PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Anthony Johnson (ranked 1619 p4p, 248 weight class) and Yuri Bezmenov (ranked 2519 p4p, 351 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Johnson
vs
Bezmenov

189 cm
25
216 lbs
11 - 9 - 0

190 cm
24
207 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Anthony Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Yuri Bezmenov!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Valeri Chadov and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

A momentary lapse in concentration from Johnson enables Bezmenov to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Johnson manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Bezmenov stops Johnson from standing up.
Bezmenov trying to control but Johnson is working from the bottom.
Johnson knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Bezmenov on the ground.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Johnson manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Johnson lands a left hand that snaps the head of Bezmenov backwards.
Bezmenov tries for a takedown. No joy.

Bezmenov is trying to trip Johnson. He has hold of a leg but Johnson is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Bezmenov persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Johnson is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Bezmenov is controlling him.
Bezmenov stays in close to Johnson's body and controls the position.
Bezmenov wants to pass the guard but Johnson is keeping the position.
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!

Bezmenov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Bezmenov trying to control but Johnson is working from the bottom.
Bezmenov tries to free his leg and advance position but Johnson is retaining full guard.
Bezmenov won't allow Johnson to get back to his feet.
Johnson trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Bezmenov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bezmenov stops Johnson from standing up.
Johnson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Bezmenov drops back looking for a leg! Johnson is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Johnson manages to kick Bezmenov off! Bezmenov jumps back into Johnson's guard.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet but Bezmenov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Bezmenov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Bezmenov trying to control but Johnson is working from the bottom.
Bezmenov stops Johnson from standing up.
Bezmenov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Johnson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet but Bezmenov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Bezmenov trying to control but Johnson is working from the bottom.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Bezmenov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Johnson defends it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Johnson looks to score with a jab to the body but Bezmenov is just out of range.
Johnson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bezmenov was well out of range. Poor timing from Johnson.
Bezmenov closes the distance and clinches up with Johnson, looking for a takedown. Bezmenov pushes Johnson against the cage but Johnson circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Anthony Johnson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yuri Bezmenov.
Bezmenov shoots for a double leg takedown but Johnson sprawls well. He's pushed Bezmenov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Johnson lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

It looks like Yuri Bezmenov has been cut.
Johnson looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Bezmenov tries for a takedown but Johnson sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Horrible takedown attempt by Bezmenov or perhaps it was just good defense by Johnson, which made it look bad.
Bezmenov shoots in but no luck this time.
Bezmenov moves out of range as Johnson strikes.
Bezmenov fails with a takedown attempt.
Bezmenov looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Bezmenov fails with a takedown attempt.
Bezmenov looks winded!
A combination from Johnson does no damage.
Johnson throws a left and a right that both miss

and Bezmenov counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Bezmenov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson wants to stand up but Bezmenov is controlling him.
Bezmenov scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Bezmenov postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet but Bezmenov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Bezmenov trying to control but Johnson is working from the bottom.
Johnson wants to stand up but Bezmenov is controlling him.
Bezmenov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Bezmenov wants to control from the top but Johnson keeps moving.
Johnson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Bezmenov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Johnson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Johnson wants to stand but Bezmenov is controlling the position.
Bezmenov is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Johnson is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Bezmenov is controlling him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bezmenov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Bezmenov trying to control the position from guard on top but Johnson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Johnson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bezmenov moves away.

Bezmenov shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Johnson napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Johnson is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Johnson parries the strikes from Bezmenov easily there. Bezmenov is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Johnson to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Anthony Johnson will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Yuri Bezmenov's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Johnson throws a shot from downtown. Bezmenov moves away and avoids it.
Anthony Johnson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Nice sprawl there from Johnson as Bezmenov shoots in.
Bezmenov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Bezmenov scores with a takedown into Johnson's guard.
Johnson keeping moving, preventing Bezmenov from controlling successfully.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Bezmenov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Johnson is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Johnson working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Bezmenov.

Johnson wriggles free and stands up.
Bezmenov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Bezmenov feints the counter takedown.

Johnson gets caught napping as Bezmenov dives in and scores a takedown. Johnson manages to retain guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Johnson is looking to stand up but Bezmenov isn't so interested in that idea.
Bezmenov postures up in Johnson's guard and throws a big left but Johnson blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bezmenov distracts Johnson with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

Bezmenov is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Bezmenov forces his way into half guard.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.
Bezmenov wants to pass the guard but Johnson is defending well.
Johnson tries to kick Bezmenov off but Bezmenov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Bezmenov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Johnson tries to kick Bezmenov off but Bezmenov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Bezmenov trying to pass the guard but Johnson defending well.
Bezmenov not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.
Johnson is not content to let Bezmenov control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bezmenov prevents Johnson from standing back up.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Bezmenov lands a nice short elbow.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.
Bezmenov is pressing down on Johnson's thigh, looking to free his foot. Johnson is holding on for now.
Johnson is looking to escape.
Bezmenov not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Bezmenov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Johnson has managed to free his arm - good work.
Johnson avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Bezmenov.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.
Bezmenov wants to take a breather but Johnson is having none of it.
Johnson is trying to stand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bezmenov throwing shots but Johnson is blocking nicely.
Bezmenov is looking to advance position but Johnson won't allow it.

Bezmenov is looking for a kimura but Johnson is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Bezmenov to get the leverage.
Johnson is looking to escape.
Bezmenov is pressing down on Johnson's thigh, looking to free his foot. Johnson is holding on for now.

Bezmenov is trying to work for a kimura but Johnson is defending well.
Bezmenov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Bezmenov trying to control the action but Johnson is working from the bottom.
Bezmenov is pressing down on Johnson's thigh, looking to free his foot. Johnson is holding on for now.
Johnson blocking the ground and pound attempt from Bezmenov.
Johnson is trying to stand.
Bezmenov wants to control but Johnson is keeping him busy.
Bezmenov stalling.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is looking to escape.
Bezmenov trying to control the action but Johnson is working from the bottom.

Bezmenov is working for a kimura but Johnson is defending it quite comfortably.
Johnson is not content to let Bezmenov control the position.
Johnson is trying to stand up here but Bezmenov is controlling him well.
Bezmenov not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Bezmenov is working for a submission of some sort.
Bezmenov stops Johnson from getting back to his feet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Johnson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Johnson tries to kick Bezmenov off but Bezmenov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yuri Bezmenov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Yuri Bezmenov's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

The crowd cheers as Johnson lands an impressive looking overhand right. Bezmenov doesn't seem phased though.

Bezmenov shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Johnson is trying to defend but Bezmenov finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Johnson pushes Bezmenov off and gets back to his feet.
Bezmenov looks for a takedown but Johnson sprawls well.

Bezmenov dives in and scores a takedown into Johnson's guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Johnson is looking to stand up but Bezmenov isn't so interested in that idea.

Johnson pushes Bezmenov off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Johnson scores with a jab.
Anthony Johnson is winning the standup battle so far.

Johnson gets caught flat footed, as Bezmenov shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Johnson keeping moving, preventing Bezmenov from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bezmenov throwing strikes but missing.
Johnson is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Bezmenov is controlling him.
Bezmenov 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.
Bezmenov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Bezmenov trying to control the position from guard on top but Johnson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Bezmenov drops back looking for a leg! Johnson is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Johnson manages to kick Bezmenov off! Bezmenov jumps back into Johnson's guard.
Bezmenov trying to control but Johnson is working from the bottom.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet but Bezmenov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Bezmenov trying to control the position from guard on top but Johnson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Bezmenov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Bezmenov stops Johnson from standing up.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Bezmenov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

Bezmenov shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Johnson's guard.
Bezmenov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Bezmenov trying to control the position from guard on top but Johnson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bezmenov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet but Bezmenov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Bezmenov with a flurry of punches that miss.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bezmenov won't allow Johnson to get back to his feet.
Bezmenov not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson wants to stand up but Bezmenov is controlling him.
Bezmenov chips away with some ground and pound.
Bezmenov postures up in Johnson's guard and throws a big left but Johnson blocks it.
Johnson keeping moving, preventing Bezmenov from controlling successfully.
Bezmenov looking to pass the guard.
Johnson is looking to stand up but Bezmenov isn't so interested in that idea.
Johnson keeping moving, preventing Bezmenov from controlling successfully.
Johnson wants to stand up but Bezmenov is controlling him.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Bezmenov.
Anthony Johnson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yuri Bezmenov.

That's four 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.
Johnson throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Bezmenov.
Johnson misses the shot to the body.
Johnson throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Bezmenov.
Johnson misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Bezmenov shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Johnson but Johnson pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Bezmenov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Johnson.

Bezmenov fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Johnson to the ground. Bezmenov is now in Johnson's guard.
Bezmenov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Johnson keeping moving, preventing Bezmenov from controlling successfully.
Bezmenov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Johnson is keeping the position for now.
Johnson is looking to stand up but Bezmenov isn't so interested in that idea.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Johnson manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Bezmenov goes for a takedown attempt but Johnson pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Anthony Johnson showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Johnson has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 28:29
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 29:28
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Anthony Johnson!
A very excited looking Anthony Johnson made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.