PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Sam Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Boon Baggins (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Baggins is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins (my hero). Sam Smith could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Boon Baggins's chin.

Smith
vs
Baggins

167 cm
26
160 lbs
4 - 4 - 0

180 cm
19
163 lbs
6 - 5 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Powerful

Versus Clothing
Fossington & Blythe: Gentlemen's Fight Attire

RMC - Rio Mma Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of London, Sam Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Boon Baggins!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, Paul Tew and William Gold.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Baggins fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Smith scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.

Baggins throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Smith tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Baggins is in Smith's guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Baggins trying to control the position from guard on top but Smith is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Smith is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Baggins postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Smith is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Baggins, into his guard.
Smith wants to get up but he can't break Baggins's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Baggins is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Smith is aware though and is defending well.
Smith tries to stand but Baggins is controlling from the bottom.

Baggins looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Baggins tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Smith has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Baggins is proving hard to escape from.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Baggins has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Smith can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Baggins looking for a guillotine here but Smith defends easily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Smith stands up from Baggins's guard - Smith perhaps looking for a knockout.
Baggins ducks under a wild hook from Smith.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith throws a one two combo.

It looks like Boon Baggins has been cut.
Smith throws a big shot that misses.
Smith throws a looping overhand right but Baggins ducks down to avoid it.
No joy there for Smith, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Smith connects with a crisp jab.
Smith misses with a series of wild punches.
Smith looks to throw the jab but Baggins is out of range.
Baggins blocks a jab.
Baggins on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
A clash of legs there as Baggins blocks the low kick.
Smith scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith looks to land a combination. Baggins sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Smith misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Baggins closes the distance and clinches up with Smith, looking for a takedown. Baggins pushes Smith against the cage but Smith circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Baggins avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Baggins fails with the takedown.
Sam Smith has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Boon Baggins.
Baggins throws a right and a left that both miss.
Smith will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Smith lands the left hand.

Baggins is rocked!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
I'm just looking down at my notes here and I see that.... oh! Smith has cracked Baggins with a big right, followed by a left! He's out on his feet! Smith lands another huge swinging hook and Baggins tumbles to the canvas! The ref dives in to save Baggins, before Smith can land any more shots!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Sam Smith!
In his post fight interview, Sam Smith started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.