PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Ivan ORourke (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Anthony Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Anthony Johnson is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

ORourke
vs
Johnson

180 cm
30
143 lbs
18 - 9 - 0

175 cm
23
147 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Valhalla Fight Wear

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 18 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Ivan ORourke!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Anthony Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Jeff Smith, Roger Salmon and Micheangelo Fripello.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Johnson scores with a takedown into ORourke's guard.
Johnson looking to pass the guard.
ORourke pulls Johnson in close to prevent any damage.
ORourke keeping moving, preventing Johnson from controlling successfully.
Johnson works a leg free and moves into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Johnson looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

Johnson is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, ORourke has managed to free his arm - good work.

ORourke is defending against the submission attempts here by Johnson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Johnson trying to control from half guard but ORourke is working away.

Johnson is working for a submission of some sort.
Johnson trying to control from half guard but ORourke is working away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Johnson is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so ORourke is just riding it out for now. Johnson eventually gives up the hold.

Johnson is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
ORourke controlling the position well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Johnson is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but ORourke still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, ORourke has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
ORourke tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Johnson struggling a bit here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Anthony Johnson dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

ORourke misses with a head kick.

Johnson fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging ORourke to the ground. Johnson is now in ORourke's guard.
ORourke working a defensive guard here.
ORourke keeping full guard, as Johnson tries to pass.
Johnson trying to control but ORourke is working from the bottom.
ORourke really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

Johnson postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! ORourke is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Johnson, into his guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
ORourke wants to get up but he can't break Johnson's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
ORourke postures up.
Johnson wants to sweep but no luck.
Johnson controls ORourke momentarily but ORourke frees himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Anthony Johnson wasn't active enough on the ground.
ORourke misses with a leg kick
and Johnson counters with an inside leg kick.
ORourke throws a chopping leg kick but Johnson manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Johnson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Johnson is looking to clinch but ORourke is avoiding it.
ORourke steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Johnson. That one must have hurt.
Johnson misses with a body kick.
ORourke punishes Johnson's body with a nice straight punch.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Johnson.

ORourke closes the distance and clinches.
Johnson throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Johnson misses with an elbow strike.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
ORourke can't find room to land a body shot as Johnson controls the action.
Johnson creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
ORourke takes an elbow to the forehead.
Johnson creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through ORourke's defenses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson throws an elbow but it misses.
ORourke takes an elbow to the forehead.
ORourke misses with a shot to the kidneys.
ORourke works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from ORourke.
Johnson is breathing heavily.
ORourke avoids a wild elbow strike from Johnson.
ORourke tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Johnson's elbow.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Johnson just misses with a elbow thrown towards ORourke's brow.
ORourke tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Johnson just misses with a elbow thrown towards ORourke's brow.
Johnson fails to pull the fight into his guard.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Johnson just misses with a elbow thrown towards ORourke's brow.
ORourke doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
ORourke tries to throw a body punch but Johnson avoids it by throwing ORourke back against the cage.
Johnson jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as ORourke walks away with a smile on his face. Johnson gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
ORourke stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and ORourke wants it to stay on the feet.
Ivan ORourke has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Anthony Johnson.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
ORourke tries to close the distance and clinch up but Johnson swats him away and circles back towards the center.
ORourke leaves Johnson with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
ORourke thumps Johnson with a low kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
ORourke is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Nice shot lands for ORourke.
Johnson chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before ORourke can pounce on him.
Johnson circles away from the clinch attempt
and Johnson counters with an inside leg kick.
ORourke tries to clinch but Johnson moves away

so Johnson counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Johnson tries to free his leg and advance position but ORourke is retaining full guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Anthony Johnson will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

ORourke throws a combination. Johnson tries to block but a couple of punches get through.

ORourke moves into range and clinches up with Johnson.
ORourke blocks the elbow strike.
Johnson avoids a wild elbow strike from ORourke.
ORourke gets through Johnson's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
ORourke pushes Johnson back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Johnson is looking for a takedown up against the cage. ORourke gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Johnson pushes off an throws an elbow but ORourke leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
ORourke digs a right hand underneath Johnson's ribcage. Johnson let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Johnson.
ORourke misses with a hook to the ribs.
ORourke gets through Johnson's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Johnson throws an elbow that misses.
ORourke avoids the elbow strike from Johnson, against the cage.
ORourke misses with a punch to the body.
Johnson throws an elbow but it misses.
ORourke looking to slow down the pace here.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Johnson fails to pull guard.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Johnson just misses with a elbow thrown towards ORourke's brow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
ORourke goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A left hand lands to the body for ORourke.
Johnson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Johnson prevents a body shot from ORourke.
With the fighters up against the cage, Johnson throws an elbow but misses.
ORourke lands a shoulder strike.
ORourke lands with a short punch from the clinch.
ORourke trying to stall but Johnson improves his position.
Johnson pushes off an throws an elbow but ORourke leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
ORourke misses with a shot to the kidneys.
ORourke misses with a punch to the body.
ORourke pushes Johnson back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Johnson throws an elbow that misses.
ORourke tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Johnson gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
ORourke tries to work over Johnson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Johnson looks to throw an elbow but misses.
ORourke blocks an elbow strike.
Johnson throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
ORourke lands a nice knee to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
ORourke can't find room to land a body shot as Johnson controls the action.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for ORourke.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
ORourke lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Johnson or not.
Johnson jumps guard but ORourke stands there with Johnson around his waist. Johnson gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Ivan ORourke has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Anthony Johnson.
Johnson tries to pull guard but ORourke won't allow it.
ORourke working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Johnson misses with an elbow strike.
ORourke tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Johnson's elbow.
ORourke will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Johnson up against the cage.
ORourke gets a warning from the ref for wasting time.
ORourke lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Johnson.
Johnson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
ORourke tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Johnson prevents a body shot from ORourke.
Johnson misses with an elbow over the top.
ORourke lands with a left to the head.
ORourke struggles to land a body shot inside as Johnson controls his hands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
ORourke lands a body punch.
ORourke misses with a short punch on the inside.
Johnson throws an elbow but it's blocked.
ORourke misses with a hook from the clinch.
ORourke can't find room to land a body shot as Johnson controls the action.
Still in the clinch, ORourke scores with a nice short uppercut.
Johnson is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
ORourke blocks an elbow strike from Johnson.
Johnson is trying to pull guard but ORourke has him pressed against the cage.
ORourke tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Johnson avoiding damage as ORourke throws knees to the body.
ORourke misses with a body punch.
A short right from ORourke.

Johnson successfully pulls guard.

Johnson working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because ORourke has passed into half guard!
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with ORourke in particular looking to stall.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
ORourke tries to stand but can't do so whilst Johnson controls his leg.
ORourke is controlling the pace.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Johnson is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ivan ORourke clearly takes that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

ORourke forces Johnson back against the cage and clinches.
ORourke is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
ORourke lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Johnson or not.

Johnson manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

ORourke stands up from Johnson's guard - ORourke perhaps looking for a knockout.
Johnson circles away from the clinch attempt.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from ORourke.
ORourke throws a head kick that half lands.
ORourke misses with an uppercut. Johnson saw that one coming.
Johnson lands with a kick to the ribs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
ORourke misses with a double jab.

ORourke has managed to clinch.
Johnson pushes off an throws an elbow but ORourke leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
ORourke can't find room to land a body shot as Johnson controls the action.
Johnson pushes off an throws an elbow but ORourke leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.

Johnson gets control of ORourke's arms and successfully pulls guard. Johnson will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

ORourke got a little sloppy there for a moment and Johnson has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, ORourke has managed to get both his arms back between Johnson's legs - danger averted.
Johnson is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
ORourke postures up.

Johnson throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
ORourke advances position into side control!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

ORourke decides to stand up, so the ref orders Johnson to his feet.
ORourke tries to clinch up.
ORourke tries a head kick but it misses.
ORourke swats away the attempt to clinch by Johnson.
Johnson tries a head kick but it misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
ORourke swings and misses with a hook to the body.
ORourke scores with a three punch combo!
Johnson misses with a low kick.
ORourke scores with a head kick.
ORourke tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Johnson was well out of range. Poor timing from ORourke.

ORourke darts in and clinches Johnson up against the cage.
Johnson misses with an elbow strike.
Johnson pushes off an throws an elbow but ORourke leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
ORourke stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Johnson lands an elbow that stopped ORourke in his tracks for a moment.
ORourke looking to stall.
ORourke blocks an elbow strike.
ORourke lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Johnson looks to throw an elbow but misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Johnson tries to pull guard but ORourke won't allow it.
Good body shot from ORourke.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
ORourke tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
ORourke digs a right hand into Johnson's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Johnson's gas tank.
ORourke tries a body shot but Johnson blocks it.
Johnson is looking for a takedown up against the cage. ORourke gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Ivan ORourke has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Anthony Johnson.
ORourke is leaning against Johnson and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
ORourke lands a right hand that snaps the head of Johnson backwards.
ORourke works on Johnson's body with a couple of short punches.
Johnson on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
ORourke is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
ORourke makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
ORourke scores with a nice hook to the head.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A body shot lands from ORourke.
Still in the clinch, ORourke scores with a nice short uppercut.
Johnson pushes off an throws an elbow but ORourke leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
A short right from ORourke on the inside.
Knees in the clinch landing for ORourke.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ivan ORourke had his way with Anthony Johnson in that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

ORourke tries to clinch up but Johnson circles away and keeps his distance.
Ivan ORourke seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Johnson gets in close and instigates a clinch.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Johnson just misses with a elbow thrown towards ORourke's brow.
ORourke stalls.
Johnson is looking for a takedown.
ORourke misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ivan ORourke has scored more points in the clinch so far.
ORourke struggles to land a body shot inside as Johnson controls his hands.
ORourke scores with a nice hook to the head.
ORourke controlling the action here for a moment.
ORourke scores with a shot to the side of Johnson's head.

Johnson has hold of one of ORourke's legs. ORourke is fighting the takedown attempt but Johnson gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
ORourke is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Johnson is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
ORourke keeping full guard, as Johnson tries to pass.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson looking to sit in guard and control but ORourke gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Johnson is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Anthony Johnson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Johnson looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Johnson striking off his back but it's not causing ORourke any problems.
ORourke has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Johnson looking for a guillotine here but ORourke defends easily.
Johnson trying to keep a closed guard but ORourke is proving a slippery customer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
ORourke controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Johnson looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's four 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 not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Johnson has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. ORourke is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Johnson.
Johnson is trying to control ORourke's posture but ORourke avoids it.
Johnson is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on ORourke's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.

And that's the end of the fight!
Anthony Johnson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
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 Jeff Smith scores the fight for Ivan ORourke!
Judge Roger Salmon scores the fight for Ivan ORourke!
Judge Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight for Ivan ORourke!

Ivan ORourke wins by unanimous decision!
Ivan ORourke retains his bantamweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Ivan ORourke thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.