PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Stoyak Stoyachnikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gunnar Johnsson (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.

Stoyachnikov
vs
Johnsson

182 cm
23
183 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

180 cm
21
178 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Lethal high kicks
Very strong

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

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 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Stoyak Stoyachnikov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Gunnar Johnsson!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Paulsen Ambrosius and Albert Achterberg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stoyachnikov misses with an uppercut.
Johnsson throws an overhand right that lands on Stoyachnikov's shoulder, as Stoyachnikov tries to avoid the shot.
Stoyachnikov swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Johnsson counters with a stiff right hand.
Stoyachnikov is looking to slow Johnsson down with leg kicks.
A nice leg kick lands there from Stoyachnikov.
Stoyachnikov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Stoyachnikov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Stoyachnikov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Stoyachnikov just misses with a punch to the body.
Stoyachnikov misses with an uppercut
and Johnsson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A leg kick checked by Stoyachnikov.
Stoyachnikov changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Johnsson checks the leg kick.
Stoyachnikov throws a leg kick that misses.
Johnsson connects with an inside leg kick.
Stoyachnikov fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stoyachnikov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Johnsson manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Johnsson misses with a body shot.
Johnsson's coach down at Hunter MMA was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Johnsson's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Johnsson connects with a right hand. Stoyachnikov shakes it off.
Stoyachnikov takes a swing at Johnsson's ribcage but misses.
Johnsson swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Nice defenses there by Stoyachnikov.
Johnsson looks to score with a jab to the body but Stoyachnikov is just out of range.
Stoyachnikov fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Johnsson avoids the head kick by Stoyachnikov.
Stoyachnikov connects with a body shot that sends Johnsson's belly button to the back.
Johnsson checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Johnsson stuns Stoyachnikov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Stoyachnikov wants to slow Johnsson down by chopping away at his legs.
Johnsson appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Stoyachnikov digs a good body shot into Johnsson's ribs.
Stoyachnikov on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnsson on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Stoyachnikov. Stoyachnikov obviously looking to wear him down.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Stoyachnikov misses the body punch
and Stoyachnikov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Johnsson lands with an uppercut that bounces Stoyachnikov off the cage and back into range.
Stoyachnikov tries to work over Johnsson's front leg with a kick but Johnsson checks it.
Stoyachnikov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Stoyachnikov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Johnsson misses with a right hand
enabling Stoyachnikov to counter with a crisp jab.

It looks like Gunnar Johnsson has been cut.
Stoyachnikov lands a jab.
Stoyachnikov misses the body punch
and Johnsson counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Johnsson looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Johnsson misses with a straight left.
Johnsson looks to score with a jab to the body but Stoyachnikov is just out of range.
Stoyachnikov throws a quick counter kick to the body but Johnsson avoids it.
Johnsson punishes Stoyachnikov's body with a nice straight punch.
Johnsson throws an off balance right hand
and Stoyachnikov counters with a nice uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stoyachnikov on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Stoyachnikov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Johnsson. Johnsson obviously looking to wear him down.
Stoyachnikov lands an overhand right.
Stoyachnikov cracks Johnsson with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Stoyachnikov connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.

Johnsson is rocked!
Gunnar Johnsson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Johnsson - that will leave a mark!
Johnsson is still on wobbly legs! Can Stoyachnikov finish him?
Stoyachnikov throws a body punch but Johnsson moves out of range.
Johnsson seems to have recovered his senses.
Stoyachnikov throws a nice outside leg kick.
Stoyachnikov wants to clinch up but Johnsson keeps it at a distance.
Johnsson blocks a leg kick.
Johnsson checks a low kick from Stoyachnikov.
Johnsson blocks a low kick nicely.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Johnsson! But no joy.
Johnsson throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Stoyachnikov looks to score with a jab to the body but Johnsson is just out of range.
Stoyachnikov is looking to wear down Johnsson with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
That kick from Stoyachnikov tenderised Johnsson's leg. Johnsson is trying to keep his angry face on.
Stoyachnikov takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Johnsson takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Johnsson throws a nice outside leg kick.
Jab by Stoyachnikov.
Stoyachnikov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Johnsson comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Good leg kick by Johnsson there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Stoyachnikov throws a leg kick but Johnsson checks it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Johnsson thuds his right hand into Stoyachnikov's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Stoyachnikov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Johnsson.
Johnsson slips a jab and a cross from Stoyachnikov.
Johnsson swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Good leg kick by Johnsson there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Stoyak Stoyachnikov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Gunnar Johnsson's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Stoyachnikov takes one on the button.
Johnsson on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Johnsson's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Stoyachnikov connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Johnsson scrambles back to his feet.
A looping hook to the body misses from Stoyachnikov. Johnsson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Johnsson looks to land a left hand but Stoyachnikov moved out of range nicely.
A good leg kick by Johnsson.
Stoyachnikov bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Johnsson's head.
Johnsson defending well as Stoyachnikov loads up on a big left hand.
Stoyachnikov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Johnsson.
Stoyachnikov cracks the inside of Johnsson's front leg.
Stoyachnikov misses with a leg kick
and Johnsson counters with a lovely straight right hand!

It looks like Stoyak Stoyachnikov has been cut.
Johnsson scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Stoyachnikov doesn't seem bothered though.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Stoyachnikov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Johnsson sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Stoyachnikov somewhat.
Johnsson looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnsson bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Stoyachnikov's head backwards.
Stoyachnikov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Johnsson. Johnsson obviously looking to wear him down.
Stoyachnikov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Stoyachnikov throws a leg kick but Johnsson sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Johnsson appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Johnsson swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Stoyachnikov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Johnsson connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Stoyachnikov has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Johnsson finds it's way round the side to connect with Stoyachnikov's head.
A left lands for Johnsson.
Stoyak Stoyachnikov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Stoyachnikov stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Johnsson.
Stoyachnikov swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Johnsson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stoyachnikov with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Johnsson to score with a decent uppercut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Stoyachnikov fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Johnsson on the side of the head.
Stoyachnikov scores with a decent looking hook.
Stoyachnikov throws a hook but Johnsson avoids it easily.
Stoyachnikov darts in trying to clinch
and Johnsson counters with a stiff right hand.
Stoyachnikov throws a hook but Johnsson blocks it.
Stoyachnikov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Johnsson.
That kick from Stoyachnikov tenderised Johnsson's leg. Johnsson is trying to keep his angry face on.
Stoyachnikov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Stoyachnikov lands a lovely overhand right.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good shot there by Stoyachnikov.
Johnsson waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Stoyachnikov.
Johnsson checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Stoyachnikov will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
An inside leg kick lands from Johnsson.
Stoyachnikov looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Stoyachnikov moves out of range as Johnsson strikes.
Johnsson lands a nice hook to Stoyachnikov's body. Stoyachnikov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Johnsson throws an off balance right hand
and Stoyachnikov counters with a stiff right hand.
Johnsson feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Stoyachnikovs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
A nice inside leg kick there by Johnsson. That's going to slow Stoyachnikov down.
Johnsson lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Johnsson missing with a left hand there. Stoyachnikov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnsson slips under a jab.
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!
Johnsson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Stoyachnikov manages to avoid it.
Stoyachnikov is looking to counter punch.
Stoyachnikov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Stoyachnikov.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stoyak Stoyachnikov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Johnsson avoids the head kick by Stoyachnikov.
Stoyachnikov fails to land the takedown.
Johnsson scores with a nice strike.
Johnsson thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Stoyachnikov if he has to take too many more of those.
Johnsson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Johnsson fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gunnar Johnsson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Johnsson lands a slapping body shot.
Johnsson stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Johnsson lets loose with a powerful body kick. Stoyachnikov will feel that in the morning.
A cross from Johnsson lands.
Johnsson lands a nice hook to Stoyachnikov's body. Stoyachnikov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Johnsson takes a swing at Stoyachnikov's ribcage but misses.
Gunnar Johnsson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Stoyachnikov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Johnsson sprawls well. Johnsson wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Stoyachnikov gets slowly back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnsson misses with a hook.
Stoyachnikov looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Johnsson takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Johnsson connects with a right hand. Stoyachnikov shakes it off.
Stoyachnikov works the jab nicely.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Stoyachnikov misses with a hook. Johnsson ducked under it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnsson connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Stoyachnikov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Johnsson.
Stoyachnikov cracks Johnsson with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Johnsson lands a nice shot to the body.
Stoyachnikov throws a sloppy body shot
letting Johnsson counter with a right hand.
Stoyachnikov is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Johnsson takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Stoyachnikov lands a lovely overhand right.
Johnsson throws a quick inside leg kick.
Stoyachnikov misses with a takedown attempt
and Johnsson counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Johnsson lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Stoyachnikov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Johnsson was well out of range. Poor timing from Stoyachnikov.
Johnsson is looking to land body kicks.
A counter left hand to the body from Stoyachnikov misses its target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stoyachnikov misses with a lunging right hand
and Johnsson counters with a slapping leg kick.
Stoyachnikov cracks Johnsson with an open hand slap.
A telegraphed right hand from Stoyachnikov misses the target.
Stoyachnikov throws a right and a left that both miss.
A punch lands to the side of Johnsson 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Johnsson scores with a punch to the head.
Stoyachnikov throws a looping overhand right but Johnsson ducks down to avoid it.
Stoyachnikov misses with a right hand
and Johnsson counters with a nice uppercut.
Stoyachnikov tries to clinch up
and Johnsson counters with a right hand to the body.
Johnsson jabs Stoyachnikov to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Stoyachnikov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Johnsson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnsson lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Stoyachnikov defending well as Johnsson loads up on a big left hand.
Johnsson moves out of range of the strikes.
Johnsson lands a leg kick that knocks Stoyachnikov off balance momentarily.
Stoyachnikov throws a sloppy head kick and Johnsson moves out of range easily.
Johnsson now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Decent striking displayed by Stoyachnikov there.
Stoyachnikov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Johnsson scores with a shot to the body.
Stoyachnikov swings for the body but Johnsson moves out of range.
Johnsson throws a lazy right hand but Stoyachnikov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
This entire fight has taken place on the feet so far and you wonder whether Stoyachnikov might be better served trying to take this one to the ground because he's losing the standup battle so far.
A low kick from Stoyachnikov misses
and Johnsson counters with a straight right hand.
Stoyachnikov on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Johnsson looks for the body kick but Stoyachnikov saw that one coming.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnsson cracks Stoyachnikov with a good jab.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Stoyachnikov tried to score with a low kick but Johnsson checks it.
Johnsson waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Stoyachnikov.
Johnsson just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromStoyachnikov.
Stoyachnikov scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Johnsson scores with the left hand. Stoyachnikov knows he should have avoided that one.
Stoyachnikov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Johnsson was well out of range. Poor timing from Stoyachnikov.
Stoyachnikov throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Johnsson lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Stoyachnikov's legs have taken a beating and he's really slowing down as a result.
Johnsson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Johnsson defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Stoyachnikov.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stoyak Stoyachnikov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Johnsson scores with a punch to the head.
Johnsson blocks a jab.
Stoyachnikov throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Johnsson cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gunnar Johnsson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Johnsson has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 28:30
Judge Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 27:30
Judge Albert Achterberg scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gunnar Johnsson!