PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Rodrigo Rojas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Smithing (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Rojas might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Apaga Mas Não Bate. The crowd seem to be enjoying Smithing's choice of entrance music: Shooting Stars. Rodrigo Rojas has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Rojas
vs
Smithing

195 cm
28
200 lbs
13 - 8 - 0

177 cm
26
185 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Knockout power

Sun-Tzu
Instinct

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 8 - 0, fighting out of London, Rodrigo Rojas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, John Smithing!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, James Atkins and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rojas looks to throw the jab but Smithing is out of range.
Smithing looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Rodrigo Rojas seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rojas misses with a low kick.
Smithing only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Smithing moves out of range of the leg kick from Rojas.
Smithing is looking for the big counter here.
Rojas throws a nice head kick!
Rojas tries to clinch but Smithing moves away
and Smithing counters with a thumping low kick.
Rojas throws a leg kick that is checked
and Smithing connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Rojas misses with a takedown
letting Smithing counter with a right hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Rojas crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Smithing - the referee stops the clock and Rojas gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Smithing. Rojas manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.

Rojas rushes Smithing and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Rojas jumps guard.

Rojas has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Smithing can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Smithing wants to pass the guard but Rojas is keeping the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smithing advances to half guard.

Smithing is looking for a kimura here.

Smithing seems to be working for a kimura but Rojas defends the submission attempt.
Smithing wants to pass to mount but Rojas is defending the position.
Smithing is keen to just control but Rojas is a slippery customer.
Rojas is trying to get back to full guard.

Smithing 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.
Smithing missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rojas is looking to improve his position.
Rojas makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Rojas.

Rojas throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Smithing drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Smithing jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Smithing is trying to tuck his arms in to keep them safe but Rojas has managed to isolate one of them and has got a loose triangle. Smithing is looking to defend but Rojas has done well to lock his legs together - this could be big trouble for Smithing! Rojas pulls down on the head and a little smile comes across his face - he knows he's got it. Yep, Smithing taps out and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Rodrigo Rojas!
Rodrigo Rojas took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Alcatraz Apparel for their support in the buildup to the fight.