PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Barry Allen (ranked 4923 p4p, 503 weight class) and Aslan Smagulov (ranked 7289 p4p, 601 weight class). 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?

Allen
vs
Smagulov

183 cm
25
190 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

185 cm
25
185 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Good chin

Decent wrestler
Basic striking
Granite chin

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Barry Allen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Aslan Smagulov!
The judges for this bout are Alan Glass, Cecil Peabody and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice uppercut lands for Allen. That snapped Smagulov's head back.
Smagulov slips a jab and a cross from Allen.
Smagulov is looking to clinch but Allen is avoiding it.
Allen definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Allen moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

It looks like Aslan Smagulov has been cut.
Allen looks to land a combination. Smagulov sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Allen misses with a jab, cross combination.
Allen throws a right hand that Smagulov ducks under and follows up with a left that Smagulov also avoids with ease.
A left and a right from Allen both land. Nice combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Allen lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Smagulov circles away quickly and effectively.

Smagulov shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Smagulov showed some decent athleticism there.
Smagulov looks winded!
Allen wants to get back to his feet.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Smagulov working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.

Allen manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Allen works Smagulov's body with a nice hook.
Allen fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Smagulov showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Allen.
Allen misses with a double jab

and Smagulov counters with a shoot takedown. Allen fights it but they end up in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smagulov prevents Allen from getting back to his feet.
Smagulov sitting in guard here, content to control.

Allen is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Smagulov prevents the takedown attempt.
Allen goes for a takedown attempt but Smagulov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Sloppy strikes from Allen. Those never looked like landing.
Allen throws a shot to the body.
Smagulov takes a jab right on the kisser.
Allen lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Smagulov circles away quickly and effectively.
Smagulov throws out a counter right but Allen avoids it with no problem.
A punch combination from Allen misses.
Allen throws a series of punches but Smagulov avoids them all with ease.
Smagulov wants to counter the offense by Allen and move into the clinch position.
Allen throws a series of punches but Smagulov avoids them all with ease.
Allen fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Danga de danga de dang - Allen scores with a four punch combination!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Allen smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.

Smagulov clinches up against the cage.
Allen tries to score a body lock takedown but Smagulov shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Barry Allen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Allen looking for a takedown.

Smagulov tightens his grip and picks Allen up, before dumping him to the ground. Allen manages to land in guard.
Allen wants to get back to his feet but Smagulov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

Allen wriggles free and stands up.
Allen throws a right and a left that Smagulov avoids nicely.
Allen throws a right hand that Smagulov ducks under and follows up with a left that Smagulov also avoids with ease.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Allen looks to land a combination but Smagulov avoids it well.
Smagulov slips a jab and a cross from Allen.
Allen throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Smagulov decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Allen's guard.
Allen keeping moving, preventing Smagulov from controlling successfully.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Allen is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Allen trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.

Allen has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Smagulov off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Allen with a nice cross.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Allen misses with the combination.
Smagulov drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Allen defends it well.
Allen will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Smagulov drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Allen defends it well.
Allen fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Allen throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Smagulov.
Allen will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Allen gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Smagulov to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Smagulov won't allow Allen to get back to his feet.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Barry Allen dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Aslan Smagulov's cut.
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.

No joy there for Allen, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Allen throws a series of punches but Smagulov avoids them all with ease.
Smagulov tries to counter with a clinch but Allen shakes him off and moves away.
Smagulov looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Allen is fending him off so far but Smagulov persists. Nope, Allen circles away and we're back to standing.
Sloppy strikes from Allen. Those never looked like landing.
Allen misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Allen tries to bum rush Smagulov with a series of wild strikes but Smagulov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Allen misses with a series of wild punches.
Smagulov dodges the punch combination from Allen.
Smagulov dodges the punch combination from Allen.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Allen lands a two punch combo.

Smagulov has taken the fight to the clinch.
Allen goes for a takedown attempt but Smagulov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Smagulov is breathing heavily.
Allen connects with a crisp jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Allen swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Smagulov counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Smagulov.
Allen is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Smagulov is controlling him.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Allen being controlled here, momentarily.
Allen wants to stand but Smagulov is controlling the position.
Allen is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Smagulov can do to turn this around?
Smagulov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Allen is keeping the position for now.
Allen is looking to stand up but Smagulov isn't so interested in that idea.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Allen listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Allen jabs Smagulov to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Barry Allen is winning the standup battle so far.
Allen fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Sloppy strikes from Allen. Those never looked like landing.
Smagulov lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
No joy there for Allen, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Smagulov tries to counter by closing the distance.
Allen throws a right and a left that both miss.
Allen throws a series of strikes that have Smagulov backpedaling.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A right-left combo lands from Allen.

Smagulov closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Allen to the mat! Allen manages to get full guard.

Allen has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Smagulov has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.

Smagulov gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Smagulov prevents Allen from getting back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Allen is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Allen goes for a takedown attempt but Smagulov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Smagulov prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Barry Allen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smagulov is defending well against a takedown attempt.

Smagulov gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.

Allen wriggles free and stands up.
Allen throws a right and a left that both miss.
Despite the aggression on Smagulov's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Allen swinging wildly here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Allen misses with a wild combination.
Smagulov wants to counter with a clinch but Allen pushes him away.
Allen scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Allen moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Smagulov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Allen sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Smagulov somewhat.
Smagulov pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Allen scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Allen lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Smagulov gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Allen closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Allen scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Allen misses with a series of wild punches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Barry Allen dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Aslan Smagulov's cut.
That's time! Allen's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Allen scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Allen shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Smagulov eats them both and turns towards Allen to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Barry Allen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Allen misses with a combination

and Smagulov counters with a shoot takedown. Allen fights it but they end up in guard.
Smagulov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Allen is keeping the position for now.
Allen is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Smagulov is controlling him.
Smagulov wants to control from the top but Allen keeps moving.
Smagulov won't allow Allen to get back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smagulov trying to control the position from guard on top but Allen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Allen pushes Smagulov off and gets back to his feet.
Allen throws a right and a left that Smagulov avoids nicely.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Allen digs a good body shot into Smagulov's ribs.
Allen is working the combinations to good effect here.
Allen misses with a few strikes there.
Smagulov showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Allen.
Allen throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Smagulov on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Allen swinging wildly here.
A right-left combo lands from Allen.
Allen throws a nice looking combination but Smagulov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Smagulov unleashes a big counter combination but Allen bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Barry Allen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Allen will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Allen swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Smagulov counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Allen!

Allen throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Smagulov dodges the punch combination from Allen.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Allen rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Smagulov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
No joy there for Allen, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Allen falls off balance throwing a combination

and Smagulov decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Allen's guard.
Smagulov must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Allen is looking to stand up but Smagulov isn't so interested in that idea.
Smagulov not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Allen wants to get back to his feet but Smagulov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Smagulov trying to control but Allen is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smagulov stops Allen from standing up.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Allen keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Barry Allen is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Smagulov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
A left and a right from Allen both land. Nice combination.
Allen's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Allen duly obliges.
Allen lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Smagulov circles away quickly and effectively.
Allen throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Allen misses with a jab, cross combination.
Smagulov shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Allen fails to land with a series of punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Allen fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Allen lands the left hand.
Smagulov is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Allen.
Allen throws a series of punches but Smagulov moves out of range.

Smagulov shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Allen napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Allen is trying to escape the position but Smagulov is controlling the position.
Allen wants to get back to his feet but Smagulov drags him back down.

Allen sneaks out the side door and pushes Smagulov away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Allen fails to land with a series of punches.
Allen throws a series of punches but Smagulov avoids them all with ease.
Allen swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Smagulov counters with a takedown into side control.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Allen wants to get back to his feet but Smagulov is dominant here and he's now got Allen's back!
Smagulov controlling from the back.
Aslan Smagulov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Barry Allen is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Allen trying to get back to his feet but Smagulov is in full control for now.

And that's the end of the fight!
Barry Allen showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Allen, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Alan Glass scores the fight 30:27
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 30:27
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Barry Allen!