PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Lamar Gordon (ranked 266 p4p, 738 weight class) and Mike Smith (ranked 41 p4p, 99 weight class). Gordon comes to the cage accompanied by Coming Home - Ditty ft. Skylar Grey. Smith has chosen Rush - Subdivisions as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Gordon
vs
Smith

190 cm
27
215
12 - 1 - 0

186 cm
24
216
10 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Shadow Realm Apparel
Conviction

Conviction
© Trap House

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Lamar Gordon!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Mike Smith!
The judges for this bout are Gregory Folan, Yves DeLean and Trevor Gratis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gordon pushes Smith away with a front kick.
A big left from Gordon misses.
Smith stuns Gordon with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Gordon misses with a series of wild punches.
And Smith tries to counter it with a takedown but Gordon pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Gordon throws a jab but it's blocked by Smith.
Smith with the counter takedown but Gordon avoids it easily.
Gordon throws an off balance right hand

and Smith counters with a takedown into side control.
Gordon tries to buck Smith off but Smith is having none of it.

Smith looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Smith controlling from side mount.
Gordon's coaches at League of Shadows MMA have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Smith tries for a kimura but Gordon is defending well.
Gordon tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Smith wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Gordon avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Smith.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gordon taking a bit of punishment here - Smith scoring with strikes.
Gordon looks to move to half guard but instead Smith has passed into mount! Damn!
Smith has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Gordon is desperately trying to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Smith jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Gordon manages to avoid the submission attempt.
Sloppy strikes there by Smith.

Smith looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Smith trying to control the action but Gordon is working from the bottom.
Smith looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Gordon is avoiding damage well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith scores with a couple of short elbows.
Smith wants to control but Gordon is keeping him busy.
Gordon is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Smith in side control, throwing shots but Gordon defends.
Gordon is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Smith in side control, throwing shots but Gordon defends.
Smith has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Gordon!
Smith working some short elbows here. He postures up to throw some more ground and pound but Gordon slips a leg through to get back to half guard. Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith wants to control but Gordon is keeping him busy.
Smith is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

Smith is working for a submission of some sort.
Gordon has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Smith is working away from the top position though.
Smith seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Gordon does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's five minutes gone in the round.

Smith is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Gordon defends it well.

Smith is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Smith working over Gordon with some ground and pound. Gordon looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Smith missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Smith is thwarting Gordon's attempts to control the position.
Smith works his way into full mount!

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Smith punishing his opponent with strikes.
Gordon wants to hold on but Smith pushes him away.

Smith wants to finish this one by submission but Gordon is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Smith.
Smith unloading with bombs!
Smith trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Smith throws a wild left hand from mount and Gordon manages to wriggle his way back to half guard.
Smith missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Gordon wants to improve his position but Smith is controlling well.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.

Smith is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Gordon has managed to free his arm - good work.
Smith missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Smith is looking to advance position but Gordon won't allow it.
Gordon is not content to let Smith control the position.
Smith slips a nice elbow through Gordon's hands, connecting with Gordon's forehead.
Smith wants to pass the guard but Gordon is defending well.
Smith missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Smith is just content to waste time from the top position. Gordon takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Smith missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gordon is trying to control the position but Smith postures up.
Smith tries to free his leg and advance position but Gordon is retaining full guard.
Gordon working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Smith.
Smith is looking to pass into half guard but Gordon pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Gordon is in guard.

Smith working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gordon doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gordon manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Smith trying to keep a closed guard but Gordon is proving a slippery customer.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Smith is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Gordon defends well.

Smith isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Gordon stacks Smith on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Gordon!
Gordon wants to stand but Smith has his arm trapped.
Smith gets back to half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Smith wants to control but Gordon is keeping busy and won't allow it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Smith dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Gordon throws a leg kick

and Smith counters with a single leg into guard. Gordon didn't expect that.
Smith throws a strike but Gordon rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Smith wants to sweep but no luck.

Smith has an active guard here but Gordon has managed to pass into half guard.
Smith tries to get to full guard but Gordon has control of the leg.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Smith looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gordon tries to stand and escape but Smith is controlling the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith is looking for a sweep. Gordon is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Gordon is taking a breather. Smith says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Gordon is thwarting Smith's attempts to control the position.

Smith is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Gordon pulls his head out easily.
Smith tries to roll over but Gordon keeps him under control.

Gordon moves into side control, avoiding a weak kimura attempt from Smith.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Smith is trying to control Gordon's posture but Gordon avoids it.
Smith tries to buck Gordon off but Gordon is having none of it.
Smith has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Smith manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Smith wants to take a breather but Gordon is having none of it.
Smith throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Smith is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Gordon is just riding it out for now. Smith eventually gives up the hold.
Smith not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Smith throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Gordon to regain full guard.
Smith being controlled here momentarily.
Gordon keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Smith slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Smith with a flurry of punches that miss.
Gordon keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Smith works over Gordon with some ground and pound from guard.
Smith wants to control from the top but Gordon keeps moving.
Smith throwing strikes from guard but Gordon blocks nicely.
Smith content to stall in guard here.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Gordon misses with a kick to the body

and Smith decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Gordon's guard.
Smith trying to move into half guard but instead Gordon has managed to sweep!

Gordon tries to free his leg and advance position but Smith is retaining full guard.
Gordon would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Smith throws his legs up looking for a submission but Gordon uses it to pass to side control.
Smith manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Gordon uses his free foot to push down on Smith's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Smith.
Smith working to try and regain half guard.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Smith tries to hold on but Gordon pushes him away.
Smith tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Smith tries to hold on but Gordon pushes him away.
Smith is desperately trying to improve his position but Gordon has a good base and remains in mount.
Smith tries to hold on but Gordon pushes him away.
Smith is wriggling around trying to escape.
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!
Smith wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
Gordon struggling to keep hold of the position.
Gordon not allowing Smith to control his hands.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Smith tries to break free.
What can Smith do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!
Smith breaks Gordon's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Smith preventing the sweep.
Gordon pulls Smith in close to his closed guard and prevents Smith from doing any damage or advancing position.
Smith won't allow Gordon to sweep him here.
Gordon is working hard here to advance position.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Smith working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Smith scoring with punches to the head and body.
Smith stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gordon swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Smith makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Gordon controls Smith momentarily but Smith frees himself.
Gordon is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

Gordon throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Smith looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Smith lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Smith is looking to work some ground and pound but Gordon has wrist control.
Smith working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Smith stands and throws Gordon's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Smith moves into full mount!
Poor strikes thrown by Smith there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Smith showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Gordon loads up on a big right hand but Smith slips the punch.
Gordon's jab looks to have found its range, popping Smith under the eye.
A combination from Gordon does no damage.
Smith tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Gordon throws an off balance right hand

and Smith counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Smith working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gordon keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.
Smith pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Gordon is keeping the position for now.
Smith throwing strikes from guard but Gordon blocks nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith is looking to work some ground and pound but Gordon has wrist control.
Gordon is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Smith sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Smith is looking to work some ground and pound but Gordon has wrist control.
Smith is looking to work some ground and pound but Gordon has wrist control.
Smith is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Smith scoring with punches to the head and body.
Gordon is trying to control the position but Smith postures up.
Smith stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gordon swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gordon keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Gordon throws the left hand but Smith avoids the punch easily.
Gordon scores with a leg kick.
Gordon throws a right and a left that Smith avoids nicely.
Smith tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Gordon.
Smith tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Smith moves out of range as Gordon throws a body kick.
Smith feints the counter takedown.
Smith ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Smith with the counter takedown but Gordon avoids it easily.
Gordon throws a leg kick

and Smith decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Gordon's guard.
Smith slips nicely into half guard.
Gordon is staying active underneath Smith, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Smith sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Gordon defending well though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith controlling the action here.
Smith is trying to control. Gordon wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Smith might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Gordon haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Smith throwing shots but Gordon is blocking nicely.

Smith is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Gordon is just riding it out for now. Smith eventually gives up the hold.
Smith is keen to just control but Gordon is a slippery customer.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Smith prevents Gordon from improving his position.
Smith seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Gordon does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Smith tries to pass the half guard into mount. Gordon knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

Smith seems to be looking for submissions.
Smith looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Gordon misses with a hook.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Gordon looks to land a left hand but Smith moved out of range nicely.
Gordon throws a body kick that misses.
A jab from Gordon does it's job there.
Smith ducks under a wild hook from Gordon.
Smith feints the counter takedown.
Gordon lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Gordon is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Smith.
And Smith tries to counter it with a takedown but Gordon pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Gordon throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Smith on the side of the head.
Lamar Gordon is winning the standup battle so far.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Gordon misses with a leg kick

and Smith counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Smith.
Smith throws a strike but Gordon rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Smith is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Gordon wanted to stand there but Smith had control of the position.

Smith has an active guard here but Gordon has managed to pass into half guard.
Smith tries to roll over but Gordon keeps him under control.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.

Smith actively working from the bottom here.

Smith looking to force a kimura from the bottom here. He's concentrating on that move too much though and Gordon pushes past his half guard into mount!
Smith slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Smith trying to control here.
Smith is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Gordon trying to pass the guard but Smith defending well.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Smith is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Smith keeps trying to improve his position.

Smith looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Gordon wants to stand up but Smith manages to regain full guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Smith working for a triangle but Gordon defends it easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Lamar Gordon.
I think Smith has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Gregory Folan scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 27:30
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mike Smith!
A victorious Mike Smith thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.