PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between EJ Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shocka Zulu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Johnson kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genuis that is Game: South Side . Both fighters really staring eachother down here, as Shocka Zulu enters the cage!

Johnson
vs
Zulu

173 cm
19
153 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

170 cm
22
148 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

Good takedowns
Brawler
Tends to cut

Cage Side Supplements

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, EJ Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Shocka Zulu!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zulu misses with the combination.
No joy there for Johnson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Zulu misses with a jab, cross combination.
Johnson throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Zulu.
Johnson misses with a series of wild punches.

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

Johnson thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Johnson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Zulu is keeping the position for now.
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Zulu is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Johnson decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Zulu, up you get!
Zulu uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Johnson.
Johnson throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Zulu.
Jab from Johnson.
Johnson scores with a sloppy right hand. Zulu should have avoided that one.
Zulu scores with a sloppy right hand. Johnson should have avoided that one.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Johnson fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Zulu, pushing him back against the cage.

Johnson manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

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

Johnson looking for a guillotine here but Zulu defends easily.

Johnson escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Zulu gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Zulu avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Zulu won't allow Johnson to sweep him here.

Johnson is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Johnson is breathing heavily.

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

That's two 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.

Zulu gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Zulu looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Johnson throws a series of punches but Zulu moves out of range.
Zulu fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Johnson manages to avoid it.
Zulu throws a combination that misses

and Johnson counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Johnson is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Johnson looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Johnson works his foot free and advances to mount.
Zulu can't escape the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zulu wants to hold on but Johnson pushes him away.

Johnson is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Zulu can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
You get the feeling that Zulu really doesn't like being in this position too much.
Zulu is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.

Johnson looking for a guillotine from mount but Zulu is having none of it.
Zulu is trying to get back to his feet but can't.
Zulu manages to regain half guard. Good work.

Johnson is working for a kimura but Zulu is defending it quite comfortably.
Johnson wants to free his trapped foot but Zulu is holding on for dear life with his legs.

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.

Johnson is looking for a kimura but Zulu is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Johnson to get the leverage.
Zulu controlling the position for now.
Johnson prevents Zulu from standing back up.
Johnson is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Zulu won't allow Johnson to pass to mount.
Johnson is trying to control the action in half guard but Zulu is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Johnson throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Zulu throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Johnson moves into the clinch.
Zulu tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Johnson just stands there and leans against the cage.

Johnson manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Zulu trying to control but Johnson is working from the bottom.
Johnson has a closed guard, preventing Zulu from standing up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

EJ Johnson dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Johnson scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Zulu looks to land a combination but Johnson avoids it well.
Johnson stalks Zulu and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Zulu's face. Zulu staggers backwards, shaken.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Johnson - that will leave a mark!
Zulu scores with a jab to the head.

Johnson has Zulu up against the cage in a clinch.

Johnson jumps into guard, dragging Zulu to the mat.

Zulu avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Johnson is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Johnson is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Zulu is trying to maintain the position but Johnson is very close to passing his half guard.
Zulu is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zulu is staying active underneath Johnson, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Johnson is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Johnson is looking for a kimura here.
Zulu is not content to let Johnson control the position.
Zulu keeping hold of Johnson's head, controlling as best he can.
Johnson tries to pass the half guard into mount. Zulu knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Zulu controlling the position well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Johnson swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Johnson closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
A right hook to the body lands for Johnson.
Zulu wants to get back to striking at distance but Johnson won't allow it.
Zulu wants to get back to striking at distance but Johnson won't allow it.
Zulu wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Johnson has Zulu pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Johnson pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Zulu tumbling to the mat - Johnson dives into Zulu's guard.
Johnson wants to control from the top but Zulu keeps moving.
Johnsonis looking to pass into half guard but Zulu pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Zulu is in guard.
Johnson tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Johnson is looking for a triangle but Zulu pushes his legs off easily.
Johnson looking to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Johnson looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

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

Johnson throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Zulu stands up and waves to Johnson to follow him.
Johnson misses with a series of wild punches.
EJ Johnson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Johnson forces Zulu back against the cage and clinches.

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.
Zulu tries to break the clinch but Johnson is controlling the position.
Johnson lands a body punch.
Zulu is trying to break the clinch but Johnson has him pressed against the cage.

Johnson has clasped his hands together around Zulu's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.

Johnson thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Johnson is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Zulu knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Zulu is looking to regain half guard here but Johnson keeps moving and retains side control.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Johnson trying to control the position but Zulu is working away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

EJ Johnson dominated that second round.
That's time! Johnson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Zulu misses with a head kick.
Zulu misses with an uppercut. Johnson saw that one coming.

Johnson drives through and clinches with Zulu against the cage.
Johnson is working Zulu over against the cage.

Johnson decides to pull guard.

Johnson has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Zulu can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Zulu wants to stand but Johnson has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Johnson wants to sweep here but Zulu controlling him for the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Zulu's guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Zulu keeping moving, preventing Johnson from controlling successfully.
Johnson has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Zulu takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Johnson advances to half guard.

Johnson gets to his feet - back to striking we go!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Johnson clinches with his opponent.
Zulu wants to break the clinch but can't.
Johnson is leaning against Zulu and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Zulu is looking to break free of the clinch but Johnson has double underhooks.

Johnson has Zulu pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Johnson pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Zulu tumbling to the mat - Johnson dives into Zulu's guard.
Johnson won't allow Zulu to get back to his feet.
Johnson trying to control but Zulu is working from the bottom.

Johnson decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Zulu, up you get!
Zulu throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Shocka Zulu is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Johnson throws a nice inside leg kick.
Zulu throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Johnson counters with a takedown into side control.
Shocka Zulu has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Johnson decides to stand up, so the ref orders Zulu to his feet.
Zulu throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Johnson counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Johnson.
Johnson unloads a knee to the mid-section. Zulu lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Zulu.
Zulu is trying to break the clinch but Johnson has him pressed against the cage.
Johnson scores with a shoulder strike.
Zulu tries to pull guard but Johnson holds him up against the cage and eventually Zulu drops back down to his feet.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Zulu can't break the clinch.
Johnson works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Zulu tries to score a body lock takedown but Johnson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Zulu wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Johnson ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Johnson no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Zulu stopping the sweep attempt from Johnson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Zulu stands and steps away. Johnson gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Zulu misses with a series of wild punches.

Johnson gets a clinch.
A right handed body shot lands from Johnson.

Zulu drags the fight down to the ground.
Johnson tries to free his leg and advance position but Zulu is retaining full guard.
Zulu keeping moving, preventing Johnson from controlling successfully.
Johnson prevents Zulu from getting back to his feet.
Zulu keeping full guard, as Johnson tries to pass.

Johnson drops back looking for a leg! Zulu is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Zulu manages to kick Johnson off! Johnson jumps back into Zulu's guard.

Johnson thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson trying to control but Zulu is working from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Zulu throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Johnson missing with a left hand there. Zulu was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Johnson shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Zulu pinned against the cage. Zulu gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Zulu swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Johnson holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Zulu changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Johnson fights it off and pushes away nicely.
EJ Johnson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shocka Zulu.

Zulu gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zulu is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

And that's the end of the fight!
EJ Johnson showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Johnson has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 30:27
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 30:27

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