PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Rabbit Usavich (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mike Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mike Smith is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Usavich
vs
Smith

182 cm
20
183 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

180 cm
21
170 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Rabbit Usavich!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Mike Smith!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Sosuke Kotani and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Usavich.
Smith with a poor takedown
and Usavich counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Smith thinking.

Smith closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Smith is trying to control. Usavich wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Smith is trying to work for a kimura but Usavich is defending well.
Smith throwing shots but Usavich is blocking nicely.
Usavich wants to control but Smith is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Smith looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Usavich tries to get to full guard but Smith has control of the leg.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Smith with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Smith trying to control from half guard but Usavich is working away.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Smith is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Usavich has managed to free his arm - good work.
Smith seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Usavich does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Smith working Usavich over with strikes.
Usavich moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Usavich is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Smith trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Smith is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Usavich keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.
Smith looking to sit in guard and control but Usavich gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Smith is looking to stand back up but Usavich counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Smith.
Usavich thows a big elbow that misses, also allowing Smith to regain full guard.
Usavich working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Smith's head.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Usavich wants to control from the top but Smith keeps moving.
Usavich is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Smith is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Smith wants to stand but Usavich is controlling the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Usavich tries to free his leg and advance position but Smith is retaining full guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Smith can do anything to dispel that myth.
Smith wants to stand but Usavich is controlling the position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Usavich accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Smith tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Smith is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Usavich is controlling him.
Usavich thows a big elbow that misses.
Usavich prevents Smith from getting back to his feet.
Usavich postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Usavich lands a couple of digs.
Usavich lands a couple of digs.
Smith working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Usavich.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Smith is trying to keep Usavich in close.
Usavich missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Usavich slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Smith working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Usavich.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Smith is trying to keep Usavich in close.
Usavich is in close to Smith's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Usavich trying to control but Smith is working from the bottom.

Smith scrambles and gets back to his feet.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Good shot there by Usavich.
Usavich throws a shot from downtown. Smith moves away and avoids it.
Mike Smith seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Smith takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Usavich shoots in but Smith avoids the takedown attempt easily.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Usavich enables Smith to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Usavich manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Smith must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Smith trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Usavich is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Smith is controlling him.
Usavich keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.

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

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Smith with a nice head shot there.
Smith stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Usavich swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Smith wants to control from the top but Usavich keeps moving.
Smith landing some decent shots from guard.
Usavich pulls Smith in close to his closed guard and prevents Smith from doing any damage or advancing position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Smith throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Usavich works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Smith trying to control but Usavich is working from the bottom.
Usavich is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Smith wants to control from the top but Usavich keeps moving.
Smith pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Usavich is keeping the position for now.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Usavich slaps away a takedown attempt from Smith, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Usavich connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Smith's hands.
A lazy left from Usavich finds it's target.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Smith misses with a takedown

and Usavich counters with a single leg into guard. Smith didn't expect that.
Rabbit Usavich has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mike Smith.
Smith working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Usavich.
Usavich trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Usavich drops back looking for a leg! Smith is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Smith manages to kick Usavich off! Usavich jumps back into Smith's guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Smith keeping moving, preventing Usavich from controlling successfully.
Usavich is looking to work some ground and pound but Smith has wrist control.
Smith is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Smith keeping moving, preventing Usavich from controlling successfully.
Smith wants to stand up but Usavich is controlling him.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Usavich thows a big elbow that misses.
Usavich tries to free his leg and advance position but Smith is retaining full guard.
Smith is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Usavich working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Usavich is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Usavich won't allow Smith to get back to his feet.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Smith keeping full guard, as Usavich tries to pass.

Smith wriggles free and stands up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Rabbit Usavich will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Usavich scores with a hook to the body. Smith takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Usavich misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Smith.
Smith shoots in looking for a takedown. Usavich tries to sprawl out of it but Smith keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Usavich manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Smith fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Smith is trying hard to land a takedown here. Usavich sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Rabbit Usavich has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mike Smith.
Smith shoots in for a takedown but Usavich shows good takedown defense.
Smith shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Usavich as he avoids it easily.
Nice sprawl there from Usavich as Smith shoots in.
Smith shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Usavich counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Usavich misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Smith is breathing heavily.
Smith changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Usavich tries to avoid it but Smith manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Usavich to the ground. Usavich escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Usavich finds it's way round the side to connect with Smith's head.
Smith with a lazy takedown attempt
and Usavich cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

Usavich throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Smith was covering up waiting for the punch and Usavich finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Usavich distracts Smith with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Usavich looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Usavich with a flurry of punches that miss.
Usavich throwing strikes but missing.
Usavich working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Usavich wants to control from the top but Smith keeps moving.
Usavich working some strikes from top position.
Usavich won't allow Smith to get back to his feet.
Usavich wants to control from the top but Smith keeps moving.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Usavich lands a couple of digs.
Usavich loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Smith keeping moving, preventing Usavich from controlling successfully.
Usavich in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Smith keeping moving, preventing Usavich from controlling successfully.
Usavich throwing strikes from guard but Smith blocks nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Usavich missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Usavich 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.
Usavich won't allow Smith to get back to his feet.
Usavich trying to control but Smith is working from the bottom.
Usavich won't allow Smith to get back to his feet.
Usavich throwing strikes from guard but Smith blocks nicely.
Usavich is in close to Smith's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Smith trying to keep a closed guard but Usavich is proving a slippery customer.
Smith is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Usavich passes into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Usavich missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Smith blocking the ground and pound attempt from Usavich.
Nice strikes from Usavich there.
Smith avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Usavich.
Smith keeping hold of Usavich's head, controlling as best he can.
Smith is trying to stand up here but Usavich is controlling him well.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Usavich working the head and body with strikes.
Usavich lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Rabbit Usavich overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Smith makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Smith.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Smith is looking to stand back up but Usavich counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Smith.
Usavich not landing any meaningful shots this time.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Usavich lands a nice short elbow.
Usavich scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Usavich wants to take a breather but Smith is having none of it.
Smith is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Usavich's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Usavich's back!
Smith is throwing shots to the body but Usavich manages to wriggle free. Smith pounces on him again and ends up in Usavich's guard.
Usavich keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.
Usavich looking to hit a scissor sweep but Smith is one step ahead there.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Smith is looking to work some ground and pound but Usavich has wrist control.
Smith looking to sit in guard and control but Usavich gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Usavich won't allow Smith to get back to his feet.
Usavich wants to control from the top but Smith keeps moving.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Usavich accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Usavich trying to control but Smith is working from the bottom.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Usavich postures up.
Usavich stands up over Smith, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Usavich accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Usavich is working Smith over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Usavich wants to control from the top but Smith keeps moving.
Smith preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Smith wants to stand up but Usavich is controlling him.
Smith working a defensive guard here.
Usavich prevents Smith from getting back to his feet.
Smith keeping moving, preventing Usavich from controlling successfully.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Usavich with a flurry of punches that miss.
Usavich won't allow Smith to sweep him here.
Usavich lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Smith wants to sweep here but Usavich controlling him for the moment.
Smith wants to stand and escape but Usavich is having none of it.
Usavich is working Smith over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Smith keeping moving, preventing Usavich from controlling successfully.
Usavich throwing strikes but missing.
Smith avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Usavich looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Usavich working some strikes from top position.
Mike Smith has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Smith throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Smith keeping moving, preventing Usavich from controlling successfully.
Smith utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Usavich got a little sloppy there for a moment and Smith has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Usavich has managed to get both his arms back between Smith's legs - danger averted.

Usavich avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Usavich looking to sit in guard and control but Smith gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rabbit Usavich showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Usavich 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 2 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight for Rabbit Usavich!
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight for Rabbit Usavich!
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight for Rabbit Usavich!

Rabbit Usavich wins by unanimous decision!