PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rod Rico (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pepijn Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Pepijn Smith told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Rico
vs
Smith

195 cm
25
275 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

203 cm
19
255 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
World class boxer
Very strong

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Rod Rico!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Pepijn Smith!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Robert Twigg and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith has a takedown stuffed.
Smith is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
A big left from Rico misses.
Rico misses with a head kick.
Smith takes a shot to the body in his stride.

Smith shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Rico's guard.
Smith trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Rico looking to hit a scissor sweep but Smith is one step ahead there.
Rico is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Smith looking to sit in guard and control but Rico gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Smith has his foot on Rico's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Rico works his way back into a safe position though.
Rico has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Smith is proving hard to escape from.

Smith has an active guard here but Rico has managed to pass into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Well, if Rico is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Rico is working for a submission of some sort.
Rico lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.

Smith is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Rico pulls his head out easily.
Smith is looking for a sweep. Rico is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Smith is refusing to be controlled, as Rico sits in half guard.
Rico controlling the action here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Smith is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Rico pulls his head out easily.
Rico wants to stand up but Smith is controlling the position.
Rico trying to control from half guard but Smith is working away.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Smith fails with a takedown attempt.
Rico lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Rico uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Smith has time to react.
A left and a right from Rico both land. Nice combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rico sends Smith crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Rico is motioning to the referee to let Smith up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!

Smith is rocked!

It looks like Pepijn Smith has been cut.
Smith looks gassed!
Are you kidding me?! Rico ducked down and unloaded an uppercut from hell that sent Smith clean off his feet! Someone make me a GIF - that's knockout of the night for sure!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:10 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Rod Rico!