PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Barrett Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kazuteru Machida (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Johnson
vs
Machida

177 cm
37
218 lbs
17 - 8 - 1

182 cm
25
211 lbs
9 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

GREEN!160

GREEN!160
Kore Fight Nutrition [TG]

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Barrett Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Kazuteru Machida!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Gwen Towbar and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Machida slips a jab and a cross from Johnson.
Johnson defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Machida.
As Machida looks to move away, Johnson throws a big counter combo bu Machida just gets out of the way.
We've been hearing reports that Johnson has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Machida doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Johnson counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Some wild striking there from Johnson.
Johnson defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Machida.
Barrett Johnson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kazuteru Machida.
Johnson throws a lazy right hand but Machida sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Machida now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Johnson misses with a wild body shot.
Johnson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Machida.
Machida throws a body shot but no joy.
Johnson is looking to counter the offense by Machida and move into the clinch.
Johnson bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Machida's head backwards.

It looks like Kazuteru Machida has been cut.
Machida lands a jab to Johnson's midsection.
Kazuteru Machida seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Johnson avoids the body shot from Machida.
A punch combination from Johnson misses.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Johnson bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Johnson misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Machida is looking for a sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson misses with the ground and pound.
Johnson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Machida keeps working.
Machida defending against the ground and pound.
Johnson fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Machida tries to buck Johnson off but Johnson is having none of it.
Johnson working away.
Johnson wants to stand but Machida is controlling his arm.
Johnson is chipping away with strikes.
Machida manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Machida is looking for a sweep. Johnson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Machida is pressing down on Johnson's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Johnson postures up.
Machida keeping full guard, as Johnson tries to pass.
Johnson sitting in guard here, content to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Machida is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Machida wants to sweep here but Johnson controlling him for the moment.
Machida keeping moving, preventing Johnson from controlling successfully.
Johnson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Johnson tries to clinch but Machida moves out of range.
Johnson swinging wildly here.
Machida shoots in but no luck this time.
Johnson rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Machida moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

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

and Machida counters with a shoot takedown. Johnson fights it but they end up in guard.

Johnson working for a triangle but Machida defends it easily.
Johnson avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Machida distracts Johnson with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

Johnson throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Machida looking to sit in guard and control but Johnson gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Machida seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Machida wants to sweep but no luck.
Machida controlling Johnson's posture.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson looking to pass the guard.

Machida is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Johnson defends well.
Machida keeping moving, preventing Johnson from controlling successfully.
Machida keeping full guard, as Johnson tries to pass.

Machida is actively looking for submissions from his back. He's worked himself a little space on the bottom and seems to be going for a triangle. No, he's switched into an armbar! That was slick! Johnson rolls with it to try and escape but Machida cranks on the arm and Johnson is forced to tap out! This one is aaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Kazuteru Machida!
Kazuteru Machida very nearly forgot to thank Kore Fight Nutrition [TG] amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.