Masters of the Cage Grand Prix

[Cosmic Crippler]

I just ran my first fight in a 16 man open-weight tourney using my Masters of the Cage game. Here is the line up so far. The match ups were random (funny how some are classic rematches).
MOTC GRAND PRIX
BLOCK A
1) Chuck Liddell vs Mauricio Shogun Rua
2) Kevin Randleman vs Antonio Rodirigo Nogeura
3) Kazushi Sakuraba vs Wanderlei Silva
4) Igor Vochanchyn vs Mark Coleman
BLOCK B
1) Quinton Jackson vs Tito Ortiz
2) Fedor Emelianenko Alistair Overeem
3) Heath Herring vs Mirko Filipovic
4) Randy Couture vs Bob Sapp

[Cosmic Crippler]

Here is how the first match went down....
Fight #1
Chuck Liddell vs Mauricio Shogun Rua
Round 1
Shogun came out as everyone expected, fast and furious. Though Liddell stuffed Rua’s takedown attempts, Rua still scored with his lighting quick strikes. Liddell kept his composure and retaliated scoring with leg kicks and looping right hands. As the round continued, Liddell seemed to gain momentum by countering Rua’s strikes with lethal accuracy. After catching Chuck’s left hook on the jaw, Rua went down. Liddell immediately pounced and scored several solid shots from the side mount position. Not wanting any of Rua’s ground game, Liddell backed off and motioned for Rua to stand. Rua showcasing his recuperative powers, leapt to his feet and charged back into the fray. After landing a grazing blow with a flashy copeura kick, Rua unleashed a flurry of fists and feet that all hit their mark. Though momentarily stunned, Chuck shook it off and motioned for the Brazilian to keep it coming. Again the two met toe-to-toe, feet and fists flying. The Ice Man came out on top nailing Rua with six unanswered blows that sent Rau stumbling back. Rua now with blood trickling down his right eye, switched tactics and once again went in for the takedown. Liddell sprawled again and rode out the rest of the round.
Round 2
Though Rua was bloody and dominated the prior round, he came out looking ready to go. Chuck was taken back by the aggressive Chute Box fighter who steamrolled into him. Rua scored again and again with strikes and was able to avoid Chuck’s counters. Midway through the round Liddell got nailed with a classic Shogun flying knee that opened a cut over his brow. Liddell was rocked but regained his composure immediately. After landing several more blows Rua went in for the takedown and tumbled Liddell to the mat. Rua immediately stood up and landed a vicious head stomp after distracting Liddell by peppering his legs with kicks. Liddell miraculously survived the blow and managed to get back to his feet. Just as Liddell landed a leg kick the buzzer sounded ending the round.
Round 3
As the third round started the two fighters came out to touch gloves sending the crowd into a frenzy. The action went back and forth with both fighters blocking and countering but neither scoring significantly. Rua charged in for the clinch and attempted a takedown but Liddell negated it and landed a knee in the process. As the two separated Liddell saw his chance and blasted Rua with a kick to the body followed by a vicious stream of punches. As Rua stumbled back, blood poured down his right eye. The cut Chuck had opened up in the first round was now wide open. After a brief inspection from the ringside Dr. the Ref signaled for the bell.
WINNER: CHUCK LIDDELL / TKO (CUT)/ Round 3/ 2mins 15secs

[KethVale]

Nice way to start the Grand Prix Curt. Love seeing Liddell win. Can't wait to see Sakuraba/Silva and Block B i'm really looking forward to.

[Cosmic Crippler]

btw...the scoring went was follows
Round1 : Liddell 10-8
Round 2: Rua 10-8
All in all an awesome see-saw battle. Too bad it was stopped via cut. Could've gone either way.

[Cosmic Crippler]

Fight #2
Randy Couture vs Bob Sapp
Round 1
The crowed gasped in disbelief at the drastic size difference when the two shook hands in the center of the ring. Soon after the bell rang Sapp came in determined to swarm Couture. Couture kept circling enabling him avoid Sapps wild swings. After a blocked leg kick, Couture dove in with a perfect double leg takedown that managed to topple Sapp onto his back. Randy pounced and landed a series of elbows that cut Sapp slightly over his right eye. Randy continued his assault but Sapp managed to absorbed most of the damage and eventually shove Randy off of him and get to his feet. Soon after Sapp let loose with a volley of punches that rocked Randy and sent him to one knee. As Randy tried to regain his balance, Sapp rushed and shoved him to the mat. From there Sapp landed a grazing blow with a potentially fight ending head stomp. Randy scrambled and got guard desperately clinging to the bigger man. Much to the delight of the crowd Sapp hoisted Couture up in the air threatening to slam him into the mat. Couture with his wits about him released his guard and landed on all fours yet quickly jumped to his feet. Unbelievably Couture dove in again taking Sapp down yet another time. Sapp tried to sprawl but wound up on all fours. After landing some north south knees, Couture locked on the Gator Roll and wrenched on the big man’s neck. Sapp fought desperately grasping at Couture’s grip. After an intense struggle Sapp muscled his way free but rolled onto his back. Seeing his opportunity Couture leapt into the mount and fired down on Sapp. Sapp covered up surprisingly well and clung onto Couture forcing a stand up. As the two circled each other the crowd rose to its feet.
10-9 Couture
Round 2
Sapp came out visible tired but not ready to quit. Sapp rushed in and landed a big leg kick that stunned Couture. Sapp then followed it up with a kick to the body that bent Randy over along with a huge hook that sent him onto his back. Stunned and now marked with a swollen right eye, Couture was easily mounted by Sapp. Couture pulled guard and avoided the brunt of Sapp’s assault. Once again Sapp lifted Couture off the ground in an attempted slam. Once again the MMA vet Couture released his guard and was back on his feet. To the crowd’s amazement Couture fired off a combination that backed Sapp up. As he stepped back Couture shot in with perfect timing and took him to the mat. Couture pounded away from the guard but Sapp’s gigantic arms held him at bay. While Sapp tried to muscle out from the bottom Couture slapped on the Gator Roll again locking it on tight. Sapp escaped quicker this time but was still taxed by the effort. Randy remained in Sapp’s Guard the rest of the round but was unable to do any significant damage.
10-9 Couture
Round 3
As the two squared off Sapp’s massive chest was heaving trying desperately to gasp for air. Couture the ever pillar of fitness, looked fresh. Nonetheless Sapp charged in. Sapp unleashed a haymaker that landed square onto Randy’s face. Couture now with a slightly cut left eye stumbled back. Sapp seeing his chance continued his assault with a kick to mid section followed by a barrage of hammering blows that batted Couture side to side. Somehow Couture regained his composure and held onto Sapp momentarily stopping his attack. Couture tried for the takedown but Sapp shoved him off. Couture, not to be dissuaded charged back in trying to implore his patented dirty boxing. Sapp responded in kind and the two pounded away at each other from the clinch. The two then separated for a moment only to have Randy shoot back in for a takedown attempt. Sapp sprawled and shoved the smaller man back. Randy, seeing that Sapp was visibly gassed kept at the takedown attempt again and again. Finally after 4 shots in a row, Randy toppled the giant onto his back. Once again Randy went for the Gator Roll. Though Sapp avoided it this time, it opened him up to Couture’s ground and pound. For the last 3 minutes, Randy remained on top peppering Sapp with short elbows and punches.
10-9 Couture (Randy won this round by 1 pt).
WINNER: RANDY COUTURE/ 3RD ROUND/ UNANIMOUS DECISION

[Cosmic Crippler]

Fight #3
Kevin Randleman vs Antonio Rodirigo Nogeura
Round 1
The bell sounded and the two fighters cautiously circled each other. Nogeura came out with a quick jab that Randellman slipped under. Then the ever-explosive Randellman shot in for the takedown. Noguera sprawled and fired back with a straight right. Randellman ducked under and charged in for the clinch tying the Brazlian up. From there he went for a body lock takedown but was thwarted again as Nogeura shoved him off. Just as soon as Randellman regained his footing, Noguera grabbed onto him and leapt up pulling Randellman down into his guard. Immediately Noguera slipped on a lighting quick armbar. After a hard fought struggle Randellman escaped. Before he could catch his breath the irrepressible Nogeura threw on a triangle choke. Randellman showcasing his lightning quick speed burst out of the Brazilian’s grip. During his escape though, Randellman fell back allowing Noguera to gain the top position. From there Noguera launched a series of punches through Randellman’s guard. Randellman covered up and bucked up his hips in an attempted sweep but was soon caught with Noguera on his back. From there Noguera sunk his hooks in and went for the rear naked choke. Amazingly Randellan broke free and tried once again tried for the sweep. As the two battled for control Noguera gained the back mount again. Before Randellman could escape Noguera sunk in yet another choke. This time even Randellman’s natural speed and power couldn’t save him. Though Randellam struggled the choke was just too deep.
WINNER: ANTONIO RODIRIGO NOGEURA/ ROUND 1/ SUBMISSION/ 2 minutes 6 seconds.

[Cosmic Crippler]

Since you wanted too see it Keith, here it is...
Fight #4
Wanderlei Silva vs Kazushi Sakuraba
After an intense stare down from Silva during the referee’s overview of the rules, the bell rang. Wanderlei charged in as usual and unleashed a huge uppercut. Sakuraba slipped to the side causing Wanderlei to loose his balance. Sakuraba now with his back to his opponent, reached under and took Wanderlei to the mat with a rolling knee bar. Though Wanderlei immediately broke free Sakuraba spun around and threw on a lightning quick armbar. After a brief struggle, Wanderlei reluctantly tapped out.
WINNER: KAZUSHI SAKURABA/ ROUND 1/ SUBMISSION/ 52 seconds

[Cosmic Crippler]

The last fight was a total upset. Because of Wanderlie's SUB rating there was about a 2% chance of him tapping out early in that fight. Crazy, huh?

[Cosmic Crippler]

Fight #5 Quinton Jackson vs Tito Ortiz
Round 1
From the start of the match it was apparent that these two were evenly matched. The first several minutes were spent with each fighter going back and forth attempting takedowns and strikes. When it seemed as if neither fighter could get the upper hand Tito let loose a series of punches that landed cleanly onto Jackson’s jaw. He stumbled backwards for a moment but recovered quickly. Jackson smiled and nodded to Tito then charged in and an attempted his patented slam. Tito countered the move easily but was caught by a straight right from Jackson as he backed off. Before Tito could recover Jackson tied him up and took him to the mat with a back heel trip. From there Jackson went to reign down blows from the guard but was negated by Tito’s defense. Tito held on tight nullifying Jackson’s offense forcing a stand up by the ref. As time ticked away to the end of the round Jackson charged forward and landed a solid combination of punches that backed Tito up.
10-9 Jackson
Round 2
The second round started much like the first with both fighters going back and forth with strikes and takedown attempts. Tito the fresher of the two seemed more mobile landing some strikes, which scored but did little damage. Seeing that Jackson was slowing some Tito then pressed the attack with beautiful shot that sent Jackson to his back. Tito then poured on the ground and pound. Though Jackson tried to defend Tito’s relentless attack got through his guard. After eating a good number of elbows blood trickled down Jackson’s forehead. Showing amazing resiliency and strength, Jackson shoved Tito off and leapt to his feet. Jackson realizing that he was behind and the round was nearly up tried to pick up the pace. After latching onto Tito Jackson snapped his head back ala dirty boxing and followed through with a knee to the body and glancing straight right. Tito shook off the blows and dove in scoring yet another takedown.
10-8 Ortiz
Round 3
Before the bell sounded to start the round Tito was already on his feet staring straight at Jackson who seemed the more tired of the two. As soon as the round started Tito was in the center of the ring right in Jackson’s face. Once again the two circled dodging each other’s punches and kicks and avoiding each other’s takedowns. As soon as Jackson began to slow Tito dove in with a double leg that sent Jackson to the mat. In true Tito fashion he let loose his elbows and punches over and over. Jackson did his best to counter but was overwhelmed under the onslaught. Tito loaded up his strikes landing bomb after bomb. Jackson did have a few close sweeps but Tito’s awesome ground control and wrestling ability kept him on top position. After landing a huge elbow onto Jackson’s head Tito went in for the finish. In a seemingly endless stream of blows Tito unleashed his full power on Jackson who helplessly cradled his head. Soon after the ref jumped in to stop the fight.
WINNER/ TITO ORTIZ/ ROUND 3/ TKO/ 2 minutes 19 seconds

[KethVale]

Damn shocked to see the Axe Murderer loose like that. Glad to see the Natural win he's easily my favorite fighter. Also cool to see Tito do well, always liked him but i've gotten a greater respect now watching him on Ultimate Fighter as a coach. Keep up the great results Curt.

[Cosmic Crippler]

Fight #6
Fedor Emelianenko Alistair Overeem
Round #1
From the start Fedor was the aggressor. The first 2 minutes consited of Fedor pursuing Allistair who countered everything the Russian had to offer. Then, after landing kick to the body Fedor slung Allistair to the mat. From there Fedor went to work unleashing his brutal ground and pound and Sambo skills. Despite Allistair’s best efforts he could not get out from the bottom position. Fedor landed scored over and over with brutal baragges of strikes and submission attempts. Though Alistair managed to survive Fedor easily won the round.
10-8 FEDOR
Round #2
Knowing that he was behind on the judge’s cards Alistair tried to put the pressure on. After avoiding Alistair’s punches kicks and knee’s Fedor closed the distance and tossed him to the mat. From here round 2 was a carbon copy of round 1 with Fedor on top punishing the Dutchman.
10-8 FEDOR
Round #3
As the two came out it was apparent that Alistair was at the end of his gas tank. Again Alistair tried to land strikes from the outside hoping to gain the advantage. Fedor used his speed and head movement to avoid the blows and moved in and out landing strikes of his own. After a vicious combo from Fedor Alistair spilled against the ropes. As Fedor charged in to finish him off Alistair locked onto him with guillotine choke. Showing why he is often called inhuman, Fedor lifted Alistair off the ground and slammed him to the mat. From there Fedor got on Alistair’s guard and pounded away. As Alistair’s head bounced off the canvas the ref signaled for the bell.
WINNER/ FEDOR EMELIANANKO/ TKO/ 3mins 8 seconds

[Cosmic Crippler]

FIGHT #7
Mark Coleman vs Igor Vochanchyn
Round 1
Coleman came out the aggressor stalking Igor around the ring. Coleman opened up with a few wild right crosses that Igor easily avoided. Coleman then closed the distance and grasped onto Igor from the clinch attempting to land some blows from the inside. Igor once gain defended but was soon taken to the mat by Coleman’s world class wrestling skills. From there it was all Coleman. After wrenching on Igor’s neck with a neck crank Coleman pummeled him from the guard landing some damaging blows. Igor in an attempted sweep wound up on all fours which nearly got him KO’d by Coleman’s vicious knees. Coleman then continued his ground and pound clinic to finish off the round strong.
10-8 Coleman
ROUND 2
Coleman charged in again immediately latching onto Igor with a standing guillotine choke. Igor slipped out and let loose a front high kick that stumbled Coleman back. Seeing his opening Igor launched forward into a stream of full powered punches. Coleman managed to stifle his attack by grabbing him in the clinch. Inevitably Igor wound up on the mat with Coleman ontop. Coleman pounded away once again chipping away at Igor’s defense. Coleman clasped onto Igor’s arm and neck smothering him in a side choke. Though Igor was in no danger of submitting the hold wore him down. After countering a failed sweep Coleman grabbed onto Igor’s head from the top and wrenched back into a neck crank. Despite Igor’s efforts he soon tapped out ending the match.
WINNER/ MARK COLEMAN/ SUBMISSION/ ROUND 2/ 2 MIN 39 SECONDS

[Cosmic Crippler]

FIGHT #8
MIRKO FILIPOVIC VS HEATH HERRING
ROUND 1
The two fighter’s wasted no time and met in the center of the ring. After some back and forth striking and countering Cro Cop took control. Cro Cop backed up Heath with solid leg kicks and followed throw with crisp punches. Seeing his opening Cro Cop launched his leg high into the air and sent it crashing down onto Heath’s head. The blow sent Herring stumbling back and opened a cut in the middle of his brow. Cro Cop then followed up with a liver kick that only partially landed. Though Heath was hurt and bleeding, he charged into Cro Cop with a wild punching flurry. Cro Cop caught by surprise, fell back onto the mat stunned. Heath wasted no time and leapt onto him. Heath was content to stay in the guard and ground and pound away. Cro Cop managed to recover but not after getting nailed by Heath’s assault. Then, after a missed punch by Heath Crop put his legs on Heath’s hips and launched him off. Once Cro Cop was back onto his feet he tore into Heath with blistering barrage of punches. Heath managed to weather the storm and nodded to Crop Cop encouraging him to try it again. Cro Cop obliged and let loose another combo scoring again. Amazingly Heath came back strong letting the leather fly. Once again Crop was rocked and fell back with blood trickling from his nose. Far from finished Cro Cop ended the round with a grazing roundhouse kick that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
10-9 Heath
ROUND 2
Cro Cop came out looking determined to settle the score. Starting off strong he landed a grazing axe kick and followed through with a solid straight right. After blocking a low kick Heath rushed in for the takedown. Cro Cop sprawled and landed a short uppercut. Cro Cop then wrapped up Heath in the clinch but was shoved off before he could mount any offense. With Cro Cop off balance heath took a running start and launched a jumping high kick that landed collided with the Croation’s head. Blood poored down Cro Cops face as he backed away. Heath shot in again for the takedown but Crop Cop was able to sprawl once again. The rest of the round saw Heath stalking Cro Cop who looked content to ride out the rest of the round.
10-9 Heath
ROUND 3
Before the round Heath waved his arms to the crowd who cheered him on. He then charged in looking to finish the Croation. Heath launched some wild punches that only partially connected sending Cro Cop back. He then got in close and nailed Cro Cop with a clean knee to the body. Just as Heath seemed to set himself up to attack again Crop Cop shot a clean straight right rocked Heath back. Before Heath could recover Crop continued his assault knocking Heath around the ring. Soon both Heath’s eyes were cut and his confidence seemed to falter as Cro Cop continued to punish him with his lightning quick strikes. Over and over again Crop came in with blistering combos that Heath had no answer for. As the round ended Cro Cop raised his hands on the way back to his corner.
10-8 CRO COP
After tallying the score cards the judges declared the fight as a draw. After a brief intermission it was determined to have an overtime round to decide the winner.
ROUND 4
Both fighter’s seemed to be empowered by the cheering crowd as the round started. Heath charged forward Texas Crazy Horse style ready to rumble. In anticipation Crop launched his patented left roundhouse that sent Heath flat onto his back. Cro Cop then jumped onto him looking to finish. Heath managed to e come to and pulled guard. As Cro Cop tried to launch another assault Heath scrambled from underneath and gained the top position. From there he let loose some knees from the side mount that thudded into Crop Cops rib cage. As Cro Cop went to cover his body Herring nailed him with a series of hammerfists. Before he could continue his attack Cro Cop shoved him off with and made it back to his feet. The two then went toe-to-toe letting the feet and fists fly. Though no one scored cleanly they both managed to land some grazing blows. As the bell sounded the crowd leapt to their feet in applause.
10-9 HEATH HERRING
WINNER/ HEATH HERRING/ DECISION/ ROUND 4/OVERTIME

[Cosmic Crippler]

This last fight was so close. Cro Cop's ratings were far better than Heaths but the dice were just in Heath's favor. In the overtime round Heath wound up winning by 4 points, which were 2, 2-point punches. So close. This one could've gone either way. There will definetly be a rematch in the future.

[Cosmic Crippler]

With round 1 already done with the stage is set for the semi finals. Here's how the next card will look...
SEMI FINALS
BLOCK A
Chuck Liddell vs Antonio Rodirigo Nogeura
Kazushi Sakuraba vs Mark Coleman
BLOCK B
Tito Ortiz vs Fedor Emelianenko
Randy Couture vs Heath Herring
SUPERFIGHT
Royce Gracie vs Dan Henderson
FINALS
Winner “Block A” vs Winner “Block B”

[Cosmic Crippler]

MOTC GRAND PRIX SEMI-FINALS
FIGHT #1
Chuck Liddell vs Antonio Rodirigo Nogeura
Round 1
At first the two fighters seemed content to feel each other out and find their range. Noguera fired off punches and Liddell would attempt a counter. After a tasting a few of Liddell’s high kicks and punches Noguera decided to go for the takedown. Liddell countered easily and kept his distance and continued to pepper Noguera with strikes. Noguera eager to bring things to the mat jumped onto Liddell in an attempt to pull him to the mat into his guard. Liddell braced himself and shoved the Brazilian off of him. As Noguera regained his balance, Liddell let loose a roundhouse kick that cracked him across the skull sending him onto his back. Seeing that Noguera was stunned Liddell leapt onto him firing down punches. Fortunately for Noguera his iron-chin held true and he defended the onslaught. Not wanting to engage the Brazilian on the ground, Liddell stood back up. Noguera leapt back up and met Liddell head on. From there Liddell poured the pressure on, firing of combo’s one after the other. Though Noguera deflected some of the blows a good number of them found their mark and continued to do damage. With blood trickling down his forehead, Noguera rode out the rest of the round.
10-8 Liddell
Round 2
Noguera seemed determined to change the pace of the fight as he charged across the ring. Before Liddell could counter Noguera pounded onto him locking a tight guillotine choke. Liddell struggled and somehow mananged to shove Noguera off. Wasting no time Noguera fired off a crisp combination that hit cleanly and knocked Liddell backwards. Liddell now bleeding from the forehead, looked stunned. From there Noguera wrapped Liddell back up in the clinch and tumbled him down to the mat. Liddell pulled guard as Noguera peppered him with strikes. After a near escape from Liddell Noguera locked on an anaconda choke. Though Liddell escaped the effort left him prone to more ground and pound. Knowing that remaining on the ground was certain doom, Liddell clasped onto the Brazilian and rolled. Liddell then sprung to his feet motioning for Nogeura to stand. From there Liddell poured on the offense with a relentless offense of kicks and punches. Though Noguera’s inhuman chin and defense kept him standing Liddell’s assault had taken it’s toll. Seeing his chance to finish Liddell fired off a a barrage of punches. Noguera deftly side stepped, clinched, and brought Liddell to the mat once again. Just as the bell sounded Liddell exploded up and scrambled back up to his feet.
10-9 Noguera
Round 3
As the bell rang the crowd erupted into applause knowing that this round could very well decide the winner of the fight. As they clashed in the center of the ring Noguera locked into Liddell from the clinch. Though Liddell attempted to counter Noguera held on tight and flung him to the mat. As Liddell tried to escape Noguera got his back, sunk his hooks in and locked on a rear naked choke. After a hard fought battle Liddell broke free only to find himself back into trouble with an armbar. Amazingly Liddell broke free, but only for a moment. As Liddell tried to stand, Noguera latched onto his head and arm into an anaconda choke. Once again Liddell managed to escape. As Liddell struggled to his feet Noguera closed the distance and unleashed a polished jab, straight combo. Liddell seemed empowered the blows somehow, and returned the favor with some strikes of his own. Liddell now back in his game peppered Noguera with leg kicks and punches backing the Brazilian off. After taking a spinning back kick to the mid-section Noguera fell against the ropes. Seeing his opening Liddell bombarded him with punches snapping the Brazilian’s head back over and over. As Liddell loaded up to finish him Noguera latched onto him sinking in a standing guillotine. Liddell stumbled backwards with Noguera holding tight. Eventually they fell to the mat with Noguera landing on top. Once they were on the mat Nogeura released the hold and reigned down punches from the top. Liddell pulled guard and bobbed his head from the ground avoiding most of the damage. Knowing the clock was ticking and the score was close, Liddell bucked up his hips knocking Noguera off. As Liddell sprung to his feet the bell sounded ending the fight.
10-9 Liddell
WINNER/ CHUCK LIDDELL/ DECISION/ ROUND 3/ 5MINS 0 SECONDS

[Cosmic Crippler]

Noguera lost that last round by 3pts which equates to one or two moves. If he had won that round it would've gone to overtime. Liddell once again squeaks by in an awesome but close match.

[Cosmic Crippler]

FIGHT 2
Mark Coleman vs Kazushi Sakuraba
Round 1
As expected Coleman plowed into Sakuraba and took him to the mat. Immediately he rocked Sakuraba with north south knees, bloodying his nose. Coleman then proceeded to pound away from the guard not letting Sakuraba recover. Just when it seemed Sakuraba was about to escape, Coleman hammered him again with some knee drives that sent him onto his back. Coleman went to work Hammer House style and pummeled Sakuraba with short punches over and over. Though hurt and bleeding Sakuraba was far from done. After a missed punch from the guard, Sakuraba swept Coleman and got in the top position. From there he leapt to his feet and nailed Coleman with some kicks to his legs. Sakuraba then leapt onto Coleman and attempted a Kimura. Coleman muscled out and wound up ontop of Sakuraba in the process. Coleman took over again and continued his ground and pound. Though Sakuraba was able to reverse him again, he was quickly returned to his back where Coleman stayed for the rest of the round.
Coleman 10-8
Round 2
Sakuraba came out aggressively latching onto Coleman in the clinch and landing a solid knee to the body. As Coleman backed off Sakuraba let loose a leg kick that forced him back. Sakuraba then shot in but was shoved aside by Coleman’s explosive sprawl. Coleman then closed the distance and tossed Sakuraba to the mat with a head and arm takedown. From there Coleman landed his lethal knees that rocked Sakuraba once again. Coleman then went for the ground and pound. Sakuraba wisely clamped onto him and forced a stand up from the ref. Back on their feet Sakuraba looked timid as Coleman stalked him. Coleman jumped onto Sakuraba sinking in a guillotine choke. Sakuraba easily counted but ate a right hook as he backed away. Just as Coleman shot in for a double leg, the round ended.
Coleman 10-9
Round 3
Coleman charged in determined to take Sakuraba to the mat again. In anticipation Sakuraba spun around and landed a powerful spinning back kick that sent Coleman to one knee. Sakuraba followed through with a high kick but Coleman blocked and tackled Sakuraba to the mat. Coleman immediately went for a side choke but Sakuraba slipped out and gained control. As Coleman tried to escape, Sakuraba got his back and sunk in a deep choke. After a hard struggle Coleman broke free and got back to guard. Sakuraba then stood and leapt into the air attempting a flying stomp. Coleman blocked by kicking up at Sakuraba and dove onto him as he tried to regain his balance. Not wasting anytime, Coleman clasped onto Sakuraba’s neck with a neck crank. After barely escaping Sakuraba fell onto his back exhausted by the effort. As he lay stunned Coleman went to work landing huge shots from the mount. Though Sakuraba was momentarily able to stop the assault, a second barrage from Coleman sent his head crashing into the canvas again. Knowing he was far ahead on the judges cards, Coleman looked content to ride the rest of the round out controlling Sakuraba from the guard.
Coleman 10-8
WINNER/ MARK COLEMAN/ UNANIMOUS DECISION/ ROUND 3

[nelson]

great action gives me some insight on that type of fighting.

[KethVale]

Great semis so far Curt. Liddell/Nogeura split descion don't surprise me both are great. Looking forward to their rematch somewhere down the line. Nice to see the Hammer win his match though i'm a little surprised how easy it seemed to be, figured Sakuraba would have done more damage.