PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Chuck Liddell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricky Dale Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Liddell comes to the ring accompanied by It's Dark and Hell Is Hot. 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.

Liddell
vs
Dale Johnson

190 cm
37
207 lbs
16 - 23 - 0

188 cm
27
213 lbs
13 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Experienced

ADCC Champion
Decent boxing
Granite chin

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 16 - 23 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Chuck Liddell!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ricky Dale Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Patrick Alders, Saam Ante and Daniel Blasius.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Johnson changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Liddell tries to avoid it but Johnson manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Liddell to the ground. Liddell escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Liddell ducks right into an uppercut from Johnson.
Liddell misses with a looping right.
Liddell tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Johnson paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Liddell looks to throw the jab but Johnson is out of range.
Johnson thuds his right hand into Liddell's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Liddell misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Nice straight punches there by Liddell. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Liddell.
Liddell takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Liddell keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Liddell gets a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Liddell working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Johnson goes for a takedown in the clinch but Liddell prevents it.
Chuck Liddell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricky Dale Johnson.
Johnson has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Liddell is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Liddell gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Johnson.
Liddell gets underhooks to prevent Johnson's takedown attempt.
Johnson is looking to take this one to the mat.
Liddell prevents Johnson from breaking the clinch.
Liddell connects with a nasty looking knee right to Johnson's face.
Johnson is trying to drag Liddell to the mat but Liddell just about manages to keep his footing. He used the ropes to his advantage there.
Johnson wants to break the clinch but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Johnson is working on a single leg takedown against the ropes. Liddell can't fight it off and eventually Johnson manages to take the fight to the floor. Liddell looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Liddell is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Johnson looking to pass the guard.
Liddell looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Johnson content to stall in guard here.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Liddell wants to sweep but no luck.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson wants to control from the top but Liddell keeps moving.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Ricky Dale Johnson wasn't active enough on the ground.
Liddell tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Johnson swivels and escapes.

Johnson drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Johnson tries to free his leg and advance position but Liddell is retaining full guard.
Johnson postures up.
Johnson passes Liddell's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Johnson wants to take a breather but Liddell is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Liddell is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Johnson pulls his head out easily.

Johnson maintaining the dominant position here and is working for a kimura. He's locked it up! Liddell could be in real trouble here! He's trying to wriggle out but Johnson has cracked it and Liddell is screaming in pain - he's tapped out! Great finish by Johnson!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:27 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Ricky Dale Johnson!
Ricky Dale Johnson seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.