PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jack Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexander Novagrad (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Smith
vs
Novagrad

180 cm
19
160 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

180 cm
19
161 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Affordable 150+Q Supplements

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Jack Smith!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Alexander Novagrad!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Andrew Berry and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Smith scores a takedown into full mount!

Novagrad defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Smith.
Smith thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!

Novagrad bucks up and throws Smith to the side - he's got back to his feet. Great escape!
Smith shoots in for a takedown but Novagrad shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Smith misses with a takedown attempt - Novagrad sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Smith keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Novagrad cracks Smith with a good jab.
Novagrad misses with a wild body shot.
Smith avoids a punch combination nicely.
Novagrad throws a hook but Smith avoids it easily.
Smith shoots for a double leg takedown but Novagrad sprawls well. He's pushed Smith's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jack Smith. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Novagrad throws out a loose jab but Smith uses good head movement to avoid it.
Novagrad misses with an uppercut. Smith saw that one coming.
Novagrad misses with a wild body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Novagrad connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Novagrad throws a lazy right hand but Smith sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Smith shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Novagrad defends it nicely.
Alexander Novagrad is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Novagrad fails to land with a series of punches.
Novagrad misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Nice shot lands for Novagrad.

Novagrad drops Smith with a beautiful combination! Smith stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Novagrad is looking for the KO!

Smith is rocked!

It looks like Jack Smith has been cut.
Novagrad avoids a punch combination nicely.
Smith staying out of range there.
Novagrad throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Smith counters by moving into the clinch.
Smith is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Smith fails to pull the fight into his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Novagrad tries to break free but Smith pushes him back against the cage.
Novagrad wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Smith has him pressed against the cage.

Smith's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Novagrad throws a looping overhand right but Smith ducks down to avoid it.
Novagrad throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Smith.
Novagrad dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Novagrad slaps away a takedown attempt from Smith, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Alexander Novagrad seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Novagrad throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Smith counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Novagrad throws a right and a left that Smith avoids nicely.
Novagrad scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Novagrad misses with a series of wild punches.
Novagrad throws a combination that misses

and Smith counters with a single leg into guard. Novagrad didn't expect that.
Novagrad wants to stand up but Smith is controlling him.
Novagrad looks gassed!
Smith trying to control but Novagrad is working from the bottom.
Novagrad is looking to stand up but Smith isn't so interested in that idea.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Smith gets to his feet. Novagrad looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Smith defending well as Novagrad loads up on a big left hand.
Smith ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Novagrad swings away with a body shot that misses

and Smith counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Smith controlling the action here for a moment.
Smith keeps control of Novagrad as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Novagrad prevents a takedown attempt there.
Smith has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Novagrad avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

Smith ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Smith no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Novagrad wanted to stand there but Smith had control of the position.

Novagrad stands up from Smith's guard - Novagrad perhaps looking for a knockout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Novagrad misses with a body punch

and Smith counters with a single leg into guard. Novagrad didn't expect that.
Smith wants to control from the top but Novagrad keeps moving.

Smith stands and steps away. Novagrad gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Novagrad misses with the combination.
Novagrad throws a combination that misses

and Smith counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Novagrad!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Novagrad wants to get back to his feet.
Smith sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Smith has hold of Novagrad's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Novagrad manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Novagrad trying desperately to get to his feet.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Smith is standing up, even though he is in mount.
Smith shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Novagrad as he avoids it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Jack Smith will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Jack Smith's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Smith shoots in and drives through. Novagrad sprawls well.
Novagrad connects with a single shot there.
A punch lands to the side of Smith 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Smith slips a straight right by Novagrad.
A shot to the body from Novagrad misses

and Smith counters with a takedown into side control.
Novagrad is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Smith is controlling him well.
Smith throws an elbow but Novagrad slips to the side and avoids it well.

Smith decides to stand back up. Smith steps back and let's Novagrad get back to his feet.
Novagrad looks to throw the jab but Smith is out of range.
Novagrad misses the body punch

and Smith counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Novagrad is breathing heavily.
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!

Novagrad pushes Smith off and gets back to his feet.
Novagrad looks to score with a jab to the body but Smith is just out of range.
Novagrad throws a combination that misses

and Smith counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Smith.
Smith tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Novagrad smiles and moves away.
Smith looks for a takedown but Novagrad sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jack Smith. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Novagrad defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Smith.
Smith takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Danga de danga de dang - Novagrad scores with a four punch combination!
Novagrad thows a left - swing and a miss!
Alexander Novagrad seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Smith takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Novagrad throws the left hand but Smith avoids the punch easily.
Novagrad keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Novagrad throws a hook but Smith avoids it easily.
Smith displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Novagrad throws out the jab.
Novagrad pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Novagrad as he jumps to the side.
Smith shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Novagrad but Novagrad pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Novagrad throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Smith counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Novagrad will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Novagrad swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Smith counters with a nice double leg into side control. Novagrad won't be happy with that.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Smith stands up and beckons Novagrad to his feet.
The crowd cheers as Novagrad lands an impressive looking overhand right. Smith doesn't seem phased though.
Novagrad with a hook.
Smith blocks a jab.
Novagrad throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Novagrad misses with a body shot

and Smith counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Novagrad is looking to escape.
Smith works his foot free and advances to mount.
Novagrad trying desperately to get to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Novagrad defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Smith.

Smith is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Novagrad has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Smith misses with a head shot.
Novagrad is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Smith looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Novagrad is trying to stand up.

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 connects with a couple of good shots from mount.

Smith is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Novagrad can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Novagrad is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.

Smith wants to finish this one by submission but Novagrad is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Smith.
Smith landing punches.
Novagrad wants to try and get back to his feet.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Smith throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.

Smith stands up from the dominant position. He obviously fancies his chances standing.
Smith misses with a head kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Smith dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Jack Smith's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Novagrad throws a lazy right hand but Smith sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Novagrad throws a combination that misses

and Smith decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Novagrad's guard.

Novagrad pushes Smith off and gets back to his feet.
Smith slips a jab from Novagrad.
Smith avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

Smith forces Novagrad back against the cage and clinches.
Novagrad can't break the clinch.
Smith has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Novagrad avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Smith jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Novagrad walks away with a smile on his face. Smith gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Smith has taken the fight to the clinch.
Smith has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Novagrad avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jack Smith. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Smith has Novagrad pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Novagrad manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Smith is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Novagrad gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith is trying to stall.
A head punch on the inside from Smith fails to land.
Smith keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Novagrad's efforts to push away.

Novagrad breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Smith closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Novagrad did well to prevent Smith getting side control.
Smith sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Novagrad defending well though.

Smith is trying to work for a kimura but Novagrad is defending well.
Smith not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Smith missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Novagrad is trying to stand up here but Smith is controlling him well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Novagrad pushes Smith off and gets back to his feet.
Novagrad misses with a two punch combination.
Novagrad looks to land a right hand but Smith moved out of range.
Novagrad throws a right hand that Smith ducks under and follows up with a left that Smith also avoids with ease.

Smith rushes Novagrad and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Novagrad prevents a takedown attempt there.
Smith stalling the fight.
Smith lands a shot to the body.
Smith is working for takedown but Novagrad is calmly controlling the position for now.
Novagrad working hard to break the clinch.
Smith tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Novagrad smiles and moves away.
Smith fails to land the takedown.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Novagrad misses with an uppercut.
Novagrad works Smith's body with a nice hook.
Smith displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Novagrad throws out the jab.
Novagrad looks to score with a jab to the body but Smith is just out of range.
Novagrad throws the left hand but Smith avoids the punch easily.
Novagrad misses with an uppercut.
Novagrad lands a two punch combo.
Smith fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Novagrad avoids it really well and circles away.
Smith fails with a takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Novagrad connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Novagrad throws a jab when Smith was well out of range.
Novagrad connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Novagrad stuns Smith with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Novagrad throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Smith counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Novagrad!
Smith looking to finish with strikes here!
Novagrad is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Smith looking to ground and pound but Novagrad is blocking nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Jack Smith did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Jack Smith's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Novagrad uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Novagrad keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Smith slips a jab and a cross from Novagrad.
Smith dives in and grabs Novagrad's left leg, looking for a takedown. Novagrad pushes down on Smith's head and hops out.
Smith shoots in but no luck this time.
Smith defending well as Novagrad loads up on a big left hand.
Smith ducks under a wild hook from Novagrad.
Novagrad throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Novagrad throws a series of punches but Smith moves out of range.
Novagrad throws a right and a left that Smith avoids nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smith avoids the body shot from Novagrad.
Smith shoots in for a takedown but Novagrad shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jack Smith. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Novagrad falls off balance throwing a combination

and Smith holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Smith keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Novagrad's efforts to push away.
Novagrad is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith has Novagrad pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Novagrad manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Novagrad tries to break free but Smith pushes him back against the cage.
Novagrad prevents the takedown attempt.
Smith is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Novagrad breaks the clinch.
Nice cross by Novagrad.
Smith keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Novagrad.
The fighters circle momentarily. Novagrad darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
A punch combination from Novagrad misses.
Novagrad connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Smith momentarily.
Novagrad swings away with a body shot that misses

and Smith counters by moving into the clinch.
Smith drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Novagrad gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Novagrad wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Smith ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Smith no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Smith looking to hit a scissor sweep but Novagrad is one step ahead there.
Smith manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Novagrad's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Novagrad wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Smith.

Smith working for a guillotine from mount but Novagrad is in no mood to give up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Novagrad is trying to get back to his feet but can't.
Jack Smith overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Smith is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Novagrad to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Novagrad shrugs it off.
Novagrad is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Smith looking to control but Novagrad is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Novagrad is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.

Smith is working for a guillotine from mount but Novagrad frees his head quite easily.
Novagrad wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Smith.
Novagrad really wants to buck Smith off and get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Smith controlling his opponent.
Smith thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!

Smith wants to finish this one by submission but Novagrad is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Smith.

Smith working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Novagrad wants to get back to his feet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Alexander Novagrad will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Jack Smith's cut.
That's time! Smith's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Smith fails to pull guard.
Smith drops down looking for an ankle pick but Novagrad pulls his leg out and moves away.
Novagrad takes a swing at Smith's ribcage but misses.
Nice cross by Novagrad.
Novagrad throws a left and a right that both miss

and Smith counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Smith throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Smith tries for a takedown. No joy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jack Smith. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Smith is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Novagrad pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Novagrad is trying to break the clinch but Smith is controlling him.
Novagrad wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith tries to pull guard but Novagrad holds him up against the cage and eventually Smith drops back down to his feet.
Smith leaning his opponent against the cage.
Novagrad has had enough of the clinch but Smith keeps him there for the moment.
Novagrad wants to get back to striking at distance but Smith won't allow it.
Novagrad prevents a takedown attempt there.
Smith is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Novagrad manages to break the clinch.
Smith takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Smith ducks under a wild hook from Novagrad.
Smith misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Novagrad throws a sloppy body shot

and Smith moves into the clinch.
Smith looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Novagrad gets underhooks to prevent Smith's takedown attempt.

Smith manages to break the clinch.
Novagrad rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Smith moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Smith shoots for a takedown but Novagrad saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A punch lands to the side of Smith 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Novagrad misses with a double jab

and Smith counters with a nice double leg into side control. Novagrad won't be happy with that.

Smith tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Novagrad wants to get back to his feet but Smith drags him back down.
Smith trying to control the action but Novagrad is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Novagrad bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Novagrad lands a slapping body shot.
Smith shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Novagrad but Novagrad pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Smith defending well as Novagrad loads up on a big left hand.
Novagrad displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Smith.
Smith fails with the takedown.
Novagrad misses with an uppercut. Smith saw that one coming.
Novagrad misses the shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Novagrad misses with a looping right.
Novagrad fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Novagrad throws a looping overhand right but Smith ducks down to avoid it.
Novagrad throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Smith counters with a series of strikes. Novagrad will be more careful next time no doubt.
Novagrad throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Smith decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Novagrad's guard.
Smith wants to pass the guard but Novagrad is keeping the position.
Smith trying to control but Novagrad is working from the bottom.
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.
Alexander Novagrad has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Novagrad throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Novagrad working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Smith.

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 Jack Smith.
I think Smith has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 49:46
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 49:46
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 50:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jack Smith!
Jack Smith is the new lightweight champion!