PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Dai Zexi (ranked 724 p4p, 118 weight class) and Corey Smith Jr (ranked 561 p4p, 94 weight class). Smith Jr is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: You Will Know My Name. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Zexi
vs
Smith Jr

175 cm
21
220 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

183 cm
21
205 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

THE END 32
Zenith Nutrition (160q/$200)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Dai Zexi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Corey Smith Jr!
The judges for this bout are Ben Watson, Donatello Bradman and Summer Carpenter.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith Jr uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Zexi.
Zexi misses the shot to the body.
A big left from Smith Jr misses.

Zexi looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Zexi lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Smith Jr pulls Zexi in close to prevent any damage.
Zexi chips away with some ground and pound.
Zexi is fighting to break Smith Jr's control of his arms but Smith Jr is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Zexi with a flurry of punches that miss.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smith Jr is pulling down on Zexi's head to control his posture.
Zexi stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Smith Jr swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Smith Jr controls Zexi momentarily but Zexi frees himself.
Smith Jr looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Zexi has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zexi throwing strikes but missing.
Smith Jr keeping moving, preventing Zexi from controlling successfully.
We've been hearing that Zexi has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Zexi works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Smith Jr gets back to full guard.
Smith Jr trying to keep a closed guard but Zexi is proving a slippery customer.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Zexi accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Smith Jr pulls Zexi in close to his closed guard and prevents Zexi from doing any damage or advancing position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Zexi chips away with some ground and pound.
Zexi is fighting to break Smith Jr's control of his arms but Smith Jr is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Zexi is looking to work some ground and pound but Smith Jr has wrist control.
Zexi trying to control but Smith Jr is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith Jr is pulling down on Zexi's head to control his posture.
Zexi looking to pass the guard.
Zexi missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Zexi postures up.
Smith Jr really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Zexi. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Smith Jr wants to sweep here but Zexi controlling him for the moment.
Smith Jr manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Zexi manages to get himself to full guard.

Zexi tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Zexi is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Smith Jr stays in close to Zexi's body and controls the position.
Zexi pulls Smith Jr in close to prevent any damage.
Zexi is trying to keep Smith Jr in close.
Smith Jr wants to pass the guard but Zexi is keeping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zexi wants to sweep but no luck.
Smith Jr postures up.
Smith Jr must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Smith Jr wants to control from the top but Zexi keeps moving.
Zexi wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.

Zexi is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Zexi manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Smith Jr manages to get himself to full guard.

Zexi trying to control but Smith Jr is working from the bottom.
Smith Jr is adopting a defensive guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Zexi accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Zexi postures up in Smith Jr's guard and throws a big left but Smith Jr blocks it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith Jr is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Smith Jr looking for a sweep. Not yet Smith Jr, not yet.
Smith Jr seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Smith Jr keeping full guard, as Zexi tries to pass.
Zexi showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Smith Jr keeping moving, preventing Zexi from controlling successfully.
Zexi is really struggling to control Smith Jr but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Zexi being controlled here momentarily.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Smith Jr preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Smith Jr wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dai Zexi dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Zexi ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Zexi moves out of range as Smith Jr strikes.
Corey Smith Jr is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Zexi moves out of range of the strikes.
Smith Jr lunges at Zexi with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Zexi's hand.

It looks like Dai Zexi has been cut.
Zexi on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Smith Jr. Zexi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Smith Jr misses with a hook. Zexi ducked under it nicely.
Smith Jr shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Zexi eats them both and turns towards Smith Jr to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Smith Jr throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Zexi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Smith Jr.
Smith Jr throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Zexi misses with a hook to the body
and Smith Jr counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Smith Jr scores with a jab to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Smith Jr rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Zexi moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Zexi throwing a counter right hand but Smith Jr manages to avoid it.
Zexi throws a big shot that misses.
Smith Jr loads up on a big right hand but Zexi slips the punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zexi shoots and misses
and Smith Jr counters with a nice uppercut.
Smith Jr throws out a loose jab but Zexi uses good head movement to avoid it.
Zexi misses with a straight left.
Smith Jr swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Corey Smith Jr seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Smith Jr fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Zexi is out of range.
A counter left hand to the body from Zexi misses its target.
Zexi uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Smith Jr.
Zexi shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Smith Jr but Smith Jr pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Smith Jr works the jab nicely.
Smith Jr connects with a single shot there.
Zexi ducks under a wild hook from Smith Jr.
Zexi lands a nice shot to the body.
Zexi uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Smith Jr.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith Jr throws a shot to the body.

Smith Jr tries to sprawl but Zexi drives through with a takedown into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Zexi is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Smith Jr trying to control here.
Smith Jr moves into full guard.
Smith Jr is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Zexi postures up.
Smith Jr controlling the position.
Zexi trying to control the position from guard on top but Smith Jr is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Smith Jr working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Zexi.
Zexi scoring with some ground and pound.
Zexi throws a big elbow that misses.
Zexi keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Smith Jr's head.
Zexi with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zexi trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Smith Jr holds on and takes a little breather.
Zexi wants to control from the top but Smith Jr keeps moving.
Smith Jr 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.
Zexi stays in close to Smith Jr's body and controls the position.

Zexi drops back looking for a leg! Smith Jr is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Smith Jr manages to kick Zexi off! Zexi jumps back into Smith Jr's guard.
Smith Jr looking to hit a scissor sweep but Zexi is one step ahead there.
Smith Jr working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Zexi.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Zexi postures up in Smith Jr's guard and throws a big left but Smith Jr blocks it.
Zexi prevents Smith Jr from getting back to his feet.
Smith Jr is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Zexi distracts Smith Jr with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Smith Jr is pulling down on Zexi's head to control his posture.
Zexi advances position into side control!
Zexi looks up at the clock and then as Smith Jr takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Zexi smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Smith Jr sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Smith Jr felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Zexi scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Zexi is looking to take a break and control but Smith Jr is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Still in half guard, Zexi seems content to control.
Smith Jr is trying to control but can't.
Zexi scoring with strikes to the body and head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Corey Smith Jr showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Dai Zexi's cut.
That's time! Zexi's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Smith Jr throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Zexi counters with a takedown into side control.

Smith Jr explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
Zexi misses with a takedown attempt
and Smith Jr counters with a nice uppercut.
Zexi sizes up Smith Jr with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Nice uppercut lands for Smith Jr. That snapped Zexi's head back.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Zexi takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Smith Jr tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A right-left combo lands from Smith Jr.
Smith Jr blocks a jab.
A punch lands to the side of Smith Jr 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Smith Jr keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Zexi looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Zexi preventing the sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zexi trying to control the position from guard on top but Smith Jr is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Smith Jr lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Smith Jr controlling from the top position.

Zexi is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Smith Jr is aware though and is defending well.
Smith Jr looking to pass the guard.
Smith Jr preventing the sweep.
Smith Jr passes Zexi's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Zexi is trying to get back to full guard.
Zexi trying to control but Smith Jr postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Zexi looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Zexi is trying to maintain the position but Smith Jr is very close to passing his half guard.
Smith Jr wants to free his trapped foot but Zexi is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Zexi is pressing down on Smith Jr's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Smith Jr not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

Smith Jr got a little sloppy there for a moment and Zexi has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Smith Jr has managed to get both his arms back between Zexi's legs - danger averted.
Smith Jr sitting in guard here, content to control.

Zexi escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Smith Jr gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Zexi escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Smith Jr gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Smith Jr advances position into side control!
Dai Zexi overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Zexi tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Zexi regains half guard.
Smith Jr performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Zexi wants to improve his position but Smith Jr is controlling well.
Smith Jr performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Smith Jr trying to pass the guard but Zexi defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zexi trying to control from the bottom.
Smith Jr prevents Zexi from improving his position.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Smith Jr in particular looking to stall.
Zexi is looking for a sweep. Smith Jr is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Zexi is working hard here to advance position.
Smith Jr seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

And that's the end of the fight!
Corey Smith Jr comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Smith Jr 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ben Watson scores the fight 28:29
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 28:29
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Corey Smith Jr!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Corey Smith Jr made sure he mentioned THE END 32, along with how happy he was to win his fight.