PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mike Takahashi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joe Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Takahashi
vs
Johnson

175 cm
21
203 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

192 cm
25
205 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Mike Takahashi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Joe Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Hugh Johnson, Donatello Bradman and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A head kick misses from Takahashi.
Takahashi lands a nice looking body kick.
Johnson looks gassed!
Johnson defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Takahashi.
Takahashi looks for a takedown but Johnson sprawls well.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Takahashi looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Johnson is fending him off so far but Takahashi persists. Nope, Johnson circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mike Takahashi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Takahashi tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Johnson manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Takahashi throws a head kick that Johnson semi-blocks.

It looks like Joe Johnson has been cut.
Takahashi fails in his attempt to clinch.
Johnson swats away the attempt to clinch by Takahashi.
Takahashi fails to land the takedown.
Takahashi has a takedown stuffed.

Takahashi moves into the clinch successfully.
Johnson tries to break free but Takahashi pushes him back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Takahashi manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Takahashi manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Johnson manages to get himself to full guard.
Takahashi wants to control from the top but Johnson keeps moving.
Johnson has a closed guard, preventing Takahashi from standing up.
Takahashi wants to control from the top but Johnson keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Mike Takahashi just wasn't active enough.
Johnson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Johnson feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Takahashis jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Takahashi misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Takahashi tries to close the distance and clinch but Johnson swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Takahashi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Takahashi darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Takahashi is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Takahashi throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Takahashi is looking to take a break and control but Johnson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Takahashi is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Johnson is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Takahashi is working for a submission of some sort.
Takahashi throws a strike but Johnson avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Takahashi dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Joe Johnson's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Takahashi looks for a takedown but Johnson sprawls well.
Takahashi takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Jab by Johnson.
Johnson dips to his left and cracks Takahashi with an uppercut!
Johnson blocks a head kick by Takahashi.
Johnson connects with a looping right hand.
Johnson circles away from the clinch attempt.
Takahashi is looking to clinch but Johnson is avoiding it.
Johnson listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Johnson displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Takahashi.
Takahashi tries to score a power double leg takedown but Johnson sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Takahashi somewhat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mike Takahashi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Johnson lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takahashi shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Donk. Johnson catches Takahashi right on the button with a cross.
Nice shot by Johnson.
Johnson bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Johnson lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Takahashi backs up against the cage.
Johnson scores with a one two! Takahashi had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

It looks like Mike Takahashi has been cut.
Johnson lands the left hand.
Takahashi shoots for a double leg takedown but Johnson sprawls well. He's pushed Takahashi's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Nice cross by Johnson.
A nice combination there by Johnson.
Johnson scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Mike Takahashi is winning the standup battle so far.
The fight stays on the outside here - Takahashi looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Johnson stuffs the takedown attempt from Takahashi. Takahashi gets slowly back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johnson fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Takahashi on the side of the head.
Johnson might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Johnson looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Mike Takahashi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Takahashi throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Johnson works over Takahashi's head and body with a nice combination.
Takahashi tries to close the distance and clinch but Johnson swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Takahashi misses with a leg kick.
Takahashi walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Takahashi fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Takahashi tries to close the distance and clinch up but Johnson swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Johnson stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Johnson wants it to stay on the feet.
Johnson fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Takahashi looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Johnson is fending him off so far but Takahashi persists. Nope, Johnson circles away and we're back to standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson lands an overhand right.
Takahashi tries to clinch but Johnson moves out of range.
Takahashi 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 Takahashi off to one side.
Johnson connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Takahashi momentarily.
Takahashi fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Takahashi shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Johnson pinned against the cage. Johnson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Johnson is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Takahashi moves in looking to clinch but Johnson pushes him off.
Takahashi dives in and grabs Johnson's left leg, looking for a takedown. Johnson pushes down on Takahashi's head and hops out.
Takahashi tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Johnson manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Takahashi takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Takahashi's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Johnson connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Takahashi scrambles back to his feet.

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.
Johnson lands a nice shot that snaps Takahashi's head back.
Johnson circles away from the clinch attempt.
Takahashi misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Johnson tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Takahashi pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Johnson scores with a sloppy right hand. Takahashi should have avoided that one.
Johnson has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Takahashi takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Takahashi.
Takahashi takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Johnson displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Takahashi.
Johnson lands a really nice looking cross but Takahashi seems unphased.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joe Johnson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Johnson lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Takahashi is trying hard to land a takedown here. Johnson sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Takahashi misses with a double jab
and Johnson connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Takahashi misses with a kick to the body.
Johnson lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Takahashi tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Johnson connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Johnson stuffs the takedown.
Johnson's corner calls for a 1,2 combination and Johnson duly obliges.
Johnson lands a two punch combo.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Nice shot by Johnson.
Johnson looks to land a combination. Takahashi sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Takahashi gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Johnson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takahashi with a lazy takedown attempt
and Takahashi takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mike Takahashi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A head kick misses from Takahashi.
Takahashi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nice uppercut lands for Johnson. That snapped Takahashi's head back.
Johnson circles away from the clinch attempt
and Johnson counters with a nice uppercut.
Johnson pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Takahashi back to the cage. Johnson follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Takahashi wants to clinch but Johnson slips to the side
and Johnson counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Takahashi shoots in but no luck this time.
Horrible takedown by Takahashi or perhaps it was just good defense by Johnson which made him look bad.
Johnson lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Johnson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Takahashi shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Johnson pinned against the cage. Johnson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Johnson circles away from the clinch attempt.
Takahashi misses with a takedown attempt - Johnson sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Johnson lands a glancing blow to the side of Takahashi's head.
Johnson looks to land a combination. Takahashi sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Takahashi fails in his attempt to clinch.
Takahashi tries to close the distance and clinch up but Johnson swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Takahashi tries to clinch up
and Johnson connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Takahashi moves out of range as Johnson strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi tries for a takedown but Johnson circles away easily
and Johnson counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Johnson's corner calls for a 1-2. Johnson obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Johnson throws a jab when Takahashi was well out of range.
Takahashi shoots in but no luck this time.
Takahashi wants to clinch but Johnson slips to the side
and Johnson connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Johnson circles away from the clinch attempt
enabling Johnson to counter with a crisp jab.
Takahashi is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Takahashi throws a right hand that Johnson ducks under and follows up with a left that Johnson also avoids with ease.
Johnson fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Takahashi on the side of the head.
Takahashi on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Takahashi closes the distance but Johnson moves to the side
enabling Johnson to counter with a crisp jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Takahashi looks to clinch
and Johnson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Takahashi doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Johnson counters with a left and a right that stings Takahashi.
Johnson lands with an uppercut that bounces Takahashi off the cage and back into rage.
Takahashi shoots in for a takedown but Johnson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Johnson lands a jab to the nose.
Johnson throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Takahashi tries to score a power double leg takedown but Johnson sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Takahashi somewhat.
Takahashi takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Joe Johnson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Takahashi shoots for a takedown but Johnson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Takahashi moves to clinch but Johnson breaks away
and Johnson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

And that's the end of the fight!
Joe Johnson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Johnson 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 Hugh Johnson scores the fight 27:29
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 27:29
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 27:29

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