PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Khaba Dagestanskiy (ranked 101 p4p, 691 weight class) and CJ Johnson (ranked 17 p4p, 104 weight class). Johnson has chosen Relentless - Slayer as his entrance music. Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Dagestanskiy
vs
Johnson

175 cm
26
175
8 - 1 - 0

183 cm
28
176
12 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Kore Fight Nutrition

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing
PWNAGE

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Khaba Dagestanskiy!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, CJ Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Elvis Blanc, Alec Ball and William Peck.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Johnson slaps away a takedown attempt from Dagestanskiy, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Dagestanskiy ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Johnson throws a low kick but Dagestanskiy moves out of range easily.
Johnson throws a jab but it's blocked by Dagestanskiy.
Dagestanskiy was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
A swing and a miss from Johnson.
Dagestanskiy is looking to counter punch.
Johnson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dagestanskiy slips under a jab from Johnson.
Dagestanskiy has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Gym in the buildup to the fight.
Khaba Dagestanskiy seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Dagestanskiy scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Dagestanskiy slips a jab and a cross from Johnson.
It looked like Dagestanskiy wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Dagestanskiy throws the left hand but Johnson avoids the punch easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dagestanskiy looks to land a combination. Johnson sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Dagestanskiy jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
A slapping leg kick lands for Johnson.
Johnson scores with a nice right hand.
Johnson has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Johnson misses with a looping right.
Johnson scores with a head kick. Dagestanskiy tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Dagestanskiy with a hook.
Dagestanskiy lands a head shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Johnson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Dagestanskiy swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Dagestanskiy is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Johnson.
Johnson clobbers Dagestanskiy with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dagestanskiy throws a big shot that misses.
Dagestanskiy lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Dagestanskiy scores with a crisp jab that stopped Johnson in his tracks.
Johnson slips under a jab from Dagestanskiy.
Johnson tries a quick counter leg kick but Dagestanskiy is wise to it.
A punch combination from Dagestanskiy misses.
Johnson swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Dagestanskiy counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Johnson slips a jab and a cross from Dagestanskiy.
Dagestanskiy misses with a hook. Johnson ducked under it nicely.
Johnson flicks out a counter leg kick but Dagestanskiy steps away.
Dagestanskiy connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Dagestanskiy drops his hands momentarily and Johnson takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Dagestanskiy misses with an uppercut.
Dagestanskiy throws a right and a left that Johnson avoids nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson takes a jab right on the kisser.
Dagestanskiy shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Johnson as he avoids it easily.
Dagestanskiy shoots in for a takedown but Johnson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Khaba Dagestanskiy. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Dagestanskiy lands a slapping body shot.
Nice body punch from Dagestanskiy.
Dagestanskiy stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

Dagestanskiy shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Dagestanskiy is just content to waste time from the top position. Johnson takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.

Johnson escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Dagestanskiy gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Dagestanskiy throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Johnson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Dagestanskiy postures up and lands a big shot to Johnson's brow.
Dagestanskiy sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Johnson is trying to keep Dagestanskiy in close.
Dagestanskiy throws a big elbow that misses.
Dagestanskiy with a nice head shot there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Khaba Dagestanskiy dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Dagestanskiy misses with a hook
letting Johnson counter with a right hand.
Dagestanskiy slips a straight right by Johnson.
Johnson throws a low kick but Dagestanskiy moves out of range easily.
Dagestanskiy scores with a hook.
Johnson tried to score with a low kick but Dagestanskiy checks it.
Khaba Dagestanskiy is winning the standup battle so far.
Dagestanskiy blocks a jab.
Dagestanskiy pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Johnson lands an overhand right.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dagestanskiy pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Good exchange - Johnson coming out on top.
Dagestanskiy misses with a hook.
No joy there for Dagestanskiy, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Johnson.
Johnson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Dagestanskiy.
Dagestanskiy misses with an uppercut. Johnson saw that one coming.
Dagestanskiy is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Johnson can do to turn this around?
Dagestanskiy throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A lazy left from Dagestanskiy finds it's target.
Dagestanskiy throws a right and a left that both miss.
A left lands for Johnson.
Dagestanskiy fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Johnson manages to avoid it.
Johnson throws out a counter right but Dagestanskiy avoids it with no problem.
Johnson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Good standup being displayed there by Dagestanskiy as he connects with a hook.
Dagestanskiy throws a series of punches but Johnson moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Dagestanskiy.
Dagestanskiy throws a hook to the side of Johnson's head but Johnson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Dagestanskiy dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Dagestanskiy misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Johnson.
Johnson throws a head kick that misses.
Dagestanskiy throws a body punch but Johnson moves out of range.
Dagestanskiy throws a hook but Johnson blocks it.
Dagestanskiy fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Johnson misses with a straight left.
Johnson lands a really nice looking cross but Dagestanskiy seems unphased.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dagestanskiy throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Jab, jab by Johnson - just one landing.
Dagestanskiy defending well as Johnson loads up on a big left hand.
Dagestanskiy throws a body punch but Johnson moves out of range.
Johnson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Johnson turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Dagestanskiy fails to land with a series of punches.
Dagestanskiy takes a swing at Johnson's ribcage but misses.
Dagestanskiy comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Johnson looks to throw the jab but Dagestanskiy is out of range.
Dagestanskiy connects with a nice looking jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dagestanskiy throws a poor cross that misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.

Dagestanskiy closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Johnson to the mat! Johnson manages to get full guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Dagestanskiy throws a big elbow that misses.
Johnson working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Dagestanskiy.
Dagestanskiy throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Johnson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Dagestanskiy trying to control but Johnson is working from the bottom.
Johnson wants to sweep here but Dagestanskiy controlling him for the moment.
Johnson lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Khaba Dagestanskiy dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Johnson throws a head kick but Dagestanskiy moves out of range.
Johnson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Dagestanskiy.
Johnson flicks out a counter leg kick but Dagestanskiy steps away.

Dagestanskiy gets a takedown into half guard.
Johnson wants to improve his position but Dagestanskiy is controlling well.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Dagestanskiy lands a nice short elbow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dagestanskiy thows a huge punch but Johnson dodges it nicely.
Khaba Dagestanskiy overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Dagestanskiy with the ground and pound but Johnson uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Johnson working a defensive guard but Dagestanskiy manages to pass into side control anyway.
Dagestanskiy wants to lay and pray for a moment but Johnson keeps working.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dagestanskiy tries to advance to mount but Johnson denies him.
Johnson sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Johnson tries to roll over but Dagestanskiy keeps him under control.
Johnson is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Dagestanskiy is looking to stall here but Johnson recovers full guard.
Johnson looking to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Dagestanskiy preventing the sweep.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Dagestanskiy landing with the ground and pound.
Dagestanskiy 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.
Johnson not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Dagestanskiy with a nice head shot there.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Dagestanskiy accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Johnson not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Johnson pulls Dagestanskiy in to control the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dagestanskiy misses with a jab to the body
and Johnson counters with a stiff right hand.
Dagestanskiy getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Dagestanskiy jabs Johnson right on the nose. Johnson blinks but takes it well.
Dagestanskiy misses with a looping right.
Dagestanskiy throws a combination that misses
and Johnson counters with a nice uppercut.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Dagestanskiy is defended easily by Johnson.
Dagestanskiy lands with a hook. Johnson tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dagestanskiy thows a left - swing and a miss!
Dagestanskiy jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Johnson ducks under a wild hook from Dagestanskiy.
Johnson takes one to the side of the head.
Dagestanskiy tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Johnson was well out of range. Poor timing from Dagestanskiy.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Johnson! But no joy.
A looping hook to the body misses from Dagestanskiy. Johnson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Dagestanskiy scores with a jab to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A big right from Dagestanskiy misses.
Dagestanskiy walks into a stiff left hand from Johnson.
Dagestanskiy misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Johnson counters with a nice uppercut.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Khaba Dagestanskiy clearly takes that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Dagestanskiy uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Johnson.
Dagestanskiy throws a big counter combination but Johnson scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Dagestanskiy fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Dagestanskiy!
Dagestanskiy looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
A looping hook to the body misses from Dagestanskiy. Johnson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Johnson throws a big counter head kick but Dagestanskiy avoids it with no problem.
Dagestanskiy throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Johnson is looking for the big counter here.
Dagestanskiy shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Johnson counter with a right hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dagestanskiy takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Johnson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Dagestanskiy works the jab nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dagestanskiy lands with a nice body punch.
Dagestanskiy gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Johnson with a nice calf kick.
Dagestanskiy misses with a lunging right hand
and Johnson counters with a good low kick that Dagestanskiy was not able to check.
Johnson looks to land a right hand but Dagestanskiy moved out of range.
Dagestanskiy lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Dagestanskiy throws a big shot that misses.
Dagestanskiy throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A low kick from Johnson misses
and Dagestanskiy makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dagestanskiy is trying hard to land a takedown here. Johnson sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Johnson looks like he wants to counter punch here.
An inside leg kick from Johnson misses.
Dagestanskiy was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Dagestanskiy shoots and misses
and Johnson counters with a nice uppercut.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Khaba Dagestanskiy. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Dagestanskiy looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Johnson chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Dagestanskiy lands a lovely overhand right.
Johnson thows a left - swing and a miss!
Johnson throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Dagestanskiy's head.
Johnson tries a head kick but it misses.
Johnson bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Dagestanskiy's head backwards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson throws a head kick that half lands.
Dagestanskiy misses with an uppercut.
Dagestanskiy connects with a nice looking jab.
Johnson fails with a takedown attempt.
A slow jab from Dagestanskiy misses its intended target.
Dagestanskiy throws a series of punches but Johnson moves out of range.
Johnson shapes to counter with a head kick.
Johnson has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Johnson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Dagestanskiy was well out of range. Poor timing from Johnson.
A low kick from Johnson is predictable there
and Dagestanskiy counters with a stiff right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dagestanskiy 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 ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Dagestanskiy throws a lazy uppercut
and Johnson counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Johnson looks to land a combination. Dagestanskiy sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Dagestanskiy ducks under a wild hook from Johnson.
Johnson misses with an uppercut.
Dagestanskiy throws a lazy right hand but Johnson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Johnson throws out a counter right but Dagestanskiy avoids it with no problem.
Dagestanskiy connects with a jab.
Dagestanskiy lands a glancing blow to the side of Johnson's head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but CJ Johnson 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!

Dagestanskiy throws a poor cross that misses
and Johnson counters with a straight right hand.
A decent looking cross lands there for Johnson.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Dagestanskiy as he avoids it easily.
Good leg kick by Johnson.
Johnson throws an overhand right that lands on Dagestanskiy's shoulder, as Dagestanskiy tries to avoid the shot.
Johnson misses the shot to the body.
Dagestanskiy is looking to counter punch.
Dagestanskiy slips under a jab.
Dagestanskiy was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson throws a low kick but it's checked well by Dagestanskiy.
Dagestanskiy swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Good exchange - Dagestanskiy coming out on top.
A big left from Johnson misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson dodges the punch combination from Dagestanskiy.
Johnson throws a big shot that misses.
Dagestanskiy throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Johnson misses with a left hand
and Dagestanskiy counters with a straight right hand.
Dagestanskiy misses with a wild body shot.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Dagestanskiy!

Johnson is rocked!
Dagestanskiy moves into range and connects with a jab.
Johnson is still on wobbly legs! Can Dagestanskiy finish him?
Dagestanskiy misses with a hook. Johnson ducked under it nicely.
Johnson lands a high kick!
Johnson gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Dagestanskiy throws an overhand right that drops Johnson like a sack of potatoes! Dagestanskiy dives in to finish the fight with more strikes and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:55 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Khaba Dagestanskiy!
Khaba Dagestanskiy retains his welterweight title!
A very excited looking Khaba Dagestanskiy made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.