PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Rich Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Radoslav Petrov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Petrov has chosen Wu-Tang Clan - Triumph ft. Cappadonna as his entrance music. Radoslav Petrov is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Johnson
vs
Petrov

162 cm
18
140 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

168 cm
19
160 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

Lion Fightwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rich Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Radoslav Petrov!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Alan Glass and Gwen Towbar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Petrov lands with a good body shot.
Johnson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Petrov.
Johnson throws a body punch but Petrov moves out of range.
Nice cross by Johnson.
Petrov throws a big shot that misses.
Petrov lands a nice shot that snaps Johnson's head back.
Petrov misses with an uppercut. Johnson saw that one coming.
Petrov throws a hook but Johnson blocks it.
Petrov's coach down at School of Hard Knocks (Elite Training for $225) was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Petrov's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
The fight stays on the outside here - Johnson looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Petrov doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Petrov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Johnson moves away.
Petrov lands with a shot to the body.
Johnson tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Johnson lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Petrov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Johnson manages to avoid it.
Petrov just misses with a punch to the body.
Petrov is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Johnson rather than just go for the knockout.
Johnson moves out of range of the strikes.
Petrov catches Johnson with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Johnson wants to clinch up but Petrov keeps it at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A telegraphed right hand from Petrov misses the target.
Johnson lands a nice looking body shot.
Radoslav Petrov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Johnson doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Johnson is looking to clinch but Petrov is avoiding it.
Petrov doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Johnson looks to land a left hand but Petrov moved out of range nicely.
Johnson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Petrov.
Johnson wants to clinch but Petrov slips to the side
and Petrov counters with a straight right hand.
A telegraphed right hand from Petrov misses the target.
Petrov circles away from the clinch attempt.
A shot to the liver by Petrov. Beautiful body shot.
Johnson misses with a straight right.
Petrov with a jab.
Johnson ducks under a wild hook from Petrov.
Donk. Petrov catches Johnson right on the button with a cross.
Petrov keeps the fight on the outside.
Johnson is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Petrov throws a shot from downtown. Johnson moves away and avoids it.
Johnson is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Petrov.
Johnson cracks Petrov with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Johnson fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Petrov looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
A jab from Petrov misses.
Petrov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Johnson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Johnson moves out of range of the strikes.
Nice defenses there by Johnson.
Johnson tries to clinch but Petrov moves out of range.
Petrov drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Petrov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Johnson was well out of range. Poor timing from Petrov.
Johnson seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Petrov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Johnson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Johnson doesn't manage to clinch there - Petrov circles away.
Petrov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Johnson tries to clinch there but Petrov circles away.
Petrov throws out a counter right but Johnson avoids it with no problem.
Johnson cracks Petrov with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Petrov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Johnson sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Johnson tries to counter by clinching up but Petrov breaks away and moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Petrov throws a shot to the body.
Petrov lands a nice hook to Johnson's body. Johnson takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Johnson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Petrov.
Petrov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Petrov moves forwards but Johnson connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Johnson cracks Petrov with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Petrov cracks Johnson with a right hand to the side of the head.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Petrov sprawls well. Petrov wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Johnson gets slowly back to his feet.
Johnson uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Johnson changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Petrov tries to avoid it but Johnson manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Petrov to the ground. Petrov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Petrov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Johnson.
Nice defenses there by Johnson.
Petrov connects with a body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Johnson takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Donk. Petrov catches Johnson right on the button with a cross.
Johnson walks into a left hand.
Petrov throws a jab but it's blocked by Johnson.
Johnson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Petrov.
Johnson fails in his attempt to clinch.
Johnson misses with a right hand
letting Petrov counter with a right hand.
Petrov just misses with a punch to the body.

Johnson moves into range and clinches up with Petrov.
Johnson wants to stall.
Johnson is trying to stall.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A hook to the body from Petrov.
Johnson tries to pull guard but Petrov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Radoslav Petrov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Radoslav Petrov's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Petrov cracks Johnson with an open hand slap.
Radoslav Petrov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Petrov circles away from the clinch attempt
and Petrov counters with a nice uppercut.
Petrov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
As Petrov tries to get set, Johnson tries to push him back and clinch up but Petrov manages to avoid the attempt.
Petrov walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Petrov misses the shot to the body.
Petrov scores with a jab. Johnson acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Johnson fails to land the takedown.
Petrov swings for the body but Johnson moves out of range.
As Petrov tries to get set, Johnson tries to push him back and clinch up but Petrov manages to avoid the attempt.
Petrov wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Petrov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Petrov throws a body shot but no joy.
Johnson wants to clinch up but Petrov keeps it at a distance.
Johnson throws a series of punches but Petrov avoids them all with ease.
Johnson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Petrov uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Johnson has time to react.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson takes a swing at Petrov's ribcage but misses.
Johnson ducks under a wild hook from Petrov.
Petrov fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Johnson looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Johnson tries to clinch there but Petrov circles away.
Petrov swats away the attempt to clinch by Johnson.
Johnson cracks Petrov with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Nice sprawl there from Petrov as Johnson shoots in.
Petrov now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Johnson tries to clinch up but Petrov circles away and keeps his distance.
Petrov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Nice jab there from Johnson.
Petrov takes one to the side of the head.
Petrov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Johnson.
Johnson defending well as Petrov loads up on a big left hand.
The fighters circle momentarily. Johnson darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Johnson tries to clinch but Petrov is having none of it.
Johnson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Petrov does it's job there.
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 tries to close the distance and clinch up but Petrov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Johnson wants to clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Petrov. Johnson does a little dance to reset his feet.
As Petrov tries to get set, Johnson tries to push him back and clinch up but Petrov manages to avoid the attempt.
Johnson lands a glancing blow to the side of Petrov's head.
Johnson jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Johnson tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Petrov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Petrov moves into range and connects with a jab.
Johnson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Petrov moves away.
Petrov fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
A looping hook to the body misses from Petrov. Johnson does a little dance to reset his feet.
As Petrov tries to get set, Johnson tries to push him back and clinch up but Petrov manages to avoid the attempt.
Johnson punishes Petrov's body with a nice straight punch.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Johnson moves into range and connects with a jab.
Petrov lands a jab to Johnson's midsection.
Decent striking displayed by Petrov there.
Johnson takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Johnson takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Petrov loads up on a big right hand but Johnson slips the punch.
Johnson moves in looking to clinch but Petrov pushes him off.
Johnson jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Petrov misses with a straight left.
Petrov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Petrov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Petrov scores with a punch to the head.
Johnson tries to clinch up.
Petrov now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Johnson scores with a nice strike.
Johnson dodges the punch combination from Petrov.
Good standup being displayed there by Johnson as he connects with a hook.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Petrov connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Johnson takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Petrov connects with a body shot that sends Johnson's belly button to the back.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Johnson.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rich Johnson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Johnson is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Johnson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Petrov.
Johnson tries to counter by clinching up but Petrov breaks away and moves out of range.
Petrov keeps the fight on the outside.
Petrov throws a body shot but no joy.
Johnson darts in trying to clinch
and Petrov counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Johnson thinking.
The fight stays on the outside here - Johnson looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Johnson throws a poor cross that misses
and Petrov makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Johnson moves away from the strike by Petrov.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Radoslav Petrov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Radoslav Petrov's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! 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.

The fight stays on the outside here - Johnson looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Petrov throws a body shot but no joy.
Petrov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Johnson wants to clinch
and Petrov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
A looping hook to the body misses from Petrov. Johnson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Petrov throws a looping overhand right but Johnson ducks down to avoid it.
Johnson wants to clinch.
Johnson tries to clinch but Petrov is having none of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Petrov lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Petrov throws a lazy right hand but Johnson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Petrov closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Nice defenses there by Johnson.
A big right from Petrov misses.
A telegraphed right hand from Petrov misses the target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson with a lazy takedown attempt
and Petrov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Petrov scores with a shot to the body.
Johnson staying out of range there.
Johnson tries to close the distance and clinch but Petrov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Petrov let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Petrov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Johnson moves away.
Petrov cracks Johnson with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Petrov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Johnson throws a series of punches but Petrov moves out of range.
Johnson throws a good cross that connects.
Nice body punch from Petrov.
Petrov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Petrov scores with a nice right hand.
Jab, jab by Petrov - just one landing.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Petrov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Johnson.
A looping hook to the body misses from Petrov. Johnson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Johnson lands with a shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Johnson lands with an overhand left.
Petrov throws out a powerful jab.
Johnson takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Johnson walks into a straight right hand from Petrov.
Petrov takes a swing at Johnson's ribcage but misses.
Petrov lands a jab.
Johnson moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.

Johnson is rocked!
Donk. Johnson catches Petrov right on the button with a cross.
Oh Johnson is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Johnson takes a jab right on the kisser.
Good shot there by Johnson.
A big left from Petrov misses.
Petrov's corner calls for a 1-2. Petrov obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Johnson shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Johnson tries to clinch up but Petrov circles away and keeps his distance.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Petrov! But no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Petrov misses with a hook. Johnson ducked under it nicely.
Johnson scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Petrov throws a body shot but no joy.
Nice shot by Johnson.
Petrov scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Petrov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Petrov catches Johnson with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Radoslav Petrov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Petrov scores with a jab to the body.
Petrov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Petrov lands with a shot to the body.
Petrov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Johnson moves away.
Johnson wants to clinch but Petrov slips to the side
letting Petrov counter with a right hand.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Johnson's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Petrov connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Johnson scrambles back to his feet.
Petrov takes a swing at Johnson's ribcage but misses.
Johnson is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Petrov.
Johnson doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Petrov counters with a left to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Petrov ducks right into an uppercut from Johnson.
Johnson seems to have got his legs back now.
Johnson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Petrov.
Petrov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Petrov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Johnson manages to avoid it.
Johnson is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Petrov.
Johnson doesn't manage to clinch there - Petrov circles away.
Petrov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Johnson.
Petrov shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Johnson lands with a hook. Petrov tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Johnson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Johnson throws a nice looking combination but Petrov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Petrov missing with a left hand there. Johnson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Johnson moves in looking to clinch but Petrov pushes him off.
Rich Johnson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Good exchange - Johnson coming out on top.

And that's the end of the fight!
Radoslav Petrov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Petrov winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 27:30
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 27:30
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Radoslav Petrov!
Radoslav Petrov took to the mic after the fight and begged the organizational hierarchy for a shot at the title.