PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Harris Gillespie (ranked 23710 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ivan Smertov (ranked 4680 p4p, 496 weight class). The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Gillespie
vs
Smertov

195 cm
25
178 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

190 cm
25
184 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Good low kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Harris Gillespie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ivan Smertov!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Anni Minnemäki and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smertov throws a sloppy head kick
and Gillespie counters with a stiff right hand.
Smertov misses with a few strikes there.
Gillespie was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Smertov misses with a straight left.
Smertov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Gillespie counters with a left to the body.

Gillespie instigates a clinch.
Smertov looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Smertov has had enough of the clinch but Gillespie keeps him there for the moment.

Gillespie gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Smertov has a hand on Gillespie's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Gillespie takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Gillespie lands a heavy elbow.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
You get the feeling that Smertov really doesn't like being in this position too much.
Smertov wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
Gillespie is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.
Smertov wants to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gillespie looking for the choke but no joy.
You can see the frustration on Smertov's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Smertov trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Smertov is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Gillespie.
Smertov trying to get back to his feet but Gillespie is in full control for now.
Gillespie lands with a hammerfist to the side of Smertov's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gillespie looking for the RNC.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Gillespie is working the back position looking for the choke. Oh, he's slid into an armbar! Beautiful transition and Smertov taps out! Fantastic Jiu Jitsu from Gillespie.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Harris Gillespie!