PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Georeg Spartica (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jeremy Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Johnson is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by . Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Spartica
vs
Johnson

180 cm
24
150 lbs
6 - 1 - 1

172 cm
25
144 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Georeg Spartica!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jeremy Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Daniel Franklin and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Spartica tries to clinch up.
Spartica misses with a few strikes there.

Johnson feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Johnson postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Johnson throwing strikes but missing.
Johnson postures up in Spartica's guard and throws a big left but Spartica blocks it.
Johnson throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Spartica keeping moving, preventing Johnson from controlling successfully.
Johnson prevents Spartica from getting back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Spartica is looking to stand up but Johnson isn't so interested in that idea.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Spartica wants to clinch up but Johnson keeps it at a distance.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Spartica!
Spartica fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Johnson scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Spartica swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Johnson decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Spartica's guard.
Johnson in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Johnson is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Spartica wants to stand but Johnson is controlling the position.
Spartica utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson wants to control from the top but Spartica keeps moving.
Spartica wants to stand and escape but Johnson is having none of it.
Johnson controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Johnson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Johnson circles away from the clinch attempt

and Johnson counters with a shoot takedown. Spartica fights it but they end up in guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Johnson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spartica avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Spartica knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Johnson on the ground.
Spartica working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Johnson.
Johnson is working Spartica over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Johnson throwing strikes from guard but Spartica blocks nicely.
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Spartica is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Spartica on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Spartica tries to get out of the position.
Johnson throwing strikes from guard but Spartica blocks nicely.
Johnson is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Johnson thows a big elbow that misses.
Spartica wants to get back to his feet but Johnson is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Johnson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Spartica can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Johnson controls the pace.
Johnson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Spartica wants to stand up but Johnson is controlling him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jeremy Johnson dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Spartica stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Spartica wants it to stay on the feet.
Georeg Spartica seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Spartica wants to clinch but Johnson slips to the side

and Johnson decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Spartica's guard.
Spartica avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Spartica wants to stand but Johnson is controlling the position.
Johnson sitting in guard here, content to control.
Johnson scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Johnson throws a strike but Spartica rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet but Spartica is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spartica wanted to stand there but Johnson had control of the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Johnson scrambles and gets back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Spartica sprawls well. Spartica wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Johnson gets slowly back to his feet.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown but Spartica shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Georeg Spartica has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jeremy Johnson.
Spartica tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Johnson counters with a nice double leg into side control. Spartica won't be happy with that.
Johnson looks up at the clock and then as Spartica takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Johnson smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Johnson lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Spartica down.
Johnson trying to control the position but Spartica is working away.
Johnson landing strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Johnson working the strikes but Spartica uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Spartica is refusing to be controlled, as Johnson sits in half guard.
Johnson lands with a punch from half guard.
Johnson working over Spartica with some ground and pound. Spartica looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Spartica is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Johnson scores with a couple of nice shots.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Spartica wants to get back to his feet.
Johnson wants to pass to mount but Spartica is defending the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jeremy Johnson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Spartica tries to close the distance and clinch but Johnson swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Spartica tries to clinch but Johnson moves away
and Johnson counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Johnson circles away from the clinch attempt

and Johnson counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Johnson throwing strikes but missing.
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Spartica is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Johnson is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Johnson throwing strikes but missing.
Spartica preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson trying to control but Spartica is working from the bottom.
Johnson throws a big right hand that misses.
Johnson with a nice head shot there.
Johnson sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Spartica's guard.
Johnson working the head and body with strikes.
Johnson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Johnson wants to take a breather but Spartica is having none of it.
Spartica avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Johnson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Spartica is trying to stand back up but Johnson is controlling him
Johnson is looking to take a break and control but Spartica is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Spartica blocking the ground and pound attempt from Johnson.
Spartica is trying to stand.
Johnson lands strikes from half guard.
Johnson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Spartica's head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Spartica on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spartica wants to get back to his feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Johnson content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Spartica is not content to let Johnson control the position.
Johnson throwing shots but Spartica is blocking nicely.
Johnson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Johnson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Johnson working the head and body with strikes.
Johnson scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Johnson passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Spartica!
A nice elbow there by Johnson.
Spartica avoids a series of strikes thrown by Johnson.
Johnson controlling from mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jeremy Johnson really dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Johnson fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Spartica throws a combination that misses

and Johnson counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Johnson.
Johnson works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Johnson trying to pass the guard but Spartica defending well.
Johnson working the head and body with strikes.
Johnson working Spartica over with strikes.
Johnson scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Johnson thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Johnson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Jeremy Johnson has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Spartica's head.
Spartica regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Johnson.
Johnson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Spartica is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Johnson scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Spartica wants to stand and escape but Johnson is having none of it.
Johnson throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Johnson working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Johnson trying to control but Spartica is working from the bottom.
Spartica preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Spartica working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Johnson.
Spartica is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Johnson throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Spartica works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Spartica wants to clinch

and Johnson counters with a nice double leg into side control. Spartica won't be happy with that.
Johnson misses with the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Johnson staying calm.
Johnson misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
The strikes coming from Johnson are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Spartica is trying to buck Johnson off.
Johnson working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Johnson lands a nice forearm strike.
Johnson is trying to ground and pound but Spartica uses the momentary lack of control by Johnson to regain half guard.
Johnson trying to control from half guard but Spartica is working away.
Johnson sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Spartica blocking the ground and pound attempt from Johnson.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jeremy Johnson dominated that fourth round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Johnson closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Johnson looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Spartica with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Ground and pound from Johnson.
Johnson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Spartica wants to get back to his feet.
Johnson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Johnson stalling.
Johnson lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Spartica tries to kick Johnson off but Johnson keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Johnson perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Spartica avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Johnson.
Spartica is staying active underneath Johnson, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Johnson tries to pass the half guard into mount. Spartica knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Johnson looks to land a strike but Spartica avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Georeg Spartica has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Johnson landing with the ground and pound.
Johnson throws a big right hand that misses.
Spartica working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Johnson.
Johnson works over Spartica with some ground and pound from guard.
Johnson sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Spartica avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Johnson is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spartica avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Johnson thows a big elbow that misses.
Johnson in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Johnson trying to control but Spartica is working from the bottom.
Johnson throwing strikes but missing.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Spartica falls off balance throwing a combination

and Johnson counters with a nice double leg into side control. Spartica won't be happy with that.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson scores with punches from side control.
Johnson creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Spartica sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Jeremy Johnson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Johnson is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Spartica's shoulder. That is not cool.
Johnson creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Spartica sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Spartica dodges the ground and pound from Johnson.
Johnson sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Spartica is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Spartica managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Johnson.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jeremy Johnson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Johnson has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 44:50
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 44:50
Judge George Francis scores the fight 44:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jeremy Johnson!
Jeremy Johnson is the new featherweight champion!