PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Joe Smith (ranked 171 p4p, 319 weight class) and Finnish Experiment lV (ranked 24 p4p, 45 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Smith
vs
Experiment lV

183 cm
34
185
30 - 16 - 3

190 cm
36
190
26 - 18 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Granite chin

SynCity Fightwear
Voodoo Nutrition

Altitude Clothing
Voodoo Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 30 - 16 - 3, fighting out of London, Joe Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 18 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Finnish Experiment lV!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Yukihiro Shimada and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Smith.
Experiment lV has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Smith takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Experiment lV stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Smith.
A decent looking cross lands there for Smith.
Experiment lV misses with a hook. Smith ducked under it nicely.
Smith looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Finnish Experiment lV seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Experiment lV lands a jab to the nose.
Smith throws a sloppy head kick and Experiment lV moves out of range easily.
Smith bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Smith pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Smith tries a low kick but Experiment lV avoids it.
Experiment lV blocks a jab.
A low kick lands for Experiment lV.
Experiment lV misses with a low kick as Smith jumps back.
Smith is looking to counter with head kicks.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Experiment lV. Smith shrugs it off though.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Smith takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

It looks like Joe Smith has been cut.
Experiment lV works Smith's body with a nice hook.
Experiment lV throws a head kick but Smith moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Experiment lV throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Smith sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Experiment lV lands a nice hook to Smith's body. Smith takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Experiment lV connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Smith momentarily.

Experiment lV throws a head kick that lands with a deafening thwack! The crowd roars as Smith stumbles backwards and falls to the mat. Experiment lV follows into mount!

Smith is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Smith is looking to improve his position but Experiment lV isn't that keen on the idea.
Experiment lV landing strikes, looking to finish!
Oh Smith is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Smith can't escape the position.
Smith seems to have got his legs back now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Experiment lV trying to control but Smith is having none of it.
Smith is trying desperately to improve position.
Experiment lV tries to control but Smith wriggling away.
Smith is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Experiment lV sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Smith tries to lock up and control but Experiment lV gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Experiment lV scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Experiment lV is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Smith can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Experiment lV dominating with strikes here.
Smith is trying to escape the mount.
Experiment lV lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Experiment lV looking to finish Smith with some ground and pound. This is bad for Smith!
Experiment lV landing punches.
Experiment lV in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Poor strikes thrown by Experiment lV there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Experiment lV avoids the attempt from Smith to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Experiment lV is landing with some decent strikes but Smith is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Experiment lV wants to control the pace but Smith is squirming around nicely.
Smith can't escape the position.
Experiment lV punishing his opponent with strikes.
Smith manages to work a leg through to get back to half guard here. Good work there by Smith, under a barage of strikes from Experiment lV.
Experiment lV wants to take a breather but Smith is having none of it.
Smith is controlling Experiment lV's trapped leg to prevent Experiment lV from advancing to side control.
Experiment lV looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Experiment lV trying to control from Smith's half guard. Smith has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Experiment lV missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Experiment lV wants to pass the guard but Smith is keeping the position.
Experiment lV chips away with some ground and pound.
Experiment lV tries to free his leg and advance position but Smith is retaining full guard.
Smith has his hands on Experiment lV's head, controlling the position.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Experiment lV lands a couple of digs.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Finnish Experiment lV dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Joe Smith's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Smith keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A jab from Smith does it's job there.
Smith moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Smith connects with a crisp jab.
Experiment lV takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Smith keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Experiment lV.
Experiment lV throws a sloppy head kick and Smith moves out of range easily.
Experiment lV throws a hook but Smith avoids it easily.
Smith throws a shot from downtown. Experiment lV moves away and avoids it.
Experiment lV uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Smith.
Finnish Experiment lV seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Experiment lV moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Experiment lV swings away with a body shot that misses
and Smith counters with a solid body kick.
Experiment lV walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Smith checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Experiment lV uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Smith.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Experiment lV moves away from the strike by Smith.
Experiment lV throws a shot from downtown. Smith moves away and avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Experiment lV looks to throw the jab but Smith is out of range.
Smith misses with a leg kick
and Experiment lV counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Experiment lV with a nice calf kick.
Smith throws a sloppy head kick and Experiment lV moves out of range easily.
Experiment lV swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Smith throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Experiment lV swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Smith throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Experiment lV's head.
Nice straight punches there by Experiment lV. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Experiment lV.

Smith moves into the clinch.
Experiment lV blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Smith makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Experiment lV prevents a body shot from Smith.
Experiment lV wants to get back to striking at distance but Smith won't allow it.
A nice right hand lands inside from Smith.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Experiment lV jumps guard but Smith stands there with Experiment lV around his waist. Experiment lV gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A short left from Smith.

Smith escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Smith lands with a cross.
Smith keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Experiment lV.
A left and a right from Smith both land. Nice combination.

It looks like Finnish Experiment lV has been cut.
Experiment lV misses with a body kick.
Experiment lV walks into a straight right hand from Smith.
Experiment lV throws a hook to the side of Smith's head but Smith sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Smith darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Experiment lV lands a head shot.
Experiment lV scores with a nice head shot.
Smith closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Smith avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Experiment lV misses with a looping left.
Experiment lV has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Experiment lV scores with a kick to the body.
Smith goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Experiment lV scores with a jab. Smith acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Smith keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Experiment lV just misses with a punch to the body.
Smith throws a head kick that half lands.
Experiment lV throws a combination that misses
letting Smith counter with a right hand.
Smith blocks a low kick nicely.
As Experiment lV looks to move away, Smith throws a big counter combo but Experiment lV just gets out of the way.
Experiment lV takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Experiment lV misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Smith throws the left hand but Experiment lV avoids the punch easily.
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!
Experiment lV misses with a body shot.
Experiment lV ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Smith moves away.
Experiment lV connects with a crisp jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Experiment lV looks to throw the jab but Smith is out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Smith misses the target.
Smith slips under a jab from Experiment lV.
Experiment lV uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Smith slips under a jab from Experiment lV.
Smith keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Smith is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Experiment lV avoids the body shot from Smith.
Experiment lV misses with a low kick.
Smith lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Smith feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Experiment lVs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Smith throws a sloppy head kick and Experiment lV moves out of range easily.
Experiment lV throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Smith ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Smith dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Smith showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Experiment lV.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Joe Smith dominated that second round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
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. This is the final round!

Smith connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Experiment lV misses with the combination.
Smith slips under a jab from Experiment lV.
Smith takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Experiment lV throws a lazy uppercut
and Smith counters with a left and a right that stings Experiment lV.
Experiment lV throws a head kick but Smith moves out of range.
Experiment lV throws a leg kick but Smith sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Smith thinks about countering with a head kick.
Experiment lV swings widly with a right hand
and Smith counters with a nice leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Experiment lV ducks right into an uppercut from Smith.
Experiment lV connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Experiment lV uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Smith has time to react.
Smith blocks a head kick by Experiment lV.
Smith looks to land a left hand but Experiment lV moved out of range nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Experiment lV misses with a hook
and Smith counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Good leg kick by Smith.
Experiment lV lands with an uppercut that bounces Smith off the cage and back into range.
Experiment lV keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Smith.
Smith throws a combination that misses
and Experiment lV counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Experiment lV scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Experiment lV misses with a hook
enabling Smith to counter with a crisp jab.
Experiment lV fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Smith looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
A jab from Smith does it's job there.
Smith ducks under a wild hook from Experiment lV.
Smith lands the left hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A telegraphed right hand from Smith misses the target.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Experiment lV! But no joy.
Experiment lV throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Smith counters with an outside leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Experiment lV sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Smith slips under a jab.
Experiment lV avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Experiment lV throws a leg kick
and Smith counters with a nice body kick.
The fighters circling - Experiment lV throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Smith throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Smith lands a nice shot to the body.
Nice straight punches there by Experiment lV. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Experiment lV.
Experiment lV moves out of range as Smith throws a body kick.
Smith staying out of range there.

Smith rushes Experiment lV and presses him up against the cage.
Smith misses with a body punch.
A head punch on the inside from Smith fails to land.
Smith digs a right hand into Experiment lV's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Experiment lV's gas tank.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Experiment lV tries to pull guard but Smith forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Experiment lV takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Experiment lV is trying to pull guard but Smith turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Smith lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Experiment lV backwards.
Experiment lV wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Smith has him pressed against the cage.
Smith misses with a hook to the ribs.
Smith can't find room to land a body shot as Experiment lV controls the action.
Smith misses with the head strike.
Smith tries to work over Experiment lV's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Smith tries a body shot but Experiment lV blocks it.

Experiment lV jumps into guard, dragging Smith to the mat.
Experiment lV keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.
Experiment lV is trying to control the position but Smith postures up.
Experiment lV keeping full guard, as Smith tries to pass.
Smith wants to control from the top but Experiment lV keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith forces his way into half guard.
Smith passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Experiment lV!
Experiment lV is working to get back to half guard.
Experiment lV is still trying to improve position.
Smith can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Experiment lV is looking to escape.

And that's the end of the fight!
Joe Smith showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Smith 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 29:28
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 29:28
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joe Smith!
Joe Smith took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Brooklyn Apothecary for their support in the buildup to the fight.
Finnish Experiment lV was interviewed post fight and said 'This was my last fight. As my skills are declining I will focus in future to spar my brothers in the art of grappling.'.