PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Uestus Johnston (ranked 3862 p4p, 4414 weight class) and Rylee Mannion (ranked 456 p4p, 491 weight class). Johnston comes to the cage accompanied by Clint Eastwood- Gorillaz. Uestus Johnston could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Rylee Mannion's chin.

Johnston
vs
Mannion

180 cm
22
157
8 - 5 - 0

171 cm
24
150
8 - 10 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Uestus Johnston!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Rylee Mannion!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Dillan Fox and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Mannion gets a clinch.
Johnston throws a head punch that misses.
Mannion tries to work over Johnston's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Johnston lands a shoulder strike.

Mannion breaks the clinch.
Johnston swings for the body but Mannion moves out of range.
Johnston dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Johnston keeps the fight on the outside.
Mannion tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Mannion defending well as Johnston loads up on a big left hand.
Mannion walks into a jab.
Mannion on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Johnston scores with a jab to the head.
Mannion uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Johnston.
Johnston lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
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!
Mannion dives in and grabs Johnston's left leg, looking for a takedown. Johnston pushes down on Mannion's head and hops out.
It looked like Johnston was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Mannion.
A bone on bone clash there as Johnston blocks the leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnston connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Johnston tries to bum rush Mannion with a series of wild strikes but Mannion uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
We've been told by Johnston's head coaches at JAG Battle Gym that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Mannion is trying hard to land a takedown here. Johnston sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Johnston keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Uestus Johnston has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rylee Mannion.
Johnston lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Mannion backs up against the cage.
Mannion rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Johnston moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
A jab from Johnston finds it's way through Mannion's defenses.
Uestus Johnston is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The fighters circle momentarily. Johnston darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Johnston lands with a good body shot.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Johnston!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mannion will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Johnston lands a right hook to the body.
Johnston connects with a single shot there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A punch combination from Johnston misses.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Mannion.
Johnston digs a good body shot into Mannion's ribs.

Mannion gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Johnston throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Mannions head.
Mannion tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Johnston avoids it.
Johnston lands a shot to the body.
Johnston lands a shot to the body.

Johnston breaks the clinch.
Johnston fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Johnston ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Mannion takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Johnston's corner calls for a 1-2. Johnston obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.

Mannion closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Johnston's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mannion takes a jab right on the kisser.
Johnston throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Mannion tries to bum rush Johnston with a series of wild strikes but Johnston uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Johnston went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Johnston misses with a two punch combination.
Mannion tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Johnston takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Johnston punishes Mannion's body with a nice straight punch.
Mannion doesn't manage to clinch there - Johnston circles away.
Johnston pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Mannion back to the cage. Johnston follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Uestus Johnston seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice shot by Johnston.
Johnston throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Mannion.
Johnston lands with a right hand.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nice body punch from Johnston.
Mannion changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Johnston tries to avoid it but Mannion manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Johnston to the ground. Johnston escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Johnston misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Mannion counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mannion is trying to control. Johnston wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Johnston on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Johnston tries to get out of the position.
Mannion prevents Johnston from improving his position.
Johnston desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Mannion trying to pass the guard but Johnston defending well.
Johnston is trying to control but can't.
Johnston wants to get back to full guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Johnston wants to control but Mannion is keeping busy.
Johnston tries to roll over but Mannion keeps him under control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Uestus Johnston dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Johnston cracks Mannion with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Johnston misses the shot to the body.
Mannion shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Johnston but Johnston pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Mannion is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Johnston.
Mannion tries for a takedown but Johnston circles away easily
and Johnston counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Johnston fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Mannion looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mannion fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Uestus Johnston has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rylee Mannion.
Mannion on the wrong end of a nice jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnston throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Mannion stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
A jab lands there for Johnston.
Johnston connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Mannion gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Johnston.
Johnston is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Mannion can do to turn this around?
Johnston tests Mannion's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Mannion shoots for a takedown but Johnston saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Johnston lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

Mannion forces Johnston back against the cage and clinches.
Mannion misses with a punch on the inside.
Johnston lands with a right to the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Johnston lands a shot to the body.
Mannion is trying to pull guard but Johnston turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

Johnston breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Mannion takes a jab right on the kisser.
Johnston with a hook.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnston fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Mannion shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Johnston counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Nice cross by Johnston.
Johnston cracks Mannion with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Johnston connects with the punch.
Mannion fails with the takedown
and Mannion takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Uestus Johnston is winning the standup battle so far.
Johnston with a hook.
Johnston misses with a jab, cross combination.
Johnston lands with a straight right. Mannion didn't see that one coming.
No joy there for Johnston, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Johnston scores with a nice head shot.
Mannion fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Johnston is out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mannion throws a wild body kick that Johnston sees coming a mile off.
Johnston is looking to counter punch.
Johnston dips to his left and cracks Mannion with an uppercut!
Johnston circles away from the clinch attempt.
Johnston is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Johnston takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Mannion takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Mannion has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Mannion misses with a hook. Johnston ducked under it nicely.
Mannion with a lazy takedown attempt
and Johnston counters with a nice uppercut.
Johnston takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Mannion tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Johnston counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Johnston bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Mannion's head backwards.
Mannion on the wrong end of a nice jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mannion takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
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!
Mannion is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Mannion takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Johnston lands with a cross.
Johnston dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Johnston lands a jab.
Johnston fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
A nice combination there by Johnston.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Johnston scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Mannion ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Mannion takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Uestus Johnston dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Mannion drives through with a takedown into guard.
Mannion wants to control from the top but Johnston keeps moving.
Johnston is controlling Mannion's posture.
Johnston knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Mannion on the ground.
Johnston wants to sweep here but Mannion controlling him for the moment.
Johnston seems keen to control Mannion's posture.
Johnston keeping moving, preventing Mannion from controlling successfully.
Mannion is fighting to break Johnston's control of his arms but Johnston is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mannion trying to control but Johnston is working from the bottom.
Johnston looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Mannion puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Johnston is trying to maintain the position but Mannion is very close to passing his half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnston desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Johnston wants to improve his position but Mannion is controlling well.
Johnston has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Mannion is working away from the top position though.

Mannion decides to stand up.
Mannion shoots in and drives through. Johnston sprawls well.
Johnston throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nice uppercut there from Johnston.
Johnston will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Johnston uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Mannion.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnston bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Mannion's head backwards.
Mannion is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

Mannion throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Johnston tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Mannion is in Johnston's guard.
Johnston trying to control the position here.
Johnston bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Mannion's guard.

The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Johnston slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Johnston postures up.
Johnston engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Johnston trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnston is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Johnston's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Johnston pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Mannion is keeping the position for now.
Mannion keeping moving, preventing Johnston from controlling successfully.

Mannion looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Johnston wants to pass the guard but Mannion is keeping the position.
Mannion is trying to control the position but Johnston postures up.
Rylee Mannion has got the better of the ground game so far.
Johnston wants to pass the guard but Mannion is keeping the position.
Johnston is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Johnston throws a right hand that Mannion ducks under and follows up with a left that Mannion also avoids with ease.
Mannion shoots in looking for a takedown. Johnston tries to sprawl out of it but Mannion keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Johnston manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Mannion tries for a takedown but Johnston sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Uestus Johnston has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rylee Mannion.
Mannion fails with the takedown
and Johnston counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Mannion takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Johnston lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Uestus Johnston is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Johnston changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Rylee Mannion has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jab from Johnston.

And that's the end of the fight!
Uestus Johnston showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Johnston, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Steve Smith scores the fight 30:26
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 30:26
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Uestus Johnston!