PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Khawbhala Konegawa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sam Smith (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!

Konegawa
vs
Smith

167 cm
18
175 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

189 cm
20
190 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Self confident

BJJ White Belt
Great elbows
Determined

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Khawbhala Konegawa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Sam Smith!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Konegawa is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Smith.
Smith lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Konegawa wants to clinch up but Smith keeps it at a distance.
Smith fails with an attempt to clinch.
Konegawa darts in trying to clinch

and Smith moves into the clinch.
Konegawa looking to throw knees to the head but Smith is blocking nicely.
Smith lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Konegawa swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Smith misses with a knee strike.
Konegawa with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Konegawa misses with an elbow over the top.
Smith is trying to stall.
Smith blocks an elbow strike.
Konegawa lands an elbow inside.
Konegawa throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Smith blocks it with crossed arms.
Konegawa tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Smith just stands there and leans against the cage.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Smith.
Konegawa tries to land a knee to the head but Smith blocks with his arms.
Konegawa lands a knee to the head.
Smith wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Konegawa tries to land a knee to the head but Smith blocks with his arms.
Konegawa is pressed up against the cage. Smith has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Konegawa down to the mat. Konegawa avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
No luck for Smith with that takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Smith darts in and clinches Konegawa up against the cage.
Konegawa looking to throw knees to the head but Smith is blocking nicely.
Smith effectively controlling the action here.
Konegawa throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Smith blocks it with crossed arms.
Konegawa is breathing heavily.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Konegawa throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Smith blocks it with crossed arms.
Smith lands an elbow inside.
Smith fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Khawbhala Konegawa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sam Smith.
Smith fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Smith looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Smith looking for a takedown.

Smith gets control of Konegawa's arms and successfully pulls guard. Smith will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Konegawa throws a strike but Smith rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Konegawa working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Smith.
Smith wanted to stand there but Konegawa had control of the position.
Konegawa has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Konegawa manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Smith fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Konegawa wants to clinch but Smith slips to the side

and Smith counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Smith throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Konegawas head.
Smith taking a breather.
Smith avoids a wild elbow strike from Konegawa.
Smith throws an elbow that misses.
Konegawa tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Konegawa prevents Smith from breaking the clinch.
A short left from Smith.
Smith lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Konegawa has Smith pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Smith manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Smith lands a knee to the body.
Smith tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Konegawa just stands there and leans against the cage.
Konegawa stops a takedown attempt from Smith.
Smith lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

Smith manages to break the clinch.
Smith will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Smith!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith fails with a takedown attempt.
Smith scores with a jab to the head.
Konegawa tries to clinch but fails miserably
letting Smith counter with a right hand.
Smith closes the distance and clinches up with Konegawa, looking for a takedown. Smith pushes Konegawa against the cage but Konegawa circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Smith dives in and grabs Konegawa's left leg, looking for a takedown. Konegawa pushes down on Smith's head and hops out.
Khawbhala Konegawa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Konegawa wants to clinch
and Smith counters with a nice uppercut.
Smith moves in looking to clinch but Konegawa pushes him off.
Konegawa slaps away a takedown attempt from Smith, before circling back to the center of the mat.

Konegawa changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Smith looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

Konegawa decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Smith closes this distance looking for a takedown but Konegawa circles away.
Konegawa closes the distance but Smith moves to the side
and Smith counters with a one-two to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Smith tries to keep at a distance but Konegawa has taken the fight into the clinch.
Smith is trying to stall.
Smith gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Konegawa tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

Smith manages to break the clinch.
Smith is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Smith shoots for a double leg takedown but Konegawa sprawls well. He's pushed Smith's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Smith smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Smith doesn't manage to clinch there - Konegawa circles away.
Smith thuds his shin into the meat of Konegawa's side.
Smith looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Konegawa is fending him off so far but Smith persists. Nope, Konegawa circles away and we're back to standing.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Konegawa clinches but Smith breaks the clinch

and Smith counters by moving into the clinch.
Smith tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Konegawa just stands there and leans against the cage.
Konegawa tries to land a knee to the head but Smith blocks with his arms.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Sam Smith will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Konegawa closes the distance but Smith moves to the side
and Smith counters with a series of strikes. Konegawa will be more careful next time no doubt.
Konegawa clinches but Smith breaks the clinch
and Smith counters with a big head kick but Konegawa shrugs it off.
Konegawa closes the distance but Smith moves to the side
and Konegawa takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Smith displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Konegawa.
Smith closes the distance and clinches up with Konegawa, looking for a takedown. Smith pushes Konegawa against the cage but Konegawa circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Konegawa closes the distance looking to clinch
and Smith counters with a two punch combo.
Smith throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Konegawa's waist but Konegawa gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Smith off to one side.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
The crowd cheers as Smith lands an impressive looking overhand right. Konegawa doesn't seem phased though.
Smith closes this distance looking for a takedown but Konegawa circles away.
Khawbhala Konegawa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sam Smith.
Konegawa tries to clinch but Smith moves away
and Smith counters with a one-two to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Konegawa wants to clinch but Smith slips to the side

and Smith holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Konegawa with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Smith has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Konegawa misses with a knee to the head.

Smith has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Konegawa clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Smith throwing sloppy strikes.

Konegawa is trying to get back to his feet. He's worked up on to his knees and now he's on his feet with his head on the canvas, trying to shake Smith off. It looks like it's working - Smith slides off, much to his dismay, and we're back to standing! Konegawa displaying calm under pressure there.
Smith shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Smith scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Konegawa clinches but Smith breaks the clinch
and Smith counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Konegawa wants to clinch but Smith slips to the side

and Smith counters by moving into the clinch.
Konegawa using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Smith has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Smith lands an elbow inside that Konegawa shrugs off.
Smith is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Konegawa gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
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 Konegawa walks away with a smile on his face. Smith gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Konegawa tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Smith counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Smith throws a head kick that Konegawa semi-blocks.
Smith circles away from the clinch attempt

and Smith holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Konegawa with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Smith connects with a nasty looking knee right to Konegawa's face.
Smith comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Smith lands an elbow inside.
Smith changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Konegawa fights it off and pushes away nicely.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Konegawa tries to clinch
and Smith counters with a left and a right that stings Konegawa.
Konegawa tries to clinch but Smith moves away

and Smith holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Smith lands a hook that snaps the head of Konegawa backwards.
Smith slowing the pace effectively.
With the fighters up against the cage, Konegawa throws an elbow but misses.
Konegawa takes an elbow to the temple.
Konegawa misses with a knee strike.
Smith gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Konegawa's defenses.

Smith jumps guard.
Smith is looking to stand up but Konegawa isn't so interested in that idea.

Konegawa gets to his feet - Smith follows without any prompting.
Smith circles away from the clinch attempt
and Konegawa takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Konegawa wants to clinch but Smith slips to the side

and Smith counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Konegawa prevents a takedown attempt there.
Smith has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Konegawa avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Konegawa jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Smith walks away with a smile on his face. Konegawa gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Smith tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Konegawa swivels and escapes.
Konegawa takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Smith shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Konegawa closes the distance looking to clinch
and Smith counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Konegawa closes the distance but Smith moves to the side
enabling Smith to counter with a crisp jab.
Smith tries to score a power double leg takedown but Konegawa sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Smith somewhat.
No luck for Konegawa with that takedown attempt.
Konegawa wants to clinch but Smith slips to the side
and Smith counters with a three punch combo that has Konegawa backing up. Konegawa nods at Smith to acknowledge the strikes.

Smith closes the distance and clinches.
Konegawa throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Smith blocks it with crossed arms.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Smith is looking to break free of the clinch but Konegawa has double underhooks.
Smith is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Konegawa tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sam Smith showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Smith keeps Konegawa at a distance using the push kick.

Konegawa feints and as Smith raises his hands in defense, Konegawa changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Smith wants to stand but Konegawa is controlling the position.
Konegawa controlling from the top position.
Smith really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Konegawa. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Konegawa postures up in Smith's guard and throws a big left but Smith blocks it.
Smith avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Konegawa working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Smith's head.

Smith wriggles free and stands up.

Smith clinches with his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Smith manages to pull guard.
Smith utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Konegawa stands up from guard. Let's bang!

Smith clinches up with Konegawa and pushes him back against the cage.
Smith tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Konegawa just stands there and leans against the cage.
Smith jumps guard but Konegawa stands there with Smith around his waist. Smith gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Smith breaks from the clinch.

Smith gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Konegawa looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Konegawa with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Konegawa tries to land a knee to the head but Smith blocks with his arms.
Smith tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Konegawa smiles and moves away.
Khawbhala Konegawa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sam Smith.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Smith.
Smith changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Konegawa tries to avoid it but Smith manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Konegawa to the ground. Konegawa escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Konegawa looks to clinch
enabling Smith to counter with a crisp jab.
Konegawa tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Smith counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Smith misses with a takedown attempt - Konegawa sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Konegawa tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Smith counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Smith.
Konegawa looking to throw knees to the head but Smith is blocking nicely.
Konegawa keeps control of Smith as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Smith lands an elbow that stopped Konegawa in his tracks for a moment.
Konegawa tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Smith lands an elbow inside that Konegawa shrugs off.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Konegawa tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith lands a damaging elbow.
Smith lands an elbow just above Konegawa 's eye.
Smith misses with an elbow over the top.
Smith tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Konegawa just stands there and leans against the cage.

Smith breaks from the clinch.
Konegawa tries to clinch
and Smith counters with a nice body shot.

Smith rushes Konegawa and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Nice elbow from Smith.
Smith lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Konegawa backwards.
Konegawa jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Smith walks away with a smile on his face. Konegawa gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Smith lands a right hook to the body.
Smith looks for a takedown but Konegawa sprawls well.
Konegawa wants to clinch
and Smith counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Konegawa looks to clinch
and Smith counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Konegawa wants to clinch
and Smith counters with a right hand to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Konegawa avoids it really well and circles away.
Konegawa wants to clinch but Smith slips to the side

and Smith counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Konegawa tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Smith has Konegawa pushed against the cage.
Konegawa jumps guard but Smith stands there with Konegawa around his waist. Konegawa gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Smith missing with knees to the body.
Konegawa tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Konegawa tries a knee to the head but Smith blocks it.
Konegawa has Smith pressed against the cage, preventing Smith from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Konegawa takes an elbow to the forehead.
Konegawa takes an elbow to the temple.
Smith pushes off an throws an elbow but Konegawa leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Smith tries to score a body lock takedown but Konegawa shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Konegawa throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Smith blocks it with crossed arms.
Smith throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Konegawas head.
Konegawa throws an elbow that misses.
Khawbhala Konegawa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sam Smith is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Smith fails to pull guard.
Konegawa misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Smith.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sam Smith comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Smith winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Andi Peters scores the fight 28:30
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 28:29
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sam Smith!