PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Niko Batchiska (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Reggie Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Batchiska
vs
Smith

165 cm
27
150 lbs
12 - 7 - 0

167 cm
24
140 lbs
7 - 5 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
KO power

BJJ Brown Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Niko Batchiska!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Reggie Smith!
The judges for this bout are Dillan Fox, Ian Loll and Steve Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith closes this distance looking for a takedown but Batchiska circles away.
Smith is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Smith fails with an attempt to clinch.
Smith looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Batchiska is fending him off so far but Smith persists. Nope, Batchiska circles away and we're back to standing.
Smith moves in looking to clinch but Batchiska pushes him off.

Batchiska moves into range and clinches up with Smith.
Batchiska has Smith pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Smith manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Batchiska breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Smith shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Batchiska as he avoids it easily.
Niko Batchiska has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Reggie Smith.
Smith tries to clinch but Batchiska moves away

and Batchiska counters by moving into the clinch.
The referee calls for Batchiska to work.

Batchiska gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Smith regains guard.

Smith is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Batchiska wants to stand but Smith is controlling his posture from full guard.

Smith is working an open guard so Batchiska takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

Batchiska moves into range and clinches up with Smith.

Batchiska escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Batchiska has Smith up against the cage in a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith wants a takedown but no success here.
Smith tries to pull guard but Batchiska holds him up against the cage and eventually Smith drops back down to his feet.

Smith has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Batchiska clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Batchiska looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.

Smith patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Batchiska trying to get back to his feet but Smith is in full control for now.

Smith is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Batchiska defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Batchiska is trying escape back to his feet. He turns into his opponent's guard and eventually finds his way back to his feet.
Smith shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Batchiska counters by moving into the clinch.
Smith looks gassed!
Smith tries for a takedown but Batchiska manages to get underhooks.
Batchiska goes for a takedown in the clinch but Smith prevents it.
Smith is trying to drag Batchiska to the mat but Batchiska just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

Smith ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Smith no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Batchiska tries to stand but Smith is controlling from the bottom.
Smith tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Batchiska wants to get up but he can't break Smith's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Smith escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Batchiska gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Batchiska stands up and waves to Smith to follow him.

Batchiska has closed the distance and engaged Smith in a clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Smith fails to pull guard.

Batchiska has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Smith regains guard immediately.
Smith has a closed guard, preventing Batchiska from standing up.
Batchiska 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 three minutes gone in the round.

Smith is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Batchiska decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Smith is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Batchiska.
Smith with a poor takedown
and Batchiska counters with a nice low kick that buckles Smith's knee momentarily.
Batchiska throws a head kick that Smith semi-blocks.
Smith with a lazy takedown attempt

and Batchiska counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Smith!

Batchiska stands up from the dominant position, so we're back on the feet.

Batchiska gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Batchiska.
Smith can't get the takedown.
Smith fails to pull guard.
Batchiska scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Smith takes a shot to the head.

Batchiska manages to break the clinch.
Smith has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Smith gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Batchiska moves into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Batchiska's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Smith has his takedown stuffed

and Batchiska counters by clinching up.
Smith has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Batchiska avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Batchiska.
Nice body punch from Batchiska - that landed with a thud.
Batchiska lands with a right to the head.

Batchiska breaks from the clinch.

Batchiska closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Batchiska pulls guard successfully.
Smith won't allow Batchiska to get back to his feet.

Batchiska uses the cage to get back to his feet.

Batchiska clinches up against the cage.

Batchiska escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Smith shoots and misses
and Batchiska counters with a big head kick but Smith shrugs it off.

Batchiska drives through and clinches with Smith against the cage.
Smith tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

Batchiska pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Smith gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Batchiska counters with a two punch combo.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Niko Batchiska dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Nice straight punches there by Batchiska. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Batchiska.
Smith darts in trying to clinch
and Batchiska counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Niko Batchiska is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Batchiska moves into the clinch.
Smith tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Smith has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Batchiska is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Smith tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Batchiska smiles and moves away.
Niko Batchiska has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Reggie Smith.

Batchiska gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Smith drags the fight down to the ground.
Smith wants to sweep but no luck.

Batchiska stands and steps away. Smith gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Smith tries to clinch
and Batchiska cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Smith tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Batchiska moves into the clinch.

Batchiska escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Batchiska darts in and clinches Smith up against the cage.
Batchiska digs a right hand underneath Smith's ribcage. Smith let out a lung full of air as it connected.

Batchiska pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Smith tries to clinch but Batchiska moves away

and Batchiska counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Smith wants to sweep but Batchiska has passed to side control!
Smith is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Batchiska decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Smith tries for a takedown but Batchiska circles away easily

and Batchiska counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Batchiska.
Batchiska lands an elbow inside that Smith shrugs off.
Batchiska lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Smith tries to pull guard but Batchiska holds him up against the cage and eventually Smith drops back down to his feet.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Batchiska creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

Batchiska breaks from the clinch.
Batchiska scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Smith wants to clinch but Batchiska slips to the side

and Batchiska counters by moving into the clinch.

Batchiska breaks from the clinch.
Batchiska lands a head shot.
Smith tries to clinch but Batchiska moves away

and Batchiska counters by moving into the clinch.
Smith tries for a takedown but Batchiska manages to get underhooks.
Still in the clinch, Batchiska scores with a nice short uppercut.
Batchiska scores with a nice hook to the head.

Batchiska escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Batchiska scores with a head kick.
Batchiska connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

Smith shoots in and gets a takedown into Batchiska's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Batchiska pushes Smith off and gets back to his feet.
Batchiska feints a jab promting Smith to slip. Batchiska then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Smith slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Batchiska lunges at Smith with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Smith's hand.
Smith misses with a takedown
and Batchiska counters with a straight right hand.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Batchiska throws a head kick that half lands.
Reggie Smith seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Batchiska clinches.
Smith jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Batchiska walks away with a smile on his face. Smith gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Batchiska closes the distance and pushes Smith back into the cage.
Smith drops down looking for an ankle pick but Batchiska pulls his leg out and moves away.

Batchiska rushes Smith and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Smith tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Batchiska working Smith over with knees to the body.

Batchiska's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Batchiska lands a high kick!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Batchiska rushes Smith and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Batchiska manages to break the clinch.
Batchiska catches Smith with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Batchiska lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Batchiska scores with a jab to the jaw.

Batchiska closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Smith tries to buck Batchiska off but Batchiska is having none of it.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Batchiska decides to take the fight back to the feet.

Batchiska closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Batchiska breaks from the clinch.

Smith throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Batchiska was covering up waiting for the punch and Smith finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Smith prevents Batchiska from getting back to his feet.

Smith thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Smith won't allow Batchiska to get back to his feet.

Smith drops back looking for a leg! Batchiska is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Batchiska manages to kick Smith off! Smith jumps back into Batchiska's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Batchiska is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Smith looking to pass the guard.
Smith is pushing down on Batchiska's leg trying to pass to half guard. Batchiska is fighting to maintain full guard but Smith has managed to sneak the leg through.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Batchiska is defending against the submission attempts here by Smith.
Batchiska tries to kick Smith off but Smith keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Niko Batchiska dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Smith tries to clinch up

and Batchiska moves into the clinch.
Smith jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Batchiska walks away with a smile on his face. Smith gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Smith tries to clinch up

and Batchiska counters with a shoot takedown. Smith fights it but they end up in guard.
Batchiska wants to stand but Smith is controlling his posture from full guard.

Smith throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Batchiska escapes and throws Smith's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Smith sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Smith is trying to get back to full guard.
Batchiska is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Smith can do to turn this around?
Smith moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Batchiska stands up and waves to Smith to follow him.
Smith shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Batchiska holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Smith being controlled against the cage.
A short left from Batchiska.
Smith tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Batchiska just stands there and leans against the cage.
Niko Batchiska has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Reggie Smith.
Smith tries to pull guard but Batchiska won't allow it.
Smith tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

Batchiska breaks the clinch.
Batchiska lands a head kick. Smith smiles back at him and beckons him forward.

Smith gets tackled into the cage by Batchiska. Batchiska maintains the clinch.

Batchiska breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Batchiska clinches with his opponent.
Smith tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Smith is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Batchiska gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Batchiska drags the fight down to the ground.
Smith stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Batchiska swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Batchiska is looking to stand up but Smith isn't so interested in that idea.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Batchiska manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Smith with a lazy takedown attempt

and Batchiska decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Smith's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Batchiska gets to his feet - Smith follows without any prompting.
Smith with a poor takedown
and Batchiska makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.

Batchiska moves into the clinch.
Smith jumps guard but Batchiska stands there with Smith around his waist. Smith gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Smith jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Batchiska walks away with a smile on his face. Smith gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Batchiska stuns Smith with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

Batchiska closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Batchiska decides to stand back up.

Smith instigates a clinch.
Nice body punch from Batchiska.
Batchiska lands a shoulder strike.
Smith tries to pull guard but Batchiska won't allow it.
Batchiska scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Batchiska lands an elbow inside that Smith shrugs off.

Batchiska manages to break the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith tries to clinch up

and Batchiska holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Smith tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Batchiska just stands there and leans against the cage.

Batchiska escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Smith gets caught flat footed, as Batchiska shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

Smith is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Smith bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Batchiska's guard.
Smith tries to free his leg and advance position but Batchiska is retaining full guard.
Niko Batchiska overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Batchiska wants to stand up but Smith is controlling him.
Smith looking to pass the guard.
Batchiska is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Smith is controlling him.

Smith thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Batchiska manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Smith tries for a takedown but Batchiska circles away easily

and Batchiska counters by clinching up.

Batchiska pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Smith tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Batchiska makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Smith with a poor takedown
and Batchiska counters with a one-two to the body.
Batchiska throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Smith.

Batchiska drives through and clinches with Smith against the cage.
Smith drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Batchiska gets the underhooks and prevents it.

Batchiska pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Smith gets tackled into the cage by Batchiska. Batchiska maintains the clinch.
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 jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Batchiska walks away with a smile on his face. Smith gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Smith misses with a takedown attempt

and Batchiska holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

Batchiska pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Batchiska has closed the distance and engaged Smith in a clinch.
Smith is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Niko Batchiska clearly takes that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Smith doesn't succeed with the takedown

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

Batchiska gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

Batchiska clinches with his opponent.

Batchiska manages to break the clinch.
Smith fails with the takedown

and Batchiska counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Smith!

Batchiska gets to his feet and calls his opponent to stand. Here come the fireworks!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Smith tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Batchiska counters by moving into the clinch.

Batchiska breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Smith takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.

Smith throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Batchiska tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Smith is in Batchiska's guard.
Smith pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Batchiska is keeping the position for now.
Batchiska is looking to stand up but Smith isn't so interested in that idea.
Smith works a leg free and moves into half guard.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Smith is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Batchiska has managed to free his arm - good work.

Smith is looking for a kimura here.
Batchiska is trying to stand back up but Smith is controlling him

Smith is trying to work for a kimura but Batchiska is defending well.
Batchiska is trying to stand.

Smith is looking for a kimura here.
Smith prevents Batchiska from standing back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Smith is trying to work for a kimura but Batchiska is defending well.

Batchiska kicks Smith off and gets back to his feet.
Smith shoots and misses

and Batchiska moves into the clinch.
Niko Batchiska has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Reggie Smith.
Batchiska throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Smiths head.
Smith tries to pull guard but Batchiska won't allow it.
Batchiska slowing the pace effectively.
Smith is trying to drag Batchiska to the mat but Batchiska just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Batchiska scores with a shot to the side of Smith's head.
Batchiska throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Smiths head.

Batchiska breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Batchiska clinches up against the cage.
Batchiska lands a left hand.

Smith pulls Batchiska into guard.

Batchiska gets to his feet. Smith looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Smith doesn't succeed with the takedown

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Smith is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Batchiska is aware though and is defending well.

Smith throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Smith is working an open guard so Batchiska takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

Batchiska instigates a clinch.
Smith fails to pull guard.
Batchiska lands with a right to the head.
Smith takes a shot to the head.
Batchiska scores with a nice hook to the head.
Smith keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Batchiska's efforts to push away.
Smith tries to pull guard but Batchiska holds him up against the cage and eventually Smith drops back down to his feet.
Smith jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Batchiska walks away with a smile on his face. Smith gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Smith moves to clinch but Batchiska breaks away

and Batchiska counters by moving into the clinch.
Smith tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Batchiska just stands there and leans against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Batchiska throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Smiths head.

Batchiska escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Smith with a poor takedown
and Batchiska counters with a lovely straight right hand!

Batchiska closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Batchiska lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Batchiska scores with a nice hook to the head.
Batchiska lands with a left to the head.
Smith is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Batchiska gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Batchiska's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Smith tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Batchiska counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

Smith throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Smith had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Batchiska defends it easily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Batchiska wants to stand but Smith is controlling his posture from full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Niko Batchiska had his way with Reggie Smith in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Batchiska fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Smith sprawls well initially but Batchiska persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Smith manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Batchiska avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Batchiska gets to his feet. Smith looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Smith shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Batchiska counter with a right hand.
Danga de danga de dang - Batchiska scores with a four punch combination!
Smith with a poor takedown

and Batchiska counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Still in the clinch, Batchiska scores with a nice short uppercut.
Batchiska lands a shoulder strike.
Batchiska lands a left hand that snaps the head of Smith backwards.

Batchiska breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
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.

Batchiska has closed the distance and engaged Smith in a clinch.
Batchiska goes for a takedown in the clinch but Smith prevents it.
Batchiska lands a hook to the side of the head.
Knees in the clinch landing for Batchiska.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith tries for a takedown. No joy.
Niko Batchiska has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Reggie Smith.
Batchiska lands a body shot.

Batchiska breaks from the clinch.
Smith with a poor takedown
and Batchiska counters with a head kick. That will keep Smith thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!

Batchiska gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Batchiska drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Smith gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Smith is trying to drag Batchiska to the mat but Batchiska just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Batchiska scores with a nice hook to the head.
Smith fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Smith has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Batchiska is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Batchiska manages to break the clinch.
Batchiska wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.

Batchiska fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Smith, pushing him back against the cage.
Batchiska lands with a right to the head.
Smith tries to pull guard but Batchiska holds him up against the cage and eventually Smith drops back down to his feet.
Smith tries to pull guard but Batchiska holds him up against the cage and eventually Smith drops back down to his feet.
Batchiska is pressed up against the cage. Smith has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Batchiska down to the mat. Batchiska avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Batchiska circles away from the clinch attempt

and Batchiska counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Batchiska.

Batchiska breaks from the clinch.
Smith fails with the takedown
and Batchiska counters with a thumping low kick.

Batchiska clinches up against the cage.
Smith has Batchiska pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Batchiska manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Batchiska breaks from the clinch.

Batchiska fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Smith, pushing him back against the cage.
Batchiska lands a body punch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Batchiska.
Smith wants a takedown but no success here.
Batchiska lands with a short shot to the head.
Smith fails to pull the fight into his guard.

Batchiska breaks the clinch.

Smith gets tackled into the cage by Batchiska. Batchiska maintains the clinch.
Batchiska just leaning against Smith, taking a breather.
Batchiska lands a body punch.
Batchiska scores with a nice hook to the head.
Batchiska digs a right hand into Smith's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Smith's gas tank.
Batchiska leaning against his opponent.

Batchiska escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Smith rushes Batchiska and presses him up against the cage.
Batchiska landing some nice looking knees to the body.

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

Smith looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Batchiska has picked Smith up and slammed him! Smith can't keep hold of the triangle and Batchiska manages to pass to side control!
Smith tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Batchiska stands up and beckons Smith to his feet.
Smith shoots and misses

and Batchiska counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Smith tries for a takedown. No joy.
Batchiska lands a shot to the body.
Batchiska lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.

Batchiska pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Batchiska clinches up with Smith and pushes him back against the cage.
Smith jumps guard but Batchiska stands there with Smith around his waist. Smith gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Smith jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Batchiska walks away with a smile on his face. Smith gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Smith tries to clinch
and Batchiska counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Smith takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Batchiska scores with a head kick.

Batchiska moves into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith tries for a takedown. No joy.
Batchiska scores with a shot to the side of Smith's head.
Smith tries to pull guard but Batchiska won't allow it.

Batchiska lands a takedown into guard.
Smith lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Batchiska!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Batchiska is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.

Smith has control of Batchiska's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Batchiska regains control of the situation pretty easily.

Smith is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Batchiska has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Reggie Smith has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Batchiska is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Smith jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Batchiska manages to avoid the submission attempt.

And that's the end of the fight!
Niko Batchiska showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Batchiska has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Dillan Fox scores the fight for Niko Batchiska!
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight for Niko Batchiska!
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight for Niko Batchiska!

Niko Batchiska wins by unanimous decision!
Niko Batchiska retains his featherweight title!