PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Sultanbek Akhtankhanov (ranked 181 p4p, 3128 weight class) and Champ Johnson (ranked 27 p4p, 358 weight class). Johnson has chosen Can't Be Touched as his entrance music. Sultanbek Akhtankhanov is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Akhtankhanov
vs
Johnson

176 cm
30
155
18 - 8 - 0

180 cm
31
161
8 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

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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 18 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Sultanbek Akhtankhanov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Champ Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Ren Mimura and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Akhtankhanov throws the left hand but Johnson avoids the punch easily.
Johnson looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Johnson dodges the punch combination from Akhtankhanov.
Johnson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Akhtankhanov was well out of range. Poor timing from Johnson.
A looping hook to the body misses from Johnson. Akhtankhanov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Akhtankhanov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Jab, jab by Johnson - just one landing.
Johnson uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Akhtankhanov has time to react.
Akhtankhanov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Akhtankhanov lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Akhtankhanov slips under a jab.
Akhtankhanov connects with a solid leg kick.
Johnson jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Nice cross by Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov defending well as Johnson loads up on a big left hand.
Jab, jab by Akhtankhanov - just one landing.
Johnson throws a chopping leg kick but Akhtankhanov manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Johnson lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Champ Johnson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Johnson takes a swing at Akhtankhanov's ribcage but misses.
Akhtankhanov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Johnson jabs Akhtankhanov to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Johnson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Akhtankhanov was well out of range. Poor timing from Johnson.
Akhtankhanov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Johnson connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Akhtankhanov's hands.
Akhtankhanov looks to land a right hand but Johnson moved out of range.
Akhtankhanov checks a leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Akhtankhanov checks it well.
Akhtankhanov lands the left hand.
Johnson slips a straight right by Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov misses with a body shot.
Johnson takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Good exchange - Akhtankhanov coming out on top.
Johnson blocks a jab.
Akhtankhanov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Johnson moves out of range of the strikes.
Johnson takes one on the button.
Johnson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Johnson throws out the jab.
Akhtankhanov swings for the body but Johnson moves out of range.
Akhtankhanov throws a combination. Johnson tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Johnson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Johnson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Johnson shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Akhtankhanov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Johnson.
Akhtankhanov looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Akhtankhanov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Johnson moves away.
Johnson tries to counter by closing the distance.
Akhtankhanov just misses with a punch to the body.
Akhtankhanov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Johnson.
Johnson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Akhtankhanov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson motions for Akhtankhanov to come forward. Johnson throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Johnson motions for Akhtankhanov to come forward. Johnson throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Akhtankhanov checks a low kick from Johnson.
Johnson jabs at Akhtankhanov's body.
Johnson looks to score with a jab to the body but Akhtankhanov is just out of range.
Akhtankhanov misses with an uppercut. Johnson saw that one coming.
Johnson misses with a low kick.
Johnson moves away from the strike by Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Nice defenses there by Johnson.
Johnson scores with a decent looking hook.
Akhtankhanov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Akhtankhanov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Johnson.
Akhtankhanov feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Johnson throws a solid leg kick but Akhtankhanov takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Johnson.
Akhtankhanov throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Johnson let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
The fighters circle momentarily. Akhtankhanov darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Johnson fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Akhtankhanov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Akhtankhanov throws a jab when Johnson was well out of range.
Akhtankhanov scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Akhtankhanov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Johnson. Johnson obviously looking to wear him down.
Johnson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Akhtankhanov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Akhtankhanov looks to land a left hand but Johnson moved out of range nicely.
Johnson throws a nice outside leg kick.
Johnson loads up on a big right hand but Akhtankhanov slips the punch.
Johnson throws a body punch but Akhtankhanov moves out of range.
Johnson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Akhtankhanov moves away.
Johnson looks to land a left hand but Akhtankhanov moved out of range nicely.
Akhtankhanov misses with the combination.
Johnson loads up on a big right hand but Akhtankhanov slips the punch.
Akhtankhanov throws a hook to the side of Johnson's head but Johnson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Akhtankhanov throws a leg kick but Johnson checks it.
Akhtankhanov lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Johnson at a distance.

Johnson closes the distance and clinches.
Akhtankhanov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Akhtankhanov lands with a light punch inside.
Akhtankhanov lands with a short shot to the head.
A nice right hand lands inside from Johnson.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Johnson has had enough of the clinch but Akhtankhanov keeps him there for the moment.
Akhtankhanov is trying to maintain a safe position but Johnson gets an underhook and turns Akhtankhanov into the cage.
Akhtankhanov swings wildly with an uppercut but Johnson uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Akhtankhanov swings wildly with an uppercut but Johnson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Akhtankhanov working aggressively here.
A head punch on the inside from Johnson fails to land.
Akhtankhanov gets through Johnson's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Akhtankhanov throws a punch but it's blocked by Johnson.
Johnson throws a head punch that misses.
Akhtankhanov lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Johnson lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Akhtankhanov is trying to stall.
Akhtankhanov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Johnson misses with a short punch on the inside.
Akhtankhanov misses with some punches.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Johnson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Johnson working aggressively here.
Akhtankhanov has a couple of punches blocked by Johnson.
Johnson prevents a body shot from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov throws an elbow but it's blocked.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Sultanbek Akhtankhanov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Akhtankhanov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Johnson stuns Akhtankhanov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Johnson slips under a jab.
Akhtankhanov scores with a nice head shot.
Johnson lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Johnson cracks Akhtankhanov with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Akhtankhanov loads up on a big right hand but Johnson slips the punch.
Johnson does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Johnson missing with a left hand there. Akhtankhanov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Johnson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Akhtankhanov manages to avoid it.
Johnson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Akhtankhanov.
Johnson moves away from the strike by Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Johnson checks it well.
Johnson scores with a jab to the body.
Johnson misses with a looping left.
Akhtankhanov takes a swing at Johnson's ribcage but misses.
Johnson throws a body punch but Akhtankhanov moves out of range.
An inside leg kick from Johnson misses.
Akhtankhanov takes a shot right to the bread basket.
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!
A looping hook to the body misses from Akhtankhanov. Johnson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Akhtankhanov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Sultanbek Akhtankhanov is winning the standup battle so far.
A looping hook to the body misses from Akhtankhanov. Johnson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Johnson feints a counter leg kick.
Akhtankhanov misses with a hook. Johnson ducked under it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Akhtankhanov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Akhtankhanov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Johnson.
Akhtankhanov throws a low kick but Johnson moves out of range easily.
Johnson moves away from the strike by Akhtankhanov.
That kick from Johnson tenderised Akhtankhanov's leg. Akhtankhanov is trying to keep his angry face on.
Akhtankhanov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Johnson thows a left - swing and a miss!
Johnson throws a front kick aimed at Akhtankhanov's knee but Akhtankhanov avoids it well.
Akhtankhanov throws a nice outside leg kick.
Johnson looks to land a right hand but Akhtankhanov moved out of range.
Johnson walks into a straight right hand from Akhtankhanov.
Johnson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Akhtankhanov.
Johnson connects with a body shot.
Johnson ducks under a wild hook from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov throws a leg kick but Johnson checks it.
Johnson looks to land a right hand but Akhtankhanov moved out of range.
Johnson works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Johnson takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Johnson looks to land a right hand but Akhtankhanov moved out of range.
Akhtankhanov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Johnson throws a solid leg kick but Akhtankhanov takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Johnson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson lands with a nice body punch.
Johnson misses the shot to the body.
Akhtankhanov takes a jab right on the kisser.
Nice defenses there by Akhtankhanov.
A cross from Akhtankhanov lands.
Akhtankhanov connects with a solid leg kick.
Akhtankhanov lands with a hook. Johnson tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Akhtankhanov swats away the attempt to clinch by Johnson.
An attempted straight right counter from Akhtankhanov misses the target.
Johnson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Johnson takes a swing at Akhtankhanov's ribcage but misses.
Akhtankhanov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Johnson.
Johnson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Akhtankhanov was well out of range. Poor timing from Johnson.
Johnson gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Johnson takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Johnson misses the shot to the body.
A slapping leg kick lands for Johnson.
Akhtankhanov throws an overhand right that lands on Johnson's shoulder, as Johnson tries to avoid the shot.
Johnson walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Akhtankhanov checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good work by Akhtankhanov as he checks the leg kick.
Akhtankhanov uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Johnson has time to react.
Akhtankhanov throws a lazy right hand but Johnson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Johnson connects with a solid leg kick.
Akhtankhanov with a hook.
Johnson moves away from the strike by Akhtankhanov.
Johnson gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Akhtankhanov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Johnson throws a body shot but no joy.
Akhtankhanov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Johnson misses the shot to the body.
Johnson looks to score with a jab to the body but Akhtankhanov is just out of range.
Johnson takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Akhtankhanov moves away from the strike by Johnson.
Akhtankhanov lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Johnson has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Akhtankhanov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Johnson.
Johnson checks a low kick from Akhtankhanov.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Johnson misses with a wild body shot.
Johnson takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Johnson loads up on a big right hand but Akhtankhanov slips the punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Akhtankhanov manages to avoid it.
Akhtankhanov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Akhtankhanov scores with a decent looking hook.
Johnson misses the shot to the body.
Johnson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A countering left hand to the body from Johnson misses.
Akhtankhanov with a jab.
Akhtankhanov misses the jab.
Johnson takes a swing at Akhtankhanov's ribcage but misses.
Johnson is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Akhtankhanov rather than just go for the knockout.
Akhtankhanov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Johnson.
It looked like Akhtankhanov was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Johnson.
Akhtankhanov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
A nice leg kick lands there from Johnson.
Johnson swings for the body but Akhtankhanov moves out of range.
Akhtankhanov swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Akhtankhanov tries a low kick but Johnson avoids it.
Akhtankhanov connects with the punch.
Johnson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Johnson throws a leg kick but Akhtankhanov sees it coming and moves out of range.
Akhtankhanov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Johnson.
Johnson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Akhtankhanov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A chopping leg kick lands by Johnson.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Champ Johnson will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Akhtankhanov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Akhtankhanov throws a big shot that misses.
Akhtankhanov throws a hook but Johnson avoids it easily.
Johnson throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Akhtankhanov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Johnson has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Johnson misses with an uppercut. Akhtankhanov saw that one coming.
A looping hook to the body misses from Akhtankhanov. Johnson does a little dance to reset his feet.
A clash of legs there as Akhtankhanov blocks the low kick.
Akhtankhanov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Johnson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A slapping leg kick lands for Johnson.
Akhtankhanov ducks under a wild hook from Johnson.
Akhtankhanov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Johnson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Akhtankhanov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Akhtankhanov throws an overhand right that lands on Johnson's shoulder, as Johnson tries to avoid the shot.
Johnson fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Akhtankhanov has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson misses with a wild body shot.
Akhtankhanov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Johnson ducks under a wild hook from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov throws a shot from downtown. Johnson moves away and avoids it.
Johnson throws a series of punches but Akhtankhanov moves out of range.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Akhtankhanov checks a leg kick.
Akhtankhanov with a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice uppercut lands for Akhtankhanov. That snapped Johnson's head back.
Johnson misses with a body shot.
It looked like Akhtankhanov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Akhtankhanov cracks Johnson with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Johnson lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Johnson is looking to clinch.
Johnson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Akhtankhanov throws a leg kick but Johnson sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Johnson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Akhtankhanov.
Johnson swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Johnson's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Johnson looks to score with a jab to the body but Akhtankhanov is just out of range.
Johnson throws an overhand right that lands on Akhtankhanov's shoulder, as Akhtankhanov tries to avoid the shot.
Akhtankhanov loads up on a big right hand but Johnson slips the punch.
Johnson takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Akhtankhanov throws a hook but Johnson blocks it.
Akhtankhanov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A jab from Akhtankhanov finds it's way through Johnson's defenses.
Akhtankhanov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Johnson.
Johnson misses with a wild body shot.
Akhtankhanov just misses with a punch to the body.
Johnson digs a good hook to Akhtankhanov's body.
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!
A slow jab from Johnson misses its intended target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov tried to score with a low kick but Johnson checks it.
Akhtankhanov is looking to chop away at Johnson's legs.
Johnson throws a hook but Akhtankhanov avoids it easily.
Johnson attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Akhtankhanov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Johnson.
Johnson tries to close the distance and clinch but Akhtankhanov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Akhtankhanov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Akhtankhanov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Akhtankhanov lands a jab to the nose.
Johnson catches Akhtankhanov with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Johnson misses with an uppercut.
Johnson slips a straight right by Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov throws a solid leg kick but Johnson takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Akhtankhanov.
Johnson wants to counter with a clinch but Akhtankhanov pushes him away.
Johnson takes a swing at Akhtankhanov's ribcage but misses.
Akhtankhanov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Johnson manages to avoid it.
Akhtankhanov works the jab nicely.
Akhtankhanov looks to score with a jab to the body but Johnson is just out of range.
Johnson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Akhtankhanov is looking to counter punch.
Johnson keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Johnson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Akhtankhanov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Johnson.
Johnson throws a low kick but Akhtankhanov avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov cracks Johnson with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Akhtankhanov misses with a wild body shot.
Akhtankhanov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Johnson.
Johnson throws a leg kick but Akhtankhanov sees it coming and moves out of range.
Akhtankhanov fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Johnson checks it well.
Johnson darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Akhtankhanov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Johnson.
Johnson lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
A cross from Johnson lands.
Akhtankhanov connects with an inside leg kick.
Akhtankhanov lands a body shot.
Akhtankhanov throws a jab but it's blocked by Johnson.
Johnson moves out of range as Akhtankhanov strikes.
Johnson blocks a jab.
Johnson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Akhtankhanov manages to avoid it.
Johnson throws a hook but Akhtankhanov avoids it easily.
Johnson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Akhtankhanov.
Johnson takes a swing at Akhtankhanov's ribcage but misses.
A big right from Akhtankhanov misses.
Johnson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Akhtankhanov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Johnson lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Akhtankhanov has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Akhtankhanov and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Akhtankhanov is looking to counter punch.
Johnson ducks under a wild hook from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov sets himself, and Johnson steps forward looking for the clinch! Akhtankhanov avoids it this time.
Johnson jabs Akhtankhanov right on the nose. Akhtankhanov blinks but takes it well.
Johnson misses with a lunging right hand
and Akhtankhanov counters with a thumping low kick.
Akhtankhanov connects with a body shot.
Johnson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Johnson wants to clinch up but Akhtankhanov keeps it at a distance.
Akhtankhanov scores with a leg kick.
Akhtankhanov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Johnson throws a body punch but Akhtankhanov moves out of range.
Johnson takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Johnson looks to throw the jab but Akhtankhanov is out of range.
Akhtankhanov throws a lazy right hand but Johnson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Akhtankhanov looks to land a left hand but Johnson moved out of range nicely.
A looping hook to the body misses from Johnson. Akhtankhanov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Johnson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Akhtankhanov blocks a jab.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Akhtankhanov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Johnson is looking to chop away at Akhtankhanov's legs.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Sultanbek Akhtankhanov.
Well Akhtankhanov has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Taro Takaoka scores the fight 29:28
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 29:28
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Sultanbek Akhtankhanov!
During a confident post fight interview, Sultanbek Akhtankhanov thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
Champ Johnson spoke after the fight, saying '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.'.