PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rian MacFarlane (ranked 2486 p4p, 247 weight class) and Aaron Smith (ranked 3331 p4p, 304 weight class). MacFarlane comes to the cage accompanied by The Foggy Dew. Smith has chosen Lonely Train by Black Stone Cherry as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

MacFarlane
vs
Smith

195 cm
39
247 lbs
29 - 29 - 0

195 cm
27
280 lbs
11 - 12 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
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 29 - 29 - 0, fighting out of London, Rian MacFarlane!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Aaron Smith!
The judges for this bout are Saam Ante, Radbod Blank and Paulsen Ambrosius.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has MacFarlane pinned against the cage. MacFarlane gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Smith tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Smith slips a straight right by MacFarlane.
Smith throws a series of punches but MacFarlane avoids them all with ease.
MacFarlane looks to score with a jab to the body but Smith is just out of range.

Smith manages to get an easy takedown there - catching MacFarlane on his heels. He'll look to pass MacFarlane's guard now, I'm sure.
MacFarlane has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
MacFarlane keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.
Smith sitting in guard, not really doing much.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smith with a flurry of punches that miss.
Smith looking to pass the guard.
Smith has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
MacFarlane 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Smith looking to pass the guard.
MacFarlane looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
MacFarlane trying to control the position.
MacFarlane tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Smith postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Smith trying to stand up but can't free himself from MacFarlane's guard.
Smith postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
MacFarlane is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Smith throwing strikes from guard but MacFarlane blocks nicely.
MacFarlane is looking to sweep but instead, Smith has passed into half guard.
MacFarlane trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Smith manages to pass to mount!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Smith lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
MacFarlane tries to hold on but Smith postures up.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Smith has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of MacFarlane's face.

It looks like Rian MacFarlane has been cut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith unloads with some vicious shots from mount and MacFarlane wants out - he looks towards the referee who steps in to save him! Smith celebrates on the cage and the crowd goes wild!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:21 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Aaron Smith!
A victorious Aaron Smith thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
Rian MacFarlane was interviewed post fight and said 'Sorry guys everything is still fuzzy... but I think he tapped out... so it is what it is... who am I again?'.