PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Jake Smith (ranked 2953 p4p, 2282 weight class) and Cash Cartier (ranked 0 p4p, 196 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Smith
vs
Cartier

176 cm
30
155
13 - 11 - 0

179 cm
23
155
4 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jake Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Cash Cartier!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Stewart Dunkirk and Wesley Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cartier throws a front kick aimed at Smith's knee but Smith avoids it well.
Cartier falls off balance throwing a combination

and Smith counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Cartier is trying to get back to full guard.
Smith landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Smith missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Smith scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Smith is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Cartier tries to roll over but Smith keeps him under control.
Smith winds up and cracks Cartier with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Smith working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Smith passes the guard and advances to mount!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Smith landing punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cartier sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.

Smith seems to be looking for submissions.
Cartier tries to get to full guard but Smith has control of the leg.
Cartier is trying to maintain the position but Smith is very close to passing his half guard.
Smith trying to control from half guard but Cartier is working away.

Cartier is defending against the submission attempts here by Smith.
Smith is pressing down on Cartier's thigh, looking to free his foot. Cartier is holding on for now.
Smith with the ground and pound but Cartier uses the opportunity to regain guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith is looking to work some ground and pound but Cartier has wrist control.
Smith advances position into side control!

Smith is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Cartier is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Cartier is looking to regain half guard here but Smith keeps moving and retains side control.

Smith is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Cartier knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Cartier is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Smith is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Cartier has escaped the position, nice work there.
Check out the look on Smith's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Smith working the head with strikes.
An elbow from Smith crashes against the mat.
Smith working the head and body with strikes.

Smith tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Cartier takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Smith is putting a hurting on Cartier here, landing some big shots from side control.
Cartier regains half guard, as Smith was trying to land strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cartier tries to get to full guard but Smith has control of the leg.
Smith working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

Smith is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Cartier is just riding it out for now. Smith eventually gives up the hold.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Smith connects with a nice short shot to Cartier's temple.

Cartier is rocked!
Smith controlling the pace.
Cartier is still in real trouble! Can Smith finish him?
Smith frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
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!
Cartier is bucking up trying to escape but Smith cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Smith working the ground and pound effectively.

Smith has control of Cartier's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Cartier regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Smith looking to control and managing it successfully.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jake Smith dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Smith throws a monster overhand right that drops Cartier! Smith follows up with more strikes from mount and the fight is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:05 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jake Smith!
A pretty intense looking Jake Smith took the opportunity post-fight to ask for a shot at the title.
Cash Cartier spoke after the fight, saying 'Still got paid '.