PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Gabriel Zagorno (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and CJ Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Johnson is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: 2pac & Dr.Dre - California Love. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Zagorno
vs
Johnson

165 cm
21
140 lbs
9 - 1 - 0

170 cm
22
141 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Insanely flexible

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

[WAO]MADE IN GERMANY

Gilop®

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Gabriel Zagorno!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, CJ Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Robert Twigg and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zagorno slips a jab from Johnson.
Zagorno looks to land a right hand but Johnson moved out of range.
Johnson throws a head kick but Zagorno moves out of range.
Zagorno walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Zagorno throws the left hand but Johnson avoids the punch easily.
Johnson throws an overhand right that lands on Zagorno's shoulder, as Zagorno tries to avoid the shot.
Zagorno dives in and grabs Johnson's left leg, looking for a takedown. Johnson pushes down on Zagorno's head and hops out.
Zagorno fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Johnson checks it well.
Zagorno throws out a powerful jab.
A slow jab from Zagorno misses its intended target.
Zagorno throws a low kick but it's checked well by Johnson.
Johnson throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Zagorno misses with a hook. Johnson ducked under it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zagorno throws a jab but it's blocked by Johnson.
Zagorno throws a shot from downtown. Johnson moves away and avoids it.
Johnson throws out a powerful jab.
Zagorno misses with a straight left.
CJ Johnson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Zagorno throws a right hand that misses
and Johnson counters with a right hand to the body.
Johnson misses with a straight left.
Johnson thows a body shot but no joy.
Zagorno misses with a hook. Johnson ducked under it nicely.
Zagorno tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Johnson was well out of range. Poor timing from Zagorno.
The fighters circling - Johnson throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Johnson paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Nice defenses there by Johnson.
Nice takedown defense from Johnson. No joy for Zagorno on that attempt.
Johnson misses with a wild body shot.
Zagorno attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Johnson's corner calls for a 1-2. Johnson obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A jab from Zagorno misses.
Zagorno takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A slow jab from Zagorno misses its intended target.
Zagorno just misses with a punch to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson throws a combination that misses

and Zagorno counters with a shoot takedown. Johnson fights it but they end up in guard.
Zagorno tries to free his leg and advance position but Johnson is retaining full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Johnson avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Johnson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Johnson wants to sweep but no luck.
Zagorno has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

Zagorno postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Johnson is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Zagorno, into his guard.
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Zagorno is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson tries to free his leg and advance position but Zagorno is retaining full guard.
Zagorno bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Johnson's guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Johnson working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Zagorno.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Johnson pulls Zagorno in close to prevent any damage.
Zagorno missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Gabriel Zagorno will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Zagorno walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Zagorno on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Zagorno keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Zagorno throws a hook to the side of Johnson's head but Johnson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A slow jab from Johnson misses its intended target.
Zagorno throws an off balance right hand
and Johnson cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Johnson throws a wild body kick that Zagorno sees coming a mile off.
Johnson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A big left from Zagorno misses.
Zagorno misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Johnson.
Gabriel Zagorno seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zagorno shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Johnson defends it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zagorno fails with the takedown
and Johnson counters with a stiff right hand.
Johnson ducks under a wild hook from Zagorno.
A telegraphed right hand from Zagorno misses the target.
Zagorno closes the distance and clinches up with Johnson, looking for a takedown. Zagorno pushes Johnson against the cage but Johnson circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gabriel Zagorno. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Johnson looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Johnson lands the left hand.
Johnson takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Zagorno ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Johnson is looking to land body kicks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Zagorno counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
A jab from Zagorno misses.
Johnson misses with an attempted mid kick.
Zagorno 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.
Zagorno fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Johnson manages to avoid it.
Johnson shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Zagorno eats them both and turns towards Johnson to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.

It looks like Gabriel Zagorno has been cut.
CJ Johnson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
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!
Johnson missing with a left hand there. Zagorno was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Johnson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Johnson moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Johnson throws an off balance right hand

and Zagorno counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Johnson avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Zagorno accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Johnson has control of Zagorno's left arm, preventing Zagorno from doing any damage.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Zagorno throws a strike but Johnson rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Johnson controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Gabriel Zagorno overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Zagorno keeping moving, preventing Johnson from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Zagorno has his foot on Johnson's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Johnson works his way back into a safe position though.
Johnson trying to control but Zagorno is working from the bottom.

Zagorno throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Johnson escapes and throws Zagorno's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Johnson wants to control but Zagorno is keeping him busy.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Johnson in side control, throwing shots but Zagorno defends.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but CJ Johnson will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Gabriel Zagorno's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Zagorno fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Johnson avoids it really well and circles away.
Zagorno throws a looping overhand right but Johnson ducks down to avoid it.
Johnson fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Zagorno throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Zagorno misses with a series of wild punches.
Zagorno takes a swing at Johnson's ribcage but misses.
Zagorno looks to throw the jab but Johnson is out of range.
Johnson throws a right and a left that Zagorno avoids nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Zagorno.
Zagorno slips under a jab from Johnson.
Johnson defending well as Zagorno loads up on a big left hand.
Zagorno throws a lazy right hand but Johnson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

Zagorno closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Johnson to the mat! Johnson manages to get full guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Zagorno accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Zagorno throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Johnson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Zagorno stopping the sweep attempt from Johnson.
Johnson is pulling down on Zagorno's head to control his posture.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zagorno pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Johnson is keeping the position for now.
Zagorno trying to control but Johnson is working from the bottom.
Johnson lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Zagorno!
Zagorno is desperately trying to improve his position but Johnson has a good base and remains in mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Zagorno is looking to escape.
Johnson controlling his opponent.
Zagorno tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's four 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 tries to control but Zagorno wriggling away.
Johnson might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Zagorno kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Zagorno keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Johnson controlling the position easily from mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but CJ Johnson just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on Gabriel Zagorno's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Zagorno doesn't succeed with the takedown
enabling Johnson to counter with a crisp jab.
Johnson scores with a crisp jab that stopped Zagorno in his tracks.
Johnson misses with a looping right.
Johnson checks a leg kick.
Johnson thows a left - swing and a miss!
Johnson misses with a wild combination.
Zagorno changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Johnson tries to avoid it but Zagorno manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Johnson to the ground. Johnson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Johnson throws a series of strikes that have Zagorno backpedaling.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson throws a hook to the side of Zagorno's head but Zagorno sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Zagorno pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Zagorno is trying hard to land a takedown here. Johnson sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gabriel Zagorno. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zagorno ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Johnson moves away.
Zagorno throws a hook to the side of Johnson's head but Johnson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Nice defenses there by Johnson.
Johnson misses with a hook. Zagorno ducked under it nicely.
Johnson throws the kick towards the body but Zagorno avoids it.
Zagorno fails with a takedown attempt.
Johnson moves out of range as Zagorno strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Johnson.
Zagorno closes the distance and clinches up with Johnson, looking for a takedown. Zagorno pushes Johnson against the cage but Johnson circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Johnson just misses with a punch to the body.
Zagorno throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Zagorno slips a jab and a cross from Johnson.
Johnson looks to land a left hand but Zagorno moved out of range nicely.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Zagorno.
Zagorno throws a lazy right hand but Johnson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zagorno moves out of range as Johnson throws a body kick.
Zagorno takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Zagorno throws out a loose jab but Johnson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Johnson lands with a shot to the body.

Zagorno shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Johnson napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Johnson is trying to control Zagorno's posture but Zagorno avoids it.
Zagorno is trying to ground and pound but Johnson uses the momentary lack of control by Zagorno to regain half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson wants to get back to full guard.

Zagorno is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Johnson doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Zagorno.
Zagorno thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Johnson's head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but CJ Johnson will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Gabriel Zagorno's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Zagorno takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Johnson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Johnson scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!

Johnson tries to sprawl but Zagorno drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Zagorno is working for a submission of some sort.
Johnson trying to control from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zagorno missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Johnson controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Zagorno is just content to waste time from the top position. Johnson takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Zagorno pushes down on Johnson's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Zagorno wants to free his trapped foot but Johnson is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zagorno sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Johnson defending well though.
Johnson is trying is best to control the position here.

Zagorno is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Johnson regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Zagorno.
Zagorno loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zagorno wants to pass the guard but Johnson is keeping the position.
Zagorno working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Zagorno postures up in Johnson's guard and throws a big left but Johnson blocks it.
Zagorno throws an elbow that misses. Johnson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Zagorno's guard. Nice move by Johnson!
Johnson must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Zagorno working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Johnson doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Johnson manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Johnson wants to control from the top but Zagorno keeps moving.
CJ Johnson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Johnson tries to free his leg and advance position but Zagorno is retaining full guard.
Zagorno wants to hit a switch here but Johnson passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Zagorno there!
Zagorno is trying to escape the mount.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gabriel Zagorno showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Johnson has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Cecil Peabody scores the fight 47:48
Judge Robert Twigg scores the fight 47:48
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... CJ Johnson!
CJ Johnson is the new bantamweight champion!
Post fight, CJ Johnson took to the microphone: 'Thanks to my coaches, sponsor Gilop Clothes and my Alliance for helping me win that tough battle. Thanks to my rival for stepping up and thanks everyone here cheering for me!'.