PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jack Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Stephen Larkin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stephen Larkin told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Johnson
vs
Larkin

176 cm
19
185 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

185 cm
25
170 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jack Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Stephen Larkin!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Ren Mimura.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Larkin looks to clinch

and Johnson counters with a takedown into side control.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
A lull in the action here as Johnson stalls from top position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Larkin is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Johnson off and has taken his back!

Johnson is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
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 surviving as best he can, preventing damage.
Johnson trying to control the action but Larkin just sinks the hooks in.
Johnson tries to escape but Larkin has the hooks in and won't let him break free.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Larkin looking to break Johnson's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Johnson remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Larkin will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!

Larkin looking for the choke but no joy.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Larkin is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
Johnson controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad position.
Well, with Larkin on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Johnson is tapping out... Can he escape the position?
Johnson knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Larkin on the ground.

Johnson is having to fend off submission attempts from Larkin, who is looking to sink in the choke. Larkin doesn't have the hooks in though and Johnson manages to reverse position! He's now on top, in his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Johnson works over Larkin with some ground and pound from guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Johnson lands a couple of decent looking shots.

Larkin escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Johnson gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Larkin had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Johnson defends it easily.

Larkin 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 lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Johnson wants to control from the top but Larkin keeps moving.

Larkin is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Johnson defends well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Larkin is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Johnson is aware though and is defending well.
Johnson with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Johnson controlling from the top position.

Larkin working for a triangle but Johnson defends it easily.

Larkin 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.
Johnson is stalling in the full guard.

Larkin is working for submissions here. He's thrown up his legs looking for a triangle but Johnson frees his head nicely. Oh but Larkin has switched to an armbar! Johnson is tapping furiously! Lovely submission there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Armbar). Stephen Larkin!