PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Marcus Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mickey LeBraun (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). LeBraun has chosen City After Dark as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Smith
vs
LeBraun

185 cm
25
183 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

174 cm
21
175 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Marcus Smith!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mickey LeBraun!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Tiny Johnson and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Smith closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Smith lands in his opponent's guard.
Smith throws a big right hand that misses.
LeBraun really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Smith. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Smith trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Smith passes LeBraun's left leg - he's now in half guard.
LeBraun keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Smith throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Smith stops LeBraun from getting back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith uses his free foot to push down on LeBraun's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for LeBraun.
Smith trying to control but he's not successful this time.
LeBraun is in a horrible position here. Smith smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
LeBraun is squirming around, avoiding Smith's attempts to control the action.
Smith will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
LeBraun takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
LeBraun blocking the ground and pound.
Smith tries to control but LeBraun wriggling away.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if LeBraun can do anything to dispel that myth.
LeBraun is in a horrible position here. Smith smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.

Smith has hold of LeBraun's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and LeBraun manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.

Smith working for a guillotine from mount but LeBraun is in no mood to give up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Smith wants to finish this one by submission but LeBraun is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Smith.
LeBraun wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Smith content just to control the position here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Smith swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and LeBraun is now in Smith's guard. A big mistake from Smith there, giving up the dominant position!
Smith manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. LeBraun manages to get himself to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marcus Smith dominated that 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.

Smith takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.

It looks like Marcus Smith has been cut.

Smith gets the takedown into side control.
LeBraun wants to get back to his feet but Smith is dominant here and he's now got LeBraun's back!
Smith misses with punches from the back.
Smith 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.
LeBraun trying to get back to his feet but Smith is in full control for now.
Smith looking to hold on to the position here but LeBraun rolls and ends up regaining guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith looking to pass the guard.

Smith thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Smith throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as LeBraun works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
A jab from LeBraun misses.
LeBraun misses the shot to the body.
LeBraun just misses with a punch to the body.
Smith steps to the side to avoid the strikes from LeBraun.
Smith closes the distance and clinches up with LeBraun, looking for a takedown. Smith pushes LeBraun against the cage but LeBraun circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
LeBraun lands a nice looking body shot.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Smith moves out of range as LeBraun strikes.
LeBraun misses with an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from LeBraun. Smith does a little dance to reset his feet.
Smith waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract LeBraun.
Smith moves out of range as LeBraun strikes.
LeBraun throws a hook but Smith blocks it.
LeBraun works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
LeBraun throws a big shot that misses.
Smith moves out of range as LeBraun strikes.
LeBraun throws a jab when Smith was well out of range.
Smith ducks under a wild hook from LeBraun.
LeBraun just misses with a punch to the body.
LeBraun jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Smith bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
LeBraun jabbing away but nothing is landing.
LeBraun takes a swing at Smith's ribcage but misses.
Smith misses with a looping right.
Smith slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Smith looks to land a right hand but LeBraun moved out of range.
LeBraun misses the shot to the body.
LeBraun takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
LeBraun throws a body punch but Smith moves out of range.
LeBraun takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Smith bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Smith slips a jab from LeBraun.
Smith slips a jab and a cross from LeBraun.
LeBraun is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
LeBraun swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Smith catches LeBraun with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Smith throws a good cross that connects.
Smith slips under a jab from LeBraun.
Smith lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Smith is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
LeBraun takes a jab right on the kisser.
Smith lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
LeBraun walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Mickey LeBraun seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
LeBraun misses with a body shot.
Smith connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed LeBraun momentarily.
Smith is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
LeBraun takes a swing at Smith's ribcage but misses.
LeBraun closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
LeBraun takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Smith keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from LeBraun.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from LeBraun.
LeBraun misses with a straight right.
Nice uppercut lands for LeBraun. That snapped Smith's head back.
LeBraun throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Smith lands a jab to the head.

Smith drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Smith landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
The ground and pound from Smith seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Smith cracks LeBraun with a big elbow.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Smith creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Smith has knee on belly and moves into mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Marcus Smith will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Marcus Smith's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Smith steps to the side to avoid the strikes from LeBraun.
LeBraun misses with a looping right.
LeBraun misses with a looping left.
Smith steps to the side to avoid the strikes from LeBraun.
LeBraun thows a body shot but no joy.
LeBraun misses with a looping right.
Nice defenses there by LeBraun.
LeBraun looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Smith keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from LeBraun.
LeBraun moves away from the strike by Smith.
Smith swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Smith misses with a straight left.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Smith is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in LeBraun's half guard.
Smith stalling.
Smith missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Smith looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Smith is looking to take a break and control but LeBraun is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Smith looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

Smith seems to be working for a kimura but LeBraun defends the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
LeBraun is trying to stand up here but Smith is controlling him well.
Smith throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Smith trying to control from half guard but LeBraun is working away.

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.
Smith works his way into side control.

Smith tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Smith has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
LeBraun is looking to get back to his feet here but Smith is keeping cool and he's managed to take LeBraun's back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marcus Smith clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Marcus Smith's cut.
That's time! Smith's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

LeBraun's corner calls for a 1-2. LeBraun obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
LeBraun connects with the punch.
The fighters circling - Smith throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
LeBraun looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
LeBraun misses with an uppercut. Smith saw that one coming.
LeBraun misses the shot to the body.
LeBraun throws a hook but Smith avoids it easily.
LeBraun throws a jab when Smith was well out of range.

Smith shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches LeBraun napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Smith is working LeBraun over with some ground and pound from side control.
LeBraun prevents Smith from moving into mount.
LeBraun avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Smith.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
LeBraun pushes Smith away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Smith gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
LeBraun dodges the ground and pound from Smith.
Smith trying to control the position but LeBraun is working away.
Smith scores with a couple of short elbows.

Smith goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, LeBraun rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Smith's guard! Nice work there by LeBraun!
Marcus Smith overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
LeBraun wanted to stand there but Smith had control of the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. LeBraun manages to get himself to full guard.
LeBraun utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Smith is looking to work some ground and pound but LeBraun has wrist control.
Smith trying to control the position from guard on top but LeBraun is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
LeBraun wants to get back to his feet but Smith is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Smith trying to control but LeBraun is working from the bottom.
Smith passes LeBraun's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Mickey LeBraun will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Marcus Smith's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

LeBraun misses the shot to the body.
LeBraun throws a right and a left that Smith avoids nicely.

Smith drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
LeBraun preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Smith is pushing down on LeBraun's leg trying to pass to half guard. LeBraun is fighting to maintain full guard but Smith has managed to sneak the leg through.
Smith passes to side control.

Smith tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
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.
LeBraun is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith tries to move into full mount but can't pass LeBraun's legs.

Smith is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but LeBraun is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Smith taking a break here but LeBraun is having none of it and regains half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
LeBraun is looking to escape.
Smith works his way into full mount!
LeBraun is trying to get back to his feet but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith with the ground and pound from mount.

Smith goes for an armbar but LeBraun turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from LeBraun.
LeBraun won't allow Smith to sweep him here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Marcus Smith is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Smith tries to land a sweep but no joy.

And that's the end of the fight!
Marcus Smith showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Smith has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Chris Downing scores the fight 49:46
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 48:47
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 49:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Marcus Smith!
Marcus Smith is the new welterweight champion!