PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jed Masilungan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jim Smilehoven (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Masilungan comes into the arena with Dead End blaring out of the sound system. This should be fireworks!

Masilungan
vs
Smilehoven

178 cm
22
167 lbs
11 - 0 - 0

180 cm
22
164 lbs
13 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Convicted Trap House
Conviction

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 11 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Jed Masilungan!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jim Smilehoven!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Seu Braga and Luis Engracia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fighters circling - Smilehoven throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A jab lands there for Smilehoven.
Masilungan dodges the punch combination from Smilehoven.
Smilehoven misses with a jab, cross combination.

Masilungan looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Masilungan postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Smilehoven to stand up.
Masilungan comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

Masilungan pushes Smilehoven up against the cage in a clinch.

Masilungan turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Masilungan throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Masilungan lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Smilehoven down.
An elbow from Masilungan crashes against the mat.
Masilungan controls the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Masilungan's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Smilehoven can do anything to dispel that myth.
Masilungan trying to control the action but Smilehoven is working from the bottom.
Masilungan scoring with punches from side control.
Masilungan working the strikes but Smilehoven uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Masilungan passes to full mount!
Smilehoven avoids a series of strikes thrown by Masilungan.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Masilungan wants to control the pace but Smilehoven is squirming around nicely.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Masilungan thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Masilungan sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Masilungan throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Masilungan tries to control but Smilehoven wriggling away.
Masilungan thowing shots but they're missing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Masilungan looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Smilehoven really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Masilungan. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Masilungan tries to control but Smilehoven wriggling away.

Masilungan goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Smilehoven is on top in guard.
Masilungan lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Smilehoven!

Masilungan jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Smilehoven is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Smilehoven and Masilungan has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Masilungan postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Smilehoven is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Masilungan has just dragged him back down to the mat.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Masilungan in side control, throwing shots but Smilehoven defends.
Masilungan wants to lay and pray for a moment but Smilehoven keeps working.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jed Masilungan dominated that round.
That's time! Masilungan's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Masilungan looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Masilungan landing some decent shots from guard.
Masilungan 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.
Masilungan trying to control the position from guard on top but Smilehoven is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Masilungan accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Masilungan trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Masilungan is working hard here to advance position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smilehoven is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Masilungan is controlling him.
Masilungan trying to control the position from guard on top but Smilehoven is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Masilungan is defended easily by Smilehoven.
Masilungan misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Smilehoven throws a series of punches but Masilungan avoids them all with ease.
Smilehoven throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Masilungan.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Smilehoven misses with a few strikes there.
Masilungan takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Masilungan bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Masilungan throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Smilehoven throws a lazy right hand but Masilungan sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Some wild striking there from Smilehoven.
Smilehoven connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

Masilungan fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Smilehoven, pushing him back against the cage.

Masilungan has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Smilehoven uses from the top position.

Masilungan has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Smilehoven can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Smilehoven trying to control but Masilungan is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Masilungan looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Masilungan wants to stand but Smilehoven is controlling the position.

Masilungan looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Smilehoven must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Smilehoven preventing the sweep.

Masilungan has his foot on Smilehoven's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Smilehoven works his way back into a safe position though.

Masilungan working for a triangle but Smilehoven defends it easily.
Smilehoven is stalling in the full guard.

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.
Smilehoven trying to control the position from guard on top but Masilungan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Masilungan looking to hit a scissor sweep but Smilehoven is one step ahead there.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Smilehoven wants to control from the top but Masilungan keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jed Masilungan dominated that second round.
That's time! Masilungan's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

A solid leg kick lands there for Masilungan.
Masilungan closes this distance looking for a takedown but Smilehoven circles away.

Masilungan scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Smilehoven avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Masilungan.
Masilungan throws a strike but Smilehoven avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Smilehoven is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Masilungan is controlling him.
Masilungan advances position into side control!
Smilehoven stops Masilungan from passing to mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Masilungan is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Smilehoven has escaped the position, nice work there.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Masilungan working away.

Masilungan stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Smilehoven misses with a wild combination.

Masilungan fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Smilehoven sprawls well initially but Masilungan persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Masilungan is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Masilungan seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Smilehoven does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Masilungan is really struggling to control Smilehoven but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Masilungan lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Masilungan keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Masilungan works his foot free and advances to mount.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Masilungan throwing strikes but Smilehoven bucks up and reverses the position. He's now in guard on top.
Masilungan trying to control the position from guard on top but Smilehoven is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Masilungan stands and throws Smilehoven's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Masilungan is trying to get an arm triangle but Smilehoven is defending well.
Masilungan is looking to take a break and control but Smilehoven is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Smilehoven is trying to get back to half guard.

Masilungan wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Smilehoven, who protects the arm well.
Sloppy strikes there by Masilungan.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jed Masilungan clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Some wild striking there from Smilehoven.
Masilungan dodges the punch combination from Smilehoven.

Masilungan drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

Masilungan working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Masilungan tries to score with some ground and pound. Smilehoven controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Smilehoven looks to move to half guard but instead Masilungan has passed into mount! Damn!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Masilungan wants to control but Smilehoven has made it back to half guard. Nice work.

Masilungan is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Masilungan stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Smilehoven to get to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Smilehoven throws a hook but Masilungan avoids it easily.
Jim Smilehoven is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Smilehoven misses with a two punch combination.
Masilungan lands a head kick. Smilehoven smiles back at him and beckons him forward.

It looks like Jim Smilehoven has been cut.
Masilungan slips a jab and a cross from Smilehoven.
Smilehoven stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Smilehoven wants it to stay on the feet.
Smilehoven swinging wildly here.
Smilehoven is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Masilungan keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Smilehoven.

Masilungan shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Masilungan showed some decent athleticism there.
Masilungan working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Smilehoven's thigh. Smilehoven counters though and makes it back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smilehoven preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Masilungan won't allow Smilehoven to sweep him here.
Masilungan trying to control the position from guard on top but Smilehoven is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Masilungan looking to pass the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Smilehoven keeping moving, preventing Masilungan from controlling successfully.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Smilehoven throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Smilehoven throws a sloppy body shot
and Masilungan counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A solid body kick from Masilungan.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Masilungan.
Masilungan has knee on belly and moves into mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jed Masilungan had his way with Jim Smilehoven in that round.
The cut man is working on Jim Smilehoven'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. This is the final round!

Masilungan lands with a nice combination. Smilehoven backs away looking to recover.
Smilehoven throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Masilungan sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Masilungan connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Smilehoven swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Masilungan counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

Masilungan feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.

Masilungan stands and steps away. Smilehoven gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
A head kick misses from Masilungan.
Smilehoven throws a left and a right that both miss

and Masilungan counters with a takedown into side control.
Masilungan advances nicely into full mount.
Masilungan looking to finish with strikes here!
Masilungan sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Masilungan punching from mount but Smilehoven doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Masilungan takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Masilungan with good strikes from the mount here!
Masilungan throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Masilungan controlling the pace for now.

That's two 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.
Smilehoven avoids a series of strikes thrown by Masilungan.
Poor strikes thrown by Masilungan there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Smilehoven is the more experienced fighter here and he's going to need to draw on some of that experience if he's going to pull this one out the bag.
Masilungan raining down shots from the mount!
Smilehoven is squirming around, avoiding Masilungan's attempts to control the action.
Masilungan throws some wild stikes that Smilehoven manages to avoid easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Masilungan thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Masilungan looking to finish with strikes here!
Masilungan controlling the pace for now.
Masilungan looking to ground and pound but Smilehoven is blocking nicely.
Masilungan trying to control but Smilehoven is having none of it.
Jed Masilungan is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Masilungan working Smilehoven over with strikes here.

Masilungan wants to finish this one by submission but Smilehoven is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Masilungan.
Masilungan throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Masilungan can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Smilehoven is looking to escape.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jed Masilungan showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Masilungan, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Felipe Paraventi scores the fight for Jed Masilungan!
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight for Jed Masilungan!
Judge Luis Engracia scores the fight for Jed Masilungan!

Jed Masilungan wins by unanimous decision!
Jed Masilungan retains his lightweight title!