PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Dave Vargas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Anthony Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Vargas comes to the cage accompanied by El Rey by Vicente Fernandez. Johnson has chosen Ether as his entrance music. Anthony Johnson has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Dave Vargas's chin.

Vargas
vs
Johnson

190 cm
21
170 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

188 cm
18
178 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

Red Light Clothing ► Amsterdam!
Red Light Clothing ► Amsterdam!

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Dave Vargas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Anthony Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Daniel Franklin and Robert Twigg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vargas looks for a takedown but Johnson sprawls well.
Vargas misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Johnson keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Vargas throws a right and a left that Johnson avoids nicely.
Vargas throws a sloppy head kick and Johnson moves out of range easily.
Vargas shoots for a double leg takedown but Johnson sprawls well. He's pushed Vargas's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Vargas looks to land a combination but Johnson avoids it well.
Johnson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Johnson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Vargas.
Vargas throws a series of punches but Johnson moves out of range.
Johnson misses with a kick to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vargas closes the distance and clinches up with Johnson, looking for a takedown. Vargas pushes Johnson against the cage but Johnson circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dave Vargas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vargas shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Johnson but Johnson pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Vargas avoids the head kick by Johnson.

Vargas changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Johnson looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Vargas is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Johnson is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Johnson can do anything to dispel that myth.
Johnson tries to wriggle free to get back to his feet but he's given up his back! Oops.

Vargas looking to break Johnson's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Johnson remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Vargas will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
Johnson has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.

Vargas is persistently looking for the submission but Johnson is defending it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad position.

Vargas looking for the RNC.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.

Vargas is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Johnson has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
Johnson is trying to get back to his feet but Vargas has full control of the position and if anything, Johnson has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Vargas has his opponent's back but Johnson is looking to stand. He manages to get to his feet and shakes off Vargas.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vargas fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Johnson lands a jab followed by a vicious hook that sends Vargas sprawling to the canvas. Johnson follows him down, looking for the kill. Can Vargas hang on?

Vargas is rocked!
Johnson wants to stand but Vargas has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
Johnson stops Vargas from getting back to his feet.
Johnson tries to stand but can't do so whilst Vargas controls his leg.

Johnson decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vargas 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 a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Johnson lands with a kick to the ribs.
Johnson jabs Vargas right on the nose. Vargas blinks but takes it well.
Johnson Rushes Vargas and starts throwing punches like they are going out of style! Vargas is up against the cage and has nowhere to go. Johnson Piles on the pressure and Vargas crumples to the floor! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Anthony Johnson!