PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Craig Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pejro Karesky (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Johnson kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Blood of Heroes!. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Johnson
vs
Karesky

168 cm
42
200 lbs
25 - 24 - 0

177 cm
40
193 lbs
31 - 17 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 25 - 24 - 0, fighting out of New York, Craig Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 31 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Pejro Karesky!
The judges for this bout are Gregory Folan, Steve Smith and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Johnson!

It looks like Pejro Karesky has been cut.
Karesky connects with a leg kick. Johnson looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Johnson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Johnson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Johnson waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Karesky.
Johnson misses with a body shot.
Karesky is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
A looping hook to the body misses from Johnson. Karesky does a little dance to reset his feet.
Johnson falls off balance throwing a combination
and Karesky counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Johnson throws the kick towards the body but Karesky avoids it.
Johnson misses with a shot to the body
and Karesky counters with a straight right hand.
Craig Johnson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Karesky connects with a single shot there.
Johnson lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Karesky has taken the fight to the clinch.

Johnson's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Johnson lands a right hook to the body.

Karesky closes the distance and pushes Johnson back into the cage.

Johnson breaks the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Karesky moves into the clinch successfully.
Johnson is trying to push Karesky away but Karesky has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Johnson is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Karesky lands with a left to the head.
Karesky manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Johnson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Karesky's elbow.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Karesky tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Johnson's elbow.

Johnson escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Johnson fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Karesky has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Johnson misses with a body shot
and Karesky cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

It looks like Craig Johnson has been cut.
Johnson misses the shot to the body.
A little jabbing left from Karesky on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Johnson misses with a series of wild punches.

Karesky drives through and clinches with Johnson against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Karesky tries to throw a body punch but Johnson avoids it by throwing Karesky back against the cage.
Karesky misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Johnson.
Karesky controlling the action here for a moment.
Johnson scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Karesky keeps control of Johnson as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Johnson as Karesky tries to tie him up.
Johnson is trying to break the clinch but Karesky has him pressed against the cage.
Karesky misses with a body punch.
Good body shot from Karesky.
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!
Karesky taking a breather.
Karesky stalling the fight.
Johnson is trying to push Karesky away but Karesky has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

Johnson pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Johnson circles away from the clinch attempt
letting Johnson counter with a right hand.
Johnson circles away from the clinch attempt.
Nice shot by Johnson.
Johnson darts in trying to clinch
and Karesky counters with a three punch combo that has Johnson backing up. Johnson nods at Karesky to acknowledge the strikes.
Good exchange - Karesky coming out on top.
Karesky scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Johnson doesn't seem bothered though.
Karesky avoids the body shot from Johnson.
Johnson throws a head kick but Karesky moves out of range.
Johnson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Karesky.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Karesky closes the distance and clinches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Karesky blocks an uppercut.
Karesky is struggling to control the position.
Johnson tries to throw a body punch but Karesky avoids it by throwing Johnson back against the cage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Karesky misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Karesky manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Karesky misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A bit of stalling here from Karesky.
Karesky tries to work over Johnson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Johnson throws a head punch that misses.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Karesky obliges.
Johnson manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Karesky doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Pejro Karesky will probably get the nod.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Karesky wants to clinch up but Johnson keeps it at a distance.
A left and a right from Karesky both land. Nice combination.
Johnson lands a nice hook to Karesky's body. Karesky takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Karesky keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - Karesky looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Johnson misses the shot to the body.
Johnson wants to clinch.
Karesky avoids a punch combination nicely.
Karesky throws out a counter right but Johnson avoids it with no problem.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Johnson misses with a body shot
and Karesky counters with a left and a right that stings Johnson.
Karesky fails with an attempt to clinch.

Karesky takes the fight into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Karesky blocks it with crossed arms.
Karesky landing knees to the head.
Karesky avoiding damage.
Johnson has Karesky pressed against the cage.

Johnson escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Johnson throws a nice looking combination but Karesky bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Karesky tries to close the distance and clinch but Johnson swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Johnson misses with a body shot.
Johnson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Johnson ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Johnson thuds a left hand into Karesky's body.
A jab from Johnson misses.
Karesky wants to clinch up but Johnson keeps it at a distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson scores with a shot to the body.
Johnson misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Karesky counters with an outside leg kick.
Johnson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Johnson works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Karesky clinches.
Johnson tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Johnson has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Karesky pressing his opponent against the cage.
Johnson lands a shoulder strike.
Karesky misses with a hook to the ribs.
Johnson prevents a body shot from Karesky.
Karesky stalls.
Johnson avoiding damage as Karesky throws knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson misses with a body punch.
Johnson is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Karesky letting Johnson take a breather here.
Karesky manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Karesky leaning against his opponent.
A nice left hand lands by Karesky.
Johnson tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Johnson prevents a body shot from Karesky.
Karesky pushes off an throws an elbow but Johnson leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Karesky blocks an uppercut.
Knees to the body from Johnson.
Karesky taking a breather.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Karesky slows down the pace here.
Karesky continues to stall. The referee tells him to work or he's going to break them up.
Karesky lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Karesky with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Karesky misses with a shot to the kidneys.
I was talking to Johnson's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Karesky 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.
Johnson throws a punch but it's blocked by Karesky.
Karesky throws an elbow but it misses.
Johnson working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Johnson controlling the action here for a moment.
Johnson working aggressively here.
Karesky slowing the pace effectively.

Johnson escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Craig Johnson will probably get the nod.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Johnson throws a body shot but no joy.
Johnson lands a body shot.
Pejro Karesky is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Johnson throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Karesky tries to clinch but Johnson moves out of range.
Johnson appears to be looking for a big counter.

Karesky pushes Johnson up against the cage in a clinch.

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

Karesky instigates a clinch.
Johnson is trying to push Karesky away but Karesky has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Karesky has Johnson pressed against the cage.
Johnson wants to break free but Karesky has control.
Pejro Karesky seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson misses with some punches.
Johnson blocks a body shot from Karesky.
Johnson looking to slow down the pace here.
Johnson takes a knee right on the jaw!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karesky blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Karesky misses with a body punch.
Karesky has Johnson pressed against the cage.
Karesky lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Johnson misses with a hook from the clinch.
Johnson wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Johnson is trying to break the clinch but Karesky is controlling him.
Johnson tries to work over Karesky's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Johnson is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Johnson swings wildly with an uppercut but Karesky uses good head movement to avoid it.
Stalling in the clinch from Johnson.
Karesky lands with a short punch from the clinch.

Johnson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Johnson misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson throws a series of punches but Karesky moves out of range.

Karesky moves into the clinch.
Karesky trying to land knees to the body.
Karesky putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Johnson in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Karesky putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Johnson in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Johnson tries to break free but Karesky pushes him back against the cage.
Johnson wants to get back to striking at distance but Karesky won't allow it.
Karesky lands an uppercut.

Craig Johnson's cut is getting worse.
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!
Karesky lands a knee to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A left hand lands to the body for Karesky.
Karesky slowing the pace effectively.
Karesky goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Karesky blocks an uppercut.
Johnson's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Johnson tries to stall but Karesky uses the opportunity to gain a better position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson avoids a wild elbow strike from Karesky.
Karesky is looking to control Johnson's arms but Johnson gets an underhook and turns him. Now Karesky has his back to the cage.
Karesky scores with a knee to the head.
Karesky lands a left hand that snaps the head of Johnson backwards.
Karesky misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Karesky taking a breather.
Karesky is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Johnson tries to circle away but Karesky has him pinned against the cage.
Johnson is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Johnson is trying to break the clinch but Karesky is controlling him.
Johnson wants to get back to striking at distance but Karesky won't allow it.
Karesky lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Johnson wants to stall.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson wants to stall.
Karesky landing knees to the head.
Karesky doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Karesky tries a body shot but Johnson blocks it.

Johnson breaks the clinch.

Karesky moves into the clinch.
Johnson lands with a light punch inside.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Karesky lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Johnson or not.
Karesky digs a right hand underneath Johnson's ribcage. Johnson let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Johnson misses with a hook from the clinch.

Johnson manages to break the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Pejro Karesky comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Karesky has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Gregory Folan scores the fight 28:29
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 28:29
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pejro Karesky!