PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Cory Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Matt Horwich (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Johnson
vs
Horwich

169 cm
18
185 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

188 cm
24
193 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Powerful

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Cory Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Matt Horwich!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fray, Jeff Smith and Chris Saunders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Johnson throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Horwich's waist but Horwich gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Johnson off to one side.
Horwich is looking to clinch but Johnson is avoiding it.

Horwich closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Johnson can't do much from the bottom here.
Johnson knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Horwich on the ground.
Johnson tries to bench press Horwich off him but Horwich keeps the position.

Horwich is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Johnson knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
A control attempt from Johnson but he's now mounted!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Horwich pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Horwich working the ground and pound effectively.
Horwich has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Horwich lands a couple of good shots and Johnson has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
Horwich missing with strikes from the back.
Even with his hooks in, Horwich manages to miss with strikes from the back.

Horwich has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Johnson has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Horwich tries to get the hooks in deep but Johnson pushed the leg off.
Johnson trying to control the hands but Horwich breaks the grip.

Horwich looking for the RNC.
Johnson wants to escape the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Horwich is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Johnson is defending well though. Horwich let's go of the attempt for now.
Johnson is defending well here and trying to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson wants to get back to his feet.
Horwich is looking to control Johnson but Johnson is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Johnson is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Johnson could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Johnson is working hard here to advance position.
Johnson might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Johnson is trying to stand back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is breathing heavily.

Johnson won't enjoy being in this position. Horwich looking for the choke. Oh... he's slipped the arm under the neck - Johnson is tapping - it's over boys! Horwich picks up the submission victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:40 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Matt Horwich!