PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between John Simons III (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jeffson Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gracie has chosen Cliff Richard - Summer Holiday as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Simons III
vs
Gracie

172 cm
43
143 lbs
45 - 31 - 2

160 cm
40
155 lbs
32 - 25 - 1

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Bad Man Clothing (Nothing Over $40)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 45 - 31 - 2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, John Simons III!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 32 - 25 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Jeffson Gracie!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Alexandre Firmino and Leandro Rodrigues.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gracie misses with a left hand

and Simons III counters by clinching up.

Simons III has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Gracie uses from the top position.
Simons III looking to control.
Simons III pulls Gracie in close to prevent any damage.
Simons III keeping moving, preventing Gracie from controlling successfully.

Simons III had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Gracie defends it easily.
Simons III not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie wants to pass the guard but Simons III is keeping the position.
Gracie sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Simons III's guard.
Gracie trying to control the action but Simons III is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simons III wants to get back to full guard.
Gracie trying to control the action but Simons III is working from the bottom.
Simons III trying to control but Gracie postures up.

Gracie is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Simons III is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Simons III actively working from the bottom here.
Simons III wants to improve his position but Gracie is controlling well.
Gracie wants to pass the guard but Simons III is defending well.
We've been hearing good reports from Simons III's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Gracie is looking for a kimura but Simons III is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Gracie to get the leverage.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Simons III won't allow Gracie to pass to mount.
Simons III is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Gracie missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Gracie not doing much here.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Gracie gets caught napping as Simons III dives in and scores a takedown. Gracie manages to retain guard.
Simons III stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gracie swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie looking for a sweep. Not yet Gracie, not yet.
Simons III trying to control but Gracie is working from the bottom.
Simons III looking to pass the guard.
Simons III trying to control but Gracie is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Simons III doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Gracie counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

It looks like John Simons III has been cut.
Gracie blocks a leg kick.
Simons III tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Gracie swivels and escapes.
Simons III swats away the attempt to clinch by Gracie.
Simons III tries to counter with a takedown but Gracie is quick to defend against it.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Simons III throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Gracie's waist but Gracie gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Simons III off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Simons III. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gracie throws a series of punches but Simons III moves out of range.
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 John Simons III will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on John Simons III's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Gracie displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Simons III.
John Simons III is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Simons III throws a series of punches but Gracie avoids them all with ease.
Simons III throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Gracie's waist but Gracie gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Simons III off to one side.
Simons III tries for a takedown but Gracie circles away easily
and Gracie counters with a left to the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Simons III. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Good exchange - Gracie coming out on top.

Gracie looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Simons III!
Gracie is looking to take a break and control but Simons III is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simons III gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Simons III is trying to get back to full guard.

Simons III actively working from the bottom here.
Simons III is trying to maintain the position but Gracie is very close to passing his half guard.
Simons III is pressing down on Gracie's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Simons III is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Gracie trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Simons III is on top in guard.

Simons III is pushing down on Gracie's leg trying to pass to half guard. Gracie is fighting to maintain full guard but Simons III has managed to sneak the leg through.
Simons III wants to free his trapped foot but Gracie is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Simons III is looking for a kimura here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Simons III is trying to control the action in half guard but Gracie is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
John Simons III overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Gracie manages to get to full guard.
Simons III looking to pass the guard.
Simons III will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simons III sitting in guard here, content to control.
Gracie looking to control.
Simons III's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Gracie lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Gracie trying to control but Simons III is working from the bottom.
Simons III lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Gracie is looking for a triangle but Simons III pushes his legs off easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simons III wants to pass the guard but Gracie is keeping the position.
Gracie looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Simons III stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gracie swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gracie 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.
Gracie wants to get back to his feet but Simons III is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Simons III trying to control the position from guard on top but Gracie is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jeffson Gracie showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on John Simons III's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Simons III shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Gracie scores with a jab. Simons III acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Gracie tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Simons III paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Simons III changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Horrible takedown attempt by Simons III or perhaps it was just good defense by Gracie, which made it look bad.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Gracie escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Simons III closes this distance looking for a takedown but Gracie circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Simons III. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gracie leaves Simons III with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
John Simons III seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Simons III shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Gracie is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Simons III is looking to advance position but Gracie won't allow it.
Gracie is pressing down on Simons III's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Gracie lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Gracie trying to control but Simons III is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie controls from within his opponent's guard.
Gracie trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Gracie trying to control the position from guard on top but Simons III is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gracie won't allow Simons III to sweep him here.
Simons III trying to control the position.
Gracie in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie trying to control the position from guard on top but Simons III is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Simons III managing to control the position.
Simons III tries to land a sweep but no joy.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Simons III takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

Simons III closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Simons III is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Gracie knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Simons III is looking to take a break and control but Gracie is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simons III remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.
Simons III wants to lay and pray for a moment but Gracie keeps working.
Simons III in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Gracie manages to get back to half guard.
Gracie wants to get back to his feet.
Gracie slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Simons III trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Jeffson Gracie just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on John Simons III's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Gracie fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Simons III fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Gracie keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Simons III fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Simons III. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Gracie cracks Simons III with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie misses with a hook. Simons III ducked under it nicely.
Gracie misses the jab.
Simons III is looking to counter the offense by Gracie and move into the clinch.
Simons III thows a leg kick but Gracie checks it

and Gracie counters with a takedown into side control.
Gracie taking a break here but Simons III is having none of it and regains half guard.
Gracie stalling away here and it's allowed Simons III to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Simons III controls Gracie momentarily but Gracie frees himself.
Simons III looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie advances to half guard.
Gracie prevents Simons III from improving his position.
Simons III won't allow Gracie to pass to mount.
Simons III wants to improve his position but Gracie is controlling well.
Simons III works his way to full guard. Good work.
Gracie stopping the sweep attempt from Simons III.
Gracie passes Simons III's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Gracie passes to full mount!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Simons III tries to lock up and control but Gracie gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simons III is trying to reverse the position but instead Gracie has taken his back - oops!

Gracie patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
My spies in The Warehouse inform me that Gracie has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Simons III tries to roll but Gracie sticks to his back.

Simons III fending off the submission attempt from Gracie.
Gracie gets his hands free as Simons III looks to control.
Simons III tries to escape the position.

Gracie is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Simons III is in a bad position with Gracie working for a choke. Simons III manages to spin nicely into guard and the danger is over for the moment.

Simons III postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Gracie is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Simons III, into his guard.

Gracie passes Simons III's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Gracie wants to pass to mount but Simons III is defending the position.
Simons III is looking for a sweep. Gracie is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jeffson Gracie dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on John Simons III's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Gracie scores with a nice head shot.

Simons III decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Gracie pushes Simons III off looking to stand but Simons III dives back in and keeps control.
Gracie moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Simons III wants to pass the guard but Gracie is keeping the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Gracie is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Simons III is aware though and is defending well.

Gracie escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Simons III gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Simons III is pushing down on Gracie's leg trying to pass to half guard. Gracie is fighting to maintain full guard but Simons III has managed to sneak the leg through.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie wants to get back to full guard but Simons III has passed into side control.
Gracie tries to improve position but can't.
Simons III moves into full mount!
Simons III prevents Gracie from getting the reversal.
Simons III tries to control but Gracie wriggling away.
Gracie stops Simons III from taking his back. Still, being mounted isn't any better.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simons III punching from mount but Gracie doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Gracie is looking to get to half guard.
Gracie tries to lock up and control but Simons III gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Simons III trying to control but Gracie is having none of it.
Simons III controlling his opponent.
Gracie is trying to reverse the position but instead Simons III has taken his back - oops!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Simons III looking for the RNC.
Simons III is hanging on to Gracie's back as he tries to escape.

Simons III is working for the choke. He's slipped one arm under the chin. Gracie has to defend the other arm for all he's worth... but Simons III has managed to get that arm free too and he's tightening the choke! Gracie taps out and looks absolutely disgusted with himself. Simons III doesn't care though - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:29 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). John Simons III!
After winning the bout, John Simons III thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.