PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Austin Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Michael Erickson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Smith
vs
Erickson

180 cm
22
175 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

180 cm
22
167 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

Mundi Nutrition
South Side Swagger

Dark Storm Performance

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Austin Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Michael Erickson!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, Alyssa Summers and Columbo Gatti.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Erickson throws out the jab.
Smith tries for a takedown but Erickson sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Erickson throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Smith shoots in looking for a takedown. Erickson tries to sprawl out of it but Smith keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Erickson manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
A combination from Erickson does no damage.
Erickson connects with the punch.

It looks like Austin Smith has been cut.
Erickson pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Erickson connects with a jab.

Smith is rocked!
Smith looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Oh Smith is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Austin Smith. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smith shoots in but Erickson avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Smith.
Smith seems to have got his legs back now.
Erickson sneaks back into half guard.
Smith looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith controlling the pace.

Erickson is defending against the submission attempts here by Smith.
Erickson gets full guard.
Erickson wants to sweep but no luck.
Erickson keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.
Erickson looking for a sweep. Not yet Erickson, not yet.
Smith wants to pass the guard but Erickson is keeping the position.
Smith trying to control but Erickson is working from the bottom.

That's two 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.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Erickson scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Smith uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Erickson.
Erickson bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Erickson scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Smith is breathing heavily.
Erickson shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Erickson misses with a head kick.

Smith darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Erickson is looking to control Smith's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Erickson avoid being mounted?
Erickson is trying to get back to full guard.

Smith is looking for a kimura but Erickson is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Smith to get the leverage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith wants to pass to mount but Erickson is defending the position.
Smith takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Erickson wants to improve his position but Smith is controlling well.
Smith is looking to advance position but Erickson won't allow it.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Erickson plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Smith looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Erickson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Smith sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Erickson's corner calls for a 1-2. Erickson obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Erickson throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

Smith gets the takedown into side control.
Erickson trying to remain calm as Smith controls from the top position.
Erickson manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Erickson seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Smith does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Erickson's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Erickson's back!
Smith not allowing Erickson to control his hands.
Smith lands a good shot there. Erickson covers up! Smith smells blood and goes for the finish - the referee warns Erickson to improve his position but he's not intelligently defending himself and the referee has no choice but to step in and end the fight! Smith jumps to his feet and celebrates the important win with his cornermen!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:27 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Austin Smith!