PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Piotr Smietana (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Itula Maafala (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Smietana comes to the cage accompanied by I Can't Stop - By: Flux Pavilion. Itula Maafala has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Smietana
vs
Maafala

200 cm
29
280 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

190 cm
35
280 lbs
14 - 12 - 2

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Dangerous knees
Good gas tank

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 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Piotr Smietana!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 12 - 2, fighting out of New York, Itula Maafala!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Steven Brown and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Maafala fails with an attempt to clinch.

Maafala gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Maafala tries to land a knee to the head but Smietana blocks with his arms.
Maafala looking to slow down the pace here.

Smietana wants the takedown. Maafala is fighting it off but Smietana persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Maafala's guard against the cage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Smietana throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Maafala works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Smietana working some strikes from top position.
Smietana is looking to work some ground and pound but Maafala has wrist control.
Maafala preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Smietana throws an elbow that misses. Maafala uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Smietana's guard. Nice move by Maafala!

The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Maafala wants to control from the top but Smietana keeps moving.
Maafala preventing the sweep.
Smietana working a defensive guard here.

Maafala got a little sloppy there for a moment and Smietana has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Maafala has managed to get both his arms back between Smietana's legs - danger averted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maafala throws a big right hand that misses.
Maafala wants to control from the top but Smietana keeps moving.
Smietana is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Smietana is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Maafala is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Maafala loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Maafala working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Smietana has momentary wrist control but Maafala slips an elbow through the middle.
Maafala preventing the sweep.

Smietana is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Smietana avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Maafala throwing strikes from guard but Smietana blocks nicely.
Maafala trying to control the position from guard on top but Smietana is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Smietana has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smietana is pulling down on Maafala's head. It's preventing any offense from Maafala, at least for the moment.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Smietana is on top in guard.

Maafala controls Smietana momentarily but Smietana frees himself.
Smietana in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Smietana working some strikes from top position.
Smietana makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Smietana with a flurry of punches that miss.
Maafala is pulling down on Smietana's head. It's preventing any offense from Smietana, at least for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Smietana throws a big right hand that misses.
Smietana pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Maafala is keeping the position for now.
Smietana passes Maafala's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Smietana thows a huge punch but Maafala dodges it nicely.
Smietana missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Maafala is staying active underneath Smietana, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Maafala is doing well to control the position and prevent Smietana from advancing to side control.
Maafala has hold of Smietana's hands but Smietana slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Smietana not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maafala wants to improve his position but Smietana is controlling well.
Smietana looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Maafala felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Smietana is trying to control. Maafala wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Smietana is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Smietana trying to control the action but Maafala is working from the bottom.
Smietana drops an elbow to the side of Maafala's head.

Maafala is defending against the submission attempts here by Smietana.
Smietana not landing any meaningful shots this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Piotr Smietana 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.

Maafala uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Smietana.

Maafala closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Maafala doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Maafala is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Smietana is defending well for now.
Maafala missing with knees to the body.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Maafala trying to land knees to the body.
Smietana landing knees to the body.
Maafala is trying to maintain a safe position but Smietana gets an underhook and turns Maafala into the cage.

Smietana breaks the clinch.
Smietana shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Maafala defends it nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Maafala misses with a takedown attempt - Smietana sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Maafala is defended easily by Smietana.
An attempted straight right counter from Smietana misses the target.
Maafala tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Smietana manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Maafala tries to clinch up.
Smietana is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Maafala can do to turn this around?

Maafala closes the distance and pushes Smietana back into the cage.
Maafala pushes Smietana back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Maafala stalls.
Smietana throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Maafalas head.

It looks like Itula Maafala has been cut.
Smietana gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Maafala.
Piotr Smietana has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Itula Maafala.

Smietana breaks the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smietana tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Maafala swivels and escapes.
Maafala uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Smietana.

Maafala moves into the clinch.
Maafala tries to land knees in the clinch but Smietana avoids the damage to the body.
Maafala throws a punch but it's blocked by Smietana.
Maafala lands a nice elbow.
Maafala throws a punch but it's blocked by Smietana.
Smietana blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Maafala misses with the head strike.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Maafala obliges.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Maafala putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Smietana in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Maafala tries to land knees in the clinch but Smietana avoids the damage to the body.
Maafala swings wildly with an uppercut but Smietana uses good head movement to avoid it.
Maafala taking a breather.
Maafala goes for a takedown attempt but Smietana pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maafala tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Smietana scoring well with a low kick there.
Smietana jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Maafala keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Smietana.

Maafala moves into the clinch successfully.
Maafala misses with some punches.
Smietana blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Smietana looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Smietana working aggressively here.
Maafala with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

It looks like Piotr Smietana has been cut.
Smietana stalling in the clinch but Maafala improves position.
Maafala lands a right hand that snaps the head of Smietana backwards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smietana misses with a hook from the clinch.
Maafala lands with a light punch inside.
Maafala gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Smietana.
Maafala tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Smietana avoids it.

Maafala lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Maafala working over Smietana with some ground and pound. Smietana looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Maafala thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Smietana's head.
Piotr Smietana overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Maafala trying to control the action but Smietana is working from the bottom.
Maafala thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Smietana's head.
Maafala lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Maafala scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Itula Maafala showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! 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.

A cross from Smietana lands.
Smietana takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Smietana throws a series of punches but Maafala avoids them all with ease.
Maafala tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Smietana counters with a nice body shot.
Maafala doesn't manage to clinch there - Smietana circles away.

Maafala closes the distance and clinches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Maafala lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Smietana backwards.
Maafala throws a head punch that misses.

Smietana breaks the clinch.
Maafala with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Smietana to score with a decent uppercut.

Maafala cracks Smietana with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Smietana looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Maafala finish him?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smietana scores with a nice head shot.
Maafala doesn't manage to clinch there - Smietana circles away.
Smietana looks to throw the jab but Maafala is out of range.
Smietana throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Itula Maafala is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Maafala with a lazy takedown attempt
and Smietana counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Smietana is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Smietana avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Maafala doesn't manage to clinch there - Smietana circles away.

Maafala moves into the clinch successfully.
Maafala throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Smietanas head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Maafala.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maafala pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Maafala misses with a hook from the clinch.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Smietana tries to break free but Maafala pushes him back against the cage.
Maafala misses with a punch on the inside.
Smietana taking a breather.
Maafala is trying to maintain a safe position but Smietana gets an underhook and turns Maafala into the cage.
Maafala has Smietana pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Smietana manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Smietana is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Piotr Smietana has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Itula Maafala.
Smietana misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Maafala.
Knees to the body from Maafala.
Maafala can't find room to land a body shot as Smietana controls the action.
Maafala drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Maafala tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Smietana avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maafala's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Smietana prevents a takedown attempt there.

Smietana breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Maafala steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Smietana.
Maafala tries to counter by closing the distance.
A jab from Smietana does it's job there.
Smietana looks to land a left hand but Maafala moved out of range nicely.
Smietana swinging wildly here.
Maafala shoots for a takedown but Smietana saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Maafala moves into range and clinches up with Smietana.
Maafala prevents Smietana from breaking the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Smietana breaks from the clinch.

Maafala rushes Smietana and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Smietana blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Maafala.

Smietana has clasped his hands together around Maafala's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Smietana working the ground and pound but Maafala is defending the strikes.
Smietana working the ground and pound but Maafala is defending the strikes.
Smietana in side control, throwing shots but Maafala defends.
Smietana is putting a hurting on Maafala here, landing some big shots from side control.
Smietana working the ground and pound but Maafala is defending the strikes.
The ground and pound from Smietana seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Maafala regains half guard, as Smietana was trying to land strikes.
Smietana missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Itula Maafala.
I think Maafala 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 28:29
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 29:28
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Itula Maafala!