Post by The Sandman on Feb 16, 2023 23:46:28 GMT -5
Royce Gracie looks very relaxed.
Matt Hughes doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Mark Smith.
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Round 1
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The fight gets underway.
A punch from Matt Hughes
gets blocked by Royce.
Poorly executed technique. Royce Gracie looks to counter!
Royce Gracie tries to bring the fight to the ground
Hughes goes down.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Royce tries to cover his face,
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Royce Gracie tries to finish with a leg lock!
Hughes is able to break the lock.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Royce is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
Royce Gracie throws a flurry of punches at Hughes...
A lot of them are hitting Hughes's face
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Hughes
Royce tries to escape from closed guard...
Royce struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Hughes
Royce Gracie tries to pass Matt Hughes's guard...
Royce Gracie manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Royce tries to cover his face,
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Royce Gracie keeps control and remains in side mount.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Hughes tries to show some ground skills
Royce uses his strength to keep Royce at a disadvantage
Royce is trying to counter now!
Royce Gracie looks to mount Matt Hughes...
Royce Gracie slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes tries to roll to his side and trap Royce Gracie in his guard...
Matt Hughes gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Hughes
Royce is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Royce Gracie uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Hughes
Royce Gracie is looking to pass Matt Hughes's guard...
Royce Gracie gets his hips free and moves to half guard.
The clock says 2:50 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Royce blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Hughes clumsily fails here and it's time for Royce Gracie to fight back!
Royce Gracie tries to pass Matt Hughes's guard...
Royce Gracie manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Hughes tries to show some ground skills
Royce uses his strength to keep Royce at a disadvantage
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Matt Hughes manages to switch to half guard.
The clock says 3:20 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Hughes
Royce tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Hughes from the side mount!
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Royce Gracie isolates Matt Hughes's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Matt Hughes is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Hughes tries to show some ground skills
Matt Hughes put Royce in half guard.
Mark Smith has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Palau Sant Jordi (Barcelona, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Royce fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Matt Hughes didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Hard blow to Hughes's mid-section, he seems hurt
The clock says 3:50 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Royce is in open guard over Hughes... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Hughes rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Back to the beginning! Matt Hughes is standing now.
Hughes is standing while Royce is on the ground on his back
Matt Hughes steps back and allows Royce to get back to his feet.
Royce climbs to his feet and is standing now.
The clock says 4:10 in the 1 round
Royce pushes Matt Hughes and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
You have to give credit to the match-maker for putting on such an even fight.
Royce Gracie is doing his best Floyd Mayweather impression by not engaging.
Tremendous strikes from Royce!
Some big punches are landing!
Matt Hughes is doing his best Floyd Mayweather impression by not engaging.
The clock says 4:55 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Mark Smith separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was a close round.
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Round 2
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Royce studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
Royce Gracie goes with a looping right hand while Matt Hughes jumps back and jabs
Royce seems staggered and Matt Hughes runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Royce Gracie fakes a punch and launches himself over Matt Hughes
Great move by Royce who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The clock says 0:40 in the 2 round
The fighters are clinching.
Matt Hughes shoots and grab Royce Gracie's ankle trying to take him down with a Heel Trip Reversal
Hughes scoop up Royce Gracie's ankle with one hand and pushes his body with another forcing Royce to the mat
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Matt Hughes tries to pass to half guard...
Royce Gracie can't prevent his opponent from passing. Hughes looks to work from half guard.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Royce moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Matt Hughes breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Poorly executed technique. Matt Hughes looks to counter!
Matt Hughes tries to pass Royce Gracie's guard...
Matt Hughes passes momentarily but Royce Gracie sees and opening and traps him in full guard.
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Hughes throws a few hammer fists to the face of Royce Gracie
Solid shots!
Royce's Left eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 1:25 in the 2 round
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Royce tries to close his guard around Hughes
He is not able to do it
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
As the fight continues it seems that Matt Hughes is taking the best of the fight.
Matt Hughes tries to pass to half guard...
Royce Gracie can't prevent his opponent from passing. Hughes looks to work from half guard.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
1:42 Round 2 and Hughes is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Matt Hughes pushes Royce's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Hughes who is in full mount! Royce is in trouble now!
The clock says 1:50 in the 2 round
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie tries to roll to his side and trap Matt Hughes in his guard...
Matt Hughes rolls him over and takes his back!
Hughes is in rear mount over Royce
Royce has Hughes controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Showing some ground skills he transitions to a side mount.
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Royce tries to show some ground skills
Hughes uses his strength to keep Hughes at a disadvantage
Royce Gracie gets sloppy and Matt Hughes tries to take advantage...
Matt Hughes looks to mount Royce Gracie...
Matt Hughes slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Hughes goes for an armbar!
Royce Gracie breaks the lock and pushes away Matt Hughes, who rolls over his back and gets to standing position.
Mark Smith halts the fight to stand up Matt Hughes. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Palau Sant Jordi (Barcelona, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Royce Gracie tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Hughes is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Hard blow to Hughes's mid-section, he seems hurt
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Hughes
Royce tries to escape from closed guard...
Royce struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes tries to close the guard.
Hughes put Royce Gracie in closed guard.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Hughes
Royce Gracie tries to pass Matt Hughes's guard...
Royce Gracie manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Hughes
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Royce Gracie work his BJJ game.
Royce Gracie tries to free his leg...
Royce Gracie uses some of his skill by jumping out of Hughes's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Matt Hughes manages to switch to full guard.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Royce tries to cover his face,
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Royce Gracie tries to pass to half guard...
Matt Hughes can't prevent his opponent from passing. Royce looks to work from half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Hughes
Royce Gracie tries a kimura
Hughes breaks the lock.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes tries to turn away and scramble out. Royce Gracie takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke!
He can't lock it up. Matt Hughes spins out and gets back to his feet.
Royce clumsily fails here and it's time for Matt Hughes to fight back!
Matt Hughes attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Matt Hughes manages to switch to half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Hughes
Royce is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
Royce Gracie hooks Hughes's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Matt Hughes manages to kick Royce away and scrambles on top!
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Royce Gracie slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Matt Hughes cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Royce Gracie gets sloppy and Matt Hughes tries to take advantage...
Hughes moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Royce Gracie attempts to move to full guard
Royce Gracie manages to switch to full guard.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
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Round 3
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Royce Gracie fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Royce studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
Hughes tries to grapple
He puts Royce in a double underhook!
Royce Gracie pushes away Hughes trying to keep the fight at striking range
Hughes doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Royce Gracie
The fighters are clinching.
Matt Hughes tries a Foot Sweep takedown on Royce Gracie
well done Royce falls hard on the mat
Hughes is standing while Royce is on the ground on his back
Hughes has a high cardio that helps him make great performances.
Hughes cartwheels towards Royce!
He lands in side mount over a surprised Royce Gracie.
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie attempts to trap Matt Hughes in his guard.
Royce Gracie manages to switch to full guard.
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Matt Hughes pushes Royce Gracie against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Hughes jumps and tries to free his leg! Royce doesn't allow this but Matt Hughes is able to get half guard here.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Royce Gracie attempts to move to full guard
Matt Hughes keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Royce Gracie overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Hughes pulls his arm out of danger.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Matt Hughes pushes Royce's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Royce wraps his legs while he holds Matt Hughes's head... Tight guard!
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Matt Hughes tries to free his leg...
Matt Hughes uses some of his skill by jumping out of Royce's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes looks to mount Royce Gracie...
Matt Hughes slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Hughes tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Matt Hughes controls the situation despite Royce Gracie efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie tries to roll to his side and trap Matt Hughes in his guard...
Royce Gracie gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Royce tries to close his guard around Hughes
He is not able to do it
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Hughes moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Matt Hughes tries to pass Royce Gracie's guard...
Matt Hughes manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 3:05 in the 3 round
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie attempts to trap Matt Hughes in his guard.
Royce Gracie manages to switch to full guard.
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Royce tries to close his guard around Hughes
He is not able to do it
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Hughes moves on the ground
Matt Hughes moves to side mount
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie attempts to trap Matt Hughes in his guard.
Matt Hughes keeps control and remains in side mount.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Good movement from Hughes
moving in to strike and moving away afterwards.
There is a small laceration on Royce Gracie's Right eye
Hughes is holding Royce Gracie's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Royce Gracie loses balance and goes to the ground.
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes looks to mount Royce Gracie...
Matt Hughes slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Hughes tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Matt Hughes controls the situation despite Royce Gracie efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
He successfully moves to half guard!
The clock says 4:40 in the 3 round
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Hughes tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes looks to pass to mount...
Hughes slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Royce Gracie.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie tries to roll to his side and trap Matt Hughes in his guard...
Matt Hughes keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Mark Smith tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is maybe for Matt Hughes, but it's close.
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Round 4
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Matt Hughes shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Royce Gracie is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Hughes into his guard.
The clock says 0:20 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Royce
Hughes use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Palau Sant Jordi (Barcelona, Spain) is cheering him!
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes looks to mount Royce Gracie...
Matt Hughes slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 0:45 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Hughes works on the ground with his fingers over Royce's face
He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Mark Smith saw it!
Mark Smith takes away one point from Matt Hughes for eye poke.
Mark Smith halts the fight to give Royce time to recover. Royce Gracie seems to be ready to fight again. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Hughes and Royce circle around the center of the cage.
Royce Gracie is doing his best Floyd Mayweather impression by not engaging.
Matt Hughes tries to bring the fight to the ground
Royce goes down.
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Royce switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Hughes struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Poorly executed technique. Matt Hughes looks to counter!
Hughes moves on the ground
Matt Hughes moves to side mount
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes looks to mount Royce Gracie...
Matt Hughes slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
Royce is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Matt Hughes pushes Royce Gracie down and prevents his attempts to escape
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Hughes goes for an armbar!
You can see the pain reflected in Royce's eyes...
You can see the pain reflected in Royce's eyes...
Royce struggles to free himself
Royce Hyper-extended his left arm
Crippling lock!
Royce struggles to free himself
Royce Gracie breaks the lock and pushes away Matt Hughes, who rolls over his back and gets to standing position.
Mark Smith halts the fight to stand up Matt Hughes. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Palau Sant Jordi (Barcelona, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Matt Hughes tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Royce is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Hughes moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
The clock says 2:25 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Hughes tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Royce from the side mount!
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes was tooling Royce Gracie for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Royce Gracie lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Matt Hughes looks to mount Royce Gracie...
Matt Hughes slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Hughes tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Matt Hughes controls the situation despite Royce Gracie efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Matt Hughes pushes Royce Gracie down and prevents his attempts to escape
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Good looking punches from Matt Hughes on the ground
They could take their toll on Royce.
There is a small laceration on Royce Gracie's Right eye
That punishment by Matt Hughes has left Royce staggered! Matt Hughes should try push forward now and finish this!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes Swarms all over his opponent trying to finish this fight!
Royce Gracie is taking a ton of punishment! He needs to defend himself or the ref will stop the fight.
Royce has a small cut in his Right eye
Royce Gracie seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Matt Hughes!
The clock says 3:05 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Hughes tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Matt Hughes controls the situation despite Royce Gracie efforts for escaping from the full mount.
That punishment by Matt Hughes has left Royce staggered! Matt Hughes should try push forward now and finish this!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Hughes positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Royce's being punished here!
Royce's Nose is beginning to swell
Royce has a small cut in his Nose
Royce seems a bit groggy... his movements are not very coordinated now.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes Swarms all over his opponent trying to finish this fight!
Royce Gracie is taking a ton of punishment! He needs to defend himself or the ref will stop the fight.
That brutal impact left Royce laid out on the mat! Matt Hughes's corner come in to congratulate him!
Royce has a small cut in his Right cheek
Winner is Matt Hughes by KO (GnP) at 3:30 Round 4
Statistics: Royce Gracie
Punches 3/4 (75%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 3/3 (100%)
GnP strikes 4/5 (80%)
Submissions 10/10 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 842 s
Statistics: Matt Hughes
Punches 6/10 (60%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 4/4 (100%)
GnP strikes 22/33 (67%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 822 s
Mostly even until Hughes decided to win. Interesting. Very possible Royce became tired. Or at least more tired than Huges.
Matt Hughes doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Mark Smith.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
A punch from Matt Hughes
gets blocked by Royce.
Poorly executed technique. Royce Gracie looks to counter!
Royce Gracie tries to bring the fight to the ground
Hughes goes down.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Royce
He is not able to do it
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Royce tries to cover his face,
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Royce Gracie tries to finish with a leg lock!
Hughes is able to break the lock.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Royce is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
Royce Gracie throws a flurry of punches at Hughes...
A lot of them are hitting Hughes's face
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Hughes
Royce tries to escape from closed guard...
Royce struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Hughes
Royce Gracie tries to pass Matt Hughes's guard...
Royce Gracie manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Royce tries to cover his face,
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Royce Gracie keeps control and remains in side mount.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Hughes tries to show some ground skills
Royce uses his strength to keep Royce at a disadvantage
Royce is trying to counter now!
Royce Gracie looks to mount Matt Hughes...
Royce Gracie slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Royce Gracie is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes tries to roll to his side and trap Royce Gracie in his guard...
Matt Hughes gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Hughes
Royce is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Royce Gracie uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Hughes
Royce Gracie is looking to pass Matt Hughes's guard...
Royce Gracie gets his hips free and moves to half guard.
The clock says 2:50 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Royce's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Royce blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Hughes clumsily fails here and it's time for Royce Gracie to fight back!
Royce Gracie tries to pass Matt Hughes's guard...
Royce Gracie manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Hughes tries to show some ground skills
Royce uses his strength to keep Royce at a disadvantage
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Matt Hughes manages to switch to half guard.
The clock says 3:20 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Hughes
Royce tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Hughes from the side mount!
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Royce Gracie isolates Matt Hughes's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Matt Hughes is able to relieve the pressure on his neck and slip out of the hold.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Hughes tries to show some ground skills
Matt Hughes put Royce in half guard.
Mark Smith has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Palau Sant Jordi (Barcelona, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Royce fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Matt Hughes didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Hard blow to Hughes's mid-section, he seems hurt
The clock says 3:50 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Royce is in open guard over Hughes... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Hughes rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Back to the beginning! Matt Hughes is standing now.
Hughes is standing while Royce is on the ground on his back
Matt Hughes steps back and allows Royce to get back to his feet.
Royce climbs to his feet and is standing now.
The clock says 4:10 in the 1 round
Royce pushes Matt Hughes and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
You have to give credit to the match-maker for putting on such an even fight.
Royce Gracie is doing his best Floyd Mayweather impression by not engaging.
Tremendous strikes from Royce!
Some big punches are landing!
Matt Hughes is doing his best Floyd Mayweather impression by not engaging.
The clock says 4:55 in the 1 round
Royce Gracie fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Mark Smith separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was a close round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Royce studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
Royce Gracie goes with a looping right hand while Matt Hughes jumps back and jabs
Royce seems staggered and Matt Hughes runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
Royce Gracie fakes a punch and launches himself over Matt Hughes
Great move by Royce who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The clock says 0:40 in the 2 round
The fighters are clinching.
Matt Hughes shoots and grab Royce Gracie's ankle trying to take him down with a Heel Trip Reversal
Hughes scoop up Royce Gracie's ankle with one hand and pushes his body with another forcing Royce to the mat
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Matt Hughes tries to pass to half guard...
Royce Gracie can't prevent his opponent from passing. Hughes looks to work from half guard.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Royce moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Matt Hughes breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Poorly executed technique. Matt Hughes looks to counter!
Matt Hughes tries to pass Royce Gracie's guard...
Matt Hughes passes momentarily but Royce Gracie sees and opening and traps him in full guard.
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Hughes throws a few hammer fists to the face of Royce Gracie
Solid shots!
Royce's Left eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
The clock says 1:25 in the 2 round
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Royce tries to close his guard around Hughes
He is not able to do it
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
As the fight continues it seems that Matt Hughes is taking the best of the fight.
Matt Hughes tries to pass to half guard...
Royce Gracie can't prevent his opponent from passing. Hughes looks to work from half guard.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
1:42 Round 2 and Hughes is still in good shape. He sure has trained hard for this fight.
Matt Hughes pushes Royce's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Hughes who is in full mount! Royce is in trouble now!
The clock says 1:50 in the 2 round
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie tries to roll to his side and trap Matt Hughes in his guard...
Matt Hughes rolls him over and takes his back!
Hughes is in rear mount over Royce
Royce has Hughes controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Showing some ground skills he transitions to a side mount.
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Royce tries to show some ground skills
Hughes uses his strength to keep Hughes at a disadvantage
Royce Gracie gets sloppy and Matt Hughes tries to take advantage...
Matt Hughes looks to mount Royce Gracie...
Matt Hughes slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Hughes goes for an armbar!
Royce Gracie breaks the lock and pushes away Matt Hughes, who rolls over his back and gets to standing position.
Mark Smith halts the fight to stand up Matt Hughes. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Palau Sant Jordi (Barcelona, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Royce Gracie tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Hughes is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Hard blow to Hughes's mid-section, he seems hurt
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Royce
He succeeds!
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Hughes
Royce tries to escape from closed guard...
Royce struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes tries to close the guard.
Hughes put Royce Gracie in closed guard.
Royce Gracie is in closed guard over Hughes
Royce Gracie tries to pass Matt Hughes's guard...
Royce Gracie manages to get his leg free and moves to half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Hughes
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Royce Gracie work his BJJ game.
Royce Gracie tries to free his leg...
Royce Gracie uses some of his skill by jumping out of Hughes's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Matt Hughes manages to switch to full guard.
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Royce's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Royce tries to cover his face,
Royce Gracie is in open guard over Hughes
Royce Gracie tries to pass to half guard...
Matt Hughes can't prevent his opponent from passing. Royce looks to work from half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Hughes
Royce Gracie tries a kimura
Hughes breaks the lock.
Royce Gracie is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes tries to turn away and scramble out. Royce Gracie takes his back and locks up a rear naked choke!
He can't lock it up. Matt Hughes spins out and gets back to his feet.
Royce clumsily fails here and it's time for Matt Hughes to fight back!
Matt Hughes attempts to trap Royce Gracie in his guard.
Matt Hughes manages to switch to half guard.
Royce Gracie is in half guard over Hughes
Royce is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch him work on the ground.
Royce Gracie hooks Hughes's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Matt Hughes manages to kick Royce away and scrambles on top!
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Royce Gracie slides his legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Matt Hughes cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Royce Gracie gets sloppy and Matt Hughes tries to take advantage...
Hughes moves on the ground..
He gets half guard.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Royce Gracie attempts to move to full guard
Royce Gracie manages to switch to full guard.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Royce Gracie fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Royce studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
Hughes tries to grapple
He puts Royce in a double underhook!
Royce Gracie pushes away Hughes trying to keep the fight at striking range
Hughes doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Royce Gracie
The fighters are clinching.
Matt Hughes tries a Foot Sweep takedown on Royce Gracie
well done Royce falls hard on the mat
Hughes is standing while Royce is on the ground on his back
Hughes has a high cardio that helps him make great performances.
Hughes cartwheels towards Royce!
He lands in side mount over a surprised Royce Gracie.
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie attempts to trap Matt Hughes in his guard.
Royce Gracie manages to switch to full guard.
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Matt Hughes pushes Royce Gracie against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Hughes jumps and tries to free his leg! Royce doesn't allow this but Matt Hughes is able to get half guard here.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Royce Gracie attempts to move to full guard
Matt Hughes keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Royce Gracie overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Hughes pulls his arm out of danger.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Matt Hughes pushes Royce's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Royce wraps his legs while he holds Matt Hughes's head... Tight guard!
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Matt Hughes tries to free his leg...
Matt Hughes uses some of his skill by jumping out of Royce's guard. He moves quickly to full mount!
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes looks to mount Royce Gracie...
Matt Hughes slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Hughes tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Matt Hughes controls the situation despite Royce Gracie efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie tries to roll to his side and trap Matt Hughes in his guard...
Royce Gracie gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Royce tries to close his guard around Hughes
He is not able to do it
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Hughes moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Matt Hughes tries to pass Royce Gracie's guard...
Matt Hughes manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 3:05 in the 3 round
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie attempts to trap Matt Hughes in his guard.
Royce Gracie manages to switch to full guard.
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Royce tries to close his guard around Hughes
He is not able to do it
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Hughes moves on the ground
Matt Hughes moves to side mount
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie attempts to trap Matt Hughes in his guard.
Matt Hughes keeps control and remains in side mount.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Good movement from Hughes
moving in to strike and moving away afterwards.
There is a small laceration on Royce Gracie's Right eye
Hughes is holding Royce Gracie's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Royce Gracie loses balance and goes to the ground.
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes looks to mount Royce Gracie...
Matt Hughes slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Hughes tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Matt Hughes controls the situation despite Royce Gracie efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
He successfully moves to half guard!
The clock says 4:40 in the 3 round
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Hughes tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes looks to pass to mount...
Hughes slides his knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Royce Gracie.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie tries to roll to his side and trap Matt Hughes in his guard...
Matt Hughes keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Mark Smith tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is maybe for Matt Hughes, but it's close.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Matt Hughes shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Royce Gracie is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Hughes into his guard.
The clock says 0:20 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Royce
Hughes use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Palau Sant Jordi (Barcelona, Spain) is cheering him!
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes looks to mount Royce Gracie...
Matt Hughes slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 0:45 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Hughes works on the ground with his fingers over Royce's face
He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Mark Smith saw it!
Mark Smith takes away one point from Matt Hughes for eye poke.
Mark Smith halts the fight to give Royce time to recover. Royce Gracie seems to be ready to fight again. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Hughes and Royce circle around the center of the cage.
Royce Gracie is doing his best Floyd Mayweather impression by not engaging.
Matt Hughes tries to bring the fight to the ground
Royce goes down.
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Royce switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Hughes struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Poorly executed technique. Matt Hughes looks to counter!
Hughes moves on the ground
Matt Hughes moves to side mount
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes looks to mount Royce Gracie...
Matt Hughes slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
Royce is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Matt Hughes pushes Royce Gracie down and prevents his attempts to escape
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Hughes goes for an armbar!
You can see the pain reflected in Royce's eyes...
You can see the pain reflected in Royce's eyes...
Royce struggles to free himself
Royce Hyper-extended his left arm
Crippling lock!
Royce struggles to free himself
Royce Gracie breaks the lock and pushes away Matt Hughes, who rolls over his back and gets to standing position.
Mark Smith halts the fight to stand up Matt Hughes. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Palau Sant Jordi (Barcelona, Spain) are cheering for the fighters.
Matt Hughes tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Royce is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Royce
Hughes moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
The clock says 2:25 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Royce
Hughes tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Royce from the side mount!
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes was tooling Royce Gracie for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Royce Gracie lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Matt Hughes looks to mount Royce Gracie...
Matt Hughes slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Hughes tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Matt Hughes controls the situation despite Royce Gracie efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
Matt Hughes pushes Royce Gracie down and prevents his attempts to escape
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Good looking punches from Matt Hughes on the ground
They could take their toll on Royce.
There is a small laceration on Royce Gracie's Right eye
That punishment by Matt Hughes has left Royce staggered! Matt Hughes should try push forward now and finish this!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes Swarms all over his opponent trying to finish this fight!
Royce Gracie is taking a ton of punishment! He needs to defend himself or the ref will stop the fight.
Royce has a small cut in his Right eye
Royce Gracie seems hurt! He stumbles backwards and he's an easy target for Matt Hughes!
The clock says 3:05 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Hughes tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Matt Hughes controls the situation despite Royce Gracie efforts for escaping from the full mount.
That punishment by Matt Hughes has left Royce staggered! Matt Hughes should try push forward now and finish this!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Hughes positions himself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
One, two, three! Royce's being punished here!
Royce's Nose is beginning to swell
Royce has a small cut in his Nose
Royce seems a bit groggy... his movements are not very coordinated now.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Royce Gracie
Matt Hughes Swarms all over his opponent trying to finish this fight!
Royce Gracie is taking a ton of punishment! He needs to defend himself or the ref will stop the fight.
That brutal impact left Royce laid out on the mat! Matt Hughes's corner come in to congratulate him!
Royce has a small cut in his Right cheek
Winner is Matt Hughes by KO (GnP) at 3:30 Round 4
Statistics: Royce Gracie
Punches 3/4 (75%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 3/3 (100%)
GnP strikes 4/5 (80%)
Submissions 10/10 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 842 s
Statistics: Matt Hughes
Punches 6/10 (60%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 4/4 (100%)
GnP strikes 22/33 (67%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 822 s
Mostly even until Hughes decided to win. Interesting. Very possible Royce became tired. Or at least more tired than Huges.
