PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Stipe Miocic (ranked 4677 p4p, 5438 weight class) and Arin Smitch (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Arin Smitch has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Miocic
vs
Smitch

193 cm
25
234
0 - 0 - 0

224 cm
23
250
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Stipe Miocic!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Arin Smitch!
The judges for this bout are Dirk Anderson, Peter Branson and David Hoff.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Miocic throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Smitch tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Miocic is in Smitch's guard.
Miocic trying to control the position from guard on top but Smitch is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Smitch has his hands on Miocic's head, controlling the position.
Miocic trying to control the position from guard on top but Smitch is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Miocic might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Smitch utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Miocic trying to control the position from guard on top but Smitch is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

Smitch drops Miocic with a hook right on the temple. He thinks about going to the ground but Miocic looks back up at him and smiles so Smitch waves him back to his feet - he obviously thinks he can knock him out after that shot landed.

It looks like Stipe Miocic has been cut.
Some wild striking there from Smitch.
Smitch fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Sloppy strikes from Smitch. Those never looked like landing.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Smitch rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Miocic moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
The fight stays on the outside here - Miocic looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Miocic darts in and clinches Smitch up against the cage.
Smitch can't break the clinch.
Smitch gets underhooks to prevent Miocic's takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Miocic throws an elbow that misses.
Miocic is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Miocic wants a takedown but no success here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stipe Miocic. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Miocic holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Smitch wants to break free but Miocic has control.
Miocic jumps guard but Smitch stands there with Miocic around his waist. Miocic gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Miocic manages to break the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Miocic dodges the punch combination from Smitch.
Miocic throws a series of punches but Smitch moves out of range.
Despite the aggression on Smitch's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Smitch throws a combination that misses

and Miocic moves into the clinch.
Miocic wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Smitch avoiding damage as Miocic throws knees to the body.
Miocic wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Smitch has him pressed against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smitch prevents a takedown attempt there.
Smitch has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Smitch can't break the clinch.
Miocic fails to pull the fight into his guard.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Miocic doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Miocic has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Smitch uses from the top position.
Smitch must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Miocic striking off his back but it's not causing Smitch any problems.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Arin Smitch dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Stipe Miocic's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Smitch lets his hands go wild with a nice combination. Left! Right! Uppercut! Spinning backfist! Miocic goes down and covers up as Smitch starts wailing on him! The ref watches the action closely before stepping in and putting a stop to the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:05 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Arin Smitch!
Stipe Miocic spoke after the fight, saying 'I fell for my own hype. I had too many people saying I couldn't be beat, and I actually fell for it.'.