PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Champ Johnson (ranked 1472 p4p, 1562 weight class) and Corey McGraugh (ranked 181 p4p, 193 weight class). Johnson comes into the arena with Can't Be Touched blaring out of the sound system. McGraugh has chosen CROM!!!!! as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Johnson
vs
McGraugh

180 cm
25
157
5 - 1 - 0

175 cm
24
160
8 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Voodoo Nutrition
HELLBENT

HELLBENT

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 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Champ Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Corey McGraugh!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, James Atkins and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Johnson throws out a loose jab but McGraugh uses good head movement to avoid it.
McGraugh drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Johnson defends it well.
Johnson lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Johnson swings for the body but McGraugh moves out of range.
Johnson misses with a body shot.
And McGraugh tries to counter it with a takedown but Johnson pushes his down on his head and steps out.

McGraugh bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

McGraugh working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
McGraugh tries to score with some ground and pound. Johnson controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McGraugh cracks Johnson with a big right hand but Johnson just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet but McGraugh drags him back down.
McGraugh has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
McGraugh throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
McGraugh wants to lay and pray for a moment but Johnson keeps working.
McGraugh in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Johnson's coaches at MONEY TEAM!!! have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.
McGraugh in side control, just content to control the action for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson is trying to get back to his feet.
McGraugh connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Johnson some visible discomfort.
McGraugh prevents Johnson from escaping the position.
McGraugh lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Johnson down.

McGraugh working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Johnson on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Johnson is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

McGraugh tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Johnson takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
McGraugh throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is trying to buck McGraugh off.
McGraugh throwing shots but missing, from side control.
McGraugh misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
McGraugh tries to advance to mount but Johnson denies him.
McGraugh lands a nice forearm strike.
Johnson is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Johnson bucks up and tries to throw McGraugh off but instead McGraugh has got his back!
Johnson is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
McGraugh somehow managing to miss with a strike from the back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Johnson is trying to stand back up.
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!
McGraugh just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Johnson manages to stand up with McGraugh still on his back. Eventually McGraugh drops to his feet and we're back in the standing position.
An inside leg kick lands from Johnson.
Johnson misses with a body shot.
McGraugh changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
McGraugh lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Johnson with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Johnson throws a half hearted mid kick.
McGraugh fails with the takedown
and Johnson counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Johnson looks to land a right hand but McGraugh moved out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is looking to score with low kicks.
McGraugh throws a hook but Johnson avoids it easily.
Johnson swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
McGraugh lands a right hook to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
McGraugh ducks right into an uppercut from Johnson.
Johnson throws a right hand that misses

so McGraugh counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Johnson working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from McGraugh.
Johnson wants to stand up but McGraugh is controlling him.
McGraugh wants to pass the guard but Johnson is keeping the position.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet but McGraugh is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
McGraugh trying to control the position from guard on top but Johnson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Johnson keeping full guard, as McGraugh tries to pass.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Corey McGraugh dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Johnson lands with an uppercut that bounces McGraugh off the cage and back into range.
McGraugh throws a combination. Johnson tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
McGraugh fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Johnson avoids it really well and circles away.
McGraugh jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but McGraugh is out of range.
McGraugh changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
The fighters circling - Johnson throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
McGraugh is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGraugh ducks under a wild hook from Johnson.
McGraugh is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
McGraugh scores with a decent looking hook.

McGraugh drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

Johnson bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!

Johnson tries to sprawl but McGraugh drives through with a takedown into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McGraugh sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Johnson defending well though.
McGraugh stops Johnson from getting back to his feet.
Johnson has hold of McGraugh's hands but McGraugh slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
McGraugh is nestled in close to Johnson, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Ground and pound from McGraugh.
Johnson pushes McGraugh off looking to stand but McGraugh dives back in and keeps control.
Johnson trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
McGraugh working Johnson over with strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McGraugh wants to lay and pray for a moment but Johnson keeps working.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw McGraugh working his ground and pound in the gym.
Johnson is trying to escape back to his feet but McGraugh uses the scramble to pass into side control.
Johnson takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
McGraugh creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
McGraugh prevents Johnson from escaping the position.
McGraugh working the ground and pound but Johnson is defending the strikes.
McGraugh landing strikes.
McGraugh has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
McGraugh working the ground and pound.
McGraugh is looking to take a break and control but Johnson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
McGraugh scoring with punches and elbows.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, McGraugh asserts his dominance and retains side control.
McGraugh scores with a couple of short elbows.
Johnson tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.
McGraugh is landing with some decent strikes but Johnson is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
McGraugh in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.

Johnson bucks up and throws McGraugh to the side - he's got back to his feet. Great escape!
Johnson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A telegraphed right hand from Johnson misses the target.

McGraugh drives through with a takedown into guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johnson wants to stand but McGraugh is controlling the position.

Johnson uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Johnson lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Johnson jabbing away but nothing is landing.
McGraugh throws an off balance right hand
and Johnson counters with a leg kick.
Champ Johnson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
McGraugh on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
McGraugh slips under a jab.
Champ Johnson is winning the standup battle so far.
A good leg kick by Johnson.
McGraugh ducks under a wild hook from Johnson.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Corey McGraugh showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Johnson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Johnson motions for McGraugh to come forward. Johnson throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
McGraugh is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Johnson throws a body punch but McGraugh moves out of range.
McGraugh blocks a jab.
McGraugh feints the counter takedown.
McGraugh swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Champ Johnson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McGraugh wants to clinch up but Johnson keeps it at a distance.
Johnson waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract McGraugh.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McGraugh steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Johnson.
Johnson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from McGraugh.
Johnson throws a leg kick but McGraugh moved away.
And McGraugh tries to counter it with a takedown but Johnson pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Johnson throws a combination but it was largely blocked by McGraugh.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGraugh takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Johnson thows a leg kick but McGraugh checks it

so McGraugh counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Johnson wants to stand up but McGraugh is controlling him.
McGraugh trying to control but Johnson is working from the bottom.
McGraugh stops Johnson from standing up.
Johnson keeping moving, preventing McGraugh from controlling successfully.
McGraugh passes Johnson's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Ground and pound from McGraugh.
Johnson is trying to stand up here but McGraugh is controlling him well.
Johnson is not content to let McGraugh control the position.
Johnson tries to kick McGraugh off but McGraugh keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McGraugh missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
McGraugh lands with a punch from half guard.
Johnson avoiding damage under a succession of punches from McGraugh.
Corey McGraugh has got the better of the ground game so far.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.
McGraugh missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
McGraugh is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Johnson looks like he's trying to stand up.
McGraugh wants to lay and pray for a moment but Johnson keeps working.
McGraugh seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
McGraugh throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Johnson is trying to stand back up but McGraugh is controlling him
McGraugh wants to control but Johnson is keeping him busy.
McGraugh winds up and cracks Johnson with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
McGraugh is looking to advance position but Johnson won't allow it.
Johnson is trying to stand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGraugh is trying to control the action in half guard but Johnson is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
McGraugh winds up and cracks Johnson with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
McGraugh lands with a punch from half guard.
McGraugh stops Johnson from getting back to his feet.
McGraugh missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
McGraugh content to control rather than advance.
Corey McGraugh is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
McGraugh is looking to advance position but Johnson won't allow it.
McGraugh wants to take a breather but Johnson is having none of it.
McGraugh content to control rather than advance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGraugh wants to lay and pray for a moment but Johnson keeps working.
McGraugh performing his best blanket impression for a moment.

McGraugh is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Johnson avoiding damage under a succession of punches from McGraugh.
Johnson is looking to escape.
McGraugh is trying to control the action in half guard but Johnson is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
McGraugh is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.
Champ Johnson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
McGraugh scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Johnson missing with punches from the bottom.
McGraugh prevents Johnson from standing back up.

And that's the end of the fight!
Corey McGraugh comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got McGraugh winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 27:30
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 27:30
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Corey McGraugh!
Corey McGraugh was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.
Champ Johnson was interviewed post fight and said 'Wasn't my night tonight, hats off to my opponent. I'm going to recover and get back in the gym as soon as possible. In this game all you can do it win or learn, and it's my time to learn tonight. Thanks to all the fans that came out to support me. I'll be back stronger next time.'.