aljosa Medeiros. That's going to take a lot out of him.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
Medeiros lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Cruz backwards.
Cruz misses with the head strike.
Nice body punch from Cruz.
Cruz pushes Medeiros back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Cruz scores with a shot to the side of Medeiros's head.
Still in the clinch, Cruz scores with a nice short uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cruz. #BC#
Medeiros breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A lazy left from Cruz finds it's target.
Jacinto Cruz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Medeiros misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cruz.
Cruz lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Cruz throws a combination. Medeiros tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Medeiros misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely. #T2#
Cruz scores with a kick to the midsection.
Medeiros throws a shot from downtown. Cruz moves away and avoids it.
Cruz lands with a thumping leg kick.
Cruz throws a nice head kick!
Medeiros throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
Cruz only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Medeiros with a poor takedown
and Cruz counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Medeiros fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Medeiros is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Medeiros rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Medeiros takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Medeiros 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 throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cruz with the inside leg kick.
Medeiros throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruz cracks a nice hook into Medeiros's ribs.#T3#
A jab from Cruz misses.
Medeiros fails with the takedown
and Cruz counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Medeiros thinking.
Medeiros throws a lazy right hand but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cruz is trying to counter with his kicks.
Cruz throws out a powerful jab.
Medeiros fails to land the takedown.
Cruz darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Medeiros paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Cruz lands with a good body shot.
Cruz slips under a jab from Medeiros.
Medeiros will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Medeiros throws a body shot but no joy. #T4#
Medeiros lands a body shot.
Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Medeiros's sensitive parts.
Cruz misses with a straight left.
Cruz scores with a sloppy right hand. Medeiros should have avoided that one.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cruz scores with a kick to the body.
Cruz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A little feinted left hand from Medeiros on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Medeiros gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Nice takedown defense from Cruz. No joy for Medeiros on that attempt.
Cruz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Medeiros throws out the jab.
Cruz flicks out a counter leg kick but Medeiros steps away.
Cruz misses with a low kick.
Medeiros was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Medeiros fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Aljosa Medeiros has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cruz scores with a push kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jacinto Cruz comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
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 Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 27:30
Judge Paulo Santos scores the fight 27:30
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 27:30

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

Event: C350: Marley vs Hightower II
Date: Oct 13, 2024

#R1#
Alderidge misses with an uppercut
and Alderidge takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Alderidge throws a shot from downtown. Cruz moves away and avoids it.
A good leg kick by Cruz.
Cruz blocks a head kick by Alderidge.
Cruz connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Cruz takes a kick to the side of the head.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Cruz.
Alderidge misses with a straight left.
Alderidge misses with a looping right.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Alderidge falls off balance throwing a combination
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
Alderidge closes the distance but Cruz moves to the side
and Cruz counters with a nice uppercut.
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!
Alderidge pulls out of a head kick attempt. #T1#
Cruz lands with an overhand left.
Alderidge takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Alderidge sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Alderidge has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Gym To Nica in the buildup to the fight.
Alderidge misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Cruz lands with a cross.
Alderidge throws an off balance right hand
and Cruz counters with a thumping low kick.
Alderidge connects with a single shot there.
Cruz throws a body kick that misses.
Alderidge throws a lazy head kick
and Cruz counters with a body kick that stops Alderidge in his tracks momentarily.
Alderidge thows a left - swing and a miss!
Cruz lands with a nice body kick.
Alderidge throws a series of punches but Cruz moves out of range.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cruz lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Ranger Alderidge seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cruz connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there. #T2#
The fighters circling - Alderidge throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Cruz walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Alderidge misses with a takedown
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Cruz uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Alderidge.
A lazy body kick from Cruz #TD#
and Alderidge counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Alderidge thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Cruz's head.
Alderidge trying to mount his opponent but Cruz defends it.
Alderidge 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.#SUB#
Alderidge is looking for a kimura here. #SUB#
Alderidge is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Cruz moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.#T3#
Alderidge wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Cruz controls Alderidge momentarily but Alderidge frees himself.
Alderidge pushes down on Cruz's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Alderidge lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Cruz gets full guard.
Cruz controlling the position.#T4#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Cruz working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Alderidge.
Alderidge throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Cruz works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Alderidge missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Alderidge trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB2#
Cruz looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Alderidge forces his way into half guard.
Cruz wants to control but Alderidge is keeping busy. #SUB#
Alderidge is working for a kimura but Cruz is defending it quite comfortably.
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.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Cruz buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Alderidge throws a looping overhand right but Cruz ducks down to avoid it.
Alderidge walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Alderidge looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.
A nice side step and Cruz releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Alderidge crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Cruz - the referee stops the clock and Alderidge gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Cruz. Alderidge manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Alderidge throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Cruz makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Cruz cracks Alderidge with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Horrible takedown attempt by Alderidge or perhaps it was just good defense by Cruz, which made it look bad.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Cruz! But no joy.
Alderidge throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Cruz counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
A head kick by Alderidge misses
and Cruz counters with a low kick, right behind Alderidge 's knee. #T1#
Cruz thumps Alderidge with a low kick.
Nice uppercut lands for Cruz. That snapped Alderidge's head back.
Cruz lands with a shot to the body.
Alderidge moves out of range of the strikes.
Alderidge takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Jacinto Cruz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Alderidge moves out of range of the body kick from Cruz.
Alderidge shoots in for a double leg but Cruz sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Alderidge tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A little jabbing left from Cruz on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Alderidge misses with the combination.
Cruz connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Cruz slips a jab from Alderidge.
Alderidge pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Cruz back to the cage. Alderidge follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.#T2#
Cruz lands a nice looking body shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Alderidge throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cruz throws a series of punches but Alderidge avoids them all with ease.
Nice shot by Cruz.
A lazy left from Cruz finds it's target.
Alderidge gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Cruz counters with a right hand to the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ranger Alderidge. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Alderidge lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Cruz pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Alderidge wants to land a leg kick but Cruz is out of range.
Cruz uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Alderidge throws a left and a right that both miss
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Cruz lands with a thumping leg kick. #T3#
Alderidge wants to clinch.
Alderidge looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Alderidge is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Cruz moves out of range of the body kick from Alderidge.
A little jabbing left from Cruz on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Alderidge blocks the body kick.
Alderidge is looking to counter punch.
A slapping leg kick lands for Cruz.
Cruz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Cruz looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Cruz keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Alderidge.
Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Alderidge's sensitive parts.
Cruz scoring well with a low kick there.
Cruz throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Alderidge walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.#T4#
Alderidge thuds his shin into the meat of Cruz's side.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Alderidge scores with a sloppy right hand. Cruz should have avoided that one.
Cruz connects with a nice looking jab.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz's jab looks to have found its range, popping Alderidge under the eye.
Alderidge throws a head kick that misses.
Alderidge lands with a shot to the body.
Alderidge shoots for a double leg takedown but Cruz sprawls well. He's pushed Alderidge's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Cruz misses with a head kick.
A decent looking cross lands there for Cruz.
Alderidge misses with a right hand
and Cruz finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Alderidge misses the body punch
and Cruz cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Alderidge misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters with a leg kick.
Cruz throws a lazy uppercut
and Alderidge counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
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.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!#R3#
Cruz misses with a body kick.
Alderidge throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cruz jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Alderidge looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Alderidge misses with a wild combination.
Alderidge tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz avoids the head kick by Alderidge.
Alderidge has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Alderidge there as he acknowledges the shot.
A left and a right from Cruz both land. Nice combination.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab from Cruz does it's job there.
Alderidge misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters with a low kick, right behind Alderidge 's knee.
Cruz scores with a body shot.
Alderidge misses with a right hand
and Cruz counters with a nice body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Alderidge misses with a body kick.#T1#
Cruz ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Alderidge moves away.
Alderidge throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz counters with a nice low kick that buckles Alderidge's knee momentarily.
Alderidge misses with a shot to the body
and Cruz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Cruz thuds a left hand into Alderidge's body.
Cruz smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Alderidge throws an ugly left hook that misses
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
Ranger Alderidge has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Alderidge falls off balance throwing a combination
and Cruz counters with a low kick, right behind Alderidge 's knee.
Alderidge will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Cruz stalks Alderidge and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Alderidge's face. Alderidge staggers backwards, shaken.
Cruz lets loose with a powerful body kick. Alderidge will feel that in the morning.
Cruz scores with a jab. Alderidge acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
An inside leg kick lands from Cruz.
Alderidge misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick. #T2#
Alderidge throws a right and a left that both miss.
Cruz defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Alderidge.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Alderidge lands a body shot.
Cruz with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Cruz with a hook.
Alderidge steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Cruz. That one must have hurt.
Alderidge throws a hook but Cruz avoids it easily.
Alderidge misses with a double jab
and Cruz counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Cruz defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Alderidge.
Cruz blocks a head kick by Alderidge.
Cruz scores with a jab.#T3#
Cruz fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Cruz lands with a straight right. Alderidge didn't see that one coming.
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick.
Cruz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Cruz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Cruz uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Alderidge throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Alderidge misses with a kick to the body.
Cruz scores with a hook.
Alderidge misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters with a nice leg kick.
Cruz fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
A low kick from Alderidge is predictable there
and Cruz counters with an inside leg kick.
Jab by Cruz.#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!
Alderidge takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Cruz bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Cruz scoring well with a low kick there.
Alderidge throws a lazy head kick
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
A solid leg kick lands there for Cruz. #CL#
Alderidge gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A short body shot lands from Cruz as the two fighters clinch.
Good body shot from Cruz.
Cruz can't find room to land a body shot as Alderidge controls the action.
Cruz swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cruz lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Alderidge throws an elbow that misses.
Cruz throws a head punch that misses.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cruz lands a body punch.
Alderidge takes a shot to the head.
Alderidge throws a head punch that misses.
Cruz stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jacinto Cruz comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
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 Thiago Cunha scores the fight 28:30
Judge Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 28:30
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 28:30

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

Event: C343: Bloodaxe vs Khabib II
Date: Sep 22, 2024

#R1#
Aalto throws a hook but Cruz avoids it easily.
Aalto throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Aalto throws a lazy uppercut
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cruz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Aalto.
A telegraphed right hand from Cruz misses the target.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Aalto paws at him with a jab and circles away.
A swing and a miss from Aalto.
It looked like Cruz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Cruz scores with a sloppy right hand. Aalto should have avoided that one.
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.
Aalto throws an off balance right hand
and Cruz counters with a slapping leg kick.
Aalto throws a lazy right hand but Cruz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Aalto throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Cruz - that will leave a mark!
Aalto throws a lazy uppercut
and Cruz counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Aalto swings away with a body shot that misses
and Cruz counters with a nice low kick that buckles Aalto's knee momentarily.
A big right from Aalto misses.
Aalto throws a half hearted mid kick.
Cruz slips a jab from Aalto.
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 closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Aalto pushes Cruz back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.#T1#
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cruz.
Aalto is working Cruz over against the cage.
Aalto has a couple of punches blocked by Cruz.
Cruz blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Aalto throws a punch but it's blocked by Cruz.
Cruz pushes Aalto back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Cruz throws a head punch that misses.
Cruz lands a right hand.
Cruz fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Aalto lands a body shot in the clinch.
Aalto scores with a shoulder strike.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cruz.
Aalto working aggressively here.
Aalto lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Cruz has a couple of punches blocked by Aalto.
A short right from Cruz on the inside.
Aalto misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Aalto blocks an uppercut.
Cruz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Aalto.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cruz is trying to pull guard but Aalto turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked. #T2#
Aalto blocking some punches.
Cruz digs a right hand underneath Aalto's ribcage. Aalto let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Cruz misses with a hook from the clinch.
Aalto 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 Aalto can turn it around.
Cruz pushes Aalto back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Cruz lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Aalto tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Aalto misses with some punches.
Cruz gets through Aalto's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Aalto fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Cruz lands with a right to the head.
Cruz tries a body shot but Aalto blocks it.
A shot in the inside from Cruz.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Cruz working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Cruz tries a body shot but Aalto blocks it.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Cruz.
Aalto lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Cruz backwards.
Cruz tries to throw a body punch but Aalto avoids it by throwing Cruz back against the cage.
Cruz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Aalto has a couple of punches blocked by Cruz.
Cruz lands with a light punch inside.
Cruz fails to land with a short punch on the inside. #T3#
A short body shot lands from Aalto as the two fighters clinch.
Aalto cracks Cruz with a nice body shot.
Cruz digs a right hand underneath Aalto's ribcage. Aalto let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Cruz lands a nice shot to the body.
Aalto looks winded!
Cruz blocking some punches.
Aalto working aggressively here.
Aalto swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cruz blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Aalto misses with a body punch. #TD#
Cruz jumps guard and drags Aalto to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Aalto wants to stand but Cruz has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Aalto wants to stand and escape but instead Cruz has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard. #REVR#
Cruz passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Cruz is chipping away with strikes.
Cruz moves into full mount!
Cruz looking to control but Aalto is working nicely, looking to advance position himself. #T4#
Cruz controlling the pace for now. #SUB#
Cruz working for a submission but Aalto is keeping him at bay.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Aalto wants to try and get back to his feet.
Cruz tries to control but Aalto wriggling away.
Aalto is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
Cruz tries to control but Aalto wriggling away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Aalto scores with a jab. Cruz acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Aalto throws an off balance right hand
letting Cruz counter with a right hand.
Cruz swings for the body but Aalto moves out of range.
Cruz scoring well with a low kick there.
Aalto tries to land a front kick but Cruz steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Cruz with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Aalto misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Aalto wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Aalto takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Aalto throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
Cruz slips a jab from Aalto.
An attempted straight right counter from Cruz misses the target.
Aalto misses with a lunging right hand
and Cruz counters with a leg kick.
Aalto circles away from the clinch attempt.
Cruz moves out of range of the body kick from Aalto.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Aalto throws a leg kick
and Cruz counters with a nice low kick that buckles Aalto's knee momentarily.#T1#
Cruz ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Aalto moves away.
Aalto throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Aalto misses with a hook
and Cruz makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
A jab from Aalto misses.
Aalto takes one to the chin there.
Aalto looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Aalto is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Cruz thuds a left hand into Aalto's body.
Cruz connects with a body shot that sends Aalto's belly button to the back.
Aalto misses with a right hand
and Aalto takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cruz chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Cruz scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Aalto doesn't seem bothered though.
Aalto misses with a right hand
and Cruz counters with an inside leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Aalto works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Cruz is looking to clinch but Aalto is avoiding it.
Cruz is looking to clinch.
Aalto throws a head kick that misses.
Cruz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Aalto can do to turn this around?#T2#
Aalto throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruz is looking to counter with a body kick.
Good standup being displayed there by Cruz as he connects with a hook.
Aalto throws out a loose jab but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Aalto moves out of range of the body kick.
Aalto drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Aalto misses the jab.
Cruz throws a good cross that connects.
Aalto moves out of range as Cruz throws a body kick.
Cruz lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Cruz doesn't manage to clinch there - Aalto circles away.
Aalto throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Jacinto Cruz is winning the standup battle so far.
Aalto misses with a lunging right hand
and Cruz counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Cruz connects with a right hand. Aalto shakes it off.
Aalto lands a nice hook to Cruz's body. Cruz takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Aalto misses with an uppercut.
Cruz throwing a counter right hand but Aalto manages to avoid it.
Aalto throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.
Aalto misses with a straight right. #T3#
Cruz tries to clinch there but Aalto circles away.
Michael Aalto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Aalto takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Aalto stuns Cruz with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Aalto throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Cruz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cruz keeps Aalto at a distance using the push kick.
Aalto rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Cruz counters with a right hand to the body.
Aalto is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cruz.
An attempted straight right counter from Cruz misses the target.
Aalto misses with a body kick.
Aalto takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Cruz throws a nice outside leg kick.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Aalto.
Cruz wants to clinch.
Aalto throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Cruz looks to score with a jab to the body but Aalto is just out of range.#T4#
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Aalto manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Aalto pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Aalto misses with a left hand
and Cruz counters with a stiff right hand.
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 chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Aalto is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cruz.
Cruz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Aalto throws out the jab.
Cruz bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Aalto's head backwards.
A solid leg kick lands there for Cruz.
Cruz connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Aalto plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Aalto missing with a left hand there. Cruz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cruz throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Aalto stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Cruz gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Aalto throws a poor cross that misses
and Cruz counters with a straight right hand.
Cruz lands with an uppercut that bounces Aalto off the cage and back into range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jacinto Cruz dominated that second round.
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 throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Michael Aalto has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cruz walks into a stiff left hand from Aalto.#CL#
Cruz rushes Aalto and presses him up against the cage.
Cruz pushes Aalto back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Cruz tries to throw a body punch but Aalto avoids it by throwing Cruz back against the cage.
Cruz misses with a body punch.
Cruz misses with a hook to the ribs.
A head punch on the inside from Cruz fails to land.
Cruz tries to throw a body punch but Aalto avoids it by throwing Cruz back against the cage.
Cruz presses Aalto against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A shot in the inside from Cruz.
Cruz has a couple of punches blocked by Aalto.
Cruz throws a punch but it's blocked by Aalto.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Aalto throws a head punch that misses.
A short right from Cruz on the inside.
Cruz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Aalto's elbow.
A right hand to the body from Cruz.
Aalto throws a head punch that misses.
Cruz scores with a shoulder strike.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz lands with a short head shot on the inside. #T1#
Cruz blocking some punches.
Aalto blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Aalto tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Cruz's elbow.
Cruz blocks a body shot from Aalto.
Aalto presses Cruz against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Aalto softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Cruz tries to work over Aalto's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Cruz blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Aalto misses with a short punch on the inside.
Cruz stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Aalto misses with a shot to the kidneys. #TD#
Cruz manages to pull guard.
Cruz preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Cruz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Cruz trying to control the position here.
Aalto is looking to stand up but Cruz won't let him. #T2##SUB#
Cruz is working actively from the bottom, looking for submissions. He's escaped his hips to the side and he's going for an armbar! Aalto has his hands clasped together but Cruz extends and breaks Aalto's desperate grasp, forcing a tap out due to armbar! Nice BJJ displayed there by Cruz.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:20 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Jacinto Cruz!

Event: RFL 10
Date: Aug 24, 2024

#R1##TD2#
Dlask throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Cruz was covering up waiting for the punch and Dlask finishes the takedown easily into guard. #SUB#
Cruz looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Dlask with a nice head shot there.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Dlask is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Dlask scoring with some ground and pound. #SUB#
Cruz is working for submissions here. He's thrown up his legs looking for a triangle but Dlask frees his head nicely. Oh but Cruz has switched to an armbar! Dlask is tapping furiously! Lovely submission there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:40 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Armbar). Jacinto Cruz!

Event: RFL 7 - Pack Followers
Date: Jul 13, 2024

#R1#
A looping hook to the body misses from Leben. Cruz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cruz throws a low kick but Leben avoids it.
Cruz avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Cruz throws a nice outside leg kick.
A good leg kick by Cruz.
A leg kick checked by Leben.
Cruz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Leben.
Cruz throws a sloppy head kick and Leben moves out of range easily.
Cruz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Leben.
Leben uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cruz.
Cruz misses with a hook. Leben ducked under it nicely.
Cruz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Leben throws out the jab.
Cruz was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Cruz looks to land a left hand but Leben moved out of range nicely.
Leben avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Leben needs to keep his hands up - Cruz had a free shot at his head there.#CL2#
Cruz rushes Leben and presses him up against the cage.
Leben working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Cruz is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Leben to keep the fight standing.
Leben fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Cruz misses with a punch to the body.
Cruz tries to pull guard but Leben forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Leben pushes Cruz back against the cage and unloads with a body punch. #T1#
A short right from Cruz.
Leben pushes Cruz back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Leben struggles to land a body shot inside as Cruz controls his hands. #BC#
Leben breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Leben throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Cruz.
Cruz with the inside leg kick.
Cruz has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Leben is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#CL2#
Cruz has taken the fight to the clinch.
Cruz struggles to land a body shot inside as Leben controls his hands. #BC#
Leben breaks from the clinch. #CL2#
Cruz clinches up with Leben and pushes him back against the cage.#BC#
Leben escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cruz moves in looking to clinch but Leben pushes him off.
Cruz lands with a right hand.
Leben misses with a body shot.
Cruz is looking to slow Leben down with leg kicks.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cruz throws a leg kick that misses.
Cruz tries to move into range but Leben moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Leben has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Far-Q Fight Club in the buildup to the fight.
Cruz throws a leg kick which misses Leben's front leg but catches the back leg as Leben tries to avoid it.
Leben misses the shot to the body.
Cruz tries to clinch up but Leben circles away and keeps his distance.
Cruz tries to clinch there but Leben circles away. #T2#
Cruz is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Leben throws a jab but it's blocked by Cruz.
Cruz tries to clinch up.
Leben was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Leben throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cruz avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Cruz has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Leben finds it's way round the side to connect with Cruz's head. #CL2#
Cruz drives through and clinches with Leben against the cage. #BC#
Leben manages to break the clinch.
Cruz doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Cruz fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Leben is out of range.
Leben looks to throw the jab but Cruz is out of range.
Cruz slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick.
Leben lands with a right hand.
Cruz cracks Leben with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Leben jabbing away but nothing is landing. #CL2#
Cruz clinches up with Leben and pushes him back against the cage.
Cruz throws a punch but it's blocked by Leben. #BC#
Leben breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. #T3#
Cruz lands a glancing blow to the side of Leben's head.
Cruz throws a hook but Leben blocks it.
Leben was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Cruz is looking to clinch but Leben is avoiding it.
Cruz tries to clinch but Leben moves out of range.
Cruz digs a good hook to Leben's body.
Cruz tries to clinch there but Leben circles away.
The crowd cheers as Leben lands an impressive looking overhand right. Cruz doesn't seem phased though.
Cruz throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Cruz wants to clinch.
Leben throwing a counter right hand but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Cruz takes one to the chin there.
Cruz connects with a nice looking jab.
Leben shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Cruz throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Leben throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cruz walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Leben throws a head kick but Cruz moves out of range. #T4#
Cruz slips a straight right by Leben.
Cruz throws out a counter right but Leben avoids it with no problem.
Cruz misses with a wild body shot.
Leben throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Cruz tries to work over Leben's front leg with a kick but Leben checks it.
Leben throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Leben swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Leben.
Cruz swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Leben swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
A good leg kick by Cruz.
Cruz is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Leben throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.
Cruz tries to clinch but Leben is having none of it.
Cruz tries to clinch there but Leben circles away.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cruz throws a hook but Leben avoids it easily.
Cruz looks to clinch
and Leben counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Cruz slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
A slow jab from Cruz misses its intended target.
Leben swings for the body but Cruz moves out of range.
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 Black Leben will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Cruz misses the shot to the body.
Leben throws a big shot that misses.
Leben misses with a wild body shot.
Leben fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Leben looks to land a left hand but Cruz moved out of range nicely.
Cruz wants to counter the offense by Leben and move into the clinch position.
Leben takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Cruz comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Some bone on bone action there as Leben checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Cruz throws a leg kick that misses.
An attempted straight right counter from Leben misses the target.
A big left from Leben misses.
Leben loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
Cruz is looking to score with low kicks.
Cruz lands a slapping body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Leben swats away the attempt to clinch by Cruz.
Cruz with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Leben throws a hook but Cruz blocks it.
Cruz throws a solid leg kick but Leben takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Cruz.#CL2#
Cruz gets a clinch. #T1#
Leben digs a right hand into Cruz's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Cruz's gas tank.
Cruz tries to work over Leben's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target. #BC#
Leben pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Cruz ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Cruz wants to clinch but Leben slips to the side
and Leben counters with a stiff right hand.
Leben swinging wildly here.
Cruz looks to clinch
and Leben counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Leben tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Cruz is able to avoid easily.
The fight stays on the outside here - Cruz looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Cruz is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Leben will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Black Leben is winning the standup battle so far.
Cruz lands a nice shot to the body.
Leben tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cruz was well out of range. Poor timing from Leben.
Leben is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Cruz fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cruz takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
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!
Nice straight punches there by Cruz. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Cruz.#T2#
Leben swats away the attempt to clinch by Cruz.
Cruz tries a low kick but Leben avoids it.
Leben waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cruz.
A big right from Leben misses. #CL2#
Cruz clinches up against the cage.
Leben lands with a light punch inside.
Cruz misses with a punch to the body.
Leben lands with a short shot to the head. #TD2#
Cruz jumps guard and drags Leben to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Cruz wants to sweep here but Leben controlling him for the moment.
Leben tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard. #SUB2#
Cruz throwing his legs up looking for a triangle. #SU#
Leben stands up and waves to Cruz to follow him. #T3#
Cruz throws a front kick aimed at Leben's knee but Leben avoids it well.
A chopping leg kick lands by Leben.
Cruz clobbers Leben with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cruz throws a front kick aimed at Leben's knee but Leben avoids it well.
Cruz wants to clinch but Leben slips to the side
and Cruz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles. #CL2#
Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Leben.
Leben blocks a body shot from Cruz.
Leben swings wildly with an uppercut but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it. #BC#
Leben pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Cruz slips under a jab from Leben.
Leben keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cruz.
Leben thows a left - swing and a miss!
A big left from Cruz misses.
Leben feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Leben avoids the head kick by Cruz.
Cruz is looking to clinch but Leben is avoiding it. #T4#
Cruz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Leben.
Cruz moves in looking to clinch but Leben pushes him off.
Leben throws a shot from downtown. Cruz moves away and avoids it.
Cruz is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Leben with a body shot.
Leben on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz takes a swing at Leben's ribcage but misses.
Leben tries a head kick but it misses.
A bone on bone clash there as Leben blocks the leg kick.
Cruz scores with a sloppy right hand. Leben should have avoided that one.
Leben tries a switch kick but it misses it's target. #CL2#
Cruz moves into the clinch.
Leben throws a head punch that misses. #BC#
Leben's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
An inside leg kick lands from Cruz.
Cruz tries to clinch but Leben is having none of it.
Cruz connects with an inside leg kick.
Cruz tries to clinch but Leben moves out of range.
Cruz throws a nice inside leg kick.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch but Leben swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick.
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.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R3#
Leben throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cruz lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Leben is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cruz.
Leben throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cruz turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Leben pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Leben lunges at Cruz with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Cruz's hand. #CL2#
Cruz moves into the clinch.
A right handed body shot lands from Cruz.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cruz.
Leben can't break the clinch.
Cruz fails to pull the fight into his guard. #BC#
Leben's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Leben tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cruz was well out of range. Poor timing from Leben.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Leben.
Leben throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cruz bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Cruz is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Leben misses with a two punch combination. #T1#
A big left from Cruz misses.
As Cruz backs away, Leben returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Cruz checks a leg kick.
Cruz avoids the head kick by Leben.
Cruz connects with a leg kick.
Leben throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.
A bone on bone clash there as Leben blocks the leg kick.
Cruz checks a leg kick.
Leben circles away from the clinch attempt.
Cruz is looking to clinch but Leben is avoiding it.
Cruz wants to clinch.
Leben ducks right into an uppercut from Cruz.
Cruz cracks a nice hook into Leben's ribs.
Cruz is looking to clinch.
Leben connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.#T2#
Cruz scores with a shot to the body.
Cruz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Leben.
Cruz throws a shot from downtown. Leben moves away and avoids it.
Cruz fails in his attempt to clinch. #CL2#
Cruz moves into the clinch successfully.
Cruz tries a body shot but Leben blocks it.
This has been an exciting period of action!#BC#
Leben breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Leben swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Cruz needs to keep his hands up - Leben had a free shot at his head there.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Leben sees it coming and checks it nicely.
That kick from Cruz tenderised Leben's leg. Leben is trying to keep his angry face on.
Leben takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Cruz tries to clinch up.
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.
Cruz tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz doesn't manage to clinch there - Leben circles away.
Leben moves away from the strike by Cruz.
Cruz throws a leg kick
and Leben connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#T3#
Leben scores with a punch to the head.#CL2#
Cruz closes the distance and clinches.#BC2#
Cruz's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Leben slips a jab from Cruz.
Cruz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Leben sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cruz is looking to clinch.
Leben with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Cruz tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Leben can pounce on him.
Leben misses the shot to the body.
Leben has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Cruz.
Leben lands with a kick to the temple. Cruz shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Cruz slips a straight right by Leben.
Leben keeps the fight on the outside.
Cruz is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Leben.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Leben swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Leben tried to score with a low kick but Cruz checks it.
Leben moves out of range as Cruz strikes.
Cruz uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Leben.#T4#
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Cruz.
Cruz throws a leg kick but Leben sees it coming and moves out of range.
Some wild striking there from Leben.
Cruz throws a leg kick which misses Leben's front leg but catches the back leg as Leben tries to avoid it.
Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Leben's sensitive parts.
Cruz throws a jab when Leben was well out of range.
Leben fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Cruz is out of range.
Leben sizes up Cruz with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Leben scoring well with a low kick there.
Leben misses with a hook.
Cruz is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Leben's sensitive parts.
Cruz tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Leben manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Cruz wants to clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Black Leben did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
That's time! Leben's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R4#
Nice shot by Cruz.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch up but Leben swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Cruz walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Leben checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Cruz moves away from the strike by Leben.
Cruz looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Leben looks to throw the jab but Cruz is out of range.
Leben backing away here, and Cruz unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Cruz, as that shot connected.
Cruz throws a low kick but Leben moves out of range easily.
Leben throws a big shot that misses.
Leben lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Cruz fails with an attempt to clinch.
Leben throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz throws a leg kick that misses.
Leben displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Cruz throws out the jab.
Leben with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Leben misses with a looping right.#CL2#
Cruz closes the distance and pushes Leben back into the cage.#BC#
Leben breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance. #T1#
Leben blocks a head kick by Cruz.
Cruz misses with an uppercut. Leben saw that one coming.
Cruz takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Leben.
Cruz is looking to clinch but Leben is avoiding it.
A quick step to the side and Leben tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
The fighters circling - Leben throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Cruz showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Leben.
A nice leg kick lands there from Leben.
Cruz takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Leben looks to land a left hand but Cruz moved out of range nicely.
A slapping leg kick lands for Cruz.
Cruz throws a low kick but it's checked well by Leben.#CL2#
Cruz takes the fight into the clinch.
Leben lands a left hand.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Cruz's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!#T2#
A right hook to the body lands for Cruz.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage. #BC2#
Cruz breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Leben throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruz avoids the body shot from Leben.
Leben with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Leben misses with a low kick.
Cruz is looking to clinch.
Leben scores with a jab.
Leben swats away the attempt to clinch by Cruz.
Leben is looking for a counter combo.
A good leg kick by Cruz.
Leben misses the shot to the body.
Leben with the inside leg kick.
A bone on bone clash there as Leben blocks the leg kick.
Cruz throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Leben blocks a jab.#T3#
Leben fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
An inside leg kick from Cruz misses.
Cruz checks a leg kick nicely.
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Leben.
Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick.
Leben throws a leg kick but Cruz sees it coming and moves out of range.
Cruz has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Leben.
Cruz swings for the body but Leben moves out of range. #CL2#
Leben gets tackled into the cage by Cruz. Cruz maintains the clinch.
Cruz tries a body shot but Leben blocks it.
Cruz tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Leben just stands there and leans against the cage.
Cruz tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Leben just stands there and leans against the cage.#BC#
Leben escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cruz throws a quick inside leg kick. #CL2#
Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Leben.
Cruz blocks an uppercut. #BC#
Leben breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
A jab from Cruz finds it's way through Leben's defenses. #T4#
Cruz is looking to clinch.
Leben throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Leben checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Leben throws out a loose jab but Cruz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cruz slips a jab from Leben.
Cruz fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Leben manages to avoid it.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Leben paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Jab by Cruz.
Leben catches Cruz with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!#CL2#
Cruz drives through and clinches with Leben against the cage.
Leben wants to get back to striking at distance but Cruz won't allow it.
Leben blocks an uppercut.
Leben blocking some punches. #BC#
Leben breaks from the clinch.
Cruz moves in looking to clinch but Leben pushes him off.
A counter left hand to the body from Leben misses its target.
Cruz wants to clinch up but Leben keeps it at a distance.
Leben pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Cruz sizes up Leben with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Black Leben will probably get the nod.
That's time! Leben's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!#R5#
Leben connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Cruz's hands.
Black Leben is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Leben avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Leben ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cruz moves away.
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 takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Leben takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Cruz takes a swing at Leben's ribcage but misses.
Leben swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Cruz is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Some bone on bone action there as Cruz checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Cruz walks into a straight right hand from Leben.
Cruz misses with a head kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL2#
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Cruz softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Cruz fails to pull guard. #T1#
Cruz is trying to pull guard but Leben has him pressed against the cage.
A left hand lands to the body for Leben. #BC#
Leben breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Cruz moves to clinch but Leben breaks away
letting Leben counter with a right hand.
Cruz misses with a low kick as Leben jumps back.
No joy there for Leben, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
It seemed like Cruz was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Cruz has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Cruz slips a jab from Leben.
Leben takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Cruz tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Leben manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Leben with a nice calf kick.
Cruz chopping away at his opponent's legs.
A nice inside leg kick there by Cruz. That's going to slow Leben down.
A lazy body kick from Cruz
enabling Leben to counter with a crisp jab.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Leben.
Leben misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cruz. #T2#
Cruz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Leben.
Leben scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Cruz doesn't seem bothered though.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cruz digs a good hook to Leben's body.
Leben throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruz throws a leg kick which misses Leben's front leg but catches the back leg as Leben tries to avoid it.
Leben tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Leben throws a body punch but Cruz moves out of range.
Leben scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch up but Leben swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Cruz wants to clinch
and Leben counters with a stiff right hand.
Cruz misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Leben.
Cruz misses with an uppercut.
Cruz doesn't manage to clinch there - Leben circles away.
Cruz throws out a loose jab but Leben uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cruz tries to clinch up.
A left lands for Cruz.#T3#
Cruz walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Leben misses with a straight right.
Leben avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Cruz looks for the body kick but Leben saw that one coming.
Leben connects with a single shot there.
Nice shot by Cruz.
Cruz tries to clinch up but Leben circles away and keeps his distance.
Cruz throws a leg kick which misses Leben's front leg but catches the back leg as Leben tries to avoid it.
Cruz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Leben throws out the jab.
A jab from Leben does it's job there.
Leben digs a good body shot into Cruz's ribs.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Leben keeps the fight on the outside.
Cruz throws a low kick but Leben avoids it.
Cruz defending well as Leben loads up on a big left hand.
Leben tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cruz was well out of range. Poor timing from Leben.
Jacinto Cruz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Nice straight punches there by Cruz. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Cruz.
Cruz tries to close the distance and clinch but Leben swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away. #T4#
Leben misses with a head kick.
Cruz appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cruz cracks Leben with a right hand to the side of the head.
Cruz keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Leben.
Leben circles away from the clinch attempt.
Leben turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Leben scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Cruz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Leben.
Cruz cracks Leben with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Cruz tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Leben manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.#CL2#
Cruz takes the fight into the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Leben.
Cruz tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Black Leben has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacinto Cruz.
Cruz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Leben's elbow. #BC#
Leben breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Black Leben showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Leben 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 49:47
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 50:45
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 48:48

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Black Leben!
A victorious Black Leben thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: RFL Connected 5.1
Date: Jun 15, 2024

#R1#
A jab from Cruz misses.
Cruz misses with an uppercut. Goodman saw that one coming.
Goodman looks to throw the jab but Cruz is out of range.
Cruz connects with a nice looking jab.
Cruz connects with a solid leg kick.
Goodman tries to move into range but Cruz moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Cruz cracks Goodman with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Goodman scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut! #CL#
Goodman moves into the clinch.
Cruz tries to circle away but Goodman has him pinned against the cage.
Cruz tries to circle away but Goodman has him pinned against the cage.
Goodman has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Cruz after a bit of a struggle. #TD2#
Cruz decides to pull guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.#SUB2#
Cruz escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Goodman gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance. #SUB2#
Cruz escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Goodman gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance. #T1##SUB2#
Cruz is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
We've been hearing that Goodman has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.#SUB2#
Cruz looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Goodman passes into side control.
Cruz tries to bench press Goodman off him but Goodman keeps the position. #SUB#
Goodman looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Goodman is looking to take a break and control but Cruz is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Cruz takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain. #SUB#
Goodman tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Cruz is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Goodman 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 working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Goodman's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Goodman's back!
Cruz trying to control.#T3#
Cruz might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Goodman haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Cruz avoiding Goodman 's attempts to control his hands.
Goodman rolls, trying to escape but Cruz keeps control of the position.
Cruz trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
Cruz slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish. #T4#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Goodman just looking to survive in the bad position.
Cruz avoiding Goodman 's attempts to control his hands. #SUB2#
Cruz is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Goodman knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Goodman for a finish.
Goodman trying to control the hands but Cruz breaks the grip.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Goodman tries to escape but Cruz has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Cruz doesn't have the hooks in and Goodman manages to turn into his guard.
Goodman is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
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 cracks a nice hook into Goodman's ribs.
Goodman throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.
Cruz tries to counter by closing the distance.
Goodman throws a jab when Cruz was well out of range.
Goodman throws the left hand but Cruz avoids the punch easily.
Goodman cracks Cruz with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Goodman misses with a body shot.
Nice defenses there by Goodman.
Goodman misses with a straight left.
Cruz is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Cruz lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Cruz misses with a leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab from Goodman misses.
A jab from Cruz misses.
Cruz throws a leg kick that is checked#TD#
so Goodman counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Goodman won't allow Cruz to sweep him here.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cruz is trying to control the position from the bottom. #T1#
Cruz is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
White Goodman overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Goodman throwing strikes but missing.
Goodman wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Goodman is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Goodman landing some decent shots from guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Goodman with a flurry of punches that miss. #T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Goodman wants to control from the top but Cruz keeps moving.
Goodman sitting in guard, not really doing much.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Goodman lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Cruz working a defensive guard but Goodman passes into half guard.
Cruz has his hands clasped together around Goodman's back. He's all about the action.
Goodman missing with some ground and pound from the half guard. #T3#
Goodman working the head and body with strikes.
Cruz taking some punishment here, with Goodman in his half guard. #SUB2#
Cruz looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Goodman throwing shots but Cruz is blocking nicely.
Goodman is thwarting Cruz's attempts to control the position.
Cruz is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Goodman scores with a couple of nice shots.
Goodman looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Cruz wants to get back to full guard.
Goodman tries to pass the half guard into mount. Cruz knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Cruz has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Goodman wants to control but Cruz is keeping him busy. #T4#
Cruz wants to improve his position but Goodman is controlling well.
Ground and pound from Goodman.
Goodman is thwarting Cruz's attempts to control the position.
Goodman prevents Cruz from improving his position.
Cruz trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cruz is trying desperately to improve position.
Cruz tries to hold on but Goodman pushes him away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

White Goodman dominated that second round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!#R3#
Goodman throws a shot from downtown. Cruz moves away and avoids it.#CL#
Goodman instigates a clinch.
Goodman lands a left hand.
Cruz pushes Goodman back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Cruz lands a nice uppercut.#TD2#
Cruz has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Goodman uses from the top position.
Goodman is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Goodman postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Cruz pulls Goodman in close to prevent any damage.
Cruz is trying to keep Goodman in close.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Goodman stands and throws Cruz's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Cruz is not in a great position here, taking some shots. #T1#
Goodman scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Cruz to see if he's OK.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.#SUB#
Goodman working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Cruz can't do much from the bottom here.
Cruz manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Goodman content to control rather than advance. #T2#
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Cruz trying to control here.
Ground and pound from Goodman.
Cruz works his way to full guard. Good work.#SUB2#
Cruz working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Goodman doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Goodman manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Goodman connects with a couple of short punches.
Goodman controlling from the top position.
Goodman tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
Goodman 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.#T3#
Cruz is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Goodman looking to pass the guard.
Goodman not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Goodman trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Goodman stands up over Cruz, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head. #SUB2#
Cruz is looking for a triangle but Goodman pushes his legs off easily.
Goodman working some strikes from top position.#T4#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Goodman controls from within his opponent's guard. #SUB2#
Cruz throws his legs up looking for a submission but Goodman uses it to pass to side control.
Cruz seems a little lost for a moment, as Goodman dominates the positioning.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Goodman trying to control the position but Cruz is working away.

And that's the end of the fight!
White Goodman showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Goodman 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 William Peck scores the fight 29:28
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 29:28
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... White Goodman!
White Goodman looked relieved post fight as he said the following; 'Losing is a genetic disorder much like baldness or necrophilia and its only your fault if you don't hate yourself enough to do something about it! Join Globo Gym !! I need some private reflection time. Im going to go rub one out with a slice of pizza.! Me'Shell Get the scooter!'.

Event: RFL 3 - Power of Three
Date: May 11, 2024

#R1#
Goodman fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Goodman takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Goodman walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Cruz showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Goodman.
Cruz connects with an inside leg kick.
Cruz blocks a jab.
Cruz throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Goodman is looking to clinch but Cruz is avoiding it.
Cruz is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Goodman scores with the left hand. Cruz knows he should have avoided that one.
We've been hearing reports that Goodman has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Goodman throws a body shot but no joy.
Cruz works the jab nicely.
Cruz throws a nice outside leg kick.
Donk. Cruz catches Goodman right on the button with a cross.#T1#
Goodman tries to clinch up.
Cruz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Goodman's sensitive parts.
Goodman takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Cruz throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Jacinto Cruz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Cruz shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Goodman tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Cruz paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Cruz tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Cruz misses with a low kick.
Goodman tries to counter with a takedown but Cruz is quick to defend against it.
Goodman lands a jab to Cruz's midsection.
Cruz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cruz cracks Goodman with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A nice leg kick from Cruz, right into the meat of the thigh.
Goodman checks the leg kick nicely there.
Goodman misses with a hook.
Goodman shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Cruz sprawls well. Cruz wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Goodman gets slowly back to his feet.#T2#
Goodman takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Cruz lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cruz is looking to slow Goodman down with leg kicks.
Goodman swings away with a body shot that misses
and Cruz counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Goodman moves forwards but Cruz connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Cruz buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Cruz thumps Goodman with a low kick.
Cruz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cruz clobbers Goodman with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Goodman throws a hook but Cruz blocks it.
Nice defenses there by Goodman.
Goodman is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.#T3#
Goodman slips a jab from Cruz.
Cruz missing with a left hand there. Goodman was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A jab from Cruz finds it's way through Goodman's defenses.
Jab by Cruz.
Goodman takes a swing at Cruz's ribcage but misses.
Goodman darts in looking for a takedown but Cruz gets double underhooks and turns Goodman into the cage.
Goodman lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Cruz or not. #TD#
Goodman successfully pulls guard.
Goodman keeping full guard, as Cruz tries to pass.
Cruz engaging in some classic timewasting tactics. #SUB#
Goodman had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Cruz defends it easily.
Cruz must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.#T4##SUB#
Goodman has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Cruz can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Cruz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Goodman is keeping the position for now.
Goodman not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cruz controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Goodman keeping moving, preventing Cruz from controlling successfully.
Cruz sitting in guard here, content to control.
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#
Cruz gets off balance looking for a body kick#TD#
and Goodman counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Goodman.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.
Goodman content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Goodman is stalling in the full guard.
Goodman stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cruz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Goodman working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz looking for a sweep. Not yet Cruz, not yet.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Cruz is on top in guard. #REVB#
Goodman controls Cruz momentarily but Cruz frees himself. #T1#
Cruz wants to control from the top but Goodman keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Goodman is trying to keep Cruz in close. #SUB#
Goodman 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.
Goodman is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.#SUB#
Goodman looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Cruz slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard. #SUB#
Goodman 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. #T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Cruz won't allow Goodman to sweep him here.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Goodman is keeping the position.
Cruz stopping the sweep attempt from Goodman.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Goodman is keeping the position.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Goodman wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Cruz is now in half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB#
Goodman actively working from the bottom here.#T3#
Goodman wants to control but Cruz is keeping busy.
Cruz is looking to advance position but Goodman won't allow it. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Goodman tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Goodman is looking to wear down Cruz with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Cruz chopping away at his opponent's legs. #TD#
Goodman shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Cruz makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Cruz.#T4#
Goodman postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Cruz keeping full guard, as Goodman tries to pass. #SUB2#
Cruz looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Goodman trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Goodman trying to control the position from guard on top but Cruz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cruz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Cruz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Goodman tries to free his leg and advance position but Cruz is retaining full guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

White Goodman dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R3#
Goodman misses with a wild body shot.
Cruz fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Goodman manages to avoid it.
Cruz connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Goodman 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 jab and scores with a low kick.
Cruz scores with a jab.
Goodman misses with a hook. Cruz ducked under it nicely.
Cruz looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Cruz connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Goodman lands an overhand right.
Goodman slips a straight right by Cruz.
Goodman misses with a straight left.
Cruz wants to counter the offense by Goodman and move into the clinch position.
A lazy left from Cruz finds it's target.
Cruz throws a looping overhand right but Goodman ducks down to avoid it.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A nice inside leg kick there by Cruz. That's going to slow Goodman down.
Jacinto Cruz seems to be getting the better of the standup.#T1#
Goodman looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.
Goodman takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Cruz lands a glancing blow to the side of Goodman's head.
Goodman loads up on a big right hand but Cruz slips the punch.
Cruz jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cruz scores with a nice strike.
Cruz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Cruz looks to throw the jab but Goodman is out of range.
Goodman half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Cruz lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Cruz lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Cruz jabs Goodman to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Cruz throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Cruz is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
An inside leg kick lands from Cruz. #T2#
Cruz tries to work over Goodman's front leg with a kick but Goodman checks it.
Cruz finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Goodman drops his hands momentarily and Cruz takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Cruz misses with a low kick as Goodman jumps back.
Goodman gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Cruz.
Goodman takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
A big left from Cruz misses.
Cruz misses with a hook #TD#
and Goodman counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Goodman landing with the ground and pound.
Cruz trying to control the position. #T3#
Goodman slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard. #SUB2#
Goodman 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. Goodman is looking to defend but Cruz has done well to lock his legs together - this could be big trouble for Goodman! Cruz pulls down on the head and a little smile comes across his face - he knows he's got it. Yep, Goodman taps out and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:31 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Jacinto Cruz!
In defeat, White Goodman stepped up to the mic, saying 'Nobody makes me bleed my own blood! Nobody! You only won because i did a set of ten thousand squats before the fight.'.

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 Blurstr�m scores the fight 45:50
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 45:50
Judge Roosa J�rvil�inen 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 Blurstr�m 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 Minnem�ki scores the fight 30:27
Judge Roosa J�rvil�inen 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 Minnem�ki scores the fight 27:30
Judge Roosa J�rvil�inen 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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