PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Esteban Vega (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hugo Johansson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Vega comes to the cage accompanied by Dead N Gone. Johansson is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Tom Waits - Going out west.. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Vega
vs
Johansson

170 cm
30
155 lbs
25 - 14 - 0

178 cm
28
153 lbs
15 - 9 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Brute
Charlie Wang's Tattered Rags & 95% Laundry

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 25 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Esteban Vega!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Hugo Johansson!
The judges for this bout are Elvis Blanc, Steve Smith and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vega thows a body shot but no joy.
Esteban Vega seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Vega clinches with his opponent.
Johansson tries to work over Vega's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Johansson tries to throw a body punch but Vega avoids it by throwing Johansson back against the cage.
Vega is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Vega trying to control the position but instead, Johansson has worked for underhooks and has pushed Vega into the cage.
Vega lands with a light punch inside.
Vega lands a good knee to the midsection. Johansson won't want to take too many of those.
Vega lands a nice shot to the body.
Johansson misses with the head strike.
Johansson misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A right handed body shot lands from Johansson.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vega tries to work over Johansson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Vega blocks a body shot from Johansson.
Johansson is trying to force a seperation but Vega has the dominant position.
A left hand lands to the body for Johansson.
Vega lands a right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Vega breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Johansson misses with a left hand
and Vega counters with a head kick. That will keep Johansson thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Vega misses with a looping left.

Vega fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Johansson, pushing him back against the cage.
Johansson throws a head punch that misses.
Johansson lands a left hand that snaps the head of Vega backwards.
Johansson misses with a body punch.
Johansson struggles to land a body shot inside as Vega controls his hands.
Johansson can't find room to land a body shot as Vega controls the action.
Johansson tries a body shot but Vega blocks it.
Vega trying to land knees to the body.
Johansson misses with a body punch.
Vega trying to stall but Johansson improves his position.
Vega lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Johansson blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Johansson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Vega's elbow.
Vega working hard to break the clinch.
Johansson lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Vega or not.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johansson misses with a punch to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Vega escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Johansson throws a poor cross that misses
and Vega counters with an outside leg kick.
Vega lands a slapping body shot.
Vega connects with a right hand. Johansson shakes it off.
Vega throws a nice inside leg kick.
Vega goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Johansson scores with a hook.
A slapping body kick lands there for Vega.
Johansson ducks under a wild hook from Vega.

Johansson moves into the clinch.
Stalling in the clinch from Vega.
Johansson can't find room to land a body shot as Vega controls the action.
Vega struggles to land a body shot inside as Johansson controls his hands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vega misses with a body punch.
Vega cracks Johansson with a nice body shot.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Johansson.
Nice body punch from Johansson.
Johansson misses with a hook to the ribs.
Johansson misses with a shot to the kidneys.

Johansson manages to break the clinch.
Vega misses with a body shot.
Johansson throws a left and a right that both miss
and Vega counters with a three punch combo that has Johansson backing up. Johansson nods at Vega to acknowledge the strikes.
Johansson loads up on a big right hand but Vega slips the punch.

Vega drives through and clinches with Johansson against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Vega.
Johansson prevents a body shot from Vega.
Johansson looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Vega tries to throw a body punch but Johansson avoids it by throwing Vega back against the cage.
Vega tries to work over Johansson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Vega manages to break the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johansson slips a jab and a cross from Vega.

Vega has managed to clinch.
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!
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Johansson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Vega's elbow.
Johansson scores with a hook to the body.
Vega lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Johansson tries a body shot but Vega blocks it.
Vega wants to stall.
Johansson misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Johansson lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Johansson tries a body shot but Vega blocks it.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Johansson is working Vega over against the cage.
Johansson prevents Vega from breaking the clinch.
Vega tries to work over Johansson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Vega blocks a body shot from Johansson.
Vega looking to stall.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Esteban Vega dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Vega keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Johansson.
Johansson thows a left - swing and a miss!
Vega keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Vega fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Johansson has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Johansson takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Johansson throws a jab but it's blocked by Vega.
Vega slips a straight right by Johansson.
Vega slips a straight right by Johansson.
Vega lands a right hook to the body.
Johansson looks for a takedown but Vega sprawls well.

Vega moves into the clinch.
Esteban Vega has scored more points in the clinch so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johansson stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Vega tries to circle away but Johansson has him pinned against the cage.
Vega presses Johansson against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Johansson wants to break the clinch but can't.
A short body shot lands from Johansson as the two fighters clinch.
Vega misses with an elbow strike.
Vega stalling in the clinch but Johansson improves position.
A bit of stalling here from Vega.
A right handed body shot lands from Vega.
Johansson misses with the head strike.
A left hand lands to the body for Vega.
Vega tries to stall but Johansson uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Vega tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Vega fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Johansson lands a body shot in the clinch.
Johansson throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Vega makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vega prevents a body shot from Johansson.
Vega misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Johansson.
Vega lands a body shot.
Vega cracks Johansson with a nice body shot.
Johansson tries to work over Vega's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Vega scores with a shoulder strike.
Johansson on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

Vega pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Johansson takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Johansson looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Vega looks to score with a jab to the body but Johansson is just out of range.
Sloppy strikes from Vega. Those never looked like landing.
Johansson scores with a jab to the body.
Vega dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Esteban Vega is winning the standup battle so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johansson throws a hook but Vega avoids it easily.
Johansson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Vega.

Johansson tries to keep at a distance but Vega has taken the fight into the clinch.
Johansson tries to work over Vega's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Vega prevents a body shot from Johansson.
Johansson lands a left hand.
Johansson lands a left hand that snaps the head of Vega backwards.
Vega throws a punch but it's blocked by Johansson.
Vega is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Johansson is keeping busy.
Vega goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Vega throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Vega being controlled against the cage.
Vega effectively controlling the action here.
Vega is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Johansson is defending well for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johansson misses with a hook from the clinch.
Johansson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Vega's elbow.
Johansson lands a right hand that snaps the head of Vega backwards.
Johansson blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Johansson stalling.
Johansson is trying to push Vega away but Vega has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johansson prevents a body shot from Vega.
Vega blocks a body shot from Johansson.
Johansson can't find room to land a body shot as Vega controls the action.
Johansson misses with a hook to the ribs.
Johansson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Johansson tries a body shot but Vega blocks it.
Johansson can't find room to land a body shot as Vega controls the action.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Johansson tries to work over Vega's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Vega lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Johansson or not.
Johansson lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Johansson can't find room to land a body shot as Vega controls the action.
Vega trying to stall but Johansson improves his position.
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 Esteban Vega will probably get the nod.
That's time! Vega's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Johansson slips under a jab.
Johansson throws a poor cross that misses
and Vega counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Vega feints and then cracks Johansson's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Johansson down.
A chopping leg kick lands by Vega.
Johansson on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Good shot there by Vega.
Vega's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Vega duly obliges.
Vega lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Johansson might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Vega scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Vega throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Johansson sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Johansson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Vega manages to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johansson doesn't manage to clinch there - Vega circles away.

Vega forces Johansson back against the cage and clinches.
Vega misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Vega lands with a left to the head.

It looks like Hugo Johansson has been cut.
Johansson is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Johansson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Vega's elbow.
Johansson misses with a body punch.
Johansson swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Vega escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Vega dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Johansson. That did some damage!

Johansson shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Vega is trying to defend but Johansson finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Johansson perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johansson throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Vega to regain full guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Johansson throws a strike but Vega rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Vega stands up from Johansson's guard - Vega perhaps looking for a knockout.
Vega moves out of range of the strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Vega has managed to clinch.
Vega misses with a body punch.
Vega is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Johansson is keeping busy.
Vega tries to throw a body punch but Johansson avoids it by throwing Vega back against the cage.
Johansson digs a right hand into Vega's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Vega's gas tank.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Vega.
Johansson can't find room to land a body shot as Vega controls the action.
Johansson tries to work over Vega's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Johansson has a couple of punches blocked by Vega.
Johansson works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Vega holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Vega misses with a punch on the inside.
Johansson misses with a punch to the body.
Vega working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Vega misses with some punches.
Vega throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Johanssons head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Johansson tries to work over Vega's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Vega scores with a shot to the side of Johansson's head.
Vega pushes Johansson back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Johansson is leaning against Vega and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Johansson is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Johansson tries to throw a body punch but Vega avoids it by throwing Johansson back against the cage.
Vega presses Johansson against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Vega tries to land knees in the clinch but Johansson avoids the damage to the body.
Vega misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Johansson.
Johansson can't find room to land a body shot as Vega controls the action.
Vega tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Vega tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Johansson's elbow.
Johansson goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A short right from Vega.
Vega misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Johansson looking to stall.
Hugo Johansson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Vega is trying to break the clinch but Johansson is controlling him.

And that's the end of the fight!
Esteban Vega showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Vega, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Elvis Blanc scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Esteban Vega!
Esteban Vega seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.