PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Thiago Rivera (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Matt Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Johnson has chosen The Maple Leaf Forever as his entrance music. This should be fireworks!

Rivera
vs
Johnson

190 cm
22
250 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

200 cm
23
250 lbs
8 - 12 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Thiago Rivera!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Matt Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Steve Smith and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Johnson clinches.

Johnson breaks the clinch.
Sloppy strikes from Johnson. Those never looked like landing.
Johnson avoids the head kick by Rivera.
Rivera misses with a double jab.
Rivera misses with a few strikes there.
Johnson keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Rivera misses with a wild combination.
Johnson scores with a hook to the body. Rivera takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Rivera is breathing heavily.
Rivera slips a jab and a cross from Johnson.
Johnson circles away from the clinch attempt.

Oooh a lovely combination from Johnson sends Rivera down but not out. Johnson dives into side control looking to finish.

It looks like Thiago Rivera has been cut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Johnson in side control lands a decent elbow.

Rivera is rocked!

Johnson has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.

Johnson closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Johnson lands a takedown into guard.
Johnson stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rivera swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Johnson slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson wants to control from the top but Rivera keeps moving.

Rivera has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Johnson can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Rivera keeping moving, preventing Johnson from controlling successfully.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Johnson throwing strikes but missing.
Johnson throwing strikes but missing.
Johnson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Johnson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rivera is keeping the position for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Johnson avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Johnson is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Johnson scoring with punches to the head and body.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Rivera 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.
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!
Rivera looking to hit a scissor sweep but Johnson is one step ahead there.
Rivera keeping full guard, as Johnson tries to pass.

Rivera has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Johnson can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson working some strikes from top position.
Johnson tries to free his leg and advance position but Rivera is retaining full guard.
Johnson stands up over Rivera, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Rivera trying to keep a closed guard but Johnson is proving a slippery customer.

Rivera has his feet on Johnson's thighs here. He's pushed Johnson off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Johnson screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Thiago Rivera!