PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Dave Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and El Matador (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). There are an array of beautiful celebrities at ringside tonight! I wonder if any of them paid for their tickets.

Johnson
vs
Matador

175 cm
28
150 lbs
13 - 15 - 0

164 cm
27
140 lbs
9 - 10 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Dangerous knees
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 15 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Dave Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, El Matador!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Valeri Chadov and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Johnson.

Johnson drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Matador wants to stand up but Johnson is controlling him.
Johnson scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Matador wants to stand and escape but Johnson is having none of it.
Johnson is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at Barbell Brigade - $1000 that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson lands a couple of digs.

Matador is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Johnson presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Matador wants a takedown.
Matador is looking to take this one to the mat.
Matador landing knees to the body.
Matador drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Dave Johnson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of El Matador.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matador is looking for a takedown.
Johnson makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Johnson scores with a nice hook to the head.
Johnson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Matador.
Matador has Johnson pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Johnson manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
A short right from Johnson.
Matador is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Johnson gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Matador tightens his grip and picks Johnson up, before dumping him to the ground. Johnson manages to land in guard.
Johnson wants to sweep here but Matador controlling him for the moment.
Johnson striking off his back but it's not causing Matador any problems.
Johnson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Matador is one step ahead there.
Johnson has momentary wrist control but Matador slips an elbow through the middle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Matador has gone for a leg lock! Johnson slips out almost immediately though and dives into Matador's guard.

Johnson chips away with some ground and pound.
Matador keeping full guard, as Johnson tries to pass.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Matador manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Matador is trying to drag Johnson to the mat but Johnson just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Matador is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Johnson is defending well.
Matador goes for a takedown attempt but Johnson pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Johnson misses with a two punch combination.
Matador circles away from the clinch attempt.
And Matador tries to counter it with a takedown but Johnson pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Johnson fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Johnson looks to land a combination but Matador avoids it well.

Johnson gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Johnson breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Matador avoids a punch combination nicely.
Johnson throws a head kick that misses.
Matador changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.

Johnson looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Matador!

Matador throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!

Johnson closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Matador to the mat! Matador manages to get full guard.
Matador is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Our spies down at at HFC Training Center inform us that Matador has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Johnson will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Matador is keeping the position for now.
Matador keeping moving, preventing Johnson from controlling successfully.
Johnson has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Johnson controlling from the top position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johnson makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Matador keeping moving, preventing Johnson from controlling successfully.

Matador has his feet on Johnson's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Matador blocks a head kick by Johnson.

Johnson clinches up against the cage.
Matador blocking some punches.

Matador is fighting off a takedown attempt but Johnson is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Matador to the mat. Matador regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Johnson postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Johnson seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Johnson throws a nice outside leg kick.

Johnson has closed the distance and engaged Matador in a clinch.
Johnson lands with a light punch inside.
Johnson misses with a body punch.
Johnson is pressed up against the cage. Matador has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Johnson down to the mat. Johnson avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Johnson thuds a left hand into Matador's body.
Johnson scores with a nice strike.
Johnson throws a head kick that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matador has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Johnson.

Johnson closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Matador is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Johnson has just dragged him back down to the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A lull in the action here as Johnson stalls from top position.
Johnson scoring with punches and elbows.
Johnson is working Matador over with some ground and pound from side control.
Johnson working the head with strikes.
Matador is trying to get back to his feet.
Matador taking a bit of punishment here - Johnson scoring with strikes.
Matador pushes Johnson away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Johnson gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Johnson controlling the position from side mount.
Matador wants to get back to his feet but Johnson drags him back down.

Matador throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!

Johnson has managed to clinch.
Matador takes a shot to the head.
Johnson working some nice short punches in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matador is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Johnson is defending well.
A right hand to the body from Johnson.
Matador is trying to pull guard but Johnson turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Dave Johnson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of El Matador.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A short left from Johnson.
Johnson tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Johnson prevents the takedown attempt.
Johnson connects with a nasty looking knee right to Matador's face.
Matador drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Johnson gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Matador wants a takedown.
Matador drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Johnson gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Johnson stalling in the clinch but Matador improves position.
Johnson using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Matador has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Johnson prevents a takedown attempt there.
Johnson is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Johnson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Matador can do to turn this around?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matador is working for takedown but Johnson is calmly controlling the position for now.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Johnson.
A short right from Johnson.
Johnson is looking to control Matador's arms but Matador gets an underhook and turns him. Now Johnson has his back to the cage.
Matador drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Johnson gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Matador has Johnson pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Johnson manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Johnson has picked Matador up - he's going for a ride! Johnson dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Matador is trying to stand.
Dave Johnson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Johnson working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Johnson working the head and body with strikes.
Johnson is pressing down on Matador's thigh, looking to free his foot. Matador is holding on for now.
Johnson scoring with strikes to the body and head.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson prevents Matador from standing back up.
Matador is staying active underneath Johnson, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Matador is trying to stand up here but Johnson is controlling him well.
Johnson trying to mount his opponent but Matador defends it.
Johnson seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Matador does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Matador is looking to escape.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Johnson drives through with a takedown into guard.
Matador is breathing heavily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Matador is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Johnson looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Matador is looking to stand up but Johnson isn't so interested in that idea.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dave Johnson dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Johnson is looking to clinch.
Matador is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
A combination from Johnson does no damage.
And Matador tries to counter it with a takedown but Johnson pushes his down on his head and steps out.

Johnson closes the distance and clinches.
Johnson is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Matador drops down looking for an ankle pick but Johnson pulls his leg out and moves away.
Johnson thows a body kick. Matador tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Johnson stuns Matador with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Matador tries to move into range but Johnson moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Johnson misses with a few strikes there.
A little jabbing left from Matador on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Matador takes a jab right on the kisser.
Dave Johnson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matador has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Johnson punishes Matador's body with a nice straight punch.
Johnson is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Johnson scores with a head kick. Matador tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Johnson lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Johnson moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Johnson tries to clinch up.

Johnson fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Matador to the ground. Johnson is now in Matador's guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Matador is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Matador wants to stand but Johnson is controlling the position.
Johnson controls from within his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson landing with the ground and pound.
Matador wants to stand and escape but Johnson is having none of it.
Matador utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Matador working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Johnson.
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Matador is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Johnson stops Matador from standing up.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Johnson slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Johnson lands with a nice combination. Matador backs away looking to recover.
Matador has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Johnson.
Johnson tries to clinch up.
Johnson is looking to clinch.
Matador drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Johnson defends it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson cracks a nice hook into Matador's ribs.
Johnson slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Johnson. Matador does a little dance to reset his feet.
Matador blocks the body kick.
Matador feints the counter takedown.
Johnson tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Matador paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Matador feints the counter takedown.
Johnson scores with a jab to the jaw.

Johnson darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Matador pushes Johnson off looking to stand but Johnson dives back in and keeps control.
Johnson winds up and cracks Matador with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Matador is trying to stand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matador is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Johnson lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Matador pushes Johnson off looking to stand but Johnson dives back in and keeps control.
Johnson scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Matador pushes Johnson off looking to stand but Johnson dives back in and keeps control.

Matador has one foot on Johnson's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Johnson moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Matador avoids the head kick by Johnson.
Johnson lands with a kick to the temple. Matador shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Johnson dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Matador. That did some damage!
Matador showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Johnson.
Matador tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
El Matador has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Johnson works Matador's body with a nice hook.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dave Johnson showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Johnson has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 30:27
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dave Johnson!
A less than humble Dave Johnson misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.