PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Reggie Smalls (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Julio Sobral (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Smalls
vs
Sobral

170 cm
27
162 lbs
14 - 7 - 0

181 cm
26
168 lbs
16 - 10 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

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 14 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Reggie Smalls!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Julio Sobral!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Matheus Silva and Luis Engracia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sobral has a takedown stuffed.
Smalls throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Sobral.
Sobral throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Smalls swings for the body but Sobral moves out of range.
Smalls throws a right hand that Sobral ducks under and follows up with a left that Sobral also avoids with ease.
Sobral rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Smalls moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

Sobral is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Smalls's half guard.
Smalls might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Smalls trying to control from the bottom.

Sobral is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Sobral is looking to take a break and control but Smalls is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Sobral is pressing down on Smalls's thigh, looking to free his foot. Smalls is holding on for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smalls avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Sobral.
Smalls is trying to stand back up but Sobral is controlling him
Sobral thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Sobral slips a nice elbow through Smalls's hands, connecting with Smalls's forehead.
Sobral wants to take a breather but Smalls is having none of it.
Sobral looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Sobral thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Smalls is trying to stand back up but Sobral is controlling him
Sobral is looking to take a break and control but Smalls is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Sobral wants to free his trapped foot but Smalls is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smalls wants to get back to full guard.
Smalls is looking to escape.
Smalls wants to get back to full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Smalls wants to get back to his feet.
Sobral wants to pass the guard but Smalls is defending well.
Sobral is taking a breather. Smalls says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Sobral shoots in for a takedown but Smalls shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Smalls connects with a body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
No joy there for Sobral, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Sobral with a poor takedown
and Smalls counters with a nice body shot.
Reggie Smalls has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Julio Sobral.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sobral fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Smalls connects with a body shot that sends Sobral's belly button to the back.
Smalls swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Sobral counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Smalls throws a lazy uppercut
and Sobral counters with a straight right hand.
Smalls walks into a left hand.

Sobral fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Smalls to the ground. Sobral is now in Smalls's guard.
Sobral throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Smalls works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Smalls controls Sobral momentarily but Sobral frees himself.
Smalls wants to stand up but Sobral is controlling him.
Sobral trying to control the position from guard on top but Smalls is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sobral looking to sit in guard and control but Smalls gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smalls works over Sobral with some ground and pound from guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Sobral looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Smalls passes into half guard.
Sobral is looking to control Smalls's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Sobral avoid being mounted?
Sobral is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Sobral is not content to let Smalls control the position.
Sobral wants to control but Smalls is keeping busy and won't allow it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Julio Sobral dominated that round.
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.

Sobral shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Smalls defends it nicely.
Sobral shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Smalls as he jumps to the side.
Sobral misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Smalls just misses with a punch to the body.
Sobral misses with a body shot.
Sobral slips under a jab from Smalls.
Sobral misses with a jab, cross combination.
A telegraphed right hand from Smalls misses the target.
Sobral lands a jab-cross combination.
Smalls is looking to wear down Sobral with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Sobral slips a jab and a cross from Smalls.
Smalls misses with a left hand
and Sobral makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Sobral is trying hard to land a takedown here. Smalls sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Reggie Smalls has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Julio Sobral.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smalls shoots in for a takedown but Sobral shows good takedown defense.
Smalls fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Sobral avoids it really well and circles away.
Sobral takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Horrible takedown by Sobral or perhaps it was just good defense by Smalls which made him look bad.
Smalls throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Sobral misses with a takedown attempt - Smalls sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Smalls ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sobral moves away.
Smalls connects with a body shot that sends Sobral's belly button to the back.
Smalls lands with an uppercut that bounces Sobral off the cage and back into range.
Smalls will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smalls throws a one two combo.
Sobral throws a nice looking combination but Smalls bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Smalls throws a wild body kick that Sobral sees coming a mile off.
Smalls throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Smalls scores with a head kick.
Sobral throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Sobral is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Smalls.
Smalls fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Sobral throws a good cross that connects.

Sobral tries to sprawl but Smalls drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Sobral wants to control but Smalls is keeping busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smalls with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Sobral won't allow Smalls to pass to mount.
Smalls prevents Sobral from improving his position.
Sobral is pressing down on Smalls's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Sobral is looking for a triangle but Smalls pushes his legs off easily.

Sobral is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Smalls is aware though and is defending well.
Smalls trying to control but Sobral is working from the bottom.
Julio Sobral has got the better of the ground game so far.
Smalls sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Sobral's guard.
Smalls prevents Sobral from standing back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ground and pound from Smalls.
Smalls trying to control the action but Sobral is working from the bottom.
Smalls prevents Sobral from improving his position.
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. Smalls connects with a nice short shot to Sobral's temple.
Sobral has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Smalls is working away from the top position though.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ground and pound from Smalls.
Smalls working over Sobral with some ground and pound. Sobral looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Smalls throwing shots but Sobral is blocking nicely.
Sobral is not content to let Smalls control the position.
Smalls looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Reggie Smalls dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Sobral showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Smalls.
Smalls looks to land a left hand but Sobral moved out of range nicely.
Sobral scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Sobral swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Sobral misses with a body shot
and Smalls counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Smalls throws a nice looking combination but Sobral bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Reggie Smalls is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Smalls keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Smalls misses with a series of wild punches.

Sobral decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Smalls is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Sobral is keen to just control but Smalls is a slippery customer.

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

Sobral seems to be working for a kimura but Smalls defends the submission attempt.
Smalls blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sobral.
Smalls is not content to let Sobral control the position.
Smalls gets back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smalls is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Smalls looking for a sweep. Not yet Smalls, not yet.
Sobral advances position into side control!

Sobral tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Sobral has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smalls wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!

Sobral tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Smalls is trying to buck Sobral off.
Smalls is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Smalls tries to kick Sobral off but Sobral keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Sobral is working for a kimura but Smalls is defending it quite comfortably.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smalls pushes Sobral off looking to stand but Sobral dives back in and keeps control.
Sobral not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Sobral trying to control the action but Smalls is working from the bottom.
Sobral lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Sobral thows a huge punch but Smalls dodges it nicely.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Smalls trying to control here.
Sobral sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Smalls defending well though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Sobral misses with a takedown attempt - Smalls sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Smalls tries a head kick but it misses.
Smalls lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Smalls throws a nice head kick!
Smalls throws a nice looking combination but Sobral bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Sobral takes a swing at Smalls's ribcage but misses.
Smalls throws a series of punches but Sobral moves out of range.
A left lands for Sobral.
Smalls looks to throw the jab but Sobral is out of range.
Sobral keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Smalls lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Smalls.

Sobral shoots in and gets a takedown into Smalls's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sobral landing some decent shots from guard.
Smalls has Sobral pulled in close to control his posture.
Sobral wants to pass the guard but Smalls is keeping the position.
Sobral controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Sobral is looking to work some ground and pound but Smalls has wrist control.
Smalls is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Smalls looks to land a combination. Sobral sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Smalls throws a left and a right that both miss

and Sobral counters with a shoot takedown. Smalls fights it but they end up in guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Smalls keeping full guard, as Sobral tries to pass.
Sobral throws a strike but Smalls rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Sobral is trying to control the position but Smalls postures up.
Smalls postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Sobral had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Smalls defends it easily.
Smalls chips away with some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smalls prevents Sobral from getting back to his feet.
Sobral is trying to control the position but Smalls postures up.
Sobral manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Smalls doing his best to control the position. Can he escape?
Smalls is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Smalls wants to control but Sobral is having none of it.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Sobral cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sobral looking to control but Smalls is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Smalls is trying to escape the mount.
Smalls tries to lock up and control but Sobral gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Sobral throws some wild stikes that Smalls manages to avoid easily.
Sobral fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sobral trying to control but Smalls is having none of it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Sobral throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Julio Sobral dominated that fourth round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Smalls leaves Sobral with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Smalls tries for a takedown but Sobral sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Julio Sobral seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Smalls misses with an uppercut

and Sobral counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Sobral wants to control from the top but Smalls keeps moving.
Sobral postures up.
Smalls is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Sobral slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Smalls prevents Sobral from improving position.
Smalls sneaks back into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sobral moves into full mount! Smalls won't be happy about that!
Sobral can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Smalls is looking to escape.
Smalls tries to reverse the position but Sobral maintains control.
Sobral unloads with some shots from mount but Smalls bucks and avoids them well.
Smalls is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Sobral throwing strikes here but Smalls is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Sobral is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Smalls has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Smalls is squirming around, avoiding Sobral's attempts to control the action.

Sobral with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Sobral throws a sloppy strike and Smalls uses the opportunity to reverse the position! A bit of a scramble here and Smalls has ended up in Sobral's guard.
Smalls wants to control from the top but Sobral keeps moving.
Sobral is trying to control the position but Smalls postures up.
Julio Sobral is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smalls trying to control but Sobral is working from the bottom.
Sobral working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Smalls.
Sobral has control of Smalls's left arm, preventing Smalls from doing any damage.
Smalls wants to control from the top but Sobral keeps moving.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Reggie Smalls wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Sobral looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
A looping hook to the body misses from Smalls. Sobral does a little dance to reset his feet.
Smalls stuffs the takedown attempt from Sobral. Sobral gets slowly back to his feet.
Sobral has a takedown stuffed.
Reggie Smalls has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Julio Sobral.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A jab lands there for Smalls.
Smalls dives in and grabs Sobral's left leg, looking for a takedown. Sobral pushes down on Smalls's head and hops out.
Smalls misses with a wild combination.
Sobral fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Sloppy strikes from Smalls. Those never looked like landing.
Sobral has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Sobral showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Smalls.
Smalls moves forwards but Sobral connects with a nice, crisp jab.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Horrible takedown by Sobral or perhaps it was just good defense by Smalls which made him look bad.
Reggie Smalls has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sobral fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

And that's the end of the fight!
Julio Sobral comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Sobral 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 Paulo Santos scores the fight 46:49
Judge Matheus Silva scores the fight 46:49
Judge Luis Engracia scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Julio Sobral!
Julio Sobral gave a mention to Al's Supplements - 160 Q for $150 in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).