PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Hurry Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Simons III (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Smith
vs
Simons III

175 cm
24
150 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

172 cm
26
150 lbs
15 - 6 - 1

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

ADCC Champion
Brawler
Granite chin

Rio Mma Clothing - PROMOTION $25

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Hurry Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, John Simons III!
The judges for this bout are Edson Gomes, Leandro Rodrigues and Seu Braga.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith misses with a wild combination.
Simons III slips under a jab from Smith.
Simons III takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Simons III shoots in for a takedown but Smith shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Smith just misses with a punch to the body.
No luck for Simons III with that takedown attempt.

Simons III bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Smith is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Smith wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Smith is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith is pushing Simons III's head away, looking to escape. Simons III manages to hold on to the position though.
Smith is looking to regain half guard here but Simons III keeps moving and retains side control.

Simons III is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Smith is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Simons III trying to control the action but Smith is working from the bottom.

Simons III is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Smith knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

That's two 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.
Smith is trying to work for a sweep but Simons III has mounted him!

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Simons III goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Smith turns into him and now he's in Simons III's guard.
Smith trying to control but Simons III is working from the bottom.
Smith trying to stand up but can't free himself from Simons III's guard.
Smith trying to control but Simons III is working from the bottom.

Smith stands up from guard. Let's bang!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Simons III shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Smith taking some punishment here, with Simons III in his half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Simons III has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Smith is trying to stand.
Smith working to try and regain half guard.
Simons III can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Smith is looking to escape.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith is trying to reverse the position but instead Simons III has taken his back - oops!

Simons III working for the choke.
Simons III missing with strikes.

Smith showing good submission defense here.
Smith rolls, trying to escape but Simons III keeps control of the position.
Simons III is trying to stick to Smith's back but Smith is turning into Simons III. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Simons III's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Smith.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Simons III dominated that round.
That's time! Smith's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Some wild striking there from Simons III.
Simons III tries to score a power double leg takedown but Smith sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Simons III somewhat.
The fighters circle momentarily. Smith darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

It looks like John Simons III has been cut.
Smith misses with a two punch combination.
Hurry Smith is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Smith keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Simons III closes the distance and pushes Smith back into the cage.

Simons III pulls guard successfully.
Smith is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Simons III has a closed guard, preventing Smith from standing up.

Simons III had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Smith defends it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Simons III swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Smith controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

Smith stands up from Simons III's guard - Smith perhaps looking for a knockout.
Smith throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Smith will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Simons III is looking to clinch.
Horrible takedown by Simons III or perhaps it was just good defense by Smith which made him look bad.
Hurry Smith has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Simons III.
Smith throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Smith throws a series of punches but Simons III moves out of range.
Hurry Smith is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two 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.
Smith misses with a two punch combination.
A combination from Smith does no damage.

Simons III looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Smith is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Simons III is controlling him.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Simons III thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Smith looking to hit a scissor sweep but Simons III is one step ahead there.

Simons III is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Smith is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Smith has escaped and now he's on top!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith tries to stand but Simons III is controlling from the bottom.
Smith looking to pass the guard.

Simons III working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Smith doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Smith manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Smith avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Simons III has a closed guard, preventing Smith from standing up.
Smith trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Smith seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Smith trying to control but Simons III is working from the bottom.
Simons III is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Simons III is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Smith defends it well.
Smith looks like he's trying to stand up.
Simons III is looking to stall here but Smith recovers full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Hurry Smith will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on John Simons III's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Smith scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Smith circles away from the clinch attempt.
Simons III misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Smith.
Smith lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Simons III circles away quickly and effectively.

Simons III drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Simons III trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Smith manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Simons III looking to hit a scissor sweep but Smith is one step ahead there.
Smith with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Smith has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Smith trying to control but Simons III is working from the bottom.
Simons III trying to keep a closed guard but Smith is proving a slippery customer.
Simons III takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Simons III tries to buck Smith off but Smith is having none of it.
Smith works to advance to full mount. Simons III defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Simons III regains half guard.
Simons III regains full guard. Nicely done.
Smith trying to control but Simons III is working from the bottom.
Smith scoring with punches to the head and body.

Simons III is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Smith knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Simons III on the ground.
Smith stays in close to Simons III's body and controls the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith trying to control but Simons III is working from the bottom.
Smith is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Smith trying to control the position from guard on top but Simons III is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Hurry Smith.
Smith throws a right and a left that both miss.
Simons III shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Smith as he avoids it easily.
Smith throws a nice looking combination but Simons III bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Smith lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Smith.
Nice takedown defense from Smith. No joy for Simons III on that attempt.
Smith misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Smith throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Smith takes a swing at Simons III's ribcage but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith throws a nice looking combination but Simons III bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Simons III shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Smith as he avoids it easily.
Hurry Smith has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Simons III.
Good standup being displayed there by Smith as he connects with a hook.
Simons III misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Simons III slips a jab and a cross from Smith.
Smith digs a good body shot into Simons III's ribs.
Nice cross by Smith.
Smith ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Simons III moves away.
Simons III dives in and grabs Smith's left leg, looking for a takedown. Smith pushes down on Simons III's head and hops out.
Smith misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Simons III.
A cross from Smith lands.
Smith keeps the fight on the outside.
A punch combination from Smith misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Simons III shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Smith napping and manages to drive through into side control!

Simons III is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Smith has escaped the position, nice work there.
Smith is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

Simons III is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Smith doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Simons III.
Simons III prevents Smith from standing back up.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hurry Smith showed his dominance in that final round.
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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 29:28
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 29:28
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 29:28

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