PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Eric Shepard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cody Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Cody Smith was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Shepard
vs
Smith

183 cm
24
162 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

180 cm
25
165 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Eric Shepard!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Cody Smith!
The judges for this bout are Lou da Vinci, Columbo Gatti and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith throws a head kick that misses.
Smith goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Shepard tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Smith manages to circle out of the way.
Smith throws a lazy head kick

and Shepard decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Smith's guard.
Shepard throws a big elbow that misses.
Smith is trying to control the position but Shepard postures up.
Shepard with a flurry of punches that miss.
Smith lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Smith trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Smith stops Shepard from standing up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smith forces his way into half guard.
Smith is looking to advance position but Shepard won't allow it.
Smith working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Shepard's thigh. Shepard counters though and makes it back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Smith preventing the sweep.

Shepard working for a triangle but Smith defends it easily.

Smith drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Smith jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Smith passes Shepard's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Shepard is looking for a sweep. Smith is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Smith seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Shepard tries to get to full guard but Smith has control of the leg.

Smith looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Shepard is not content to let Smith control the position.
Shepard makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Shepard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Shepard wants to get back to his feet.

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

Smith tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Shepard tries to buck Smith off but Smith is having none of it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Smith has hold of Shepard's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Shepard seems comfortable defending it but Smith has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Shepard is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Shepard is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Smith couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:14 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Cody Smith!