PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Shun Masaru (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and William Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Masaru comes to the cage accompanied by Shoot Me Again. William Johnson is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Masaru
vs
Johnson

170 cm
24
183 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

186 cm
27
202 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Cuts easily

Good wrestler
Brawler
Good gas tank

Tokyo United Fightwear

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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Shun Masaru!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, William Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Kenichi Hosakawa and Yukihiro Shimada.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Johnson darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Masaru tries to get to full guard but Johnson has control of the leg.

Johnson postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Masaru to stand up.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Johnson has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
A jab from Masaru misses.

Johnson closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Johnson lands in his opponent's guard.

Masaru had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Johnson defends it easily.
Johnson stopping the sweep attempt from Masaru.

Johnson stands and steps away. Masaru gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Johnson takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Masaru tries to close the distance and clinch but Johnson swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Johnson closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

Masaru is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Johnson pulls his head out easily.
Still in half guard, Johnson seems content to control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Johnson controlling his opponent.
Masaru really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Johnson controlling his opponent.

Johnson stands up from the dominant position, so we're back on the feet.

Johnson throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Masaru tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Johnson is in Masaru's guard.
Johnson passes Masaru's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Masaru might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Masaru looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Johnson controlling the pace.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.

Johnson decides to stand up.
Masaru connects with the punch.
Shun Masaru is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Johnson closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Masaru to the mat! Masaru manages to get full guard.
Johnson advances to half guard.
Johnson performing his best blanket impression for a moment.

Johnson is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Masaru defends it well.

Johnson postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Masaru to stand up.
Masaru tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Johnson paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Masaru goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

Johnson decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Johnson controlling the pace.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
It looks like Johnson might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.

OK we're going to have a standup here. William Johnson hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Masaru tries to clinch but Johnson is having none of it.
A jab from Masaru misses.
Masaru misses with a jab, cross combination.
Johnson fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Masaru avoids it really well and circles away.
A big right from Masaru misses.

Johnson drives through with a takedown into Masaru's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

Masaru is working an open guard so Johnson takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Masaru throws a looping overhand right but Johnson ducks down to avoid it.

Johnson shoots in and gets a takedown into Masaru's guard.
Masaru seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
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!
Masaru tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson stays in close to Masaru's body and controls the position.

Johnson gets to his feet. Masaru looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
The fight stays on the outside here - Masaru looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Johnson shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Johnson perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

Johnson stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.

Masaru gets caught flat footed, as Johnson shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Johnson slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Johnson stands up from Masaru's guard - Johnson perhaps looking for a knockout.

Johnson closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Johnson lands in his opponent's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

William Johnson dominated that round.
That's time! Masaru's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Johnson keeps the fight on the outside.

Johnson shoots in and bounces Masaru off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Johnson content to stall in guard here.

Johnson decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Masaru, up you get!
Johnson takes one on the chin but seems OK.

Johnson gets a double leg takedown into Masaru's guard.
Johnson stays in close to Masaru's body and controls the position.
Johnson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Masaru is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Masaru looking for a guillotine here but Johnson defends easily.

Johnson stands up from Masaru's guard - Johnson perhaps looking for a knockout.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Johnson gets a double leg takedown into Masaru's guard.

Johnson gets to his feet. Masaru looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Masaru keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Johnson on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.

Johnson looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Johnson's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Masaru actively working from the bottom here.
Johnson keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.

Johnson decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.
Masaru lands a nice looking kick to the body. Johnson takes a step back to recover.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Masaru as he avoids it easily.

Johnson looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
William Johnson has got the better of the ground game so far.
Johnson is breathing heavily.

Masaru is looking for a triangle but Johnson pushes his legs off easily.

Johnson stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Masaru is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Masaru tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Johnson manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

Johnson looking to score a takedown here. Masaru is defending well but Johnson drives through and ends up in Masaru's guard.
Masaru being controlled here, momentarily.

Johnson gets to his feet. Masaru looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Shun Masaru is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Masaru tries to land a leg kick but Johnson saw it coming and moves away.

Masaru tries to sprawl but Johnson drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Johnson works his way into full mount!
Johnson fails to take his opponent's back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson content just to control the position here.

Johnson stands up from mount. Strange move.
William Johnson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A big left from Masaru misses.

Johnson closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

Johnson gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Johnson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Johnson keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Masaru.
Johnson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Johnson checks a leg kick nicely.

Masaru gets caught napping as Johnson dives in and scores a takedown. Masaru manages to retain guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Johnson gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

Johnson looking to score a takedown here. Masaru is defending well but Johnson drives through and ends up in Masaru's guard.
Johnson sitting in guard here, content to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Masaru working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Johnson doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Johnson manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Masaru working for a triangle but Johnson defends it easily.
Johnson engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up. William Johnson was stalling too much, according to the referee.

Johnson shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Masaru is trying to defend but Johnson finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Masaru looking for submissions off his back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

William Johnson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Masaru's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Masaru tries to sprawl but Johnson drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Masaru actively working from the bottom here.

Johnson stands up from half guard.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Masaru enables Johnson to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Masaru manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Masaru is working an open guard so Johnson takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Johnson takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.

Johnson closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Masaru to the mat! Masaru manages to get full guard.
Johnson advances to half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Johnson is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Masaru!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Masaru has given up his back here. Will Johnson look for the submission or keep pounding away?
What can Masaru do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!
Masaru tries to escape the position.
Johnson is riding his opponent, not letting Masaru buck him off.
Masaru is really stuck here.
Good control from Johnson.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

The ref stands the fighters back up. William Johnson was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Masaru moves in looking to clinch but Johnson pushes him off.

Masaru gets caught napping as Johnson dives in and scores a takedown. Masaru manages to retain guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Johnson controlling from the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Johnson gets to his feet - Masaru follows without any prompting.
Johnson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Masaru.
Masaru is looking to score with low kicks.
Masaru throws a leg kick that misses.

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

Johnson stands up and beckons Masaru to his feet.
Masaru throws a nice looking combination but Johnson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

Johnson closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Masaru did well to prevent Johnson getting side control.

Masaru looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Johnson perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Johnson works his foot free and advances to mount.

Johnson stands up from mount. Strange move.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Masaru moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Masaru is looking to land body kicks.

Johnson scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Johnson controlling the action here.

Johnson stands up from half guard.
Johnson avoids a punch combination nicely.
Masaru throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Masaru tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Johnson looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Masaru!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Masaru being controlled for a moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Johnson decides to stand back up. Johnson steps back and let's Masaru get back to his feet.

Johnson throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Masaru was covering up waiting for the punch and Johnson finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Johnson stands up and waves to Masaru to follow him.
Masaru throws a half hearted mid kick.
Shun Masaru has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Masaru misses with a looping right.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Johnson throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Masaru was covering up waiting for the punch and Johnson finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Masaru is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Johnson pushes down on Masaru's leg and manages to get into half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
William Johnson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Johnson winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Taro Takaoka scores the fight 27:30
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... William Johnson!