PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Otavio Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mikko Paltonen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Otavio Johnson could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Mikko Paltonen's chin.

Johnson
vs
Paltonen

220 cm
18
265 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

225 cm
26
300 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Experienced

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Otavio Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Mikko Paltonen!
The judges for this bout are Matheus Silva, Alexandre Firmino and Felipe Paraventi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Johnson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Paltonen.
Johnson throws a big counter combination but Paltonen scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Johnson has a takedown stuffed.
Nice sprawl there from Paltonen as Johnson shoots in.
Paltonen rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Johnson counters with a series of strikes. Paltonen will be more careful next time no doubt.
Johnson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Johnson staying out of range there.
It looked like Johnson was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Paltonen throws a hook but Johnson blocks it.
Mikko Paltonen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Paltonen swings widly with a right hand
and Johnson counters with a left and a right that stings Paltonen.
Paltonen misses with a lunging right hand
and Johnson counters with a stiff right hand.
A right-left combo lands from Johnson.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johnson shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Otavio Johnson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Paltonen rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Johnson counters with a stiff right hand.
Paltonen misses with an uppercut. Johnson saw that one coming.
Johnson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Paltonen.
Johnson throws a big counter combination but Paltonen scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Johnson defending well as Paltonen loads up on a big left hand.
Johnson went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A jab from Paltonen misses.
Johnson seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.

Johnson gets a clinch.

Johnson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Johnson moves into the clinch successfully.
Paltonen with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

Johnson breaks the clinch.
Paltonen misses with a left hand

and Johnson counters with a single leg into guard. Paltonen didn't expect that.

Paltonen has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Johnson is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Johnson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Nice sprawl there from Paltonen as Johnson shoots in.
Paltonen looks to land a right hand but Johnson moved out of range.

Paltonen sends Johnson crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Paltonen is motioning to the referee to let Johnson up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!

It looks like Otavio Johnson has been cut.
Paltonen misses with a looping right.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Paltonen throws a poor cross that misses
and Johnson counters with a left and a right that stings Paltonen.
Paltonen throws an off balance right hand
and Johnson counters with a straight right hand.
Paltonen might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Johnson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Johnson seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Paltonen misses with a looping right.
Johnson tries to counter by clinching up but Paltonen breaks away and moves out of range.
Paltonen misses with a straight left.
Mikko Paltonen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Johnson moves out of range of the strikes.
Paltonen rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Johnson counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Johnson.
Paltonen looks winded!
Paltonen looking to slow down the pace here.
Paltonen is looking to control Johnson's arms but Johnson gets an underhook and turns him. Now Paltonen has his back to the cage.
Paltonen seems frustrated at his inability to get double underhooks.
Paltonen is trying to stall.
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.

Johnson manages to break the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Paltonen swings widly with a right hand
and Johnson counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Paltonen misses with a right hand
and Johnson counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Paltonen stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Paltonen wants it to stay on the feet.
A little jabbing left from Paltonen on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Johnson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Paltonen rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Johnson counters with a two punch combo.
Paltonen misses with a right hand
letting Johnson counter with a right hand.
Paltonen throws an off balance right hand
and Johnson counters with a two punch combo.
Johnson lands a two punch combo.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A left and a right from Johnson both land. Nice combination.
Johnson tries to score a power double leg takedown but Paltonen sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Johnson somewhat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Paltonen swings widly with a right hand
and Johnson counters with a one-two to the body.
Johnson fails with a takedown attempt.

Johnson feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Johnson with a flurry of punches that miss.

Paltonen is working an open guard so Johnson takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Johnson is defended easily by Paltonen.
It seemed like Paltonen was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Otavio Johnson dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Otavio Johnson's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Paltonen misses with a lunging right hand
and Johnson counters with a left and a right that stings Paltonen.
Johnson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Johnson closes this distance looking for a takedown but Paltonen circles away.
Paltonen throws a right hand that misses
and Johnson counters with a one-two to the body.
Paltonen leaves Johnson with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Nice straight punches there by Johnson. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Johnson.
Paltonen throws a poor cross that misses
and Johnson counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Otavio Johnson is winning the standup battle so far.
Paltonen throws a poor cross that misses
and Johnson counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Paltonen throws a lazy uppercut
and Paltonen takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Paltonen misses with a hook
and Johnson counters with a lovely straight right hand!
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Paltonen in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
Paltonen misses with a left hand
and Johnson counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Paltonen thinking.
Paltonen has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Paltonen misses with a lunging right hand
and Johnson connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Paltonen is breathing heavily.
Paltonen misses with an uppercut
and Johnson counters with a one-two to the body.
Paltonen rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Johnson counters with a two punch combo.

Johnson shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Paltonen's guard.

Paltonen has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Johnson has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
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 breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Paltonen misses with an uppercut

and Johnson counters by moving into the clinch.

Johnson's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Paltonen misses with a hook
and Johnson counters with a straight right hand.
Paltonen misses with a right hand
and Johnson counters with a straight right hand.
Paltonen has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Otavio Johnson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Danga de danga de dang - Johnson scores with a four punch combination!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Johnson shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Johnson showed some decent athleticism there.
Paltonen wants to get back to his feet.
Paltonen manages to get to full guard.
Paltonen working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Johnson.
Johnson knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Paltonen on the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson preventing the sweep.
Paltonen is trying to keep Johnson in close.
Johnson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Paltonen can do to turn this around?
Johnson throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Johnson gets to his feet - Paltonen follows without any prompting.

Johnson looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Paltonen wants to get back to full guard.

Johnson escapes and gets back to his feet.
Johnson shoots for a takedown but Paltonen saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Otavio Johnson. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Paltonen.
Johnson lands a two punch combo.
Johnson fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Johnson fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Paltonen throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Johnson counters with a nice uppercut.
Paltonen throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Johnson counters with a one-two to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Paltonen misses with a left hand
and Johnson counters with a left and a right that stings Paltonen.
Johnson changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Paltonen tries to avoid it but Johnson manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Paltonen to the ground. Paltonen escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
A big left from Paltonen misses.
Johnson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Paltonen.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Otavio Johnson dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Otavio Johnson's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Paltonen throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Johnson counters with a left and a right that stings Paltonen.
Johnson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Paltonen rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Johnson counters with a left and a right that stings Paltonen.
Paltonen misses with a right hand
and Johnson counters with a straight right hand.
Johnson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

Johnson takes the fight into the clinch.

Johnson breaks the clinch.
Paltonen throws a poor cross that misses
and Johnson counters with a left to the body.
Paltonen throws a right hand that misses
and Johnson counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Paltonen throws a right hand that misses
and Johnson counters with a three punch combo that has Paltonen backing up. Paltonen nods at Johnson to acknowledge the strikes.
Paltonen misses with a lunging right hand
and Johnson counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Paltonen takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Paltonen rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
enabling Johnson to counter with a crisp jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Paltonen rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
letting Johnson counter with a right hand.
Paltonen throws an off balance right hand
and Johnson counters with a series of strikes. Paltonen will be more careful next time no doubt.
Paltonen misses with a lunging right hand
and Johnson counters with a three punch combo that has Paltonen backing up. Paltonen nods at Johnson to acknowledge the strikes.
No luck for Johnson with that takedown attempt.

Johnson closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Paltonen quickly recovers to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Johnson prevents Paltonen from improving his position.

Paltonen looking for submissions off his back.
Johnson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Paltonen defending well though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Johnson postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Paltonen to stand up.
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 decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Paltonen manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Johnson keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
Paltonen takes a knee right on the jaw!

Johnson pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Johnson is working the combinations to good effect here.
Paltonen rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Johnson makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Horrible takedown attempt by Johnson or perhaps it was just good defense by Paltonen, which made it look bad.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson defending well as Paltonen loads up on a big left hand.
Johnson seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Paltonen misses with a hook
and Johnson connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Paltonen gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Paltonen 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.
Paltonen throws an elbow but it misses.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Johnson as Paltonen tries to tie him up.
Johnson lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Paltonen.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Johnson pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Johnson gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Johnson manages to break the clinch.
Paltonen throws a lazy uppercut
and Johnson counters with a series of strikes. Paltonen will be more careful next time no doubt.
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!
Paltonen leaves Johnson with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Otavio Johnson. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Johnson looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Paltonen manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Johnson keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
Mikko Paltonen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Otavio Johnson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Paltonen misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Johnson.

And that's the end of the fight!
Otavio Johnson showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Johnson, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Matheus Silva scores the fight 30:27
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 30:27
Judge Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Otavio Johnson!