PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Snabbo Smido (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Avon Barksdale (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Smido comes to the cage accompanied by Breathe. Barksdale is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Three Six Mafia - Its A Fight . Snabbo Smido had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Smido
vs
Barksdale

179 cm
34
182 lbs
23 - 16 - 0

185 cm
29
186 lbs
12 - 7 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Great elbows
Good gas tank

TFP Graphics - Pit Inc

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 16 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Snabbo Smido!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 7 - 1, fighting out of New York, Avon Barksdale!
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, Russell Pearce and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barksdale tries to clinch up but Smido circles away and keeps his distance.
Smido avoids the head kick by Barksdale.
Barksdale lands with an uppercut that bounces Smido off the cage and back into range.
Smido avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Smido connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Barksdale looks to land a body kick but Smido moved away.
Barksdale scores with a jab. Smido acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Barksdale takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Barksdale cracks Smido with an open hand slap.
Barksdale misses with a head kick.
Smido takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A slow jab from Smido misses its intended target.
Smido lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Barksdale scores with a hook to the body. Smido takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Smido blocks a leg kick.

Smido shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Barksdale avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Smido.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smido content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Barksdale is controlling Smido's trapped leg to prevent Smido from advancing to side control.
Barksdale is trying to maintain the position but Smido is very close to passing his half guard.
Smido sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Barksdale defending well though.
Barksdale is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Smido tries to pass the half guard into mount. Barksdale knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Smido thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Smido wants to pass to mount but Barksdale is defending the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Still in half guard, Smido seems content to control.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Barksdale cracks the inside of Smido's front leg.
Smido steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Barksdale. That one must have hurt.
Nice cross by Smido.
Smido fails with a takedown attempt.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Smido throws a leg kick that is checked
and Barksdale cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Some bone on bone action there as Smido checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
A chopping leg kick lands by Barksdale.
Barksdale misses with a wild body shot.
Smido blocks a jab.
Smido throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Barksdale sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Smido uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Barksdale.
Smido throws a shot from downtown. Barksdale moves away and avoids it.
Barksdale throws a lazy uppercut
and Smido counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Barksdale walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Smido misses.
Barksdale misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A punch lands to the side of Barksdale 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Barksdale with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Smido to score with a decent uppercut.
A slow jab from Barksdale misses its intended target.
Avon Barksdale is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Barksdale just misses with a punch to the body.

Barksdale gets a clinch.
Smido looking to stall.
Smido misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Smido working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Barksdale throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Smido softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Smido is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Smido prevents a body shot from Barksdale.
Smido pushes Barksdale back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Smido is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Barksdale is keeping busy.
Barksdale with an attempt at a knee that misses.

Smido has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Barksdale is trying to keep an underhook but Smido manages to get the takedown into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Barksdale is trying to get back to full guard.

Smido is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Barksdale sees it coming and defends easily.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Barksdale won't allow Smido to pass to mount.
Barksdale is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Barksdale is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Barksdale won't allow Smido to pass to mount.
Barksdale trying to control here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Avon Barksdale will probably get the nod.
That's time! Smido's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Smido closes this distance looking for a takedown but Barksdale circles away.
Smido blocks a head kick by Barksdale.
Smido with a hook.
Barksdale throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Smido throws a jab but it's blocked by Barksdale.
Smido steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Barksdale.
A big right from Barksdale misses.
A nice leg kick lands there from Barksdale.
Barksdale keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Nice cross by Smido.

Smido fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Barksdale sprawls well initially but Smido persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Smido connects with a nice short shot to Barksdale's temple.
Barksdale is looking to improve his position.
Smido is nestled in close to Barksdale, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smido seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Barksdale does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Snabbo Smido overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Smido is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Barksdale is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Smido perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

Snabbo Smido has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Smido avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Smido is defended easily by Barksdale.
Barksdale scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Barksdale scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Smido feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Barksdale's calf.
A shot to the liver by Smido. Beautiful body shot.
Smido fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Snabbo Smido. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smido misses with a looping left.
Smido tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Barksdale swivels and escapes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Barksdale gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Barksdale tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Smido avoids it.
Barksdale misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Smido.
Smido can't find room to land a body shot as Barksdale controls the action.
Barksdale looking to stall.

Smido's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Barksdale throws a low kick but Smido moves out of range easily.
Barksdale tests Smido's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Barksdale tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Barksdale throws a one two combo.
Barksdale walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Barksdale swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Smido thows a left - swing and a miss!
Barksdale tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Smido was well out of range. Poor timing from Barksdale.
Avon Barksdale seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Smido throws a lazy right hand but Barksdale sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Barksdale is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Smido.
Smido throws a hook but Barksdale blocks it.
Smido connects with a good right hand that stumbles Barksdale. Barksdale circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Barksdale throws a sloppy head kick and Smido moves out of range easily.
A nice inside leg kick there by Barksdale. That's going to slow Smido down.
Barksdale tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Smido was well out of range. Poor timing from Barksdale.
Barksdale tries to clinch up.
Smido walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Barksdale checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Barksdale has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Smido.
Barksdale wants to clinch up but Smido keeps it at a distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Barksdale pushes Smido up against the cage in a clinch.
Barksdale lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Barksdale comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Smido leaning against his opponent.
Smido lands a shot to the body.
Smido is looking to control Barksdale's arms but Barksdale gets an underhook and turns him. Now Smido has his back to the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A head punch blocked on the inside by Barksdale.
Barksdale throws an elbow that misses.
Barksdale landing knees to the body.
Barksdale pushes Smido back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
A shot in the inside from Barksdale.
Barksdale misses with an elbow strike.
Smido lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Smido avoids a wild elbow strike from Barksdale.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Barksdale lands an elbow inside that Smido shrugs off.
Barksdale prevents the takedown attempt.
Barksdale looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Smido takes an elbow to the forehead.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Avon Barksdale showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Jab from Barksdale.
Barksdale cracks Smido with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Smido circles away from the clinch attempt.

Barksdale pushes Smido up against the cage in a clinch.
Barksdale stops a takedown attempt from Smido.
Barksdale misses with a punch on the inside.
Barksdale looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Smido lands an uppercut.
Smido trying to control the position but instead, Barksdale has worked for underhooks and has pushed Smido into the cage.
Maybe Smido would be better served going for some more strikes rather than trying to control so much.
Barksdale is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
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!
Barksdale throws an elbow that misses.
Barksdale landing knees to the head.
Barksdale throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.

Smido pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Smido shoots in for a double leg but Barksdale sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barksdale throws a jab when Smido was well out of range.
Smido throws a front kick aimed at Barksdale's knee but Barksdale avoids it well.
Smido misses with a looping left.
Smido throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Barksdale sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Smido misses with a double jab.
Smido misses with a hook. Barksdale ducked under it nicely.
Barksdale tries to grapple but his opponent circles
enabling Smido to counter with a crisp jab.
Barksdale looks to land a right hand but Smido moved out of range.
Smido misses with an uppercut. Barksdale saw that one coming.
Barksdale tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Smido manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Barksdale connects with the punch.
Barksdale jabs at Smido's body.
Barksdale throws a body kick that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smido defending well as Barksdale loads up on a big left hand.
A looping hook to the body misses from Barksdale. Smido does a little dance to reset his feet.
Smido throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Smido misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Smido waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Barksdale.
Smido misses with an uppercut.
Barksdale lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Smido shoots in but Barksdale avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Snabbo Smido. That's going to take a lot out of him.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Barksdale slips a straight right by Smido.
Barksdale smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Barksdale connects with a crisp jab.
Barksdale fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Smido manages to avoid it.

Barksdale closes the distance and clinches.
Smido avoids the elbow strike from Barksdale, against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smido tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Barksdale throws an elbow but it misses.
Smido taking a breather.
Barksdale lands a hook that snaps the head of Smido backwards.
Smido blocks an elbow strike.
Barksdale misses with an elbow over the top.
Smido avoids a wild elbow strike from Barksdale.

Smido's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Smido swats away the attempt to clinch by Barksdale.
Barksdale has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Smido finds it's way round the side to connect with Barksdale's head.
Barksdale defending well as Smido loads up on a big left hand.
Smido misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Barksdale misses with a leg kick
and Smido counters with a stiff right hand.
Barksdale misses with a hook
and Smido counters with a straight right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.

Barksdale gets caught napping as Smido dives in and scores a takedown. Barksdale manages to retain guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Smido stopping the sweep attempt from Barksdale.
Smido 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.
Smido being controlled here momentarily.
Barksdale looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Smido pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Barksdale is keeping the position for now.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Barksdale trying to keep a closed guard but Smido is proving a slippery customer.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Avon Barksdale really dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Smido lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Barksdale slips a jab from Smido.
Smido looks for a takedown but Barksdale sprawls well.
Barksdale displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Smido throws out the jab.
Smido throws a looping overhand right but Barksdale ducks down to avoid it.
Barksdale throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Smido's head.
Smido keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Smido thuds his right hand into Barksdale's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Barksdale blocks a jab.
Barksdale ducks under a wild hook from Smido.
Smido shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Barksdale pinned against the cage. Barksdale gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Barksdale lands an overhand right.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smido moves away from the strike by Barksdale.
Smido takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Smido swats away the attempt to clinch by Barksdale.
Barksdale lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Smido keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Barksdale throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Smido ducks under a wild hook from Barksdale.
Barksdale lands a really nice looking cross but Smido seems unphased.
Barksdale drops his hands momentarily and Smido takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Barksdale misses with a body kick.
A punch combination from Barksdale misses.
Smido scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Barksdale doesn't seem bothered though.

Smido gets the takedown into side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Barksdale manages to get back to half guard.
Smido content to control rather than advance.
Barksdale blocking the ground and pound attempt from Smido.
Barksdale is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Barksdale won't allow Smido to pass to mount.
Barksdale regains full guard. Nicely done.
Smido postures up.
Smido wants to control from the top but Barksdale keeps moving.
Smido looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Smido is looking to work some ground and pound but Barksdale has wrist control.
Smido in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Smido trying to control the position from guard on top but Barksdale is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Snabbo Smido has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Smido loads up on a big right hand but Barksdale slips the punch.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Smido checks a leg kick.
Barksdale tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Smido was well out of range. Poor timing from Barksdale.
Barksdale throws a chopping leg kick but Smido manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Barksdale wants to clinch.
Smido shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale misses with a low kick.
Barksdale punishes Smido's body with a nice straight punch.
Barksdale lands a head kick!

Smido gets a double leg takedown into Barksdale's guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Smido forces his way into half guard.
Barksdale keeping control of the position.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Barksdale is looking for a sweep. Smido is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Barksdale is not content to let Smido control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Avon Barksdale 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!

Smido misses with an uppercut.
Avon Barksdale seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Barksdale thumps Smido with a low kick.
Barksdale lands a high kick!
Smido uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Barksdale.
Smido scores with a nice head shot.
Barksdale fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Smido manages to avoid it.
Barksdale cracks Smido with a right hand to the side of the head.
Smido throws a hook but Barksdale blocks it.
Smido looks to land a left hand but Barksdale moved out of range nicely.
Barksdale misses with a low kick.
Smido avoids the head kick by Barksdale.
Smido turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Smido.
Barksdale throws a good cross that connects.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smido missing with a left hand there. Barksdale was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Barksdale misses with a leg kick
letting Smido counter with a right hand.
An inside leg kick from Barksdale misses.
Barksdale wants to clinch up but Smido keeps it at a distance.
Smido keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Barksdale takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Smido connects with a leg kick. Barksdale looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Barksdale tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Smido paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Smido jabs Barksdale right on the nose. Barksdale blinks but takes it well.
Smido stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Barksdale.
Barksdale on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Smido. Smido obviously looking to wear him down.
Barksdale thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Smido if he has to take too many more of those.
Snabbo Smido has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Barksdale wants it to stay on the feet.
Smido misses with a looping right.
A big right from Smido misses.
Barksdale moves away from the strike by Smido.
Barksdale wants to clinch.
Barksdale is looking to clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Smido looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Smido is keen to just control but Barksdale is a slippery customer.
Barksdale is looking for a sweep. Smido is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Barksdale is pressing down on Smido's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Smido sitting in guard here, content to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale keeping moving, preventing Smido from controlling successfully.
Smido tries to free his leg and advance position but Barksdale is retaining full guard.
Barksdale is trying to keep Smido in close.
Barksdale bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Smido's guard.
Avon Barksdale is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Barksdale must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Smido keeping moving, preventing Barksdale from controlling successfully.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Barksdale tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Barksdale bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Barksdale has Smido up against the cage in a clinch.
Barksdale pushes off an throws an elbow but Smido leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Barksdale taking a breather.
Barksdale misses with some punches.
Smido misses with the head strike.
Smido lands a hook that snaps the head of Barksdale backwards.
Smido misses with some punches.
Barksdale stalling in the clinch but Smido improves position.

Smido manages to break the clinch.
Good leg kick by Smido there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Barksdale uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Barksdale lands with a cross.
Barksdale pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Barksdale is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Smido scores with a jab.
Barksdale has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Barksdale moves in looking to clinch but Smido pushes him off.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Avon Barksdale.
I've got Barksdale winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Steve Montenegro scores the fight 45:50
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight 46:49
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Avon Barksdale!
Avon Barksdale is the new welterweight champion!
A relieved looking Avon Barksdale thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.