PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Einari Kivi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Kivi
vs
Smith

220 cm
23
284 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

179 cm
23
260 lbs
10 - 3 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Win Nutritional
Win Nutritional

Balco Boys - Hilo
O'Brannigan's Fightwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Einari Kivi!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, James Smith!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kivi fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Kivi fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Kivi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kivi swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Smith throws a series of punches but Kivi moves out of range.
The fighters circling - Kivi throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Kivi is defended easily by Smith.
Kivi takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Smith looks to land a combination but Kivi avoids it well.
Smith scores with a hook.
A big left from Smith misses.
Kivi throws a jab when Smith was well out of range.
Smith keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kivi misses with a hook. Smith ducked under it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith tries to bum rush Kivi with a series of wild strikes but Kivi uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Smith throws a series of punches but Kivi avoids them all with ease.
Smith keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kivi.
A swing and a miss from Smith.
Smith throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Smith tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Smith fails to land with a series of punches.
Kivi shoots in for a takedown but Smith shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Einari Kivi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smith misses with a low kick.
Kivi has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Smith finds it's way round the side to connect with Kivi's head.
Smith throws a big shot that misses.
Kivi with a hook.
Kivi looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Kivi takes one to the chin there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith lands a jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nice takedown defense from Smith. No joy for Kivi on that attempt.
Kivi will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Smith misses with a combination
and Kivi connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kivi connects with a good right hand that stumbles Smith. Smith circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
James Smith is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Smith throws a right and a left that Kivi avoids nicely.
Kivi takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Smith misses with a few strikes there.
Smith walks into a left hand.
Kivi avoids a punch combination nicely.
Smith swinging wilding here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Kivi counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Smith!
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Smith is in all sorts of trouble here.
Kivi lands with some strikes.
Kivi lands with some strikes.
Smith is wriggling around trying to escape.
Smith slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Smith is looking for a sweep. Kivi is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Kivi lands strikes from half guard.
Kivi missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Kivi prevents Smith from improving his position.
Smith tries to kick Kivi off but Kivi keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Kivi is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Kivi lands a big shot there that rocks Smith but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith wants to hold on but Kivi pushes him away.
Kivi 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.
Kivi punishing his opponent with strikes.
Smith is in all sorts of trouble here.
Kivi unloading with bombs!
Kivi looking to finish Smith with some ground and pound. This is bad for Smith!
Smith looks gassed!
Smith wants to control but Kivi is having none of it.
Smith is looking to get to half guard.
Kivi has his opponent pinned against the ropes, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Smith's face.
Kivi is in the full mount, landing strikes.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Smith is desperately trying to improve his position but Kivi has a good base and remains in mount.
Smith's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
Kivi working Smith over with strikes here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Smith misses with a double jab
and Kivi counters with a nice uppercut.
A combination from Smith does no damage.
Danga de danga de dang - Smith scores with a four punch combination!
Kivi tries to clinch there but Smith circles away.
Smith swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Kivi counters with a nice uppercut.
Kivi thows a body shot but no joy.
Kivi shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Smith as he jumps to the side.
Kivi is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Smith leaves Kivi with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Smith misses with a body kick.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Kivi is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Smith.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kivi lands a jab to the head.
Smith displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kivi throws out the jab.
Kivi falls off balance throwing a combination
and Smith counters with a stiff right hand.
Kivi misses with a takedown attempt
and Smith counters with a three punch combo that has Kivi backing up. Kivi nods at Smith to acknowledge the strikes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Einari Kivi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smith tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kivi was well out of range. Poor timing from Smith.
Kivi showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Smith.
Smith connects with a looping right hand.
Kivi avoids the body shot from Smith.
James Smith seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kivi keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Kivi tries to close the distance and clinch up but Smith swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kivi fails in his attempt to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kivi.
A punch combination from Smith misses.
Smith throws a nice looking combination but Kivi bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Smith fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
A big right from Kivi misses.
Smith misses with a straight right.
Kivi is looking to clinch but Smith is avoiding it.
Kivi stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Kivi misses with a takedown attempt
and Smith counters with a lovely straight right hand!
James Smith is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kivi fails with the takedown

and Smith counters by clinching up.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Smith as Kivi tries to tie him up.

Kivi manages to break the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith misses with a jab, cross combination.
Smith fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Some wild striking there from Smith.
Smith throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kivi.
Kivi jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kivi tries to clinch up but Smith circles away and keeps his distance.
Kivi tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Smith counters with a left to the body.
Kivi moves in looking to clinch but Smith pushes him off.
Smith finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Smith rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kivi moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lazy left from Smith finds it's target.
Smith throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kivi.
Kivi with a lazy takedown attempt
letting Smith counter with a right hand.
Smith misses with a double jab

and Kivi counters with a nice double leg into guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Smith is pulling down on Kivi's head to control his posture.
Smith wants to stand and escape but Kivi is having none of it.
Smith wants to sweep but no luck.
Smith wants to stand but Kivi is controlling the position.
Smith is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Smith really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Kivi. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Smith holds on and takes a little breather.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Smith showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Smith scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Smith lands with a nice body punch.
Smith lands a body shot.
Smith moves out of range of the strikes.
Smith swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Kivi misses with a takedown attempt
and Smith counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Smith looks to land a combination but Kivi avoids it well.
Smith lands a two punch combo.
Smith fails to land with a series of punches.
Smith throws a series of punches but Kivi moves out of range.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Smith swinging wilding here.
No joy there for Smith, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kivi blocks a head kick by Smith.
Smith dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Smith misses with a wild combination.
Einari Kivi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kivi lands with a nice combination. Smith backs away looking to recover.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Smith!
Kivi closes the distance looking to clinch
and Smith makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Smith throws a lazy right hand but Kivi sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Smith fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Smith is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
An inside leg kick lands from Smith.
Kivi is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Smith.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kivi showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Smith.
Smith lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Smith.
Smith will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Smith swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Smith takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Kivi keeps the fight on the outside.
Smith throws a jab but it's blocked by Kivi.
Kivi swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Smith.
Smith lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Smith misses with a double jab.
Smith scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Kivi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kivi fails with the takedown
and Smith counters with a stiff right hand.
Nice defenses there by Kivi.
Smith fails to land with a series of punches.
Smith looks to land a combination. Kivi sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Smith is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Smith throws a leg kick but Kivi sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Kivi is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.

Kivi closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Smith to the mat! Smith manages to get full guard.
Smith manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Kivi manages to get himself to full guard.
Smith wants to control from the top but Kivi keeps moving.
Kivi on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Kivi tries to get out of the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kivi looking for a sweep. Not yet Kivi, not yet.
Smith is looking to stand up but Kivi won't let him.
Kivi is trying to keep Smith in close.
Smith must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Smith trying to control the position from guard on top but Kivi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Smith with a nice head shot there.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kivi looking to control.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Kivi with a poor takedown
and Smith counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Einari Kivi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smith moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Smith really dominated that round.
That's time! Kivi's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Smith lands a jab.
Smith takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Kivi doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Smith counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Kivi showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Smith.
Kivi with a lazy takedown attempt
and Smith counters with a straight right hand.
Smith does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Kivi misses with a takedown attempt
and Smith counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Einari Kivi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smith lands a nice looking body shot.
Smith fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Smith misses with a wild combination.
Smith misses with a double jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Kivi walks into a stiff left hand from Smith.
Smith lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
A right-left combo lands from Smith.
Smith will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kivi showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Smith.
Some wild striking there from Smith.
Smith lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kivi tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Smith paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Smith throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kivi.
Smith throws a nice outside leg kick.
Smith just misses with a punch to the body.
Smith will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Smith does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Kivi misses with a takedown attempt
and Smith counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Smith throws a combination that misses
enabling Kivi to counter with a crisp jab.
Smith looks to land a left hand but Kivi moved out of range nicely.
Kivi takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Some wild striking there from Smith.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Nice uppercut lands for Smith. That snapped Kivi's head back.
Kivi looks to throw the jab but Smith is out of range.
Smith ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Smith throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Kivi jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kivi fails with the takedown
and Smith counters with a two punch combo.
Smith is working the combinations to good effect here.
Smith misses with a leg kick.
Kivi shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Smith counters with a three punch combo that has Kivi backing up. Kivi nods at Smith to acknowledge the strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith misses with a double jab.
Smith tries to clinch but Kivi moves out of range.
Smith throws a nice looking combination but Kivi bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kivi looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Smith throws a nice inside leg kick.
Smith lands with a nice combination. Kivi backs away looking to recover.
Smith throws a hook but Kivi blocks it.
Smith lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kivi circles away quickly and effectively.
Smith throws a nice looking combination but Kivi bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Smith circles away from the clinch attempt
and Kivi takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
No joy there for Smith, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Smith dominated that fourth round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Kivi gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
letting Smith counter with a right hand.
Smith throws a series of punches but Kivi moves out of range.
Kivi throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kivi tries for a takedown but Smith circles away easily
and Smith counters with a leg kick.
Smith walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Kivi checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Smith scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Smith tries to bum rush Kivi with a series of wild strikes but Kivi uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Smith thows a left - swing and a miss!
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Smith throws a jab but it's blocked by Kivi.
Smith throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Nice body punch from Smith.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kivi showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Smith.
Smith tries to work over Kivi's front leg with a kick but Kivi checks it.
Smith throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Smith throws a right and a left that Kivi avoids nicely.
Smith throws a right and a left that Kivi avoids nicely.
A punch combination from Smith misses.
Kivi tries for a takedown but Smith circles away easily
and Smith counters with a two punch combo.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Einari Kivi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
No joy there for Smith, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Smith throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kivi.
Kivi gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Smith counters with a series of strikes. Kivi will be more careful next time no doubt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kivi avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kivi takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Smith tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Kivi counters with a takedown into side control.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
You can see the frustration on Smith's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Smith manages to work his way to half guard, despite Kivi's best efforts.
Smith tries to get to full guard but Kivi has control of the leg.
Kivi will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Kivi is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Smith is trying to stand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kivi scores with a couple of nice shots.
Smith trying to control but Kivi postures up.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Kivi connects with a nice short shot to Smith's temple.
Kivi stops Smith from getting back to his feet.
Smith wants to control but Kivi is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Kivi looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Kivi prevents Smith from standing back up.

Smith has one foot on Kivi's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Kivi connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Smith's hands.
Smith uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kivi.
Kivi tries for a takedown but Smith circles away easily
and Kivi takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Kivi backs up against the ropes.
Smith misses with an uppercut. Kivi saw that one coming.
Smith connects with a single shot there.
Kivi gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Smith holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Smith is looking to break free of the clinch but Kivi has double underhooks.
Einari Kivi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kivi misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kivi has Smith pressed up against the ropes and is working for takedown. Smith manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Smith wants to get back to striking at distance but Kivi won't allow it.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kivi lands a body punch in the clinch.

Smith breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Smith throws a right and a left that Kivi avoids nicely.

Smith has taken the fight to the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
James 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 for James Smith!
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight for James Smith!
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight for James Smith!

James Smith wins by unanimous decision!
James Smith is the new heavyweight champion!