PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Shazaam McDaniels (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ruslan Smirnov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). McDaniels kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Tubthumping by Chumbawamba. Shazaam McDaniels could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Ruslan Smirnov's chin.

McDaniels
vs
Smirnov

176 cm
22
144 lbs
10 - 5 - 0

167 cm
29
142 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Counter striker
Powerful

Al's Supplements - 160 Q for $150

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Shazaam McDaniels!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Ruslan Smirnov!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Marco Blurström and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A swing and a miss from Smirnov.

Smirnov shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. McDaniels manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
McDaniels is looking to stand up but Smirnov isn't so interested in that idea.
Smirnov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. McDaniels is keeping the position for now.
McDaniels wants to stand up but Smirnov is controlling him.

McDaniels has his feet on Smirnov's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Smirnov throws a lazy uppercut
and McDaniels counters with a nice uppercut.

It looks like Ruslan Smirnov has been cut.
McDaniels moves out of range as Smirnov strikes.
Smirnov throws a jab when McDaniels was well out of range.
Smirnov dodges the punch combination from McDaniels.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McDaniels slips a jab from Smirnov.
Smirnov misses with a looping left.
Smirnov is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
McDaniels misses with a body shot.
Smirnov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Smirnov closes this distance looking for a takedown but McDaniels circles away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
McDaniels throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A swing and a miss from McDaniels.
McDaniels scores with a punch to the head.
Smirnov shoots in looking for a takedown but McDaniels manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Smirnov's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Smirnov scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
McDaniels is trying to stand up here but Smirnov is controlling him well.
McDaniels trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.

Smirnov seems to be looking for submissions.
Smirnov looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McDaniels looks like he's trying to stand up.

Smirnov is working for a submission of some sort.
McDaniels looks like he's trying to stand up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Smirnov has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

Smirnov working for a guillotine from mount but McDaniels is in no mood to give up.

Smirnov wants to finish this one by submission but McDaniels is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Smirnov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McDaniels is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
Smirnov trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Smirnov seems to be looking to move to his opponent's back but McDaniels is holding on tight.
McDaniels is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
BOOM! Smirnov connects with a massive shot to the dome!
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!
Smirnov throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for McDaniels because Smirnov loaded up on that one.
Smirnov takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
McDaniels wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.

Smirnov looking for a guillotine from mount but McDaniels is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ruslan Smirnov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ruslan Smirnov's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Smirnov misses with a looping left.
Nice shot lands for McDaniels.

Smirnov closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. McDaniels quickly recovers to half guard.
McDaniels blocking the ground and pound attempt from Smirnov.
McDaniels wants to get back to his feet.

Smirnov seems to be working for a kimura but McDaniels defends the submission attempt.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
McDaniels is trying to stand.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Smirnov lands a nice short elbow.
Smirnov is pressing down on McDaniels's thigh, looking to free his foot. McDaniels is holding on for now.
McDaniels is trying to stand back up but Smirnov is controlling him
Smirnov has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

Smirnov looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
McDaniels is controlling an arm, preventing Smirnov from taking his back. Although keeping him in mount is no better to be honest.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McDaniels wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Smirnov.
Smirnov is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
McDaniels wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.

McDaniels bucks Smirnov off and manages to get back to his feet!
McDaniels checks a leg kick.
Smirnov throws a jab when McDaniels was well out of range.
Smirnov avoids the body shot from McDaniels.
McDaniels paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smirnov throws a lazy uppercut
and McDaniels cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Smirnov cracks McDaniels with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
McDaniels throws an overhand right that lands on Smirnov's shoulder, as Smirnov tries to avoid the shot.
Smirnov misses with a right hand
and McDaniels counters with a one-two to the body.

Smirnov shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Smirnov was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
McDaniels trying desperately to get to his feet.
Ruslan Smirnov has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smirnov connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Smirnov wants to control the pace but McDaniels is squirming around nicely.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McDaniels tries to buck Smirnov off but he can't manage it.
Smirnov content just to control the position here.

McDaniels somehow manages to escape the mount and get back to his feet!
Shazaam McDaniels is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
McDaniels throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ruslan Smirnov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Ruslan Smirnov's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

McDaniels rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Smirnov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
McDaniels digs a good hook to Smirnov's body.
A left lands for McDaniels.
McDaniels throws a series of punches but Smirnov moves out of range.
Smirnov looks to score with a jab to the body but McDaniels is just out of range.
Smirnov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and McDaniels counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Shazaam McDaniels is winning the standup battle so far.
McDaniels misses with a double jab

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
McDaniels is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Smirnov asserts his dominance and retains side control.

Smirnov wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by McDaniels, who protects the arm well.
McDaniels is trying to buck Smirnov off.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
McDaniels dodges the ground and pound from Smirnov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Smirnov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Smirnov throws an elbow but McDaniels slips to the side and avoids it well.
McDaniels is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Smirnov asserts his dominance and retains side control.
McDaniels is not content to let Smirnov control the position.
Smirnov creates some space and throws a big elbow, but McDaniels sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
McDaniels is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Smirnov is controlling him well.
McDaniels stops Smirnov from passing to mount.
McDaniels wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!

Smirnov is trying to get an arm triangle but McDaniels is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smirnov working the body and head with strikes.
Smirnov throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
McDaniels defending against the ground and pound.
McDaniels is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Sloppy strikes there by Smirnov.
McDaniels is trying to escape the position but Smirnov is controlling the position.
McDaniels is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Smirnov has just dragged him back down to the mat.

Smirnov is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. McDaniels knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Smirnov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Smirnov controlling the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Smirnov thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Smirnov advances nicely into full mount.
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!
Smirnov controlling the pace for now.
Smirnov scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish McDaniels?
Smirnov with shots to the head and body - McDaniels looks very uncomfortable down there.
McDaniels is squirming around, avoiding Smirnov's attempts to control the action.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
McDaniels is really trying hard to get back to his feet.
McDaniels is squirming around, avoiding Smirnov's attempts to control the action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ruslan Smirnov really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ruslan Smirnov's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

McDaniels tries to bum rush Smirnov with a series of wild strikes but Smirnov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
McDaniels misses with the combination.
McDaniels is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Smirnov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but McDaniels moves away.
Ruslan Smirnov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Smirnov fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging McDaniels to the ground. Smirnov is now in McDaniels's guard.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smirnov is looking to work some ground and pound but McDaniels has wrist control.
Smirnov stands and throws McDaniels's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Smirnov prevents McDaniels from escaping the position.
Smirnov tries to advance to mount but McDaniels denies him.
McDaniels is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Smirnov has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Smirnov grinds an elbow into McDaniels's temple.

Smirnov tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
McDaniels wants to get back to his feet but Smirnov drags him back down.
Smirnov is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down McDaniels's shoulder. That is not cool.
Smirnov working the ground and pound from side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smirnov trying to control the action but McDaniels is working from the bottom.
McDaniels is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Smirnov throws a strike aimed at the side of McDaniels's head but McDaniels avoids it well.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Smirnov is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but McDaniels is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
McDaniels prevents Smirnov from improving position.
McDaniels is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Smirnov is controlling him well.
Smirnov landing a few strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McDaniels is not content to let Smirnov control the position.
McDaniels is pushing Smirnov's head away, looking to escape. Smirnov manages to hold on to the position though.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Smirnov moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.

Smirnov tries for a kimura but McDaniels is defending well.

Smirnov wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by McDaniels, who protects the arm well.

Smirnov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Smirnov working the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McDaniels is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

Smirnov is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. McDaniels knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Smirnov tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
McDaniels is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Smirnov has just dragged him back down to the mat.
The ground and pound from Smirnov seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Smirnov is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, McDaniels has escaped the position, nice work there.
This has been an exciting period of action!
McDaniels is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Smirnov asserts his dominance and retains side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ruslan Smirnov dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Ruslan Smirnov's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

McDaniels blocks a jab.
McDaniels uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Smirnov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McDaniels misses with a double jab.
Smirnov closes this distance looking for a takedown but McDaniels circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smirnov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
letting McDaniels counter with a right hand.
Smirnov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Smirnov looks to land a right hand but McDaniels moved out of range.
Horrible takedown by Smirnov or perhaps it was just good defense by McDaniels which made him look bad.
McDaniels lands with a nice combination. Smirnov backs away looking to recover.
Shazaam McDaniels has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Smirnov darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Smirnov is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for McDaniels!
McDaniels tries to buck Smirnov off but Smirnov takes his back!
McDaniels trying to get back to his feet but Smirnov is in full control for now.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Well, with Smirnov on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before McDaniels is tapping out... Can he escape the position?
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.
Smirnov struggling to keep hold of the position.

Smirnov is cranking McDaniels's head sideways - that looks painful. He's managed to get his other arm under the chin and this looks bad for McDaniels! He's tightened the choke and McDaniels is tapping out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:56 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Ruslan Smirnov!
Ruslan Smirnov is the new bantamweight champion!
Ruslan Smirnov spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.