PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Chad Smith (ranked 1373 p4p, 194 weight class) and Bina Raga (ranked 2371 p4p, 298 weight class). The key to victory for Chad Smith has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Smith
vs
Raga

185 cm
20
180 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

171 cm
21
182 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Good gas tank

One stop shop

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Chad Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Bina Raga!
The judges for this bout are James Glass, Paul Tew and Colin Fotheringham.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice jab there from Smith.
Smith tests Raga's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Smith tries to clinch there but Raga circles away.
Smith tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Raga changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Raga walks into a stiff left hand from Smith.

Raga closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Smith did well to prevent Raga getting side control.
Raga wants to free his trapped foot but Smith is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Raga seems to be looking for submissions.

Raga gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Smith lands with a good body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Smith thuds a left hand into Raga's body.
Smith is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters circle momentarily. Smith darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

Raga tries to keep at a distance but Smith has taken the fight into the clinch.
Raga drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A right hook to the body lands for Smith.
Raga tries to score a body lock takedown but Smith shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Raga is trying to pull guard but Smith has him pressed against the cage.
Chad Smith has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bina Raga.
Raga looking for a takedown.
Smith is working for takedown but Raga is calmly controlling the position for now.
Smith lands a body punch.
Smith is pressed up against the cage. Raga has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Smith down to the mat. Smith avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Smith ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Raga moves away.
And Raga tries to counter it with a takedown but Smith pushes his down on his head and steps out.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice jab there from Smith.
We've been told by Smith's head coaches at Gym that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Smith getting the better of the striking in that exchange.

Raga is rocked!

Smith fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Raga, pushing him back against the cage.
Raga is still on wobbly legs! Can Smith finish him?
Smith lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Raga tries for a takedown but Smith manages to get underhooks.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Smith creates some distance for himself and unleashes a massive uppercut that sends Raga's eyes rolling into the back of his head! Raga drops to his knees and Smith pours it on with more strikes until the referee steps in to end the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:26 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Chad Smith!