PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Pepe Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bruce Buckern (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Smith
vs
Buckern

214 cm
22
134 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

176 cm
23
140 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Pepe Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Bruce Buckern!
The judges for this bout are William Gold, James Atkins and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice sprawl there from Buckern as Smith shoots in.

Buckern closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Buckern lands in his opponent's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Buckern preventing the sweep.
Buckern trying to control the position from guard on top but Smith is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Buckern got a little sloppy there for a moment and Smith has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Buckern has managed to get both his arms back between Smith's legs - danger averted.
Buckern trying to control the position from guard on top but Smith is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Smith wants to sweep but no luck.
Buckern postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Buckern controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

That's one minute gone in the round.
I looks like Buckern might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
Smith keeping moving, preventing Buckern from controlling successfully.
Smith looking to hit a scissor sweep but Buckern is one step ahead there.
Smith utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Buckern trying to control but Smith is working from the bottom.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Smith tries for a takedown but Buckern circles away easily

and Buckern counters with a nice double leg into guard.

Smith has his feet on Buckern's thighs here. He's pushed Buckern off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Buckern screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Pepe Smith!