PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Junior Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Janek Smok (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The key to victory for Junior Gracie has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Gracie
vs
Smok

179 cm
26
158 lbs
15 - 7 - 0

187 cm
21
160 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid boxing
Experienced

ADCC Champion
Brawler
Solid chin

[CBK] LEGAL HIGHS « NAF↑ TRIPLE 160Q ®

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Junior Gracie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Janek Smok!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Leandro Rodrigues and Paulo Santos.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Smok closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Gracie did well to prevent Smok getting side control.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

Smok is looking for a kimura here.

Smok is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Smok wants to work for an arm triangle but Gracie is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Gracie actively working from the bottom here.

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

Smok is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Gracie sees it coming and defends easily.

Smok looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Gracie tries to get to full guard but Smok has control of the leg.
Smok is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gracie is defending against the submission attempts here by Smok.
Gracie misses with some strikes from the bottom.

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

Smok is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
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.

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

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

Smok is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Gracie trying to control but Smok postures up.
The fighters are battling for position here. Gracie manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Smok thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Smok passes Gracie's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

Smok is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Gracie is just riding it out for now. Smok eventually gives up the hold.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

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

Gracie looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Gracie looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Smok drops back, looking for a kneebar! Gracie looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Gracie looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Gracie!

Gracie is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Smok has escaped the position, nice work there.
Smok manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Smok is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Gracie has managed to free his arm - good work.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Smok is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Gracie sees it coming and defends easily.
Gracie manages to get to full guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Gracie trying to control the position.

Smok drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Smok jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Smok drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Gracie manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Smok has Gracie in his guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Gracie stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Smok swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Smok preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Janek Smok dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Smok shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Smok showed some decent athleticism there.
Gracie trying to control here.

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

Smok seems to be working for a kimura but Gracie defends the submission attempt.
Gracie manages to get to full guard.

Smok postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Gracie is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Smok, into his guard.
Gracie throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Gracie throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Smok looking for a guillotine here but Gracie defends easily.

Smok working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gracie doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gracie manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Smok has his foot on Gracie's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gracie works his way back into a safe position though.
Gracie 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.
Gracie stopping the sweep attempt from Smok.
Gracie connects with a couple of short punches.

Smok had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Gracie defends it easily.
Gracie pushing down on Smok's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

Gracie is trying to work for a kimura but Smok is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Smok actively working from the bottom here.

Smok looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Smok is breathing heavily.

Smok looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Smok won't allow Gracie to pass to mount.
Gracie perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Gracie trying to control from half guard but Smok is working away.
Gracie tries to pass the half guard into mount. Smok knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Smok is looking to improve his position.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Smok is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Smok actively working from the bottom here.
Smok is refusing to be controlled, as Gracie sits in half guard.

Gracie is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Smok defends it well.

Smok looking for submissions off his back.

Gracie is looking for a kimura here.

Gracie is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Smok sees it coming and defends easily.
Gracie thows a huge punch but Smok dodges it nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Smok is defending against the submission attempts here by Gracie.

Smok looking for submissions off his back.
Smok slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

Smok looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Smok keeping moving, preventing Gracie from controlling successfully.

Smok is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Gracie is aware though and is defending well.
This has been an exciting period of action!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Gracie looking to pass the guard.
Gracie has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Gracie trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Smok working for a triangle but Gracie defends it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Janek Smok will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Smok shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Smok was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

Smok with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.

Smok is working for a guillotine from mount but Gracie frees his head quite easily.
Gracie sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Gracie trying to control here.

Smok is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Gracie is just riding it out for now. Smok eventually gives up the hold.
Gracie tries to get to full guard but Smok has control of the leg.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Gracie is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Smok's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Smok's back!

Gracie looking for the RNC.
Smok wants to escape the position.
Smok manages to reverse the position and now he's in Gracie's guard. Nice work there by Smok.

Smok postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Gracie is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Smok, into his guard.
Smok takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gracie drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Gracie jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

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

Gracie avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
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!
Gracie engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Gracie passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Smok gets back to half guard.

Smok is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Gracie pulls his head out easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gracie is looking for a kimura but Smok is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Gracie to get the leverage.

Gracie seems to be working for a kimura but Smok defends the submission attempt.
Gracie wants to pass the guard but Smok is defending well.

Smok actively working from the bottom here.

Smok is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Gracie pulls his head out easily.

Gracie is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Smok is just riding it out for now. Gracie eventually gives up the hold.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gracie is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Smok sees it coming and defends easily.

Smok looking for submissions off his back.
Janek Smok has got the better of the ground game so far.
Smok is refusing to be controlled, as Gracie sits in half guard.

Smok looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Smok actively working from the bottom here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Smok actively working from the bottom here.

Gracie is trying to work for a kimura but Smok is defending well.

Smok looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Janek Smok just about did enough to take it.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Smok gets the takedown into side control.
Gracie is looking for a sweep.

Smok looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Gracie gets back to half guard.
Gracie is trying to maintain the position but Smok is very close to passing his half guard.

Smok is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Smok wants to work for an arm triangle but Gracie is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Smok is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Gracie manages to get to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smok tries to free his leg and advance position but Gracie is retaining full guard.

Gracie is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Gracie has his foot on Smok's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Smok works his way back into a safe position though.
Smok is pushing down on Gracie's leg trying to pass to half guard. Gracie is fighting to maintain full guard but Smok has managed to sneak the leg through.

Gracie looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Smok seems to be working for a kimura but Gracie defends the submission attempt.

Smok is trying to work for a kimura but Gracie is defending well.
Smok works his foot free and advances to mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Smok with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.

Smok working for a guillotine from mount but Gracie is in no mood to give up.

Smok working for a submission but Gracie is keeping him at bay.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Smok is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Gracie has managed to escape the submission attempt.

Smok working for a guillotine from mount but Gracie is in no mood to give up.

Smok working for a submission but Gracie is keeping him at bay.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie tries to hold on but Smok postures up.
Gracie flailing away with punches but nothing is landing.
Gracie working to try and regain half guard.
Gracie tries to lock up and control but Smok gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

Smok has hold of Gracie's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Gracie manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Gracie tries to lock up and control but Smok gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

Smok looking for a guillotine from mount but Gracie is having none of it.

Smok is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Gracie is surviving well by controlling Smok's body position as best he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Smok working for a submission but Gracie is keeping him at bay.

Smok with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.

Smok is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Gracie is surviving well by controlling Smok's body position as best he can.
Gracie gets back to half guard.
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.

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

Smok is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Janek Smok dominated that fourth round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Gracie shoots in and bounces Smok off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Gracie wants to control from the top but Smok keeps moving.

Smok looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Smok throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Smok looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Smok looking for a guillotine here but Gracie defends easily.
Gracie looking to pass the guard.
Smok is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.

Smok is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Smok keeping moving, preventing Gracie from controlling successfully.

Smok escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Gracie gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Gracie tries to free his leg and advance position but Smok is retaining full guard.
Smok preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Gracie passes Smok's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Smok looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Gracie is nestled in close to Smok, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

Smok looking for submissions off his back.
Gracie is trying to control the action in half guard but Smok is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Smok actively working from the bottom here.

Gracie is working for a submission of some sort.

Smok is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Gracie pulls his head out easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gracie is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Smok!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie seems to be looking to move to his opponent's back but Smok is holding on tight.
Smok bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!

Gracie is looking for a triangle but Smok pushes his legs off easily.

Smok drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Smok jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Gracie is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Smok defends well.

Gracie looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

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

Smok drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Gracie manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Smok has Gracie in his guard.
Smok preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gracie throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Smok works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Smok working for a triangle but Gracie defends it easily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Smok has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Gracie can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Gracie stands and throws Smok's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Smok sneaks back into half guard.
Junior Gracie has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Gracie is working for a kimura but Smok is defending it quite comfortably.
Smok regains full guard. Nicely done.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Junior Gracie.
Well Smok 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 Thiago Cunha scores the fight 45:50
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 47:49
Judge Paulo Santos scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Janek Smok!
Our winner, Janek Smok, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.