PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between John Willard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Maks Smirnov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Maks Smirnov will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Willard
vs
Smirnov

186 cm
18
250 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

210 cm
19
240 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, John Willard!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Maks Smirnov!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Marco Blurström and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smirnov lands a lovely overhand right.
Smirnov swats away the attempt to clinch by Willard.
Willard avoids a punch combination nicely.

Smirnov scores with a takedown into Willard's guard.
Willard wants to sweep here but Smirnov controlling him for the moment.
Smirnov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Smirnov postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Smirnov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Willard has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Smirnov has managed to get both his arms back between Willard's legs - danger averted.
Smirnov slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Willard takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Smirnov taking a breather here.
Smirnov's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Smirnov is chipping away with strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smirnov has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Willard is breathing heavily.
The referee warns Willard that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Smirnov is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Willard can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Smirnov landing strikes from the mount and Willard is in trouble!
Smirnov sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smirnov lands a nice shot to the head.
The referee warns Willard that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Willard taking shots to the head.
Smirnov controlling his opponent.
Smirnov landing strikes, looking to finish!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smirnov lands a big elbow.
Smirnov sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.

Smirnov quickly switches position and commits to an armbar! It's a big risk for Smirnov but it's paid off an Willard is forced to tap! Nice work by Smirnov.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:49 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Maks Smirnov!