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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between James Johnson (ranked 667 p4p, 1443 weight class) and Kirill Berkut (ranked 75 p4p, 153 weight class). Kirill Berkut told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!
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| 172 cm
25
147
10 - 5 - 0 |
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160 cm
28
152
13 - 6 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, James Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 6 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Kirill Berkut!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Robert Douchet and Yves DeLean.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Berkut throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Berkut ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Johnson moves away.
Johnson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Berkut moves out of range of the strikes.
Johnson scores with a nice right hand.
Johnson staying out of range there.
Johnson moves into range and clinches up with Berkut.
Johnson softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Berkut pulls guard successfully.
Johnson wants to stand but Berkut has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Berkut, up you get!
Johnson connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Berkut's hands.
Berkut misses the shot to the body.
Johnson thinks about countering with a head kick.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson blocks a jab.
A counter left hand to the body from Johnson misses its target.
Berkut throws an overhand right that lands on Johnson's shoulder, as Johnson tries to avoid the shot.
Johnson looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Berkut throws a big shot that misses.
Johnson lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Berkut comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Johnson slips a straight right by Berkut.
Berkut looks to throw the jab but Johnson is out of range.
Johnson tests Berkut's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Berkut scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Johnson doesn't seem bothered though.
Berkut fails with the takedown.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A telegraphed right hand from Berkut misses the target.
Berkut darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Berkut throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Johnson is looking to clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Berkut. Johnson does a little dance to reset his feet.
A left lands for Berkut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Johnson moves into the clinch.
Johnson doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Johnson prevents a takedown attempt there.
Johnson misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Johnson breaks from the clinch.
Johnson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Berkut was well out of range. Poor timing from Johnson.
Johnson keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Berkut.
Berkut scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.
Berkut landing a few strikes.
Berkut is looking to take a break and control but Johnson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Berkut prevents Johnson from escaping the position.
Berkut throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Berkut wants to control but Johnson is keeping him busy.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Berkut working his ground and pound in the gym.
Johnson is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Johnson takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Berkut just content to control the position.
Berkut creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Johnson sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Johnson wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Berkut lands some shots froms side control.
Berkut throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Johnson wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
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.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Berkut fails to land a wild elbow strike.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is not content to let Berkut control the position.
Berkut connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Johnson some visible discomfort.
Johnson wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Berkut landing strikes.
Johnson is trying to buck Berkut off.
Check out the look on Berkut's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Johnson wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Berkut landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Johnson wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Berkut lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Johnson down.
Berkut trying to control the position but Johnson is working away.
Berkut cracks Johnson with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Berkut cracks Johnson with a big elbow.
Berkut postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Berkut prevents Johnson from escaping the position.
Berkut is looking to take a break and control but Johnson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Johnson wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Berkut wants to control but Johnson is keeping him busy.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Johnson bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Kirill Berkut seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Berkut, as that shot connected.
Berkut darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Berkut looks for a takedown but Johnson sprawls well.
James Johnson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kirill Berkut.
Johnson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Berkut sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Johnson displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Berkut throws out the jab.
Johnson lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Berkut lands an overhand right.
Berkut digs a good body shot into Johnson's ribs.
Berkut jabs Johnson to the body, keeping him at a distance.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Berkut stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Johnson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Johnson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Berkut lands with a right hand.
Berkut misses with a right hand
and Johnson counters with an outside leg kick.
A shot to the body from Berkut misses
and Johnson cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Johnson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Berkut.
Johnson tries to close the distance and clinch up but Berkut swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Berkut tries for a takedown but Johnson sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
An attempted straight right counter from Johnson misses the target.
Berkut scores with a hook to the body. Johnson takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Johnson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Berkut misses with a two punch combination.
Berkut throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Johnson stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Berkut drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.
Berkut working the head and body with strikes.
Johnson wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Berkut landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Johnson defending against the ground and pound.
Berkut working the ground and pound.
Johnson wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Berkut is working Johnson over with some ground and pound from side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Kirill Berkut dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Johnson takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Berkut throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Nice body punch from Johnson.
Berkut fails with the takedown.
Johnson avoids the body shot from Berkut.
Johnson was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Berkut blocks the body kick.
Berkut tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Johnson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Berkut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A punch lands to the side of Johnson 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Berkut throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Johnson tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Berkut is in Johnson's guard.
Johnson uses the cage to get back to his feet.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Berkut ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Johnson moves away.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Berkut dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Johnson throws a low kick but Berkut moves out of range easily.
Johnson moves out of range of the strikes.
Johnson slips a straight right by Berkut.
Johnson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Berkut misses with a takedown
and Johnson counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Berkut with a nice cross.
Berkut tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Johnson was well out of range. Poor timing from Berkut.
Johnson looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Johnson closes the distance but Berkut moves to the side
and Berkut counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson closes the distance looking to clinch
and Berkut counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Johnson!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Berkut tries to advance to mount but Johnson denies him.
Johnson is pushing Berkut's head away, looking to escape. Berkut manages to hold on to the position though.
Johnson is not content to let Berkut control the position.
Johnson sneaks out the side door and pushes Berkut away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Berkut waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Johnson.
Berkut has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Nice uppercut lands for Johnson. That snapped Berkut's head back.
Berkut misses with a hook to the body
and Johnson counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Berkut misses with a wild body shot.
Johnson has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Berkut finds it's way round the side to connect with Johnson's head.
Berkut tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Berkut scores with a nice right hand.
Berkut shoots and misses
and Johnson counters with a stiff right hand.
James Johnson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kirill Berkut.
Johnson is looking to clinch.
Berkut throws out a loose jab but Johnson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Berkut swings for the body but Johnson moves out of range.
A telegraphed right hand from Berkut misses the target.
Johnson looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Johnson misses with a body shot.
Berkut lands a nice shot that snaps Johnson's head back.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson throws a leg kick that is checked
and Berkut cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Berkut misses with a left hand
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Berkut misses with a body shot.
Berkut misses the body punch
and Johnson connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
James Johnson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Berkut throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Johnson tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Berkut is in Johnson's guard.
Johnson scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Johnson fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Berkut, pushing him back against the cage.
Berkut tries to pull guard but Johnson forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Berkut tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Johnson just stands there and leans against the cage.
Johnson lands with a right to the head.
Berkut is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Johnson creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Johnson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Johnson lands a leg kick that knocks Berkut off balance momentarily.
Berkut rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Johnson counters with a straight right hand.
Berkut throws a shot from downtown. Johnson moves away and avoids it.
Johnson feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Berkut throws a body shot but no joy.
Johnson thinks about countering with a head kick.
Berkut takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Berkut with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Berkut scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Johnson gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Johnson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Berkut.
Johnson keeps control of Berkut as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Berkut has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Johnson regains guard immediately.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johnson wants to stand and escape but Berkut is having none of it.
Berkut stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Johnson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Berkut postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Berkut won't allow Johnson to get back to his feet.
Johnson kicks Berkut off and gets to his feet.
Berkut lands a body shot.
Berkut throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Johnson stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Berkut misses with a looping right.
Johnson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Berkut.
Johnson misses with a jab, cross combination.
Berkut let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Berkut throws a looping overhand right but Johnson ducks down to avoid it.
Berkut ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Berkut fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Johnson manages to avoid it.
Berkut uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Johnson has time to react.
Berkut throws a poor cross that misses
letting Johnson counter with a right hand.
Berkut throws a body punch but Johnson moves out of range.
Johnson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Berkut.
It looked like Johnson wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Johnson thuds his right hand into Berkut's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
The fight stays on the outside here - Johnson looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Johnson fails with an attempt to clinch.
Johnson turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Berkut lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Johnson at a distance.
Berkut missing with a left hand there. Johnson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A big right from Berkut misses.
Nice defenses there by Johnson.
Berkut walks into a left hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Berkut fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Berkut misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Berkut has his takedown stuffed
and Johnson counters with a nice uppercut.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Johnson throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Johnson tries to clinch up.
A good leg kick by Johnson.
Johnson moves into range and clinches up with Berkut.
A short right from Johnson on the inside.
Berkut is rocked!
Johnson lands with a right to the head.
Berkut is still on wobbly legs! Can Johnson finish him?
Berkut tries to pull guard but Johnson holds him up against the cage and eventually Berkut drops back down to his feet.
Johnson lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Johnson is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Johnson pushes Berkut against the cage. Johnson is working some dirty boxing. Johnson pushes off with a quick right hook! Berkut goes down! Berkut tries to stand but stumbles back to his kness! Johnson moves in to finish and the ref steps in to prevent any more damage!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 9:49 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). James Johnson!
During a confident post fight interview, James Johnson thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
59% |
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