PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Jose Smalls (ranked 25327 p4p, 25224 weight class) and Alexanda Riverriei (ranked 309 p4p, 298 weight class). Alexanda Riverriei is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Smalls
vs
Riverriei

171 cm
18
142
0 - 2 - 0

150 cm
19
138
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Jose Smalls!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Alexanda Riverriei!
The judges for this bout are Roger Salmon, Josh West and Colin Fray.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smalls waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Riverriei.
Smalls throws a shot from downtown. Riverriei moves away and avoids it.
The fighters circling - Smalls throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Smalls moves out of the way of the counter high kick fromRiverriei.
Riverriei slips a straight right by Smalls.
Riverriei steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Smalls.
Riverriei shapes to counter with a head kick.

Riverriei rushes Smalls and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Riverriei blocks an uppercut.
Riverriei should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
A shot in the inside from Smalls.
Riverriei jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Smalls walks away with a smile on his face. Riverriei gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Riverriei has managed to clinch.

Riverriei pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Riverriei avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Smalls avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Riverriei ducks under a wild hook from Smalls.
Riverriei fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Smalls throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Riverriei takes a jab right on the kisser.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smalls thows a left - swing and a miss!
Smalls definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Smalls darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Smalls connects with a jab.
Smalls takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Nice uppercut there from Smalls.
Jab from Smalls.

Riverriei closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Smalls is looking to reverse the position.
We're hearing some news coming in from back stage. It's official - Riverriei has eaten all the pies!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Riverriei tries to stand but Smalls is controlling his head.
Riverriei looking to control but instead Smalls has slipped a leg in, to regain half guard.
Smalls controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Smalls continues to stall.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

Riverriei is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Smalls wants to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Riverriei with the ground and pound but Smalls uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Riverriei wanted to stand there but Smalls had control of the position.
Smalls is pulling down on Riverriei's head to control his posture.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Smalls misses with a looping right.
And Riverriei tries to counter it with a takedown but Smalls pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Smalls catches Riverriei with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Smalls scores with the left hand. Riverriei knows he should have avoided that one.
Riverriei misses with a jab, cross combination.
Smalls throws a hook but Riverriei avoids it easily.
A big left from Smalls misses.
Jose Smalls is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Smalls looks to land a left hand but Riverriei moved out of range nicely.
Riverriei throws a counter combo.
Smalls throws a big shot that misses.
Riverriei moves forwards but Smalls connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Riverriei is looking to clinch but Smalls is avoiding it.
Smalls swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Smalls lands a jab to the nose.
Jose Smalls seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Riverriei pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Riverriei with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Smalls to score with a decent uppercut.
Riverriei tries to move into range but Smalls moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Riverriei blocks a jab.
Smalls misses with a straight left.
Smalls misses with a straight right.
A telegraphed right hand from Smalls misses the target.
Riverriei ducks under a wild hook from Smalls.
Riverriei follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
Riverriei misses with a takedown attempt - Smalls sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Jose Smalls has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexanda Riverriei.
Riverriei will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Smalls was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Smalls throws an overhand right that lands on Riverriei's shoulder, as Riverriei tries to avoid the shot.
Riverriei takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
The crowd cheers as Smalls lands an impressive looking overhand right. Riverriei doesn't seem phased though.
Smalls's jab looks to have found its range, popping Riverriei under the eye.
Smalls is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Smalls throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Riverriei drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Smalls defends it well.
Smalls misses with a looping left.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jose Smalls dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

A telegraphed takedown attempt from Riverriei is defended easily by Smalls.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Riverriei moves away from the strike by Smalls.
Smalls is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Riverriei bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Smalls misses with a hook.
A jab from Smalls misses.
Smalls throws a looping overhand right but Riverriei ducks down to avoid it.
Smalls scores with a decent looking hook.
Smalls misses with a looping right.
As Smalls backs off Riverriei throws a huge counter combo but Smalls manages to avoid it all.
Smalls is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Smalls misses with a looping right.
Riverriei fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Smalls avoids it really well and circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Riverriei moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Smalls stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Smalls wants it to stay on the feet.
Jose Smalls has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexanda Riverriei.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smalls lands a nice shot that snaps Riverriei's head back.
Riverriei moves away from the strike by Smalls.
Riverriei is trying to counter with his kicks.
Riverriei moves out of range as Smalls strikes.
Riverriei drops his hands momentarily and Smalls takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Smalls stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Smalls wants it to stay on the feet.
Alexanda Riverriei is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
The fighters circling - Smalls throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Smalls loads up on a big right hand but Riverriei slips the punch.
Smalls misses with a hook.
Riverriei moves out of range of the strikes.
Riverriei doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Riverriei tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Smalls defends well and Riverriei ends up having to push Smalls into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Smalls is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Riverriei can do to turn this around?
A swing and a miss from Smalls.
Smalls lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Jose Smalls is winning the standup battle so far.
Riverriei shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Smalls but Smalls pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Riverriei is breathing heavily.
Smalls throws a lazy right hand but Riverriei sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Riverriei slips a jab from Smalls.
Smalls misses with a hook.
Riverriei is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Riverriei ducks under a wild hook from Smalls.
Smalls lands with an overhand left.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Riverriei bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Riverriei only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Riverriei ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Riverriei looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Smalls lands with an uppercut that bounces Riverriei off the cage and back into range.
Smalls missing with a left hand there. Riverriei was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
The fighters circling - Smalls throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Smalls lands a really nice looking cross but Riverriei seems unphased.
Smalls has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Smalls throws a jab when Riverriei was well out of range.
Smalls throws an overhand right that lands on Riverriei's shoulder, as Riverriei tries to avoid the shot.
Riverriei staying out of range there.
Smalls cracks Riverriei with a good jab.
Smalls misses with an uppercut.
Riverriei is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Riverriei takes one to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Smalls throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Riverriei misses with a head kick.
Riverriei walks into a left hand.
Smalls lands a glancing blow to the side of Riverriei's head.
Smalls throws the left hand but Riverriei avoids the punch easily.
Smalls lands with a hook. Riverriei tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Smalls slaps away a takedown attempt from Riverriei, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Smalls with a nice cross.
Smalls waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Riverriei.
Riverriei tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Smalls paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Smalls lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Smalls throws a lazy right hand but Riverriei sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Riverriei ducks under a wild hook from Smalls.
Riverriei tries to clinch but Smalls is having none of it.
Smalls throwing a counter right hand but Riverriei manages to avoid it.
Smalls uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Riverriei ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Riverriei tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Smalls misses with an uppercut.
Despite the aggression on Riverriei's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Riverriei has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Riverriei takes one on the button.
Smalls misses with an uppercut. Riverriei saw that one coming.
Riverriei throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Smalls swats away the attempt to clinch by Riverriei.
It looked like Smalls wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Smalls scores with a nice head shot.
Riverriei is trying hard to land a takedown here. Smalls sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Smalls swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Smalls throws a hook but Riverriei avoids it easily.
Riverriei tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
A jab from Smalls misses.
Riverriei moves forwards but Smalls connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Smalls is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Riverriei.
Riverriei feints the counter takedown.
Riverriei walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Riverriei changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Smalls tries to avoid it but Riverriei manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Smalls to the ground. Smalls escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jose Smalls dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Riverriei uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Smalls.
Riverriei tries to score a power double leg takedown but Smalls sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Riverriei somewhat.
Smalls lands a really nice looking cross but Riverriei seems unphased.
Smalls throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Smalls misses with a looping left.
Smalls connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Smalls looks to land a left hand but Riverriei moved out of range nicely.
Smalls sets himself, and Riverriei steps forward looking for the clinch! Smalls avoids it this time.
Smalls throws a hook to the side of Riverriei's head but Riverriei sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Riverriei steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Smalls.
Riverriei lands with a kick to the temple. Smalls shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Smalls scores with a jab to the head.
Smalls looks to land a left hand but Riverriei moved out of range nicely.
Smalls throws a big shot that misses.
Riverriei walks into a straight right hand from Smalls.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Riverriei ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Smalls keeps the fight on the outside.
Smalls misses with an uppercut. Riverriei saw that one coming.
Riverriei throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Smalls's waist but Smalls gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Riverriei off to one side.
A big left from Smalls misses.
Riverriei wants to clinch.
Smalls swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Smalls misses with a looping left.
Riverriei is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Smalls lands with a cross.
Smalls throws a poor cross that misses
and Riverriei counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
No luck for Riverriei with that takedown attempt.
Jose Smalls has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexanda Riverriei.
Riverriei takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Riverriei tries to move into range but Smalls moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Riverriei avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Riverriei tries to clinch but Smalls moves out of range.
Smalls scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Riverriei throws a head kick that misses.
Riverriei is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Riverriei blocks a jab.
Smalls scores with a nice strike.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A swing and a miss from Smalls.
Riverriei keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Smalls.
Smalls waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Riverriei.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Riverriei.
Smalls connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Riverriei on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
A big right from Smalls misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smalls throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Riverriei sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Riverriei is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Riverriei uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Smalls.
Smalls scores with a decent looking hook.
Riverriei fails with the takedown.
Smalls swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Riverriei.
Riverriei moves out of range as Smalls strikes.
Riverriei on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Smalls scores with a decent looking hook.
Smalls swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Smalls misses with a looping left.
Smalls misses with an uppercut.
Riverriei blocks a jab.
Riverriei ducks under a wild hook from Smalls.
Smalls cracks Riverriei with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Riverriei on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smalls throws a looping overhand right but Riverriei ducks down to avoid it.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Riverriei ducks under a wild hook from Smalls.
Smalls throws a shot from downtown. Riverriei moves away and avoids it.
Smalls throws a good cross that connects.
Riverriei gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Riverriei takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Riverriei looks for a takedown but Smalls sprawls well.
Smalls throws a looping overhand right but Riverriei ducks down to avoid it.
Smalls avoids the head kick by Riverriei.
Smalls throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Riverriei sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Smalls lands with a cross.
Smalls scores with a sloppy right hand. Riverriei should have avoided that one.
Riverriei shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Alexanda Riverriei has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Smalls misses with a looping right.
Riverriei tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jose Smalls showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Smalls, 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 Roger Salmon scores the fight 30:25
Judge Josh West scores the fight 30:25
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jose Smalls!