PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jonathan Boaler (ranked 2567 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sergejs Smirnovs (ranked 3657 p4p, 0 weight class). Sergejs Smirnovs will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Boaler
vs
Smirnovs

190 cm
25
212 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

198 cm
23
200 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Jonathan Boaler!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Sergejs Smirnovs!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Peter Branson and Santiago Holmes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Boaler gets a takedown into half guard.

Boaler is looking for a kimura here.

Boaler is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Boaler is looking for a kimura here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Boaler is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Boaler tries to pass to full mount but Smirnovs defends it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smirnovs is looking to improve his position.
Boaler stalling.

Boaler is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
We've been hearing good reports from Boaler's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

Boaler is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Smirnovs sees it coming and defends easily.

Boaler is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boaler is looking to take a break and control but Smirnovs is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Smirnovs is looking for a sweep. Boaler is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Boaler is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Boaler is trying to control the action in half guard but Smirnovs is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Boaler tries to pass to full mount but Smirnovs defends it.

Boaler is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Boaler wants to work for an arm triangle but Smirnovs is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boaler wants to free his trapped foot but Smirnovs is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Smirnovs is trying to maintain the position but Boaler is very close to passing his half guard.

Smirnovs is defending against the submission attempts here by Boaler.
Smirnovs is trying to control but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Boaler has hold of the far side arm. He's working for the Kimura, can Smirnovs defend it? Boaler steps over the head and cranks it - Smirnovs is tapping out! That was textbook stuff right there - nice submission victory for Boaler!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:06 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Jonathan Boaler!