PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jorik Vartanov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Brian Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Vartanov
vs
Smith

190 cm
34
250 lbs
13 - 21 - 0

191 cm
26
245 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Enjoys gardening

Alpha-Male Nutritional Supplements (q160)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 21 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jorik Vartanov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Brian Smith!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Stewart Dunkirk and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vartanov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Smith feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Vartanov wants to get back to his feet but Smith is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Smith wants to stand but Vartanov has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Smith with a flurry of punches that miss.
Vartanov keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.
Smith must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Vartanov wriggles free and stands up.

Smith gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Vartanov is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Smith is defending well.
Vartanov has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Smith after a bit of a struggle.

Smith gets control of Vartanov's arms and successfully pulls guard. Smith will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Smith is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Vartanov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Smith is proving hard to escape from.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith looking for a sweep. Not yet Smith, not yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Smith trying to keep a closed guard but Vartanov is proving a slippery customer.
Smith wants to stand but Vartanov is controlling the position.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

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

Vartanov stands up from Smith's guard - Vartanov perhaps looking for a knockout.
Smith scoring well with a low kick there.
Jorik Vartanov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Smith moves out of range as Vartanov throws a body kick.
Vartanov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith lands a nice shot that snaps Vartanov's head back.
Smith connects with an inside leg kick.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Smith jumps guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Smith has a closed guard, preventing Vartanov from standing up.
Smith wants to hit a switch here but Vartanov passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Smith there!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Vartanov get's back to his feet.
Smith shoots in but no luck this time.
Smith scores with a body shot.
Smith is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Vartanov takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vartanov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Smith with a lazy takedown attempt

and Vartanov counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Vartanov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Smith has him pressed against the cage.

Smith gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Smith throws an elbow that misses. Vartanov uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Smith's guard. Nice move by Vartanov!
Smith is trying to control the position but Vartanov postures up.
Vartanov trying to stand up but can't free himself from Smith's guard.
Smith really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Vartanov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Smith is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Vartanov won't allow Smith to sweep him here.
Smith wants to stand up but Vartanov is controlling him.

Vartanov stands up from Smith's guard - Vartanov perhaps looking for a knockout.
Brian Smith seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Smith.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Smith moves into the clinch successfully.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Vartanov just misses with a elbow thrown towards Smith's brow.
Smith leaning against his opponent.
Smith tries to pull guard but Vartanov holds him up against the cage and eventually Smith drops back down to his feet.
Jorik Vartanov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Brian Smith.
Smith displaying some good clinch control by pressing Vartanov up against the cage.
Smith is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Vartanov pulls him back up using the underhooks.

Smith jumps into guard, dragging Vartanov to the mat.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Vartanov decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Smith, up you get!

Smith has Vartanov up against the cage in a clinch.

Smith manages to pull guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brian Smith dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Ouch! a nice leg kick from Smith, right into the meat.
A telegraphed right hand from Vartanov misses the target.
Vartanov misses with a body shot.
Smith showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Vartanov.
Vartanov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Vartanov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Smith lands a head kick!
Smith scores with a leg kick.
Vartanov throws a body kick that misses.

Smith clinches.

Smith wants the takedown. Vartanov is fighting it off but Smith persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Vartanov's guard against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Smith is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Vartanov is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vartanov fails to pull guard.
Vartanov is trying to break the clinch but Smith has him pressed against the cage.

Smith successfully pulls guard.

Vartanov gets to his feet - Smith follows without any prompting.
A solid leg kick lands there for Smith.
Vartanov stuffs the takedown attempt from Smith. Smith gets slowly back to his feet.
Smith wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Smith scores with a spinning back kick!
Smith throws a nice inside leg kick.
Vartanov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Smith feints and then cracks Vartanov's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Vartanov down.
Brian Smith seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Vartanov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Vartanov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Smith shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Vartanov defends it nicely.
Jorik Vartanov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Brian Smith.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A nice leg kick lands there from Smith.
Smith tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Smith throws a nice outside leg kick.
Vartanov tries to clinch up.

Smith drives through with a takedown into Vartanov's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Smith loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Vartanov is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Smith is controlling him.
Smith is looking to work some ground and pound but Vartanov has wrist control.

Vartanov pushes Smith off and gets back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith jabs at Vartanov's body.

Smith is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Vartanov's half guard.
Vartanov is staying active underneath Smith, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Vartanov keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Vartanov pushes Smith off looking to stand but Smith dives back in and keeps control.
Smith throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Smith slips a nice elbow through Vartanov's hands, connecting with Vartanov's forehead.
Smith looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Smith stands up and beckons Vartanov to join him on the feet.
Vartanov keeps the fight on the outside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
No luck for Smith with that takedown attempt.
Vartanov moves in looking to clinch but Smith pushes him off.

Smith looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Vartanov!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Vartanov is trying to get back to his feet.
Smith throws a strike aimed at the side of Vartanov's head but Vartanov avoids it well.
Vartanov is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Smith asserts his dominance and retains side control.

Smith stands up.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Smith feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brian Smith showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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!

Vartanov throws a series of punches but Smith avoids them all with ease.

Smith shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Smith showed some decent athleticism there.
Smith wants to take a breather but Vartanov is having none of it.
Smith wants to pass to mount but Vartanov is defending the position.
Smith prevents Vartanov from standing back up.
Smith wants to pass to mount but Vartanov is defending the position.
Smith missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Vartanov is trying to stand back up but Smith is controlling him
Ground and pound from Smith.
Vartanov is refusing to be controlled, as Smith sits in half guard.

Vartanov manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice shot by Smith.
Vartanov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Smith can pounce on him.
Smith shoots in and drives through. Vartanov sprawls well.
Vartanov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Vartanov tries to close the distance and clinch but Smith swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Smith pushes Vartanov away with a front kick.
Smith lands a head kick. Vartanov smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Smith checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Vartanov sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Vartanov lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Smith has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Smith and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.

Smith gets a takedown into half guard.
Smith is trying to control the action in half guard but Vartanov is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Smith decides to stand up.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nice takedown defense from Vartanov. No joy for Smith on that attempt.
Vartanov wants to clinch up but Smith keeps it at a distance.
Smith lands with a kick to the temple. Vartanov shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Smith scoring well with a low kick there.
Vartanov is looking to clinch but Smith is avoiding it.
Vartanov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Smith circles away from the clinch attempt.

Smith shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Vartanov's guard.

Smith stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Smith with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Jorik Vartanov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith lands a nice leg kick that just misses Vartanov's sensitive parts.
Smith scores with a push kick.
Smith plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Smith throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Vartanov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Smith scores with a nice body kick.
Vartanov will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Vartanov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Smith has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Vartanov throws a jab when Smith was well out of range.

Smith closes the distance and pushes Vartanov back into the cage.
Vartanov tries to pull guard but Smith holds him up against the cage and eventually Vartanov drops back down to his feet.

Smith jumps into guard, dragging Vartanov to the mat.
Smith looking to hit a scissor sweep but Vartanov is one step ahead there.
Smith is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Smith is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Vartanov is aware though and is defending well.

Vartanov stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Vartanov wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Smith tries to pull guard but Vartanov won't allow it.
Brian Smith is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Jorik Vartanov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Brian Smith.
Smith is defending well against a takedown attempt.

Smith gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Smith scoring with some ground and pound.
Jorik Vartanov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Smith gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Vartanov tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Vartanov takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.

And that's the end of the fight!
Brian Smith comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Smith 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge George Francis scores the fight 27:30
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 27:30
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Brian Smith!