Post by The Sandmen on Feb 11, 2015 17:00:41 GMT -5
Katja Kankaanpää looks very relaxed.
Ferocious staredown by Smith while Dan Miragliotta recites the rules.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Dan Miragliotta.
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Round 1
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The fight gets underway.
Kankaanpää moves backwards and Leslie Smith is asking her if she came today for fighting or running.
Smith and Kankaanpää circle around the center of the cage.
Leslie Smith fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Katja Kankaanpää attempts a sweep single...
Katja Kankaanpää catches Leslie Smith's far ankle and trips her to the mat! Slick takedown by Kankaanpää.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Smith tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää!
The clock says 1:15 in the 1 round
Leslie Smith is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Smith throws a few hammer fists to the face of Katja Kankaanpää
Blocked by Kankaanpää.
Smith misses a step and Katja Kankaanpää sees an opportunity to counter her!
Kankaanpää tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
She successfully moves to half guard!
Leslie Smith is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Leslie Smith tries to pass Katja Kankaanpää's guard...
Leslie Smith manages to get her leg free and moves to side mount.
Leslie Smith is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Leslie Smith looks to mount Katja Kankaanpää...
Leslie Smith slides her knee across and gets to mount.
Leslie Smith is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Leslie Smith in her guard...
Leslie Smith rolls her over and takes her back!
Smith is in rear mount over Kankaanpää
Smith tries to get a hook in!
Kankaanpää rolls on the ground and manages to get a half guard!
Leslie Smith is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää breaths deeply while on the ground
Leslie Smith is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to move to full guard
Katja Kankaanpää manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:20 in the 1 round
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää tries to close her guard around Smith
She succeeds!
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Smith blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Kankaanpää's guard.
Smith tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Smith use some of her wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, she jumps to side mount! The crowd in Rupp Arena (Lexington, Kentucky) is cheering her!
Leslie Smith is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to trap Leslie Smith in her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää manages to switch to full guard.
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Smith is in closed guard... Kankaanpää tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Leslie Smith!
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Katja Kankaanpää takes a deep breath as she passes her arm over Leslie Smith shoulder and pushes her arm againts the mat!
Leslie Smith breaks that americana attempt!
Dan Miragliotta stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Rupp Arena (Lexington, Kentucky) are cheering for the fighters.
Katja Kankaanpää takes a few seconds to recover her breath...
Not a desiderable position that Kankaanpää is in now. Leslie Smith is well knowed for her strong and relentless GnP.
Leslie Smith goes with a looping right hand while Katja Kankaanpää jumps back and jabs
Smith seems staggered and Katja Kankaanpää runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
The clock says 3:30 in the 1 round
Smith looks for angles as she throws a few jabs that are countered by Katja Kankaanpää's punches
Smith measures the resilience of Kankaanpää's chin with an uppercut while Kankaanpää lands some great crosses.
Kankaanpää launches a furious low kick!
Smith receives a hard blow on her left leg!
Kankaanpää decides to launch some tentative punches
Nothing from this exchange. Kankaanpää moves back and takes a deep breath.
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Kankaanpää grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Smith measures the resilience of Kankaanpää's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Kankaanpää blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Kankaanpää moves on the ground..
She gets half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Leslie Smith attempts to move to full guard
Katja Kankaanpää keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 4:45 in the 1 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Kankaanpää tries to get a side mount...
She frees her leg and is now controlling Smith from the side mount!
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Katja Kankaanpää isolates Leslie Smith's right arm looking for an armbar...
Leslie Smith manages to sit up and pull her arm out of danger! Katja Kankaanpää lost her dominant position.
Poorly executed technique. Leslie Smith looks to counter!
Smith launches a few weak punches
Kankaanpää blocks them effectively.
Dan Miragliotta separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
The round is for Kankaanpää, who walks calmly to her corner.
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Round 2
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Katja Kankaanpää attempts a sweep single...
Katja Kankaanpää catches Leslie Smith's far ankle and trips her to the mat! Slick takedown by Kankaanpää.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Katja Kankaanpää looks to posture up and open Leslie Smith's guard...
Katja Kankaanpää forces Leslie Smith to open her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith... she fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Smith rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of her own she escapes.
Smith is trying to counter now!
Smith reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Kankaanpää blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Dan Miragliotta stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Smith goes to the body...
her punches graze Kankaanpää's arm.
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Solid low kick from Katja Kankaanpää.
For sure, that had to hurt!
The clock says 0:50 in the 2 round
Nice low kick from Smith
but Katja Kankaanpää stops it.
Kankaanpää is holding Leslie Smith's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Leslie Smith loses balance and goes to the ground.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Smith tries to show some ground skills
Kankaanpää uses her strength to keep Kankaanpää at a disadvantage
Smith clumsily fails here and it's time for Katja Kankaanpää to fight back!
Kankaanpää tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. She is in full mount now.
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith tries to roll to her side and trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard...
Leslie Smith gets her hip out and moves to full guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Katja Kankaanpää tries to pass to half guard...
Leslie Smith can't prevent her opponent from passing. Kankaanpää looks to work from half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
BJJ! That is what must be passing through Kankaanpää's mind right now. Nobody wants to stay long in that position with a submission artist like Smith
Leslie Smith tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Leslie Smith attempts to move to full guard
Katja Kankaanpää keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Katja Kankaanpää goes for an americana!
Smith breaks free.
Smith tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Smith switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Kankaanpää struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Katja Kankaanpää pushes Smith's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Kankaanpää who is in full mount! Smith is in trouble now!
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Kankaanpää goes for an armbar!
Leslie Smith breaks the lock and pushes away Katja Kankaanpää, who rolls over her back and gets to standing position.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Katja Kankaanpää. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 2:35 in the 2 round
Quick hook by Katja Kankaanpää
Good shot! Smith has reasons to be worried.
The clock says 2:45 in the 2 round
Some counter punches against Katja Kankaanpää
almost hit her as she moves away.
Kankaanpää tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Smith goes down.
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Smith tries to close her guard around Kankaanpää
She succeeds!
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Katja Kankaanpää tries to pass Leslie Smith's guard...
Katja Kankaanpää manages to get her leg free and moves to half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Katja Kankaanpää isolates Leslie Smith's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Leslie Smith is able to relieve the pressure on her neck and slip out of the hold.
The clock says 3:25 in the 2 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Leslie Smith attempts to move to full guard
Leslie Smith manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 3:35 in the 2 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Smith measures the resilience of Kankaanpää's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Kankaanpää blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Kankaanpää tries to escape from the closed guard
Kankaanpää succeeds and she's now in open guard... she takes a second to breathe
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Smith measures the resilience of Kankaanpää's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Kankaanpää blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Kankaanpää is trying to counter now!
Kankaanpää moves on the ground
Katja Kankaanpää moves to side mount
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Smith tries to show some ground skills
Leslie Smith put Kankaanpää in half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Leslie Smith tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Leslie Smith tries to close the guard.
Smith put Katja Kankaanpää in closed guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Smith tries to roll on the ground!
Katja Kankaanpää uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Kankaanpää is trying to counter now!
Katja Kankaanpää looks to posture up and open Leslie Smith's guard...
Katja Kankaanpää forces Leslie Smith to open her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Smith tries to close her guard around Kankaanpää
She is not able to do it
Dan Miragliotta stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Rupp Arena (Lexington, Kentucky) are cheering for the fighters.
Kankaanpää moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Hard blow to Smith's thigh!
Dan Miragliotta separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
Kankaanpää is the winner of this round.
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Round 3
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Kankaanpää is holding Leslie Smith's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Leslie Smith loses balance and goes to the ground.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Katja Kankaanpää hooks Smith's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Kankaanpää is locking that Kneebar...
Smith struggles to free herself
Leslie Smith manages to kick Kankaanpää away and scrambles on top!
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Leslie Smith tries to pass to half guard...
Katja Kankaanpää's guard is too good and she fails to pass.
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Leslie Smith work her BJJ game.
Smith tries to stand up!
Kankaanpää doesn't allow her!
The clock says 0:50 in the 3 round
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Smith tries to stand up!
Kankaanpää doesn't allow her!
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Leslie Smith is a submission wizard. She has forgotten more BJJ than most fighters have learned.
Leslie Smith doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on her feet
She can't do it because of Kankaanpää's moves.
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Smith is moving on the ground...
Kankaanpää tries to counter Smith's moves on the ground.
Leslie Smith gets sloppy and Katja Kankaanpää tries to take advantage...
Kankaanpää tries to close her guard around Smith
She succeeds!
The clock says 1:20 in the 3 round
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch her work on the ground.
Deep breaths from Katja Kankaanpää who tries a hammer punch to Smith's ribs.
That hit Smith who moves on the ground in order to protect herself
The clock says 1:30 in the 3 round
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Leslie Smith fakes some punches
Kankaanpää ties her up.
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Stand up! This is what Kankaanpää's cornermen are shouting. Leslie Smith is a submission master and she can finish the fight if you mess with her on the ground.
Leslie Smith doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on her feet
She can't do it because of Kankaanpää's moves.
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Smith struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Leslie Smith looks to posture up and open Katja Kankaanpää's guard...
Katja Kankaanpää has a solid guard and keeps her ankles locked.
The clock says 2:05 in the 3 round
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Leslie Smith looks to posture up and open Katja Kankaanpää's guard...
Katja Kankaanpää has a solid guard and keeps her ankles locked.
Dan Miragliotta stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Smith pushes Katja Kankaanpää and moves away from her. She seems to be recovering her breath.
Smith steps backwards away from Katja Kankaanpää. She seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Katja Kankaanpää attempts a sweep single...
Katja Kankaanpää catches Leslie Smith's far ankle and trips her to the mat! Slick takedown by Kankaanpää.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Smith tries to roll on the ground!
Katja Kankaanpää uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Smith tries to roll on the ground!
Katja Kankaanpää uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Leslie Smith gets sloppy and Katja Kankaanpää tries to take advantage...
Kankaanpää tries to improve her position on the ground as she sits on her knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Katja Kankaanpää fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Smith measures the resilience of Kankaanpää's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Kankaanpää blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
The clock says 3:20 in the 3 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Leslie Smith attempts to move to full guard
Katja Kankaanpää keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Smith measures the resilience of Kankaanpää's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Kankaanpää blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Smith clumsily fails here and it's time for Katja Kankaanpää to fight back!
Katja Kankaanpää pushes Smith's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Kankaanpää who is in full mount! Smith is in trouble now!
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith tries to roll to her side and trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard...
Katja Kankaanpää keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Rupp Arena (Lexington, Kentucky) are cheering for the fighters.
Leslie Smith goes with a looping right hand while Katja Kankaanpää jumps back and jabs
Kankaanpää seems staggered and Leslie Smith runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
A bunch of leg kicks from Leslie Smith
are blocked by Kankaanpää.
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Nice punches from Katja Kankaanpää.
Smith staggers backwards. Kankaanpää wants to finish this and continues launching bombs!
Katja Kankaanpää paws at Smith.
Smith swings ineffectively.
The clock says 4:10 in the 3 round
Terrible one sided match... Smith was not ready to fight a fighter of Katja Kankaanpää caliber.
Smith steps backwards away from Katja Kankaanpää. She seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Terrible one sided match... Smith was not ready to fight a fighter of Katja Kankaanpää caliber.
Smith steps backwards away from Katja Kankaanpää. She seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Kankaanpää looks for angles as she throws a few jabs that are countered by Leslie Smith's punches
Smith is on the receiving end of a great combo by Kankaanpää.
Smith tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Kankaanpää moves backwards and circles around Leslie Smith.
Smith clumsily fails here and it's time for Katja Kankaanpää to fight back!
Kankaanpää tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Kankaanpää is clinching with Smith.
Kankaanpää doesn't want to clinch as she ducks under Leslie Smith embrace and tries to move away...
Leslie Smith pushes Kankaanpää forward and doesn't allow her to break the clinch.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kankaanpää gets herself into good position and looks to change levels for the takedown...
Kankaanpää gets hold of a leg and trips Smith to the mat!
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Kankaanpää.
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Round 4
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Katja Kankaanpää launches a low kick
that almost wrenches Smith's knee!
Katja Kankaanpää was tooling Leslie Smith for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Leslie Smith lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Kankaanpää moves forward looking for some action
She surprises Smith with a double overhooks!
Crisp uppercut by Kankaanpää followed by a hard jab
Smith deflects the blows.
Katja Kankaanpää gets sloppy and Leslie Smith tries to take advantage...
Low kick by Leslie Smith to maintain her distance.
Bad move. That was far from landing.
Kankaanpää is holding Leslie Smith's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Leslie Smith loses balance and goes to the ground.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Katja Kankaanpää hooks Smith's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Punishing hold!
Leslie Smith manages to kick Kankaanpää away and scrambles on top!
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Smith tries to jump to side mount.
Katja Kankaanpää closed her guard around Leslie Smith.
Leslie Smith is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Smith tries to move to full mount!
Kankaanpää won't allow her to take this position easily.
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to trap Leslie Smith in her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 1:15 in the 4 round
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Smith's ribs.
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää throws her legs up in a triangle attempt!
Leslie Smith realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Katja Kankaanpää. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Rupp Arena (Lexington, Kentucky) are cheering for the fighters.
Solid shot from Leslie Smith to the body.
Kankaanpää didn't like that.
A left hook from Smith
falls short.
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Smith launches a kick
but Katja Kankaanpää avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook!
Smith has a small cut in her Left cheek
Katja Kankaanpää launches a body shot
Smith dodges and catches her with a hard cross.
Kankaanpää has a small cut in her Left cheek
Solid low kick from Katja Kankaanpää.
For sure, that had to hurt!
The clock says 2:15 in the 4 round
Smith grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Kankaanpää struggles... Leslie Smith is unable to take her down
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Katja Kankaanpää can end the fight with her ground and pound.
Kankaanpää decides to launch some tentative punches
Leslie Smith takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
The two exchange wildly
Kankaanpää is connecting with a few punches
Smith tries to grapple
Kankaanpää moves aside keeping the fight a strinking range
Smith is holding Katja Kankaanpää's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Katja Kankaanpää shows great balance while pushing away Leslie Smith
Kankaanpää tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Tremendous strikes from Kankaanpää!
Some big punches are landing!
Kankaanpää steps backwards and lowers her arms while breathing heavily... She seems tired.
Kankaanpää and Smith circle around the center of the cage.
Smith has some bruises after a few exchanges with her opponent.
Leslie Smith attempts a sweep single...
Katja Kankaanpää was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Kankaanpää studies her opponent looking for a hole in her defense.
Leslie Smith shoots for a double leg takedown!
Katja Kankaanpää sprawls and manages to stay on her feet.
Kankaanpää tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Katja Kankaanpää locks up a guillotine with an arm in...
Leslie Smith brings Katja Kankaanpää down to the ground and pulls her head out.
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Smith is in closed guard... Kankaanpää tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Leslie Smith!
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith tries to roll to her side and trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard...
Katja Kankaanpää keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith tries to roll on the ground...
Kankaanpää knows how to keep her advantage on the ground.
Leslie Smith gets sloppy and Katja Kankaanpää tries to take advantage...
Leslie Smith tries to roll to her side and trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard...
Katja Kankaanpää rolls her over and takes her back!
Kankaanpää is in rear mount over Smith
Smith has Kankaanpää controlling her back while on the ground. She tries to roll and find an escape...
Kankaanpää is unable to move under Smith control.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Smith measures the resilience of Kankaanpää's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Kankaanpää blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Smith misses a step and Katja Kankaanpää sees an opportunity to counter her!
Kankaanpää use some of her wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, she jumps to side mount! The crowd in Rupp Arena (Lexington, Kentucky) is cheering her!
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith attempts to trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää keeps control and remains in side mount.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith attempts to trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Katja Kankaanpää has to be confident that she won that round.
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Round 5
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Katja Kankaanpää is doing her best Floyd Mayweather impression by not engaging.
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Middle kick from Kankaanpää.
Smith receives a solid kick right below her ribs.
The clock says 0:30 in the 5 round
Lightning fast low kick from Kankaanpää!
Loud pop! I'm sure that hurts!
Terrible one sided match... Smith was not ready to fight a fighter of Katja Kankaanpää caliber.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Smith goes down.
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Terrible one sided match... Smith was not ready to fight a fighter of Katja Kankaanpää caliber.
Kankaanpää tries to improve position.
She frees a leg.
The clock says 1:00 in the 5 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Leslie Smith tries to turn away and scramble out. Katja Kankaanpää takes her back and locks up a rear naked choke!
She can't lock it up. Leslie Smith spins out and gets back to her feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Smith goes down.
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Katja Kankaanpää tries to finish with a leg lock!
Smith is able to break the lock.
Smith is trying to counter now!
Smith moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Katja Kankaanpää breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Katja Kankaanpää. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Kankaanpää is holding Leslie Smith's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Leslie Smith loses balance and goes to the ground.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Katja Kankaanpää goes for an americana!
Smith breaks free.
Katja Kankaanpää gets sloppy and Leslie Smith tries to take advantage...
Leslie Smith attempts to trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää keeps control and remains in side mount.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Kankaanpää is taking this opportunity to rest.
The clock says 1:55 in the 5 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Katja Kankaanpää looks to mount Leslie Smith...
Katja Kankaanpää slides her knee across and gets to mount.
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Kankaanpää suddenly holds Leslie Smith's arm and tries an armbar!
Smith can break the lock and now she is in a closed guard over Katja Kankaanpää!
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää slides her legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Leslie Smith cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Kankaanpää misses a step and Leslie Smith sees an opportunity to counter her!
Leslie Smith looks to posture up and open Katja Kankaanpää's guard...
Katja Kankaanpää has a solid guard and keeps her ankles locked.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Katja Kankaanpää and Smith engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Katja Kankaanpää is getting the best of the exchange as she lands a few blows.
Kankaanpää launches a furious low kick!
Smith receives a hard blow on her right leg!
Smith hyper-extended her leg
Kankaanpää is gassing out... Too bad. Her performance may be going down from here.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Smith is unable to remain on her feet and falls to the ground
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Kankaanpää moves on the ground
Katja Kankaanpää moves to side mount
The clock says 3:05 in the 5 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith tries to turn in and scramble out. Katja Kankaanpää timed her perfectly and locks up a guillotine!
Leslie Smith slips her head out and manages to gain top control.
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Smith moves on the ground...
She remains in open guard.
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Kankaanpää tries to close her guard around Smith
She succeeds!
The clock says 3:25 in the 5 round
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Smith is in closed guard... Kankaanpää tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Leslie Smith!
The clock says 3:35 in the 5 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Katja Kankaanpää sits high on Leslie Smith's chest and pulls her leg underneath Smith's head. There's the triangle attempt!
That Triangle from Mount from Katja Kankaanpää appears to be unbreakable
That Triangle from Mount from Katja Kankaanpää appears to be unbreakable
Crippling lock!
Smith's Forehead is beginning to swell
Kankaanpää is locking that Triangle from Mount...
That Triangle from Mount from Katja Kankaanpää appears to be unbreakable
Smith's Forehead is beginning to swell
Crippling lock!
Smith struggles to free herself
Leslie Smith tries to roll out, but Katja Kankaanpää is way ahead of her and already has the triangle locked in. It's tight and Leslie Smith taps out!
Winner is Katja Kankaanpää by Submission (Triangle from Mount) at 3:43 Round 5
Statistics: Katja Kankaanpää
Punches 25/39 (64%)
Kicks 8/8 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 13/13 (100%)
GnP strikes 3/4 (75%)
Submissions 19/19 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 816 s
Statistics: Leslie Smith
Punches 12/33 (36%)
Kicks 0/5 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)
Takedowns 0/4 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/20 (0%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 816 s
As much as this will inevitably turn into a “New fighters are too good” criticizathon, this was a very simple fight with a very simple solution for Smith. Katja took Smith down AT WILL. Smith needs takedown defence. When standing, Smith dominated Katja, but they were rarely standing because Katja just kept getting takedown after takedown. And thus, dominating via takedown. Simple fix to that, and Smith would have destroyed this fight. Classic grappler vs. Striker fight, with striker not having adequate defence for a wrestler in this case. Smith could use a smidge of stamina, but it was not a factor in this fight as both fighters were pretty exhausted.
Ferocious staredown by Smith while Dan Miragliotta recites the rules.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Dan Miragliotta.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
Kankaanpää moves backwards and Leslie Smith is asking her if she came today for fighting or running.
Smith and Kankaanpää circle around the center of the cage.
Leslie Smith fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Katja Kankaanpää attempts a sweep single...
Katja Kankaanpää catches Leslie Smith's far ankle and trips her to the mat! Slick takedown by Kankaanpää.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Smith tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää!
The clock says 1:15 in the 1 round
Leslie Smith is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Smith throws a few hammer fists to the face of Katja Kankaanpää
Blocked by Kankaanpää.
Smith misses a step and Katja Kankaanpää sees an opportunity to counter her!
Kankaanpää tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
She successfully moves to half guard!
Leslie Smith is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Leslie Smith tries to pass Katja Kankaanpää's guard...
Leslie Smith manages to get her leg free and moves to side mount.
Leslie Smith is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Leslie Smith looks to mount Katja Kankaanpää...
Leslie Smith slides her knee across and gets to mount.
Leslie Smith is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Leslie Smith in her guard...
Leslie Smith rolls her over and takes her back!
Smith is in rear mount over Kankaanpää
Smith tries to get a hook in!
Kankaanpää rolls on the ground and manages to get a half guard!
Leslie Smith is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää breaths deeply while on the ground
Leslie Smith is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to move to full guard
Katja Kankaanpää manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:20 in the 1 round
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää tries to close her guard around Smith
She succeeds!
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Smith blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Kankaanpää's guard.
Smith tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Smith use some of her wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, she jumps to side mount! The crowd in Rupp Arena (Lexington, Kentucky) is cheering her!
Leslie Smith is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to trap Leslie Smith in her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää manages to switch to full guard.
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Smith is in closed guard... Kankaanpää tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Leslie Smith!
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Katja Kankaanpää takes a deep breath as she passes her arm over Leslie Smith shoulder and pushes her arm againts the mat!
Leslie Smith breaks that americana attempt!
Dan Miragliotta stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Rupp Arena (Lexington, Kentucky) are cheering for the fighters.
Katja Kankaanpää takes a few seconds to recover her breath...
Not a desiderable position that Kankaanpää is in now. Leslie Smith is well knowed for her strong and relentless GnP.
Leslie Smith goes with a looping right hand while Katja Kankaanpää jumps back and jabs
Smith seems staggered and Katja Kankaanpää runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
The clock says 3:30 in the 1 round
Smith looks for angles as she throws a few jabs that are countered by Katja Kankaanpää's punches
Smith measures the resilience of Kankaanpää's chin with an uppercut while Kankaanpää lands some great crosses.
Kankaanpää launches a furious low kick!
Smith receives a hard blow on her left leg!
Kankaanpää decides to launch some tentative punches
Nothing from this exchange. Kankaanpää moves back and takes a deep breath.
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Kankaanpää grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Smith measures the resilience of Kankaanpää's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Kankaanpää blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Kankaanpää moves on the ground..
She gets half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Leslie Smith attempts to move to full guard
Katja Kankaanpää keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 4:45 in the 1 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Kankaanpää tries to get a side mount...
She frees her leg and is now controlling Smith from the side mount!
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Katja Kankaanpää isolates Leslie Smith's right arm looking for an armbar...
Leslie Smith manages to sit up and pull her arm out of danger! Katja Kankaanpää lost her dominant position.
Poorly executed technique. Leslie Smith looks to counter!
Smith launches a few weak punches
Kankaanpää blocks them effectively.
Dan Miragliotta separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
The round is for Kankaanpää, who walks calmly to her corner.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Katja Kankaanpää attempts a sweep single...
Katja Kankaanpää catches Leslie Smith's far ankle and trips her to the mat! Slick takedown by Kankaanpää.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Katja Kankaanpää looks to posture up and open Leslie Smith's guard...
Katja Kankaanpää forces Leslie Smith to open her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith... she fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Smith rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of her own she escapes.
Smith is trying to counter now!
Smith reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Kankaanpää blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Dan Miragliotta stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Smith goes to the body...
her punches graze Kankaanpää's arm.
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Solid low kick from Katja Kankaanpää.
For sure, that had to hurt!
The clock says 0:50 in the 2 round
Nice low kick from Smith
but Katja Kankaanpää stops it.
Kankaanpää is holding Leslie Smith's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Leslie Smith loses balance and goes to the ground.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Smith tries to show some ground skills
Kankaanpää uses her strength to keep Kankaanpää at a disadvantage
Smith clumsily fails here and it's time for Katja Kankaanpää to fight back!
Kankaanpää tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. She is in full mount now.
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith tries to roll to her side and trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard...
Leslie Smith gets her hip out and moves to full guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Katja Kankaanpää tries to pass to half guard...
Leslie Smith can't prevent her opponent from passing. Kankaanpää looks to work from half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
BJJ! That is what must be passing through Kankaanpää's mind right now. Nobody wants to stay long in that position with a submission artist like Smith
Leslie Smith tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Leslie Smith attempts to move to full guard
Katja Kankaanpää keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Katja Kankaanpää goes for an americana!
Smith breaks free.
Smith tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Smith switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Kankaanpää struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Katja Kankaanpää pushes Smith's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Kankaanpää who is in full mount! Smith is in trouble now!
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Kankaanpää goes for an armbar!
Leslie Smith breaks the lock and pushes away Katja Kankaanpää, who rolls over her back and gets to standing position.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Katja Kankaanpää. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 2:35 in the 2 round
Quick hook by Katja Kankaanpää
Good shot! Smith has reasons to be worried.
The clock says 2:45 in the 2 round
Some counter punches against Katja Kankaanpää
almost hit her as she moves away.
Kankaanpää tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Smith goes down.
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Smith tries to close her guard around Kankaanpää
She succeeds!
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Katja Kankaanpää tries to pass Leslie Smith's guard...
Katja Kankaanpää manages to get her leg free and moves to half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Katja Kankaanpää isolates Leslie Smith's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Leslie Smith is able to relieve the pressure on her neck and slip out of the hold.
The clock says 3:25 in the 2 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Leslie Smith attempts to move to full guard
Leslie Smith manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 3:35 in the 2 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Smith measures the resilience of Kankaanpää's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Kankaanpää blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Kankaanpää tries to escape from the closed guard
Kankaanpää succeeds and she's now in open guard... she takes a second to breathe
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Smith measures the resilience of Kankaanpää's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Kankaanpää blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Kankaanpää is trying to counter now!
Kankaanpää moves on the ground
Katja Kankaanpää moves to side mount
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Smith tries to show some ground skills
Leslie Smith put Kankaanpää in half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Leslie Smith tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Leslie Smith tries to close the guard.
Smith put Katja Kankaanpää in closed guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Smith tries to roll on the ground!
Katja Kankaanpää uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Kankaanpää is trying to counter now!
Katja Kankaanpää looks to posture up and open Leslie Smith's guard...
Katja Kankaanpää forces Leslie Smith to open her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Smith tries to close her guard around Kankaanpää
She is not able to do it
Dan Miragliotta stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Rupp Arena (Lexington, Kentucky) are cheering for the fighters.
Kankaanpää moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Hard blow to Smith's thigh!
Dan Miragliotta separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
Kankaanpää is the winner of this round.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Kankaanpää is holding Leslie Smith's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Leslie Smith loses balance and goes to the ground.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Katja Kankaanpää hooks Smith's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Kankaanpää is locking that Kneebar...
Smith struggles to free herself
Leslie Smith manages to kick Kankaanpää away and scrambles on top!
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Leslie Smith tries to pass to half guard...
Katja Kankaanpää's guard is too good and she fails to pass.
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Leslie Smith work her BJJ game.
Smith tries to stand up!
Kankaanpää doesn't allow her!
The clock says 0:50 in the 3 round
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Smith tries to stand up!
Kankaanpää doesn't allow her!
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Leslie Smith is a submission wizard. She has forgotten more BJJ than most fighters have learned.
Leslie Smith doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on her feet
She can't do it because of Kankaanpää's moves.
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Smith is moving on the ground...
Kankaanpää tries to counter Smith's moves on the ground.
Leslie Smith gets sloppy and Katja Kankaanpää tries to take advantage...
Kankaanpää tries to close her guard around Smith
She succeeds!
The clock says 1:20 in the 3 round
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää is a savvy submission specialist. It's an honor just to watch her work on the ground.
Deep breaths from Katja Kankaanpää who tries a hammer punch to Smith's ribs.
That hit Smith who moves on the ground in order to protect herself
The clock says 1:30 in the 3 round
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Leslie Smith fakes some punches
Kankaanpää ties her up.
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Stand up! This is what Kankaanpää's cornermen are shouting. Leslie Smith is a submission master and she can finish the fight if you mess with her on the ground.
Leslie Smith doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on her feet
She can't do it because of Kankaanpää's moves.
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Smith struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Leslie Smith looks to posture up and open Katja Kankaanpää's guard...
Katja Kankaanpää has a solid guard and keeps her ankles locked.
The clock says 2:05 in the 3 round
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Leslie Smith looks to posture up and open Katja Kankaanpää's guard...
Katja Kankaanpää has a solid guard and keeps her ankles locked.
Dan Miragliotta stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Smith pushes Katja Kankaanpää and moves away from her. She seems to be recovering her breath.
Smith steps backwards away from Katja Kankaanpää. She seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Katja Kankaanpää attempts a sweep single...
Katja Kankaanpää catches Leslie Smith's far ankle and trips her to the mat! Slick takedown by Kankaanpää.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Smith tries to roll on the ground!
Katja Kankaanpää uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Smith tries to roll on the ground!
Katja Kankaanpää uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Leslie Smith gets sloppy and Katja Kankaanpää tries to take advantage...
Kankaanpää tries to improve her position on the ground as she sits on her knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Katja Kankaanpää fakes a few punches and then slips one leg to get the half mount.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Smith measures the resilience of Kankaanpää's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Kankaanpää blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
The clock says 3:20 in the 3 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Leslie Smith attempts to move to full guard
Katja Kankaanpää keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Smith measures the resilience of Kankaanpää's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Kankaanpää blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Smith clumsily fails here and it's time for Katja Kankaanpää to fight back!
Katja Kankaanpää pushes Smith's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Kankaanpää who is in full mount! Smith is in trouble now!
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith tries to roll to her side and trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard...
Katja Kankaanpää keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Rupp Arena (Lexington, Kentucky) are cheering for the fighters.
Leslie Smith goes with a looping right hand while Katja Kankaanpää jumps back and jabs
Kankaanpää seems staggered and Leslie Smith runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
A bunch of leg kicks from Leslie Smith
are blocked by Kankaanpää.
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Nice punches from Katja Kankaanpää.
Smith staggers backwards. Kankaanpää wants to finish this and continues launching bombs!
Katja Kankaanpää paws at Smith.
Smith swings ineffectively.
The clock says 4:10 in the 3 round
Terrible one sided match... Smith was not ready to fight a fighter of Katja Kankaanpää caliber.
Smith steps backwards away from Katja Kankaanpää. She seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Terrible one sided match... Smith was not ready to fight a fighter of Katja Kankaanpää caliber.
Smith steps backwards away from Katja Kankaanpää. She seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Kankaanpää looks for angles as she throws a few jabs that are countered by Leslie Smith's punches
Smith is on the receiving end of a great combo by Kankaanpää.
Smith tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Kankaanpää moves backwards and circles around Leslie Smith.
Smith clumsily fails here and it's time for Katja Kankaanpää to fight back!
Kankaanpää tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Kankaanpää is clinching with Smith.
Kankaanpää doesn't want to clinch as she ducks under Leslie Smith embrace and tries to move away...
Leslie Smith pushes Kankaanpää forward and doesn't allow her to break the clinch.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kankaanpää gets herself into good position and looks to change levels for the takedown...
Kankaanpää gets hold of a leg and trips Smith to the mat!
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for Kankaanpää.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Katja Kankaanpää launches a low kick
that almost wrenches Smith's knee!
Katja Kankaanpää was tooling Leslie Smith for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Leslie Smith lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Kankaanpää moves forward looking for some action
She surprises Smith with a double overhooks!
Crisp uppercut by Kankaanpää followed by a hard jab
Smith deflects the blows.
Katja Kankaanpää gets sloppy and Leslie Smith tries to take advantage...
Low kick by Leslie Smith to maintain her distance.
Bad move. That was far from landing.
Kankaanpää is holding Leslie Smith's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Leslie Smith loses balance and goes to the ground.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Katja Kankaanpää hooks Smith's right leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Punishing hold!
Leslie Smith manages to kick Kankaanpää away and scrambles on top!
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Smith tries to jump to side mount.
Katja Kankaanpää closed her guard around Leslie Smith.
Leslie Smith is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Smith tries to move to full mount!
Kankaanpää won't allow her to take this position easily.
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to trap Leslie Smith in her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 1:15 in the 4 round
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Smith's ribs.
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää throws her legs up in a triangle attempt!
Leslie Smith realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Katja Kankaanpää. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Rupp Arena (Lexington, Kentucky) are cheering for the fighters.
Solid shot from Leslie Smith to the body.
Kankaanpää didn't like that.
A left hook from Smith
falls short.
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Smith launches a kick
but Katja Kankaanpää avoids it and lands flush with a counter hook!
Smith has a small cut in her Left cheek
Katja Kankaanpää launches a body shot
Smith dodges and catches her with a hard cross.
Kankaanpää has a small cut in her Left cheek
Solid low kick from Katja Kankaanpää.
For sure, that had to hurt!
The clock says 2:15 in the 4 round
Smith grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Kankaanpää struggles... Leslie Smith is unable to take her down
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Katja Kankaanpää can end the fight with her ground and pound.
Kankaanpää decides to launch some tentative punches
Leslie Smith takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
The two exchange wildly
Kankaanpää is connecting with a few punches
Smith tries to grapple
Kankaanpää moves aside keeping the fight a strinking range
Smith is holding Katja Kankaanpää's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Katja Kankaanpää shows great balance while pushing away Leslie Smith
Kankaanpää tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Tremendous strikes from Kankaanpää!
Some big punches are landing!
Kankaanpää steps backwards and lowers her arms while breathing heavily... She seems tired.
Kankaanpää and Smith circle around the center of the cage.
Smith has some bruises after a few exchanges with her opponent.
Leslie Smith attempts a sweep single...
Katja Kankaanpää was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
Kankaanpää studies her opponent looking for a hole in her defense.
Leslie Smith shoots for a double leg takedown!
Katja Kankaanpää sprawls and manages to stay on her feet.
Kankaanpää tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Katja Kankaanpää locks up a guillotine with an arm in...
Leslie Smith brings Katja Kankaanpää down to the ground and pulls her head out.
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Smith is in closed guard... Kankaanpää tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Leslie Smith!
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith tries to roll to her side and trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard...
Katja Kankaanpää keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith tries to roll on the ground...
Kankaanpää knows how to keep her advantage on the ground.
Leslie Smith gets sloppy and Katja Kankaanpää tries to take advantage...
Leslie Smith tries to roll to her side and trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard...
Katja Kankaanpää rolls her over and takes her back!
Kankaanpää is in rear mount over Smith
Smith has Kankaanpää controlling her back while on the ground. She tries to roll and find an escape...
Kankaanpää is unable to move under Smith control.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Smith
Smith measures the resilience of Kankaanpää's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Kankaanpää blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Smith misses a step and Katja Kankaanpää sees an opportunity to counter her!
Kankaanpää use some of her wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, she jumps to side mount! The crowd in Rupp Arena (Lexington, Kentucky) is cheering her!
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith attempts to trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää keeps control and remains in side mount.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith attempts to trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
Katja Kankaanpää has to be confident that she won that round.
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Round 5
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Katja Kankaanpää is doing her best Floyd Mayweather impression by not engaging.
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Middle kick from Kankaanpää.
Smith receives a solid kick right below her ribs.
The clock says 0:30 in the 5 round
Lightning fast low kick from Kankaanpää!
Loud pop! I'm sure that hurts!
Terrible one sided match... Smith was not ready to fight a fighter of Katja Kankaanpää caliber.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Smith goes down.
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Terrible one sided match... Smith was not ready to fight a fighter of Katja Kankaanpää caliber.
Kankaanpää tries to improve position.
She frees a leg.
The clock says 1:00 in the 5 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Smith
Leslie Smith tries to turn away and scramble out. Katja Kankaanpää takes her back and locks up a rear naked choke!
She can't lock it up. Leslie Smith spins out and gets back to her feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Smith goes down.
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Katja Kankaanpää tries to finish with a leg lock!
Smith is able to break the lock.
Smith is trying to counter now!
Smith moves to high guard and tries to close an armbar!
Katja Kankaanpää breaks the lock, rolls on the ground and stands up quickly.
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Katja Kankaanpää. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Kankaanpää is holding Leslie Smith's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Leslie Smith loses balance and goes to the ground.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Katja Kankaanpää goes for an americana!
Smith breaks free.
Katja Kankaanpää gets sloppy and Leslie Smith tries to take advantage...
Leslie Smith attempts to trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää keeps control and remains in side mount.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Kankaanpää is taking this opportunity to rest.
The clock says 1:55 in the 5 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Katja Kankaanpää looks to mount Leslie Smith...
Katja Kankaanpää slides her knee across and gets to mount.
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Kankaanpää suddenly holds Leslie Smith's arm and tries an armbar!
Smith can break the lock and now she is in a closed guard over Katja Kankaanpää!
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää slides her legs high and tries to apply a triangle!
Leslie Smith cuts to the side and manages to pass to side mount!
Kankaanpää misses a step and Leslie Smith sees an opportunity to counter her!
Leslie Smith looks to posture up and open Katja Kankaanpää's guard...
Katja Kankaanpää has a solid guard and keeps her ankles locked.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Katja Kankaanpää and Smith engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Katja Kankaanpää is getting the best of the exchange as she lands a few blows.
Kankaanpää launches a furious low kick!
Smith receives a hard blow on her right leg!
Smith hyper-extended her leg
Kankaanpää is gassing out... Too bad. Her performance may be going down from here.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Smith is unable to remain on her feet and falls to the ground
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Smith
Kankaanpää moves on the ground
Katja Kankaanpää moves to side mount
The clock says 3:05 in the 5 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith tries to turn in and scramble out. Katja Kankaanpää timed her perfectly and locks up a guillotine!
Leslie Smith slips her head out and manages to gain top control.
Leslie Smith is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Smith moves on the ground...
She remains in open guard.
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Kankaanpää tries to close her guard around Smith
She succeeds!
The clock says 3:25 in the 5 round
Leslie Smith is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Smith is in closed guard... Kankaanpää tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Leslie Smith!
The clock says 3:35 in the 5 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Leslie Smith
Katja Kankaanpää sits high on Leslie Smith's chest and pulls her leg underneath Smith's head. There's the triangle attempt!
That Triangle from Mount from Katja Kankaanpää appears to be unbreakable
That Triangle from Mount from Katja Kankaanpää appears to be unbreakable
Crippling lock!
Smith's Forehead is beginning to swell
Kankaanpää is locking that Triangle from Mount...
That Triangle from Mount from Katja Kankaanpää appears to be unbreakable
Smith's Forehead is beginning to swell
Crippling lock!
Smith struggles to free herself
Leslie Smith tries to roll out, but Katja Kankaanpää is way ahead of her and already has the triangle locked in. It's tight and Leslie Smith taps out!
Winner is Katja Kankaanpää by Submission (Triangle from Mount) at 3:43 Round 5
Statistics: Katja Kankaanpää
Punches 25/39 (64%)
Kicks 8/8 (100%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 13/13 (100%)
GnP strikes 3/4 (75%)
Submissions 19/19 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 816 s
Statistics: Leslie Smith
Punches 12/33 (36%)
Kicks 0/5 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/1 (0%)
Takedowns 0/4 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/20 (0%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%)
Time on the ground 816 s
As much as this will inevitably turn into a “New fighters are too good” criticizathon, this was a very simple fight with a very simple solution for Smith. Katja took Smith down AT WILL. Smith needs takedown defence. When standing, Smith dominated Katja, but they were rarely standing because Katja just kept getting takedown after takedown. And thus, dominating via takedown. Simple fix to that, and Smith would have destroyed this fight. Classic grappler vs. Striker fight, with striker not having adequate defence for a wrestler in this case. Smith could use a smidge of stamina, but it was not a factor in this fight as both fighters were pretty exhausted.