PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jari Lehtonen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vasily Smyslov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Lehtonen
vs
Smyslov

190 cm
20
187 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

180 cm
20
190 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Experienced

Good takedowns
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

[JMFC] Proof Supplements

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 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Jari Lehtonen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Vasily Smyslov!
The judges for this bout are Emerson Jorge, Seu Braga and Thiago Cunha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lehtonen wants to clinch.
Lehtonen takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Lehtonen takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.

It looks like Jari Lehtonen has been cut.
Lehtonen misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Smyslov.
Lehtonen throws a nice looking combination but Smyslov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Smyslov circles away from the clinch attempt.

Smyslov throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Lehtonen was covering up waiting for the punch and Smyslov finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Lehtonen looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Lehtonen keeping moving, preventing Smyslov from controlling successfully.
Smyslov slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Lehtonen tries to escape but Smyslov is in control.
Lehtonen is looking to reverse the position.
Smyslov is working Lehtonen over with some ground and pound from side control.
Smyslov works to advance to full mount. Lehtonen defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Lehtonen is desperately trying to improve his position but Smyslov has a good base and remains in mount.
Lehtonen flailing away with punches but nothing is landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lehtonen manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Smyslov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Lehtonen is trying to get back to full guard.
Lehtonen moves into full guard.
Lehtonen wants to get back to his feet but Smyslov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Lehtonen keeping moving, preventing Smyslov from controlling successfully.
Smyslov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Lehtonen is keeping the position for now.
Lehtonen wants to sweep here but Smyslov controlling him for the moment.
Smyslov scoring with punches to the head and body.
Smyslov works over Lehtonen with some ground and pound from guard.
Smyslov throwing strikes but missing.
Smyslov postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smyslov landing some decent shots from guard.
Smyslov advances position into side control!
Smyslov lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Lehtonen down.
Lehtonen pushes Smyslov away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Smyslov gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Smyslov scores with punches from side control.
Lehtonen tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Lehtonen is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Lehtonen wants to get back to full guard.
Lehtonen misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Smyslov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Lehtonen does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Smyslov is looking for a kimura but Lehtonen is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Smyslov to get the leverage.
Smyslov wants to control but Lehtonen is keeping him busy.
Lehtonen is pressing down on Smyslov's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Smyslov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Lehtonen 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.
Lehtonen manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Smyslov manages to get himself to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lehtonen is looking to stand up but Smyslov won't let him.
Smyslov tries to strike from the bottom.
Lehtonen trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Smyslov will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Smyslov wants to sweep here but Lehtonen controlling him for the moment.
Smyslov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Lehtonen's guard.
Lehtonen is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Lehtonen looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Lehtonen working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Smyslov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Smyslov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Lehtonen is breathing heavily.
Smyslov lands a couple of elbows.

That's four 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.
Smyslov wants to control from the top but Lehtonen keeps moving.
Lehtonen wants to stand and escape but Smyslov is having none of it.
Lehtonen keeping moving, preventing Smyslov from controlling successfully.

Lehtonen pushes Smyslov off and scrambles back to his feet.
Lehtonen tries to clinch but Smyslov is having none of it.
Lehtonen with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Smyslov to score with a decent uppercut.
Lehtonen throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Smyslov lands a with a good body shot.

Lehtonen gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Smyslov to score an easy takedown into full guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Smyslov tries to free his leg and advance position but Lehtonen is retaining full guard.
Lehtonen manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Smyslov manages to get himself to full guard.
Smyslov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Lehtonen's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vasily Smyslov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jari Lehtonen's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Smyslov swats away the attempt to clinch by Lehtonen.

Lehtonen closes the distance and pushes Smyslov back into the ropes.
Lehtonen keeps control of Smyslov as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Lehtonen is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Smyslov is keeping busy.
Lehtonen tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Lehtonen prevents the takedown attempt.
Lehtonen is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Smyslov is defending well for now.
Lehtonen misses with an elbow over the top.
Smyslov pushes Lehtonen back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch.
Lehtonen throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Smyslov blocks it with crossed arms.
Lehtonen landing knees to the head.
Lehtonen stops a takedown attempt from Smyslov.
Smyslov pushes Lehtonen back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch.
Lehtonen slowing the pace effectively.
A short body shot lands from Smyslov as the two fighters clinch.
Smyslov managing to block the knees to the body from Lehtonen.
Smyslov scores with a hook to the body.
A right hook to the body lands for Smyslov.
Smyslov is working for takedown but Lehtonen is calmly controlling the position for now.
Jari Lehtonen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vasily Smyslov.
Smyslov blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

Smyslov gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Smyslov trying to control but Lehtonen is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smyslov passes Lehtonen's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Lehtonen is not content to let Smyslov control the position.
Smyslov looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Smyslov takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

Smyslov is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Lehtonen defends it well.
Smyslov prevents Lehtonen from improving his position.
Smyslov prevents Lehtonen from standing back up.
Smyslov lands with a punch from half guard.
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. Smyslov connects with a nice short shot to Lehtonen's temple.
Smyslov lands strikes from half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smyslov is nestled in close to Lehtonen, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Smyslov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Lehtonen does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Lehtonen looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Lehtonen is trying to stand.
Lehtonen flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Smyslov scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Lehtonen taking some punishment here, with Smyslov in his half guard.
Lehtonen tries to roll over but Smyslov keeps him under control.
Lehtonen trying to hold on to Smyslov's head to control him but Smyslov postures up.
Smyslov working Lehtonen over with strikes.
Lehtonen pushes Smyslov off looking to stand but Smyslov dives back in and keeps control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lehtonen is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Smyslov scores with a couple of nice shots.

Smyslov is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Smyslov wants to take a breather but Lehtonen is having none of it.
Lehtonen trying to control here.
Smyslov seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Smyslov lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Smyslov takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Smyslov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Lehtonen defending well though.
Lehtonen is refusing to be controlled, as Smyslov sits in half guard.

Lehtonen looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Smyslov trying to control the action but Lehtonen is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Smyslov performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Smyslov working over Lehtonen with some ground and pound. Lehtonen looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Smyslov is thwarting Lehtonen's attempts to control the position.
Smyslov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Lehtonen does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
The fighters circle momentarily. Smyslov darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Lehtonen throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Smyslov.
Smyslov ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Lehtonen doesn't manage to clinch there - Smyslov circles away.
Lehtonen fails in his attempt to clinch.
Lehtonen tries to clinch there but Smyslov circles away.
Lehtonen throws a lazy right hand but Smyslov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Lehtonen uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Smyslov.
Lehtonen dives in and grabs Smyslov's left leg, looking for a takedown. Smyslov pushes down on Lehtonen's head and hops out.
Smyslov scores with a nice right hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vasily Smyslov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Jari Lehtonen's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Lehtonen tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Lehtonen keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nice jab there from Smyslov.

Lehtonen gets caught flat footed, as Smyslov shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Smyslov forces his way into half guard.
Smyslov is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Lehtonen wants to get back to his feet.
Smyslov is nestled in close to Lehtonen, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Smyslov slips a nice elbow through Lehtonen's hands, connecting with Lehtonen's forehead.
Smyslov trying to control the action but Lehtonen is working from the bottom.
Smyslov scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Lehtonen gets full guard.
Smyslov lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Smyslov trying to control the position from guard on top but Lehtonen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Smyslov scoring with punches to the head and body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smyslov wants to pass the guard but Lehtonen is keeping the position.
Lehtonen throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Smyslov stopping the sweep attempt from Lehtonen.
Lehtonen trying to control the position.
Smyslov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Smyslov keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Lehtonen's head.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Smyslov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Lehtonen lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Smyslov circles away quickly and effectively.
Lehtonen throws a sloppy head kick and Smyslov moves out of range easily.
Smyslov scores with a jab. Lehtonen acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Smyslov blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lehtonen connects with a knee to the head.
Lehtonen stalling in the clinch but Smyslov improves position.
Smyslov blocks an elbow strike.
Smyslov on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Nice body punch from Smyslov - that landed with a thud.
Smyslov has had enough of the clinch but Lehtonen keeps him there for the moment.
Smyslov managing to block the knees to the body from Lehtonen.

Smyslov breaks from the clinch.
A telegraphed right hand from Lehtonen misses the target.
Lehtonen is looking to clinch but Smyslov is avoiding it.
Smyslov cracks Lehtonen with a right hand to the side of the head.
Lehtonen on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Lehtonen takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Smyslov stuns Lehtonen with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

Smyslov feints and as Lehtonen raises his hands in defense, Smyslov changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Smyslov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Smyslov forces his way into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Smyslov lands strikes from half guard.
Jari Lehtonen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Smyslov trying to control from half guard but Lehtonen is working away.
Vasily Smyslov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lehtonen tries to roll over but Smyslov keeps him under control.
Smyslov controlling the action here.
Lehtonen tries to kick Smyslov off but Smyslov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Smyslov is trying to work for a kimura but Lehtonen is defending well.
Lehtonen pushes Smyslov off looking to stand but Smyslov dives back in and keeps control.
Lehtonen flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Smyslov scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

Smyslov scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Smyslov wants to control but Lehtonen is keeping him busy.
Lehtonen is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lehtonen gets full guard.
Lehtonen looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Smyslov not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Smyslov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Lehtonen keeping moving, preventing Smyslov from controlling successfully.
Lehtonen is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Smyslov content to stall in guard here.

Lehtonen has his foot on Smyslov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Smyslov works his way back into a safe position though.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Smyslov sitting in guard here, content to control.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vasily Smyslov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Smyslov has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Emerson Jorge scores the fight 27:30
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 27:30
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Vasily Smyslov!