PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tricky The Kid (ranked 4570 p4p, 476 weight class) and CJ Johnson (ranked 6494 p4p, 596 weight class). The Kid's entrance music is All about the Benjamins. A fine choice. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

The Kid
vs
Johnson

178 cm
23
190 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

183 cm
19
200 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Very confident

Juggernaut And Gladiators(90% Laundry)

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Tricky The Kid!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, CJ Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Donald Grub, James Atkins and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The Kid closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.

The Kid closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Johnson slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Johnson controlling The Kid's posture.
The Kid definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
The Kid trying to control the position from guard on top but Johnson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The Kid pushes down on Johnson's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Johnson is looking to improve his position.
Johnson is still trying to improve position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The Kid is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Johnson doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time The Kid.
Johnson is trying to stand back up but The Kid is controlling him
The Kid is trying to control. Johnson wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

The Kid is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Johnson has managed to free his arm - good work.
Johnson is doing well to control the position and prevent The Kid from advancing to side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

The Kid is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Johnson doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time The Kid.
The Kid missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

The Kid is working for a kimura but Johnson is defending it quite comfortably.
Johnson wants to control but The Kid is keeping busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is trying to stand back up but The Kid is controlling him

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Johnson lands a lovely overhand right.
Johnson misses with a double jab

and The Kid counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

The Kid is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Johnson is just riding it out for now. The Kid eventually gives up the hold.
Johnson trying to hold on to The Kid's head to control him but The Kid postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The Kid is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Johnson tries to roll over but The Kid keeps him under control.
Johnson is staying active underneath The Kid, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

The Kid is looking for a kimura but Johnson is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for The Kid to get the leverage.
Johnson tries to get to full guard but The Kid has control of the leg.
The Kid landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Johnson tries to get to full guard but The Kid has control of the leg.
The Kid sitting and controlling from the half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tricky The Kid dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Johnson looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
The Kid goes for a double leg but Johnson avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Johnson continues to drive forward.
The Kid looks for a takedown but Johnson sprawls well.
Johnson throws out a counter right but The Kid avoids it with no problem.
The Kid takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Johnson stuffs the takedown attempt from The Kid. The Kid gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tricky The Kid. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The Kid is looking to clinch but Johnson is avoiding it.
CJ Johnson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The Kid shoots in for a double leg but Johnson sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Johnson unleashes a big counter combination but The Kid bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The Kid shoots in looking for a takedown but Johnson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing The Kid's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
The Kid will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Johnson's jab looks to have found its range, popping The Kid under the eye.

It looks like Tricky The Kid has been cut.
Johnson swats away the attempt to clinch by The Kid.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Johnson goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

Johnson darts in and clinches The Kid up against the cage.
The Kid drops down looking for an ankle pick but Johnson pulls his leg out and moves away.
Johnson looks to land a combination but The Kid avoids it well.
Johnson lands a straight punch to the body, keeping The Kid at a distance.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Johnson lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
The Kid walks into a straight right hand from Johnson.
Johnson ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
The Kid is trying hard to land a takedown here. Johnson sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Johnson tries to counter by closing the distance.
Johnson scores with a jab to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The Kid has a takedown stuffed.
Johnson listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Johnson finds it's way through The Kid's defenses.
Jab from Johnson.
Nice body punch from Johnson.
The Kid takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
The Kid shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Johnson lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Johnson cracks the inside of The Kid's front leg.

Johnson moves into the clinch.
The Kid tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Johnson just stands there and leans against the cage.
Johnson has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by The Kid after a bit of a struggle.
Johnson scores with a shot to the side of The Kid's head.
A short left from Johnson.

Johnson pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Johnson lands a nice looking body shot.
The Kid on the wrong end of a nice jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson catches The Kid with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

Johnson gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Johnson has momentary wrist control but The Kid slips an elbow through the middle.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

The Kid postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Johnson is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of The Kid, into his guard.

The Kid has a closed guard, preventing Johnson from standing up.

Johnson decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
CJ Johnson seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Johnson throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Johnson displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Johnson bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps The Kid's head backwards.
Johnson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tricky The Kid is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
The Kid goes for a double leg but Johnson avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Johnson continues to drive forward.
The Kid dives in and grabs Johnson's left leg, looking for a takedown. Johnson pushes down on The Kid's head and hops out.
Johnson unleashes a big counter combination but The Kid bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Johnson thuds his shin into the meat of The Kid's side.
Johnson cracks The Kid with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Johnson moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
We've been informed that Johnson has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
The Kid doesn't manage to clinch there - Johnson circles away.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Johnson lands a head kick. The Kid smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Johnson goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
The Kid misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

CJ Johnson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Tricky The Kid'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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Johnson lands with a hook. The Kid tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
The Kid shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Johnson counters by moving into the clinch.

Johnson escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Oooooh!!! Johnson has knocked The Kid down with a huge combo! Johnson steps away and waves a wobbly The Kid back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!

The Kid is rocked!
The Kid with a lazy takedown attempt

and Johnson counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Oh The Kid is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!

Johnson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Johnson lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Johnson fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt The Kid.

The Kid looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Johnson!
The Kid seems to have got his legs back now.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.

The Kid thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The Kid moves into full mount!
The Kid looking to control but Johnson is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Johnson working to try and regain half guard.
Johnson tries to lock up and control but The Kid gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
The Kid lands a big shot there that rocks Johnson but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Johnson regains half guard.

The Kid is looking for a kimura but Johnson is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for The Kid to get the leverage.

Johnson manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. The Kid keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
The Kid tries for a takedown but Johnson manages to get underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tricky The Kid. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The Kid tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Johnson smiles and moves away.
The Kid darts in looking for a takedown but Johnson gets double underhooks and turns The Kid into the cage.
No luck with that takedown attempt from The Kid.

Johnson forces The Kid back against the cage and clinches.
The Kid looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The Kid drops his hands momentarily and Johnson takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
The Kid's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Johnson connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! The Kid scrambles back to his feet.
The Kid takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Johnson tests The Kid's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Johnson buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Johnson with a hook.
The Kid is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
The Kid has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from The Kid there as he acknowledges the shot.
Johnson throws a nice looking combination but The Kid bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Johnson lands a straight punch to the body, keeping The Kid at a distance.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The Kid shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Johnson but Johnson pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Johnson tries to sprawl but The Kid drives through with a takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Johnson manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Johnson throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Johnson connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
The Kid shoots for a double leg takedown but Johnson sprawls well. He's pushed The Kid's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from The Kid is defended easily by Johnson.
Johnson dips to his left and cracks The Kid with an uppercut!
Johnson cracks The Kid with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Johnson jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.

The Kid gets a double leg takedown into Johnson's guard.

Johnson pushes The Kid off and gets back to his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
CJ Johnson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Johnson 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 Donald Grub scores the fight 27:29
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 27:29
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 27:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... CJ Johnson!
During a confident post fight interview, CJ Johnson thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
In defeat, Tricky The Kid stepped up to the mic, saying 'Hey, it is what it is. Back to the gym tomorrow!'.