PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Robert Johnson (ranked 5833 p4p, 5829 weight class) and John Vermicelli (ranked 576 p4p, 575 weight class). Vermicelli has chosen Gonna Fly Now as his entrance music. John Vermicelli has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Robert Johnson 's chin.

Johnson
vs
Vermicelli

180 cm
25
175
2 - 3 - 0

186 cm
18
170
1 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Intelligent

BJJ White Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

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 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Robert Johnson !
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, John Vermicelli !
The judges for this bout are Sandra Marshall, Peter Branson and Dirk Anderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vermicelli scores with a kick to the midsection.
Vermicelli cracks Johnson with an open hand slap.
A thudding body kick lands there by Vermicelli !
Johnson ducks right into an uppercut from Vermicelli .
Vermicelli turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Johnson is defended easily by Vermicelli .
Vermicelli jabs Johnson to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Vermicelli misses with a double jab.
Vermicelli cracks Johnson with an open hand slap.

Johnson gets a clinch.
Vermicelli tries to work over Johnson 's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Johnson wants the takedown. Vermicelli is fighting it off but Johnson persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Vermicelli 's guard against the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johnson is stalling in the full guard.
Johnson tries to free his leg and advance position but Vermicelli is retaining full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson passes into half guard.

Johnson is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Vermicelli defends it well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Johnson frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Johnson wants to take his opponent's back but Vermicelli doesn't allow it.
Johnson controlling the pace for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Johnson is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Vermicelli can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.

Johnson goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Vermicelli is on top in guard.

Johnson working for submissions but it's allowed Vermicelli to get to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Vermicelli 's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Vermicelli 's back!
Johnson controls the position.

Johnson looking for the RNC.

Johnson is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

Johnson working for the choke.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Johnson is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Johnson is working the back position looking for the choke. Oh, he's slid into an armbar! Beautiful transition and Vermicelli taps out! Fantastic Jiu Jitsu from Johnson .

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Robert Johnson !
John Vermicelli was interviewed post fight and said 'I Think I Need To Stop Watching Rocky '.