PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Rodney Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Romario Gomez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Romario Gomez will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Smith
vs
Gomez

173 cm
18
158 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

187 cm
23
157 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Self confident

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Rodney Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Romario Gomez!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Steven Brown and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith shoots in but no luck this time.
As Smith backs off Gomez throws a huge counter combo but Smith manages to avoid it all.
Smith shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Gomez but Gomez pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Smith shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Gomez as he avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rodney Smith. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smith shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Gomez pinned against the cage. Gomez gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smith with a lazy takedown attempt
enabling Gomez to counter with a crisp jab.

Smith closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Smith lands in his opponent's guard.
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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Smith throws a big elbow that misses.

Smith drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Gomez manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Smith has Gomez in his guard.

Gomez postures up in Smith's guard and throws a big left but Smith blocks it.

Smith looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Gomez is in close to Smith's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Smith bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Gomez's guard.

Smith is looking to work some ground and pound but Gomez has wrist control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith wants to pass the guard but Gomez is keeping the position.
Smith throwing strikes but missing.
Gomez is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Gomez utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Smith throws a strike but Gomez rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Smith is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Gomez postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gomez throwing strikes from guard but Smith blocks nicely.

Gomez is trying to tuck his arms in to keep them safe but Smith has managed to isolate one of them and has got a loose triangle. Gomez is looking to defend but Smith has done well to lock his legs together - this could be big trouble for Gomez! Smith pulls down on the head and a little smile comes across his face - he knows he's got it. Yep, Gomez taps out and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Rodney Smith!
An out of breath Rodney Smith thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.