PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Hugh Stanlay (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Laurence Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Smith is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Sick Puppies - Cancer. Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Stanlay
vs
Smith

155 cm
25
140 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

168 cm
25
145 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

GETSWOLE
ProGear MMA Apparel (95% Laundry)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Hugh Stanlay!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Laurence Smith!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Smith scores with a hook to the body. Stanlay takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Laurence Smith seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Stanlay walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Smith lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Stanlay at a distance.
Smith scores with a punch to the head.
Smith digs a good body shot into Stanlay's ribs.
Smith closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Smith scores with a shot to the body.

Stanlay drives through with a takedown into Smith's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Stanlay lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Smith trying to keep a closed guard but Stanlay is proving a slippery customer.
Stanlay lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Smith utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stanlay working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Smith has control of Stanlay's left arm, preventing Stanlay from doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Stanlay throwing strikes but missing.
Stanlay working some strikes from top position.
Smith looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Stanlay trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Smith can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Stanlay controls the pace.
Smith is trying to keep Stanlay in close.
Stanlay wants to control from the top but Smith keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith has momentary wrist control but Stanlay slips an elbow through the middle.
Stanlay controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Stanlay throws a big right hand that misses.
Stanlay might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Stanlay preventing the sweep.
Smith preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Stanlay throws an elbow that misses. Smith uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Stanlay's guard. Nice move by Smith!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Smith wants to control from the top but Stanlay keeps moving.
Stanlay has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Stanlay works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Smith wants to control from the top but Stanlay keeps moving.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Smith fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Stanlay on the side of the head.

Stanlay throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Smith was covering up waiting for the punch and Stanlay finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Stanlay throwing strikes from guard but Smith blocks nicely.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Stanlay with a flurry of punches that miss.
Stanlay throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith pulls Stanlay in close to his closed guard and prevents Stanlay from doing any damage or advancing position.
Stanlay showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Smith not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Smith tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Smith trying to control the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Laurence Smith.
Smith jabs Stanlay to the body, keeping him at a distance.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Smith connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Stanlay momentarily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Hugh Stanlay will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Smith scores with a jab to the head.
Smith connects with a looping right hand.
Smith scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Stanlay throws a body punch but Smith moves out of range.
Smith has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Smith's corner calls for a 1-2. Smith obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Stanlay on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Smith cracks Stanlay with an open hand slap.
Smith lands a head shot.

Stanlay shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Smith manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Smith controls Stanlay momentarily but Stanlay frees himself.
Stanlay throws a strike but Smith rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stanlay looking to hit a scissor sweep but Smith is one step ahead there.
Stanlay is working hard here to advance position.
Smith wanted to stand there but Stanlay had control of the position.
Smith looking to sit in guard and control but Stanlay gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Stanlay is looking to work some ground and pound but Smith has wrist control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stanlay slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Stanlay chips away with some ground and pound.
Stanlay stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Smith swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Smith trying to control the position here.
Stanlay chips away with some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stanlay throws a big right hand that misses.
Stanlay wants to control from the top but Smith keeps moving.
Stanlay postures up in Smith's guard and throws a big left but Smith blocks it.
Smith looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Smith trying to control the position.
Stanlay trying to control but Smith is working from the bottom.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Smith throws a shot to the body.
Smith scores with a shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Stanlay manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Smith on his heels. He'll look to pass Smith's guard now, I'm sure.
Smith utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Smith tries to land a sweep but no joy.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Stanlay accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Smith is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Smith might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Stanlay haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
This has been an exciting period of action!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Laurence Smith wasn't active enough on the ground.
Smith lands with an overhand left.
Smith stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Laurence Smith will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Stanlay with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Smith to score with a decent uppercut.
Stanlay tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Smith swivels and escapes.
Stanlay on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Stanlay shoots in looking for a takedown. Smith tries to sprawl out of it but Stanlay keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Smith manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Stanlay looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Smith is fending him off so far but Stanlay persists. Nope, Smith circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hugh Stanlay. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smith cracks a nice hook into Stanlay's ribs.
Smith is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Smith looks to land a combination. Stanlay sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Smith sizes up Stanlay with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Good standup being displayed there by Smith as he connects with a hook.
Smith scores with a hook to the body. Stanlay takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Stanlay fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Smith avoids it really well and circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stanlay has a takedown stuffed.
Stanlay takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Stanlay takes one on the button.
Stanlay shoots in but Smith avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Stanlay takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Smith with a jab.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Smith, as that shot connected.
A lazy left from Smith finds it's target.
Stanlay looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith digs a good hook to Stanlay's body.
Stanlay on the wrong end of a nice jab.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Stanlay.
Stanlay takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Smith fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Stanlay takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Stanlay on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Stanlay drops his hands momentarily and Smith takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Good exchange - Smith coming out on top.
Smith lands with an uppercut that bounces Stanlay off the cage and back into range.
Stanlay takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith with a hook.
Stanlay has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Smith finds it's way round the side to connect with Stanlay's head.
Smith throws a shot to the body.
Donk. Smith catches Stanlay right on the button with a cross.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Smith.
Smith lands a lovely overhand right.
Stanlay fails with the takedown.
Smith displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Stanlay throws out the jab.
Smith lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Stanlay at a distance.
Smith ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stanlay needs to keep his hands up - Smith had a free shot at his head there.
Smith changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Smith lands with a good body shot.
Smith keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Smith clobbers Stanlay with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Smith jabs Stanlay to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Smith slaps away a takedown attempt from Stanlay, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Smith lands a nice shot to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Smith with a nice cross.
Smith lands with a straight right. Stanlay didn't see that one coming.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Laurence Smith really 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.

Smith swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Stanlay.
Smith lands with a shot to the body.
Smith lands with a shot to the body.
Laurence Smith seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Stanlay takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Smith connects with a crisp jab.
Smith scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Stanlay doesn't seem bothered though.
Stanlay misses with a hook to the body

and Smith holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Smith working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Stanlay tries to break the clinch but Smith is controlling the position.
A short body shot lands from Smith as the two fighters clinch.
Stanlay tries to work over Smith's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Smith throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Smith works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Smith works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Stanlay backwards.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Stanlay doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Smith is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Stanlay is trying to push Smith away but Smith has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Smith lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Smith has Stanlay pressed against the cage, preventing Stanlay from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Smith lands a nice uppercut.
Smith stalling in the clinch.
A nice left hand lands by Smith.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Smith.
Stanlay tries a body shot but Smith blocks it.
Smith lands with a right to the head.
Smith is leaning against Stanlay and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Smith lands a nice uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Smith.
Smith softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Stanlay backwards.
Smith holding his opponent close, against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Smith is working Stanlay over against the cage.
Smith is trying to maintain a safe position but Stanlay gets an underhook and turns Smith into the cage.
Smith lands with a light punch inside.
Stanlay wants to break the clinch but can't.
A short left from Smith.
A nice right hand lands inside from Smith.
Smith is working Stanlay over against the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Smith creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
A nice left hand lands by Smith.
Smith scores with a shoulder strike.
Smith scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A frustrated look appears on Stanlay's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Smith lands a left hand that snaps the head of Stanlay backwards.
A right handed body shot lands from Smith.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith prevents Stanlay from breaking the clinch.
The referee calls for Smith to work.
Smith lands an uppercut.
Smith stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Smith scores with a shoulder strike.
Smith lands with a left to the head.
Stanlay tries to break free but Smith pushes him back against the cage.
Laurence Smith seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Smith lands a nice shot to the body.
A left hand lands to the body for Smith.
Smith lands a left hand.
Smith gets through Stanlay's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Smith lands a left hand.
Smith gets through Stanlay's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Smith lands a hook to the side of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Smith digs a right hand underneath Stanlay's ribcage. Stanlay let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Smith lands a right hand.
Smith has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Stanlay as Smith tries to tie him up.
Smith lands with a short shot to the head.
Smith blocks a body shot from Stanlay.
A short right from Smith on the inside.
Smith scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Smith.
Smith lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Stanlay or not.
Smith keeps control of Stanlay as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Stanlay wants to get back to striking at distance but Smith won't allow it.
Stanlay tries to break the clinch but Smith is controlling the position.
Smith gets through Stanlay's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Smith scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Stanlay is looking to break free of the clinch but Smith has double underhooks.
Stanlay is trying to push Smith away but Smith has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Smith lands a body shot in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Laurence Smith dominated that fourth round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Smith changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Smith with a hook.
Smith displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Smith scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Stanlay doesn't seem bothered though.
Stanlay closes the distance and clinches up with Smith, looking for a takedown. Stanlay pushes Smith against the cage but Smith circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Smith lands a two punch combo.
Smith throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Stanlay stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Nice cross by Smith.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Stanlay takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Smith scores with a hook.
A punch lands to the side of Stanlay 's head but he takes it in his stride.
A left lands for Smith.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Stanlays jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Stanlay fails with a takedown attempt.
Smith lands with a shot to the body.
Smith connects with the punch.
Stanlay takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Stanlay looks to score with a jab to the body but Smith is just out of range.
A shot to the liver by Smith. Beautiful body shot.
Smith lands a nice shot to the body.
Horrible takedown by Stanlay or perhaps it was just good defense by Smith which made him look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hugh Stanlay. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smith comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith punishes Stanlay's body with a nice straight punch.
Smith lands a jab to the head.
A decent looking cross lands there for Smith.
Smith cracks Stanlay with a good jab.
Smith connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Smith connects with a body shot that sends Stanlay's belly button to the back.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Stanlay throws a lazy uppercut

and Smith counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Stanlay's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Stanlay has had enough of the clinch but Smith keeps him there for the moment.
Smith lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Stanlay backwards.
Smith scores with a shoulder strike.
Laurence Smith is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Smith.
Smith blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Smith has Stanlay pressed against the cage, preventing Stanlay from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A frustrated look appears on Stanlay's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Smith lands a hook that snaps the head of Stanlay backwards.
Smith scores with a nice hook to the head.
Smith lands a hook that snaps the head of Stanlay backwards.
Stanlay wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Smith lands with a left to the head.
Stanlay wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Smith prevents Stanlay from breaking the clinch.
Stanlay can't find room to land a body shot as Smith controls the action.
Stanlay wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Smith has him pressed against the cage.
Stanlay has had enough of the clinch but Smith keeps him there for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Stanlay breaks from the clinch.
Stanlay misses with a takedown attempt - Smith sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Smith lands a head shot.

Stanlay scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Smith tries to get to full guard but Stanlay has control of the leg.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The fighters are battling for position here. Smith manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Smith is adopting a defensive guard.
Smith tries to land a sweep but no joy.

And that's the end of the fight!
Laurence Smith comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Smith 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Andi Peters scores the fight 47:49
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 46:49
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 47:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Laurence Smith!
Laurence Smith is the new featherweight champion!
A relieved looking Laurence Smith thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.