PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Zeburdiah Zappatista (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mike Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Smith is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: In The Morning. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Zappatista
vs
Smith

188 cm
22
198 lbs
11 - 4 - 0

183 cm
26
224 lbs
10 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
Great low kicks
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Powerful

Battalion Athletics

F.ighters U.nlimited K.lothing C.ompany ☯
[†CoE†]Terror-Trition 155Q[†CoE†]

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Zeburdiah Zappatista!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mike Smith!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Daniel Franklin and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nice uppercut there from Smith.
Smith stuffs the takedown.
Zappatista goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Smith checks a low kick from Zappatista.

Smith drops Zappatista with a beautiful combination! Zappatista stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Smith is looking for the KO!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Zappatista is defended easily by Smith.
Smith moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Crunch! Smith slams his shin into Zappatista's torso.
Smith feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Zappatista's calf.
Smith lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Smith connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Smith throws a body kick that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Zappatista walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Smith dips to his left and cracks Zappatista with an uppercut!
Smith thumps Zappatista with a low kick.
Zappatista blocks the body kick.
Smith throws a sloppy head kick and Zappatista moves out of range easily.
Smith plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!

Zappatista is rocked!
Smith throws a head kick that misses.
Mike Smith is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Smith throws a series of punches but Zappatista avoids them all with ease.
A big right from Zappatista misses.

Zappatista shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Smith's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Smith trying to keep a closed guard but Zappatista is proving a slippery customer.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista postures up in Smith's guard and throws a big left but Smith blocks it.
Smith avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Zappatista slips nicely into half guard.
Smith avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Zappatista.
Smith is staying active underneath Zappatista, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Zappatista perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Zappatista prevents Smith from improving his position.
Zappatista is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith has control of Zappatista's left arm, preventing Zappatista from doing any damage.
Zappatista postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Zappatista tries to free his leg and advance position but Smith is retaining full guard.
Smith manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Zappatista can't escape the position.
Smith avoids the attempt from Zappatista to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Zappatista is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Zappatista tries to hold on but Smith postures up.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zappatista is desperately trying to improve his position but Smith has a good base and remains in mount.
Zappatista gets back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Smith dominated that round.
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.

Zappatista throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
and Smith counters with a left and a right that stings Zappatista.
Smith throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Smith lunges at Zappatista with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Zappatista's hand.
Smith lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Smith lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Zappatista slips a straight right by Smith.
Smith moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Zappatista throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Smith's head.

It looks like Mike Smith has been cut.
Smith scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Zappatista doesn't seem bothered though.
Smith connects with a solid leg kick.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Smith throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Zappatista takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zappatista throws a low kick but it's checked well by Smith.
Zappatista tries to score a power double leg takedown but Smith sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Zappatista somewhat.
Smith stuns Zappatista with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Mike Smith seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Smith scores with a kick to the body.
Smith looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Nice body kick there by Smith.
Smith tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Smith uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Zappatista has time to react.
Smith throws a series of punches but Zappatista moves out of range.
Smith digs a good body shot into Zappatista's ribs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith throws a wild body kick that Zappatista sees coming a mile off.
Smith pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Zappatista misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A low kick from Zappatista misses
and Smith counters with a left to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zappatista avoids the body shot from Smith.
Zappatista takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Nice body kick there by Smith.
Smith lands a head shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Smith. Zappatista does a little dance to reset his feet.
Zappatista throws a leg kick that is checked
and Smith counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Smith throws a sloppy head kick
and Zappatista counters with a low kick, right behind Smith 's knee.
Zappatista avoids the body shot from Smith.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Zappatista circles away quickly and effectively.
Smith scores with a nice strike.
A slapping leg kick lands for Smith.
Smith has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Smith throws a sloppy head kick

and Zappatista counters with a takedown into side control.
Smith prevents Zappatista from improving position.

Zappatista is trying to get an arm triangle but Smith is defending well.
Zappatista looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Smith is avoiding damage well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista in side control, throwing shots but Smith defends.
Zappatista tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Zappatista throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Zappatista working away.
Zappatista throws an elbow but Smith slips to the side and avoids it well.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Zappatista avoids the head kick by Smith.
Smith misses with a body shot.
Zappatista with a poor takedown
and Smith counters with a right hand to the body.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Zappatista tries to move into range but Smith moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Both fighters circling a little - Smith finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Smith throws a lazy head kick

and Zappatista counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Smith showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Mike Smith's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Zappatista pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Smith fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Zappatista.
Smith feints and then cracks Zappatista's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Zappatista down.
Smith motions for Zappatista to come forward. Smith throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Zappatista uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Smith.
Mike Smith seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Smith steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Zappatista. That one must have hurt.
Zappatista misses with an uppercut. Smith saw that one coming.
Zappatista fails in his attempt to clinch.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Zappatista is defended easily by Smith.
Smith throws a front kick that sends Zappatista stumbling back into the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith throws a jab but it's blocked by Zappatista.
Nice body punch from Smith.
Zappatista tries for a takedown but Smith circles away easily
and Smith cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Smith connects with a good right hand that stumbles Zappatista. Zappatista circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Zappatista with a lazy takedown attempt
and Smith makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Zappatista really felt that one!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Zeburdiah Zappatista. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Zappatista tries to move into range but Smith moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Smith keeps Zappatista at a distance using the push kick.
Zappatista is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
A head kick misses from Zappatista.
Smith throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Smith is looking to slow Zappatista down with leg kicks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Smith tries a head kick but it misses.
Smith will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Zappatista shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Smith pinned against the cage. Smith gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Zappatista avoids the head kick by Smith.
Smith loads up on a big right hand but Zappatista slips the punch.
Zappatista will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Smith lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Zappatista keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Smith counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Zappatista misses with a head kick.
A clash of legs there as Smith blocks the low kick.
Smith scores with a nice right hand.
Smith clobbers Zappatista with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Smith lands with a kick to the temple. Zappatista shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Smith feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Zappatista's calf.
Smith throws a looping overhand right but Zappatista ducks down to avoid it.
A head kick misses from Smith.
Smith throws out a loose jab but Zappatista uses good head movement to avoid it.
Smith thows a leg kick but Zappatista checks it

so Zappatista counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista wants to control from the top but Smith keeps moving.
Zappatista is looking to work some ground and pound but Smith has wrist control.
Smith working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Zappatista.
Zappatista is looking to work some ground and pound but Smith has wrist control.
Zappatista postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Smith looking to control.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zappatista wants to pass the guard but Smith is keeping the position.
Zappatista trying to control but Smith is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Smith really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Mike Smith's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Zappatista moves out of range of the body kick.
Smith throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Smith throws a quick inside leg kick.
Zappatista misses with a hook. Smith ducked under it nicely.
Smith throws a hook to the side of Zappatista's head but Zappatista sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Smith connects with a solid leg kick.
Smith lands with a slapping head kick.
A slow jab from Zappatista misses its intended target.
Zappatista tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Zappatista lands a head kick. Smith smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Smith looks to land a right hand but Zappatista moved out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zappatista with a lazy takedown attempt
and Smith counters with a straight right hand.
Smith throws out a powerful jab.
Zappatista thows a left - swing and a miss!
Zappatista looks for a takedown but Smith sprawls well.
Smith scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Smith leaves Zappatista with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Zeburdiah Zappatista. That's going to take a lot out of him.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Smith lands a nice hook to Zappatista's body. Zappatista takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Smith throws a quick inside leg kick.
Zappatista looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Smith throws a series of punches but Zappatista moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista tries to clinch there but Smith circles away.
Smith uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Zappatista has time to react.
Zappatista shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Zappatista is looking to slow Smith down with leg kicks.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Zappatista.
Zappatista has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Smith.
Zappatista pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Zappatista tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Smith paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Zappatista has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Zappatista there as he acknowledges the shot.
Zappatista connects with a high kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Smith delivers a nice body kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Zappatista takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Smith fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Smith throws a wild body kick that Zappatista sees coming a mile off.
Smith throws a series of punches but Zappatista moves out of range.
Zappatista takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Smith scores with a nice body kick.
Zappatista throws a leg kick that is checked
and Smith counters with a nice body shot.
Smith takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
A solid leg kick lands there for Smith.
Smith lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Zappatista at a distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Zappatista checks it well.
Smith thumps Zappatista with a low kick.
Zappatista misses with a takedown attempt
and Smith counters with a nice leg kick.
Smith throws a push kick but Zappatista slaps the foot to one side.
No luck for Zappatista with that takedown attempt.
Smith fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
A solid leg kick lands there for Smith.
Smith throws a body kick despite being completely out of range

and Zappatista counters with a nice double leg into side control. Smith won't be happy with that.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Smith is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Zappatista scoring with punches from side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Smith dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Mike Smith's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Zappatista has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Zappatista there as he acknowledges the shot.
Zappatista checks the leg kick nicely there.
Smith feints and then cracks Zappatista's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Zappatista down.
Smith throws a nice head kick!
Zappatista closes the distance and clinches up with Smith, looking for a takedown. Zappatista pushes Smith against the cage but Smith circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Zappatista tries a head kick but it misses.
Smith throws a nice looking combination but Zappatista bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Smith is looking to slow Zappatista down with leg kicks.
Zappatista fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Smith avoids it really well and circles away.
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 connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Zappatista moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Zappatista wants to slow Smith down by chopping away at his legs.
Zappatista fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Smith avoids it really well and circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Zeburdiah Zappatista. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smith looks to score with a jab to the body but Zappatista is just out of range.
Smith blocks a head kick by Zappatista.
Smith scores with a head kick.
Zappatista tries to land a body kick
and Smith counters with a nice leg kick.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Smith. Zappatista shrugs it off though.
A nice inside leg kick there by Smith. That's going to slow Zappatista down.
Mike Smith is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith throws a body kick that misses.
Zappatista cracks the inside of Smith's front leg.
Smith uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Zappatista throws a leg kick that is checked
and Smith counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Zappatista moves out of range of the body kick from Smith.
Zappatista misses with a head kick.
A thudding body kick lands there by Smith!
Zappatista shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Smith counter with a right hand.
Zappatista throws a half hearted mid kick.
Smith lands the left hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith throws a lazy head kick
and Smith takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Smith loads up on a big right hand but Zappatista slips the punch.
Smith thumps Zappatista with a low kick.
Smith connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Zappatista misses with a head kick.
No luck for Zappatista with that takedown attempt.
Smith smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Smith scores with a one two! Zappatista had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Zeburdiah Zappatista has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A head kick by Smith misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Smith dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zappatista looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Smith throws a head kick that misses

and Zappatista counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Smith's guard now.
Zappatista loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Zappatista working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Zappatista 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.
Smith is trying to keep Zappatista in close.
Zappatista with a flurry of punches that miss.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zappatista working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Zappatista is looking to work some ground and pound but Smith has wrist control.
Zappatista with a nice head shot there.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mike 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight for Mike Smith!
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight for Mike Smith!
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight for Mike Smith!

Mike Smith wins by unanimous decision!
Mike Smith is the new light heavyweight champion!