PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Roland Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kasahiro Yama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Yama has chosen Yatta as his entrance music. Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Smith
vs
Yama

185 cm
22
215 lbs
10 - 1 - 0

172 cm
20
216 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid boxing
Very strong

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Determined

Milwaukee's Best 160 Recovery - $99

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 10 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Roland Smith!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kasahiro Yama!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, Jorge Garcia and Alyssa Summers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith with a lazy takedown attempt
and Yama counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Smith with a poor takedown
and Smith takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Smith scores with a jab.
Smith shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Yama counters with a nice uppercut.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Roland Smith. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smith with a poor takedown
and Yama counters with a stiff right hand.
Yama throws a series of punches but Smith avoids them all with ease.

Smith tries to keep at a distance but Yama has taken the fight into the clinch.

Smith has clasped his hands together around Yama's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Smith throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Yama works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Yama is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Smith pulls his head out easily.

Smith is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Yama doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Smith.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yama wants to improve his position but Smith is controlling well.
Smith wants to lay and pray for a moment but Yama keeps working.
Yama is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Yama is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Smith's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Smith's back!
Yama misses with a punch to the head.
Smith rolls, trying to escape but Yama keeps control of the position.
Smith just trying to survive but Yama is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Yama punishes Smith with strikes from the back mount.
Yama struggling to keep hold of the position.
Smith covering up well under a series of strikes from Yama.
Smith is being controlled on the ground here - he must escape this position otherwise surely the end is near.

Yama is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Smith defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Yama's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Yama controls the action.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yama wants to control but Smith is keeping busy.

Yama patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Well, with Yama on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Smith is tapping out... Can he escape the position?
Yama not allowing Smith to control his hands.
Yama missing with strikes from the back.
Smith is trying to remain composed but Yama is hammering down strikes to the side of his head.
Yama keeps control of the position as Smith tries to break free.
Yama is landing with strikes. Smith can't take much more of this.
Smith manages to escape to a better position under a series of strikes. Yama is now in side control.
Yama fails to land a wild elbow strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
What's Smith going to do here then? He's in a bit of a pickle.
Yama wants to lay and pray for a moment but Smith keeps working.
Yama connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Smith some visible discomfort.
Yama trying to control the position but Smith is working away.

Yama is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Smith knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Yama misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kasahiro Yama dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Yama steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Smith.
Kasahiro Yama is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Yama throws a hook to the side of Smith's head but Smith sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Smith has his takedown stuffed

and Yama counters with a nice double leg into side control. Smith won't be happy with that.

Yama looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
The ground and pound from Yama seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Yama wants to control but Smith is keeping him busy.
Yama advances to mount.
Smith tries to reverse the position but Yama maintains control.
Yama working Smith over with strikes here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yama is stalling here but it's allowed Smith to get half guard.
Smith is trying to maintain the position but Yama is very close to passing his half guard.
Yama seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Smith wants to control but Yama is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Yama is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Yama trying to control from half guard but Smith is working away.
Yama winds up and cracks Smith with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yama not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Yama prevents Smith from improving his position.
Smith wants to get back to full guard but Yama has mounted him!
Yama thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Yama looking to finish Smith with some ground and pound. This is bad for Smith!
Yama connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Yama lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Yama lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Smith wants to control but Yama is having none of it.
Yama with the ground and pound from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yama landing strikes from the mount.
Yama controlling his opponent.
Smith is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Yama wants to control the pace but Smith is squirming around nicely.
Yama putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Yama postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Smith looks a forlorn figure.
Smith is desperately trying to improve his position but Yama has a good base and remains in mount.
Yama avoids the attempt from Smith to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yama looking to control but Smith is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Yama wants to control but instead Smith manages to regain half guard.
Smith is not content to let Yama control the position.
Smith makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Smith.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Yama trying to control but Smith is working from the bottom.
Smith looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kasahiro Yama showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Smith's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Smith looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Yama is looking to improve his position.
Yama trying to get back to full guard but Smith takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Smith will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Smith tries to control but Yama wriggling away.
Yama is wriggling around trying to escape.
Yama is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Yama tries to lock up and control but Smith gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Yama is trying desperately to improve position.
Smith is landing with some decent strikes but Yama is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Smith goes for an armbar but Yama turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Yama.

Smith looking for a guillotine here but Yama defends easily.
Yama pushes down on Smith's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Yama is looking for a kimura here.
Yama missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith has hold of Yama's hands but Yama slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Smith wants to improve his position but Yama is controlling well.
Yama takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Yama trying to control the action but Smith is working from the bottom.
Smith is looking for a sweep. Yama is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Yama lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Yama is pressing down on Smith's thigh, looking to free his foot. Smith is holding on for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith works his way to full guard. Good work.
Smith keeping full guard, as Yama tries to pass.
Yama passes into half guard.
Yama is looking to take a break and control but Smith is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Kasahiro Yama has got the better of the ground game so far.
Yama is looking to advance position but Smith won't allow it.
Yama is trying to control. Smith wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Yama wants to pass the guard but Smith is defending well.
Smith avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Yama.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Yama thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Smith's head.
Smith keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Yama takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Yama throws a strike but Smith avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Yama wants to control from the top but Smith keeps moving.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Yama missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Smith looking for subs off his back but Yama has passed one foot through into half guard.
Yama seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Smith does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Kasahiro Yama just about did enough to take it.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Smith fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Yama sprawls well initially but Smith persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Yama wants to control but Smith is keeping busy.
Smith trying to control from half guard but Yama is working away.
Yama wants to control but Smith is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Smith wants to control but Yama is keeping him busy.
The fighters are battling for position here. Yama manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Smith trying to control the position from guard on top but Yama is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Yama seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Smith passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Yama is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Smith off and has taken his back!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith covering up well under a barage of strikes.
Yama throws a big right hand but he misses and hits the mat. Ouch.
Yama is trying to control but Smith is trying to escape here - he's now mounted.
Yama connects with a couple of good shots from mount.

Yama goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Smith turns into him and now he's in Yama's guard.

Yama working for a triangle but Smith defends it easily.
Yama is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Smith accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Yama is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Smith defends well.
Smith trying to control but Yama is working from the bottom.
Smith wants to pass the guard but Yama is keeping the position.
Yama can't keep his opponent in guard - Smith advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Yama trying to hold on to Smith's head to control him but Smith postures up.

Smith is looking for a kimura here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith wants to pass the guard but Yama is defending well.
Smith is working hard here to advance position.
Yama is trying to control but can't.
Yama regains full guard. Nicely done.

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.

Yama escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Smith gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Smith wants to control from the top but Yama keeps moving.
Yama pulls Smith in to control the position.
Yama trying to control the position.
Yama wants to sweep but no luck.
Smith sitting in guard here, content to control.
Yama is trying to keep Smith in close.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Kasahiro Yama hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Smith has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Smith there as he acknowledges the shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Roland Smith had his way with Kasahiro Yama in that round.
That's time! Smith's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Smith scores with a takedown into Yama's guard.
Smith is fighting to break Yama's control of his arms but Yama is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Yama keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.
Smith slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Yama is trying to improve his position.
Smith wants to lay and pray for a moment but Yama keeps working.
Yama is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Smith off and has taken his back!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yama has the hooks in. Smith is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

Smith is in a bad position with Yama working for a choke. Smith manages to spin nicely into guard and the danger is over for the moment.

Smith drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Yama dives on top into guard.
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.
Yama trying to control the position from guard on top but Smith is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Yama thows a big elbow that misses.

Smith is looking for a triangle but Yama pushes his legs off easily.

That's two 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.
Yama trying to control but Smith is working from the bottom.
Yama slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Yama has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Yama is trying to get an arm triangle but Smith is defending well.
Yama trying to control the position but Smith is working away.
Yama wants to control for a moment but Smith uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
Yama is thwarting Smith's attempts to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith manages to get to full guard.
Yama throws and elbow that misses. Smith uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Yama's guard. Nice move by Smith!
Yama manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Smith manages to get himself to full guard.
Yama stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Smith swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Yama looking to sit in guard and control but Smith gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yama tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Yama is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Smith has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Yama wants to sweep but no luck.
Smith pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Yama is keeping the position for now.
Yama controlling the position.
Yama is trying to control the position from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Kasahiro Yama.
Smith has his takedown stuffed

and Yama counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kasahiro Yama comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Yama has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Reed Andrews scores the fight 46:49
Judge Jorge Garcia scores the fight 46:49
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kasahiro Yama!
Kasahiro Yama is the new light heavyweight champion!