PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Reggie Smalls (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aaron Gardner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gardner comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Stavesacre - Minuteman kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Smalls
vs
Gardner

170 cm
24
162 lbs
11 - 5 - 0

163 cm
30
161 lbs
11 - 6 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Reggie Smalls!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Aaron Gardner!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Jorge Garcia and Columbo Gatti.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gardner takes one to the side of the head.
Smalls throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Gardner counters with a nice body shot.
Smalls swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Smalls falls off balance throwing a combination
and Gardner counters with a nice uppercut.
Smalls misses with a body shot.
Smalls pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Gardner tries to bum rush Smalls with a series of wild strikes but Smalls uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
No joy there for Gardner, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Gardner rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Smalls moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Gardner misses with a series of wild punches.
Gardner is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Smalls.

It looks like Aaron Gardner has been cut.
Gardner lands the left hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gardner takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Gardner throws a right hand that Smalls ducks under and follows up with a left that Smalls also avoids with ease.
Smalls on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Sloppy strikes from Smalls. Those never looked like landing.
Gardner dodges the punch combination from Smalls.
Smalls misses with a straight left.
Nice sprawl there from Gardner as Smalls shoots in.
Smalls fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Smalls with a hook.
Gardner pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smalls misses with a head kick.
Gardner misses with a double jab.
Smalls throws a looping overhand right but Gardner ducks down to avoid it.
Smalls throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Smalls rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Gardner moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Smalls moves forwards but Gardner connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Gardner missing with a left hand there. Smalls was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Donk. Smalls catches Gardner right on the button with a cross.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Gardner fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Smalls pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Gardner throws a right and a left that Smalls avoids nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gardner misses with a left hand
and Smalls counters with a series of strikes. Gardner will be more careful next time no doubt.
Gardner misses with a wild combination.
Smalls works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Smalls is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Gardner misses with a looping left.
Gardner misses with a looping right.
Gardner avoids a punch combination nicely.
Gardner misses with the combination.
Gardner slips a jab and a cross from Smalls.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gardner lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Gardner's corner calls for a 1-2. Gardner obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Smalls misses with a combination
letting Gardner counter with a right hand.
Smalls ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Gardner moves away.
Gardner swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Smalls counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Gardner throws a lazy right hand but Smalls sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Smalls tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Gardner is able to avoid easily.
Smalls pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
No luck for Smalls with that takedown attempt.
Smalls avoids a punch combination nicely.
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 Reggie Smalls will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Aaron Gardner's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Gardner throws a nice looking combination but Smalls bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Gardner moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Gardner throws a big shot that misses.
Gardner takes one on the chin but seems OK.
A punch combination from Smalls misses.
Gardner throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Smalls.
Smalls throws a right and a left that Gardner avoids nicely.
Gardner dodges the punch combination from Smalls.
Gardner throws a jab but it's blocked by Smalls.
Gardner throws a right hand that misses
and Smalls counters with a nice body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gardner fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Smalls swinging wildly here.
Smalls bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Reggie Smalls is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Smalls throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Smalls thows a left - swing and a miss!
Smalls throws a right hand that Gardner ducks under and follows up with a left that Gardner also avoids with ease.
Smalls avoids a punch combination nicely.
Gardner closes the distance and lands a one-two.

It looks like Reggie Smalls has been cut.
Smalls looks to land a combination but Gardner avoids it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gardner misses with a double jab.
Gardner throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Smalls sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Gardner slips a jab from Smalls.
Smalls misses with a series of wild punches.
Smalls defending well as Gardner loads up on a big left hand.
Gardner throws a hook but Smalls blocks it.
Gardner misses with a straight left.
Gardner looks to throw the jab but Smalls is out of range.
Smalls ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Smalls looks to score with a jab to the body but Gardner is just out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gardner misses with a double jab.
Smalls thuds his right hand into Gardner's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
A big right from Smalls misses.
Gardner bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Gardner takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Smalls uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Gardner.
Smalls throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Jab, jab by Gardner - just one landing.
A slow jab from Gardner misses its intended target.
Gardner throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gardner lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Gardner misses with a hook.
Smalls scores with a three punch combo!
Gardner might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Smalls takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Gardner paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Smalls connects with a body shot.
Gardner swinging wildly here.
Smalls swinging wildly here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Some wild striking there from Gardner.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aaron Gardner showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Gardner slips a jab and a cross from Smalls.
Gardner works the jab nicely.
Gardner dodges the punch combination from Smalls.
Smalls displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Gardner throws out the jab.
Smalls misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gardner.
Smalls has his takedown stuffed
and Gardner counters with a stiff right hand.
Smalls avoids a punch combination nicely.
Smalls uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Gardner has time to react.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smalls fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Gardner is out of range.
Smalls moves out of range as Gardner strikes.
Gardner looks to land a combination but Smalls avoids it well.
Gardner avoids the body shot from Smalls.
Gardner misses with a hook.
Gardner throws a one two combo.
Smalls slips under a jab.
Gardner takes a swing at Smalls's ribcage but misses.
Gardner throws a series of punches but Smalls moves out of range.
Nice shot by Smalls.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice uppercut there from Gardner.
Smalls throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Gardner.
Smalls dodges the punch combination from Gardner.
Nice takedown defense from Gardner. No joy for Smalls on that attempt.
Gardner falls off balance throwing a combination
and Smalls cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Gardner lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

Smalls is rocked!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gardner rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Smalls moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Oh Smalls is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Gardner misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Gardner throws a right hand that misses
and Smalls counters with a one-two to the body.
Smalls dodges the punch combination from Gardner.
Gardner takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Gardner swings widly with a right hand
enabling Smalls to counter with a crisp jab.
Smalls scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Gardner falls off balance throwing a combination
and Smalls counters with a right hand to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gardner throws a series of punches but Smalls moves out of range.
Some wild striking there from Smalls.
Smalls throws a series of punches but Gardner avoids them all with ease.
Gardner throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Smalls counters with a one-two to the body.
Smalls seems to have got his legs back now.
Smalls will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
A right-left combo lands from Smalls.
Smalls throws a right hand that Gardner ducks under and follows up with a left that Gardner also avoids with ease.
Smalls misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Smalls throws a head kick that misses.
Gardner blocks a jab.
Aaron Gardner seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Smalls misses with a few strikes there.
A combination from Gardner does no damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Good shot there by Gardner.
Gardner fails to land with a series of punches.
Gardner connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Gardner throws a shot from downtown. Smalls moves away and avoids it.
Gardner dodges the punch combination from Smalls.
Gardner is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Gardner pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Gardner swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aaron Gardner really dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Back to the action!

Smalls looks to score with a jab to the body but Gardner is just out of range.
Smalls shoots in looking for a takedown. Gardner tries to sprawl out of it but Smalls keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Gardner manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Gardner throws a looping overhand right but Smalls ducks down to avoid it.
Gardner misses with a few strikes there.
A telegraphed right hand from Gardner misses the target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smalls finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Smalls thows a body shot but no joy.
Gardner cracks Smalls with a good jab.
Smalls showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Gardner.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gardner is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Smalls.
Gardner throws a right and a left that both miss.
A telegraphed right hand from Gardner misses the target.
Gardner throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Smalls makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Gardner misses with a series of wild punches.
Smalls digs a good body shot into Gardner's ribs.
Gardner misses with a series of wild punches.
Gardner moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smalls avoids a punch combination nicely.
Smalls takes a swing at Gardner's ribcage but misses.
A punch combination from Gardner misses.
Gardner looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Smalls lunges at Gardner with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Gardner's hand.
Smalls shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Gardner sprawls well. Gardner wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Smalls gets slowly back to his feet.
Smalls throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Gardner.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gardner thows a left - swing and a miss!
Nice takedown defense from Gardner. No joy for Smalls on that attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Reggie Smalls. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smalls moves forwards but Gardner connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Smalls dodges the punch combination from Gardner.
Gardner misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Gardner will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Gardner misses with a series of wild punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gardner throws a hook but Smalls avoids it easily.
Smalls scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Gardner has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Smalls fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Gardner throws an overhand right that lands on Smalls's shoulder, as Smalls tries to avoid the shot.
Gardner dodges the punch combination from Smalls.

Smalls shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Gardner manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Gardner is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Aaron Gardner will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Smalls's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Smalls waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Gardner.
Gardner throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Gardner avoids the body shot from Smalls.
Smalls looks to land a combination. Gardner sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
No joy there for Gardner, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Smalls throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Gardner counters with a three punch combo that has Smalls backing up. Smalls nods at Gardner to acknowledge the strikes.
Gardner showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Smalls.
Gardner throws a series of punches but Smalls avoids them all with ease.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smalls steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Gardner.
Smalls throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Gardner counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Jab from Smalls.
Smalls comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Gardner throws a right hand that Smalls ducks under and follows up with a left that Smalls also avoids with ease.
Smalls shoots in but Gardner avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Smalls keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Gardner.
Gardner misses with a straight left.
Smalls looks to score with a jab to the body but Gardner is just out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Smalls.
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.
Smalls tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Gardner throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Gardner misses with a few strikes there.
Gardner is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Smalls.
Smalls throws a body punch but Gardner moves out of range.
A jab from Smalls does it's job there.
Gardner connects with the punch.
Gardner tries to move into range but Smalls moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smalls lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Gardner tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Smalls was well out of range. Poor timing from Gardner.
Smalls misses with a few strikes there.
Gardner throws a jab but it's blocked by Smalls.
Gardner misses with a straight left.
Smalls throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
A jab from Gardner finds it's way through Smalls's defenses.
Gardner throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Aaron Gardner is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Gardner slips a jab and a cross from Smalls.
Smalls throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gardner rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Smalls moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Gardner connects with a good right hand that stumbles Smalls. Smalls circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Gardner takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A combination from Gardner does no damage.
Gardner looks to land a combination but Smalls avoids it well.
Smalls moves out of range of the strikes.
A nice combination there by Gardner.
Smalls throws a series of punches but Gardner moves out of range.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Smalls shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Gardner as he avoids it easily.
Reggie Smalls has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Reggie Smalls. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smalls misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gardner.

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 Reggie Smalls.
I think Gardner has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Chad Campbell scores the fight 47:49
Judge Jorge Garcia scores the fight 45:50
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Aaron Gardner!
Aaron Gardner is the new lightweight champion!
Aaron Gardner seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.