PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Tarik Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chris Van De Kamp (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Van De Kamp comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Sister Sin - Fight Song kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Chris Van De Kamp was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Johnson
vs
Van De Kamp

184 cm
27
156 lbs
13 - 10 - 0

162 cm
30
133 lbs
19 - 14 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid Muay Thai
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Counter fighter
Powerful

GREEN!160

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 13 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Tarik Johnson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Chris Van De Kamp!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Tiny Johnson and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Johnson moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Johnson lands a lovely overhand right.
Johnson wants to slow Van De Kamp down by chopping away at his legs.

Van De Kamp shoots in and bounces Johnson off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.

Johnson working for a triangle but Van De Kamp defends it easily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Johnson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Van De Kamp defends well.
Van De Kamp slips nicely into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Van De Kamp seems to be working for a kimura but Johnson defends the submission attempt.

Johnson actively working from the bottom here.
Johnson trying to control here.

Van De Kamp is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Van De Kamp is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Johnson is trying is best to control the position here.

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 is trying to stand up here but Van De Kamp is controlling him well.

Van De Kamp seems to be looking for submissions.
Johnson works his way to full guard. Good work.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet but Van De Kamp is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Johnson avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Johnson will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Johnson looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Johnson really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Van De Kamp in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Johnson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Van De Kamp defends well.
Van De Kamp wants to control from the top but Johnson keeps moving.

Johnson has his foot on Van De Kamp's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Van De Kamp works his way back into a safe position though.

Van De Kamp drops back, looking for a kneebar! Johnson looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Johnson looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Johnson!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson advances nicely into full mount.
Johnson wants to control the pace but Van De Kamp is squirming around nicely.
Van De Kamp wants to hold on but Johnson pushes him away.
Johnson is trying to stand up but he's being controlled by his opponent.
Johnson in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.

Johnson is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Van De Kamp has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Johnson avoids the attempt from Van De Kamp to control.
Van De Kamp is trying to escape the mount.

Johnson with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Johnson is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Van De Kamp has managed to escape the submission attempt.

Johnson swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Van De Kamp is now in Johnson's guard. A big mistake from Johnson there, giving up the dominant position!
Van De Kamp passes easily into side control. Nice work.
My spies in Bi-polar Asylum inform me that Van De Kamp has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Johnson is trying to control Van De Kamp's posture but Van De Kamp avoids it.
Johnson is trying to improve his position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet but Van De Kamp drags him back down.

Van De Kamp is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Johnson has escaped the position, nice work there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tarik Johnson dominated that round.
That's time! Johnson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Van De Kamp goes for a double leg but Johnson avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Johnson continues to drive forward.

Van De Kamp scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

Johnson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Johnson looking for submissions off his back.
Van De Kamp wants to free his trapped foot but Johnson is holding on for dear life with his legs.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Van De Kamp is trying to work for a kimura but Johnson is defending well.
Johnson tries to kick Van De Kamp off but Van De Kamp keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Van De Kamp is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson is trying to stand.
Johnson trying to control here.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Van De Kamp lands a nice short elbow.
Van De Kamp looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Johnson trying to control here.
Van De Kamp not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Van De Kamp 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.
Van De Kamp is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Johnson!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Van De Kamp wants to free his trapped foot but Johnson is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Johnson actively working from the bottom here.
Van De Kamp passes to full mount!
Johnson tries to hold on but Van De Kamp pushes him away.
Van De Kamp throws some wild stikes that Johnson manages to avoid easily.
Johnson tries to hold on but Van De Kamp pushes him away.

Van De Kamp working for a submission but Johnson is keeping him at bay.
Van De Kamp working the ground and pound effectively.
Johnson is in all sorts of trouble here.
Johnson wants to control but Van De Kamp is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Van De Kamp is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Johnson to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Johnson shrugs it off.
Chris Van De Kamp has got the better of the ground game so far.
Johnson is trying to stand.
Van De Kamp tries to control but Johnson wriggling away.
Johnson is trying desperately to improve position.
Johnson tries to hold on but Van De Kamp pushes him away.
Johnson is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
Van De Kamp landing strikes, looking to finish!
Johnson is looking to improve his position but Van De Kamp isn't that keen on the idea.
Johnson is working hard here to advance position.

Van De Kamp looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Johnson defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Van De Kamp.
Johnson sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Van De Kamp prevents Johnson from improving his position.
Johnson moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

Johnson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Van De Kamp defends well.
Johnson throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Johnson is looking to stand up but Van De Kamp isn't so interested in that idea.
Van De Kamp trying to control but Johnson is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chris Van De Kamp showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Van De Kamp will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Van De Kamp drives through with a takedown into guard.
Van De Kamp won't allow Johnson to get back to his feet.

Van De Kamp avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Johnson is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Van De Kamp stops Johnson from standing up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson has momentary wrist control but Van De Kamp slips an elbow through the middle.

Johnson throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Johnson is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Van De Kamp is aware though and is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van De Kamp stands and throws Johnson's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Van De Kamp is trying to get an arm triangle but Johnson is defending well.
You can see the frustration on Johnson's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Van De Kamp. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.
Van De Kamp advances nicely into full mount.

Van De Kamp goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Johnson is on top in guard.
Van De Kamp takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Johnson trying to stand up but can't free himself from Van De Kamp's guard.
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Van De Kamp is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Johnson is looking to stand up but Van De Kamp won't let him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van De Kamp can't keep his opponent in guard - Johnson advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Johnson wants to control but Van De Kamp is keeping him busy.
Johnson wants to stand but Van De Kamp has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
Van De Kamp is trying to control but can't.

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.
Van De Kamp manages to get to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson trying to control but Van De Kamp is working from the bottom.
Johnson tries to free his leg and advance position but Van De Kamp is retaining full guard.
Johnson wants to get up but he can't break Van De Kamp's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

Van De Kamp is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Van De Kamp is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Johnson controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Johnson misses with a two punch combination.
Johnson will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Johnson looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Van De Kamp is defended easily by Johnson.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Tarik Johnson did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
That's time! Johnson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Van De Kamp looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Johnson is fending him off so far but Van De Kamp persists. Nope, Johnson circles away and we're back to standing.
Van De Kamp closes this distance looking for a takedown but Johnson circles away.
Johnson misses with a few strikes there.
Johnson thuds his right hand into Van De Kamp's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Van De Kamp sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Van De Kamp tries to counter with a clinch but Johnson shakes him off and moves away.
Johnson scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van De Kamp shoots in looking for a takedown. Johnson tries to sprawl out of it but Van De Kamp keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Johnson manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Tarik Johnson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Chris Van De Kamp.
Van De Kamp tries to move into range but Johnson moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Johnson misses with a double jab.
Johnson rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Van De Kamp moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Johnson stuffs the takedown attempt from Van De Kamp. Van De Kamp gets slowly back to his feet.
Johnson wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Johnson throws a combination that misses

and Van De Kamp counters with a takedown into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson regains half guard.
Johnson is not content to let Van De Kamp control the position.

Van De Kamp 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 Van De Kamp.
Van De Kamp is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Van De Kamp prevents Johnson from improving his position.
Johnson makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Johnson.
Van De Kamp forces his way into half guard.

Johnson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Van De Kamp wants to free his trapped foot but Johnson is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Van De Kamp is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Johnson slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

Johnson is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Van De Kamp is aware though and is defending well.

Johnson had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Van De Kamp defends it easily.
Johnson working a defensive guard here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Van De Kamp trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tarik Johnson had his way with Chris Van De Kamp in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Van De Kamp fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Johnson avoids it really well and circles away.
Johnson throws a big counter combination but Van De Kamp scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Johnson is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Johnson misses with a double jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Some wild striking there from Johnson.
Van De Kamp with the counter takedown but Johnson avoids it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A nice combination there by Johnson.
Van De Kamp checks the leg kick.
Van De Kamp with the counter takedown but Johnson avoids it easily.
Van De Kamp with a lazy takedown attempt

and Johnson counters with a crisp one two that drops Van De Kamp! Johnson thinks about following him to the mat for a moment but instead steps back and waves Van De Kamp to his feet! Van De Kamp is in big trouble!
Johnson stuffs the takedown attempt from Van De Kamp. Van De Kamp gets slowly back to his feet.
Tarik Johnson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Chris Van De Kamp.
Van De Kamp is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van De Kamp fails with the takedown.
Johnson swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Van De Kamp shoots for a takedown but Johnson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Johnson feinted with a counter takedown.
A punch combination from Johnson misses.
Johnson connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Van De Kamp with the counter takedown but Johnson avoids it easily.
Johnson is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

Van De Kamp gets a takedown into half guard.
Van De Kamp stops Johnson from getting back to his feet.

Van De Kamp is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Johnson has managed to free his arm - good work.
Johnson looks like he's trying to stand up.
Johnson trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Chris Van De Kamp has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Johnson actively working from the bottom here.
Van De Kamp prevents Johnson from improving his position.

Johnson has one foot on Van De Kamp's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Johnson rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Van De Kamp moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Johnson sets himself, and Van De Kamp steps forward looking for the clinch! Johnson avoids it this time.
Johnson throws a series of punches but Van De Kamp avoids them all with ease.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Van De Kamp shoots in and drives through. Johnson sprawls well.
Johnson tries to bum rush Van De Kamp with a series of wild strikes but Van De Kamp uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tarik Johnson showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Johnson has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Wesley Smith scores the fight 49:46
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 49:46
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tarik Johnson!
Tarik Johnson is the new featherweight champion!
After winning the bout, Tarik Johnson thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.