PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Conan Cross (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Slopey Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Smith is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Jawga Boyz - Rollin Like A Redneck. I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Cross
vs
Smith

174 cm
31
150 lbs
23 - 10 - 1

184 cm
36
160 lbs
35 - 19 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

VIRAL COMBAT
Reaper Combatwear

Cripplers Corner
Hellbent

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 10 - 1, fighting out of London, Conan Cross!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 35 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Slopey Smith!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, James Atkins and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Smith takes one to the side of the head.
Cross fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Cross throws a jab but it's blocked by Smith.
Cross moves out of range of the strikes.
Smith throws a body punch but Cross moves out of range.
Cross misses with a wild body shot.
Cross on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Cross throws a push kick but Smith slaps the foot to one side.
Cross jabs Smith to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Cross throws a hook but Smith avoids it easily.
Smith throws a solid leg kick but Cross takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Smith.

Cross pushes Smith up against the cage in a clinch.
Smith tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Cross's elbow.
Cross misses with a hook from the clinch.
Smith misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cross misses with a punch on the inside.
Smith scores with a shot to the side of Cross's head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Smith misses with a hook to the ribs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith stalling in the clinch but Cross improves position.
Cross has a couple of punches blocked by Smith.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cross.
Cross throws a head punch that misses.
Cross swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Stalling in the clinch from Cross.
Smith stalling the fight.
Smith looking to stall.
Cross lands with a right to the head.
Cross pushes Smith back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Smith blocks a body shot from Cross.
A nice left hand lands by Smith.
Smith tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Cross's elbow.
Smith goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cross cracks Smith with a nice body shot.
Smith leaning his opponent against the cage.
Cross misses with a punch to the body.
Smith misses with a punch to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A frustrated look appears on Smith's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Cross has a couple of punches blocked by Smith.

Smith pulls Cross into guard.
Cross trying to control but Smith is working from the bottom.
Smith is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Smith controlling the position.
Cross stays in close to Smith's body and controls the position.
Smith is trying to control the position but Cross postures up.
Smith keeping moving, preventing Cross from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cross slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Smith keeping moving, preventing Cross from controlling successfully.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Cross connects with a solid leg kick.
Cross throws a half hearted mid kick.
Smith staying out of range there.
Smith throws out a leg kick but Cross moves out of range and Smith only half commits.
Cross closes the distance looking to clinch
and Smith counters with a nice body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Smith drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Cross utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Smith stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cross swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Smith working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Smith postures up in Cross's guard and throws a big left but Cross blocks it.
Smith stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cross swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Smith is pushing down on Cross's leg trying to pass to half guard. Cross is fighting to maintain full guard but Smith has managed to sneak the leg through.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Slopey Smith will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Cross throws a lazy right hand but Smith sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cross lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Smith at a distance.
Smith changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Cross tries to avoid it but Smith manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Cross to the ground. Cross escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Smith moves out of range of the body kick.
Smith tries to score a power double leg takedown but Cross sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Smith somewhat.
Cross ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Cross throws a head kick that misses.
Smith scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cross throws a solid leg kick but Smith takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Cross.
Cross misses with a looping left.
Smith keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Cross lands a right hook to the body.
Smith looks to land a right hand but Cross moved out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Cross lands with a shot to the body.

Smith closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Cross won't allow Smith to pass to mount.
Cross is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Outlaws Clubhouse , so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Smith thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Smith not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Smith content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Cross is controlling Smith's trapped leg to prevent Smith from advancing to side control.
Ground and pound from Smith.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cross is staying active underneath Smith, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Smith throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Cross to regain full guard.
Cross trying to keep a closed guard but Smith is proving a slippery customer.
Smith wants to control from the top but Cross keeps moving.
Cross preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Smith tried to score with a low kick but Cross checks it.
Smith shoots in for a double leg but Cross sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Conan Cross has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Slopey Smith.
Smith pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A decent looking cross lands there for Smith.
Cross connects with a leg kick. Smith looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
A big right from Cross misses.
Smith scores with the left hand. Cross knows he should have avoided that one.
Smith throws out a powerful jab.
Cross keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Smith misses with a straight left.
Cross takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Conan Cross is winning the standup battle so far.
Cross scores with a nice head shot.
Smith uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cross.
Cross checks the leg kick.
Smith takes a jab right on the kisser.
Cross with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Cross fakes the leg kick and cracks Smith in the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cross scores with a kick to the midsection.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith moves into range and connects with a jab.
Smith slips a straight right by Cross.
Smith uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Cross.
Smith avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Smith tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cross was well out of range. Poor timing from Smith.
Cross tries to score with a low kick but Smith moves his leg out of the way.
Cross checks a leg kick nicely.
A lazy left from Cross finds it's target.
Smith uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cross.
Cross avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Cross throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Cross loads up on a big right hand but Smith slips the punch.
Cross with a poor takedown

and Smith counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Smith tries to stand but can't do so whilst Cross controls his leg.
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 Conan Cross will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Smith attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Smith throws a big shot that misses.
Smith cracks a nice hook into Cross's ribs.
Cross fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Some bone on bone action there as Smith checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Cross goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Smith tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Cross swivels and escapes.
Smith closes the distance and clinches up with Cross, looking for a takedown. Smith pushes Cross against the cage but Cross circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Cross misses the shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cross throws a leg kick that misses.
Cross keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Cross misses with a wild body shot.
Cross wants to land a leg kick but Smith is out of range.
Conan Cross seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Jab, jab by Cross - just one landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Cross.
Smith lands with an overhand left.
A solid leg kick lands there for Cross.
Smith avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Cross avoids the body shot from Smith.
Smith missing with a left hand there. Cross was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Cross jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cross looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Smith keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Cross.
A telegraphed right hand from Smith misses the target.
Cross looks to score with a jab to the body but Smith is just out of range.
Both fighters circling a little - Smith finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Smith throws an overhand right that lands on Cross's shoulder, as Cross tries to avoid the shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cross throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Cross defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Smith.
Conan Cross has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Slopey Smith.
Smith fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Cross checks it well.
Smith has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.
Cross ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Smith moves away.
Cross slips under a jab.
Cross fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Smith has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Cross walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Smith checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A leg kick checked by Smith.
Smith looks to throw the jab but Cross is out of range.
Cross throws a leg kick but Smith sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Cross throws a body shot but no joy.
Cross looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Cross misses with a kick to the body.
Cross misses with a straight left.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A punch combination from Smith misses.
Smith moves out of range of the body kick from Cross.
Smith fails with a takedown attempt.
Cross fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

Cross scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Smith is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Cross off and has taken his back!
Cross prevents Smith from getting a body triangle.
Cross is trapped and Smith is scoring with shots to the head and body.
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!
Cross prevents Smith from getting a body triangle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Smith is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Cross defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
Smith controlling well, preventing Cross from escaping the position.
Cross has his hands over his head blocking the strikes from Smith.
I would not like to be Cross right now.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Cross here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.

Smith working for the choke.
Cross tries to escape but Smith has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conan Cross clearly takes that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Crunch! Cross slams his shin into Smith's torso.
Smith misses with the combination.
Smith scores with a jab. Cross acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Cross connects with a solid leg kick.
Smith staying out of range there.
Cross misses with a low kick.
Smith misses with a body shot.
Cross throws a leg kick but Smith sees it coming and moves out of range.
Cross shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Smith as he avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smith moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Cross scoring well with a low kick there.
Cross is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Smith.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cross throws a hook but Smith blocks it.
Cross ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Smith moves away.
A looping hook to the body misses from Smith. Cross does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cross loads up on a big right hand but Smith slips the punch.
The crowd cheers as Smith lands an impressive looking overhand right. Cross doesn't seem phased though.
Smith showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Cross.

Cross feints and as Smith raises his hands in defense, Cross changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Cross trying to control the position from guard on top but Smith is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cross postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cross stopping the sweep attempt from Smith.
Cross works over Smith with some ground and pound from guard.
Smith looking to control.

Smith working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Cross has passed into half guard!
Smith avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Cross.
Cross working over Smith with some ground and pound. Smith looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith is not content to let Cross control the position.
Smith regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Cross.
Smith is adopting a defensive guard.

Smith looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Cross slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Smith throws a push kick but Cross slaps the foot to one side.
Cross swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Cross moves into the clinch.
Smith scores with a shoulder strike.

Smith manages to pull guard.
Cross is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Smith controls Cross momentarily but Cross frees himself.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Smith is looking for a triangle here but Cross uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
The ground and pound from Cross seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Conan Cross had his way with Slopey Smith in that round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Smith throws a leg kick that misses.
Smith pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Cross back to the cage. Smith follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
A telegraphed right hand from Smith misses the target.
Smith's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Cross connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Smith scrambles back to his feet.
Cross throws out a leg kick but Smith moves out of range and Cross only half commits.
Cross goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Cross lands the left hand.
Cross connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Cross wants to clinch up but Smith keeps it at a distance.
Smith takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Smith stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Cross.
Cross lands with a kick to the ribs.
Smith scores with a nice right hand.
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!
Smith shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Cross as he avoids it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cross misses with a kick to the body.
Cross fails to land with a series of punches.
Smith misses with a hook. Cross ducked under it nicely.
Smith takes a swing at Cross's ribcage but misses.
Cross misses the shot to the body.
Cross throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Smith counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Smith tries a body shot but Cross blocks it.
Smith has Cross pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Cross manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Cross lands a nice uppercut.
Cross prevents the takedown attempt.
Conan Cross has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Slopey Smith.
Smith trying to control the position but instead, Cross has worked for underhooks and has pushed Smith into the cage.
Smith blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cross scores with a shot to the side of Smith's head.
Cross misses with some punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Cross goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Smith misses with a body punch.
Smith's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
A hook to the body from Cross.
Smith is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Cross works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Cross pushes Smith back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Cross content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Smith tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A right handed body shot lands from Cross.
Smith is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Cross misses with a body punch.

Cross gets control of Smith's arms and successfully pulls guard. Cross will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cross is adopting a defensive guard.
Cross 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith trying to control but Cross is working from the bottom.
Smith stopping the sweep attempt from Cross.
Smith looking to pass the guard.

Cross is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Cross is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith is trying to get back to full guard.
Cross trying to control from Smith's half guard. Smith has other ideas though and has regained full guard.

Smith is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Cross is aware though and is defending well.
Cross slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Cross taking a break here but Smith is having none of it and regains half guard.
Slopey Smith has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Smith looking for submissions off his back.

And that's the end of the fight!
Conan Cross showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Cross 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 Andrew Berry scores the fight 49:46
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 49:47
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 49:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Conan Cross!
Conan Cross retains his lightweight title!
A relieved looking Conan Cross thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
The defeated Slopey Smith had this to say: 'I really thought I could win this, I'm not done though I got abit more to give.'.