PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Anthony Johnson (ranked 1550 p4p, 207 weight class) and Evgenii Mamchenko (ranked 2101 p4p, 252 weight class). 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.

Johnson
vs
Mamchenko

189 cm
27
216 lbs
15 - 14 - 0

175 cm
34
198 lbs
23 - 17 - 1

BJJ Brown Belt
World class MT
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

UnderGround Supplements

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 15 - 14 - 0, fighting out of New York, Anthony Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 17 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Evgenii Mamchenko!
The judges for this bout are Patrick Alders, Aafke Stam and Saam Ante.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Johnson fails in his attempt to clinch.
Mamchenko with the counter takedown but Johnson avoids it easily.
Mamchenko on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.

Johnson moves into the clinch successfully.
Mamchenko lands a nice uppercut.
Mamchenko blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Johnson keeps control of Mamchenko as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Mamchenko is looking to break free of the clinch but Johnson has double underhooks.
Mamchenko prevents a body shot from Johnson.
Johnson tries to break the clinch but Mamchenko is controlling the position.
Mamchenko is working for takedown but Johnson is calmly controlling the position for now.
Mamchenko tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Johnson smiles and moves away.
Johnson slips a jab from Mamchenko.
Mamchenko tries to score a power double leg takedown but Johnson sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Mamchenko somewhat.
Anthony Johnson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Evgenii Mamchenko.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Mamchenko paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Johnson throws out a loose jab but Mamchenko uses good head movement to avoid it.
Johnson slips under a jab.
Mamchenko has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Johnson finds it's way round the side to connect with Mamchenko's head.
Anthony Johnson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mamchenko throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Johnson's waist but Johnson gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Mamchenko off to one side.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Mamchenko manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Mamchenko shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Mamchenko will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Johnson cracks Mamchenko with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Mamchenko takes a swing at Johnson's ribcage but misses.

Mamchenko tries to keep at a distance but Johnson has taken the fight into the clinch.
Johnson misses with the head strike.
Mamchenko is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Johnson gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Johnson tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Johnson swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Johnson manages to break the clinch.
Johnson scores with a punch to the head.
Johnson moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Johnson is looking to clinch but Mamchenko is avoiding it.
Johnson looks to clinch

and Mamchenko counters with a single leg into guard. Johnson didn't expect that.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johnson is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mamchenko slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

Mamchenko working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Johnson is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at Never TaP^ Best sparring in Town that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.
Johnson is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Johnson can't do much from the bottom here.
Mamchenko connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Johnson some visible discomfort.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Mamchenko tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Johnson is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Mamchenko has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Mamchenko works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Johnson stuck in half guard on the bottom here.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Mamchenko trying to control the action but Johnson is working from the bottom.

Mamchenko looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Johnson defending against the ground and pound.
Mamchenko scores with punches from side control.
Johnson takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.

Johnson explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!

Johnson has Mamchenko up against the cage in a clinch.
Johnson doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Mamchenko tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Johnson's elbow.

Mamchenko breaks the clinch.
Johnson tries to clinch but Mamchenko is having none of it.
Mamchenko throws a hook but Johnson blocks it.
Mamchenko throws a good cross that connects.
Johnson stuffs the takedown attempt from Mamchenko. Mamchenko gets slowly back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Evgenii Mamchenko will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Johnson closes the distance and clinches.

Johnson manages to break the clinch.
Johnson keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Mamchenko.
Johnson throws a lazy uppercut
and Mamchenko counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Mamchenko listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Nice cross by Mamchenko.
Mamchenko keeps the fight on the outside.
Johnson takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Johnson takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Mamchenko connects with a good right hand that stumbles Johnson. Johnson circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Mamchenko lands with an overhand left.
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!
Johnson tries to clinch

and Mamchenko counters with a shoot takedown. Johnson fights it but they end up in guard.

Johnson is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Mamchenko presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.

Johnson is rocked!
Oh Johnson is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Johnson goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Johnson seems to have got his legs back now.
Mamchenko blocking some punches.
Johnson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson misses with a body punch.
Mamchenko lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Johnson has Mamchenko pressed against the cage, preventing Mamchenko from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A short body shot lands from Johnson as the two fighters clinch.
Mamchenko blocking some punches.
Johnson taking a breather.
A short right from Mamchenko.
Johnson misses with the head strike.

Mamchenko breaks from the clinch.
Johnson stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Johnson wants it to stay on the feet.
Johnson tries to clinch but Mamchenko is having none of it.
Mamchenko throws a good cross that connects.
Johnson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Mamchenko sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Johnson throws out a powerful jab.
Johnson misses with a right hand
and Johnson takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Johnson tries to clinch but Mamchenko moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mamchenko misses with a hook.
Johnson is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Johnson scores with a jab. Mamchenko acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Johnson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Anthony Johnson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Johnson fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Johnson fails in his attempt to clinch.
Johnson lands a jab.
Mamchenko shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Johnson as he avoids it easily.
Mamchenko drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Johnson lands a head shot.
Mamchenko avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Johnson closes the distance looking to clinch

and Mamchenko counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Mamchenko.
Johnson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Mamchenko accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Johnson looking to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mamchenko postures up in Johnson's guard and throws a big left but Johnson blocks it.
Johnson wants to stand and escape but Mamchenko is having none of it.
Johnson working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Mamchenko.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mamchenko wants to control from the top but Johnson keeps moving.
Mamchenko with a flurry of punches that miss.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Johnson fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Johnson takes a jab right on the kisser.
Johnson scores with a punch to the head.
Mamchenko misses with a straight left.
Johnson moves in looking to clinch but Mamchenko pushes him off.
Mamchenko on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Mamchenko moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Johnson tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Mamchenko manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Mamchenko shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Mamchenko showed some decent athleticism there.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Johnson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Mamchenko thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Mamchenko scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Mamchenko prevents Johnson from standing back up.

Johnson pushes Mamchenko off and gets back to his feet.
Mamchenko avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A big left from Mamchenko misses.
Mamchenko misses with an uppercut. Johnson saw that one coming.
A little feinted left hand from Johnson on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Mamchenko swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Johnson.
Johnson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Mamchenko.
Johnson is looking to clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Evgenii Mamchenko will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Nice jab there from Johnson.
Mamchenko throws a hook to the side of Johnson's head but Johnson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Johnson is looking to clinch but Mamchenko is avoiding it.

Johnson gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Johnson has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Mamchenko off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Johnson jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Johnson tries to clinch up.
Johnson is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Johnson lands with an uppercut that bounces Mamchenko off the cage and back into range.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Johnson fails in his attempt to clinch.
Johnson doesn't manage to clinch there - Mamchenko circles away.
Johnson tries to clinch up but Mamchenko circles away and keeps his distance.
Mamchenko lands a really nice looking cross but Johnson seems unphased.
Mamchenko with a nice cross.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson throws a big shot that misses.
Johnson is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Mamchenko lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Mamchenko looks to land a right hand but Johnson moved out of range.
Johnson is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Johnson wants to clinch up but Mamchenko keeps it at a distance.
Mamchenko goes for a double leg but Johnson avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Johnson continues to drive forward.
Johnson was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Mamchenko. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.
Johnson tries to clinch up but Mamchenko circles away and keeps his distance.
Johnson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Mamchenko sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Mamchenko takes one to the chin there.
Mamchenko shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Johnson uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Johnson moves forwards but Mamchenko connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Johnson slips a jab and a cross from Mamchenko.
Mamchenko lands a glancing blow to the side of Johnson's head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Johnson clinches.
Mamchenko has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Johnson is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Mamchenko lands with a left to the head.
Johnson misses with a body punch.
Mamchenko tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson swings wildly with an uppercut but Mamchenko uses good head movement to avoid it.

Mamchenko's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Mamchenko looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Johnson tries to clinch up but Mamchenko circles away and keeps his distance.
The fighters circling - Mamchenko throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Johnson slips a straight right by Mamchenko.
Johnson lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Mamchenko tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Johnson defends well and Mamchenko ends up having to push Johnson into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Anthony Johnson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Evgenii Mamchenko.
Mamchenko throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Johnson scores with a nice right hand.
Nice uppercut lands for Johnson. That snapped Mamchenko's head back.

Mamchenko looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Johnson!

Johnson bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Evgenii Mamchenko is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Mamchenko has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Mamchenko takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Johnson wants to clinch.
Mamchenko throws out a counter right but Johnson avoids it with no problem.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Mamchenko on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Johnson darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Mamchenko shoots for a double leg takedown but Johnson sprawls well. He's pushed Mamchenko's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Mamchenko looks to score with a jab to the body but Johnson is just out of range.
Mamchenko missing with a left hand there. Johnson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Anthony Johnson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Johnson works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Anthony Johnson is winning the standup battle so far.
Mamchenko avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Johnson tries to close the distance and clinch up but Mamchenko swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Johnson tries to close the distance and clinch up but Mamchenko swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Johnson on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Mamchenko shoots in and drives through. Johnson sprawls well.
Mamchenko swats away the attempt to clinch by Johnson.
Johnson misses with an uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson fails with an attempt to clinch.
A little jabbing left from Mamchenko on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Johnson clobbers Mamchenko with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Johnson slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Johnson is looking to clinch but Mamchenko is avoiding it.
Johnson misses with a lunging right hand
enabling Mamchenko to counter with a crisp jab.
Johnson tries to clinch but Mamchenko is having none of it.
Johnson tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Mamchenko paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Johnson tries to clinch but Mamchenko moves away
enabling Mamchenko to counter with a crisp jab.
Johnson throws a lazy uppercut
and Johnson takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Johnson looks to clinch
and Mamchenko counters with a straight right hand.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Johnson.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Johnson swings wildly with an uppercut but Mamchenko uses good head movement to avoid it.
Mamchenko tries to break free but Johnson pushes him back against the cage.
A short right from Johnson.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Anthony Johnson.
I think Mamchenko has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Patrick Alders scores the fight 29:29
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 28:29
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 29:28

The fight is ruled a draw!