PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between John Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shtipe Zaruchich (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Johnson
vs
Zaruchich

197 cm
25
266 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

185 cm
25
230 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, John Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Shtipe Zaruchich!
The judges for this bout are Aafke Stam, Wagner Zegers and Radbod Blank.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Johnson has a takedown stuffed.
Johnson closes the distance and clinches up with Zaruchich, looking for a takedown. Johnson pushes Zaruchich against the cage but Zaruchich circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Zaruchich defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Johnson.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Johnson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown but Zaruchich shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Some wild striking there from Zaruchich.
Zaruchich throws a right hand that Johnson ducks under and follows up with a left that Johnson also avoids with ease.
Zaruchich misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Johnson.
Johnson has a takedown stuffed.
Johnson fails to land the takedown.
Sloppy strikes from Zaruchich. Those never looked like landing.
Johnson has a takedown stuffed.
Johnson shoots in but Zaruchich avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Zaruchich tries to bum rush Johnson with a series of wild strikes but Johnson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Zaruchich throws a head kick but Johnson moves out of range.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Nice takedown defense from Zaruchich. No joy for Johnson on that attempt.
Zaruchich looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Johnson blocks a head kick by Zaruchich.
Zaruchich scores with a one two! Johnson had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

It looks like John Johnson has been cut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zaruchich throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaruchich tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Johnson takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Zaruchich misses with a few strikes there.
Zaruchich looks gassed!
A combination from Zaruchich does no damage.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Zaruchich as he avoids it easily.
Zaruchich throws a jab but it's blocked by Johnson.
Zaruchich throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Johnson's head.
Zaruchich misses with a series of wild punches.
A nice inside leg kick there by Zaruchich. That's going to slow Johnson down.
Zaruchich slaps away a takedown attempt from Johnson, before circling back to the center of the mat.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Johnson is defended easily by Zaruchich.
Zaruchich lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Zaruchich lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Zaruchich throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Zaruchich misses with a double jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson misses with a takedown attempt - Zaruchich sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Zaruchich throws a series of punches but Johnson moves out of range.
Johnson shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Zaruchich pinned against the cage. Zaruchich gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Johnson shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Zaruchich defends it nicely.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Johnson. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
Johnson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Zaruchich scores with a nice strike.
Zaruchich misses with a jab, cross combination.
A right-left combo lands from Johnson.
Zaruchich fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Johnson closes the distance and clinches up with Zaruchich, looking for a takedown. Johnson pushes Zaruchich against the cage but Zaruchich circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
A combination from Zaruchich does no damage.
Johnson misses with a takedown attempt - Zaruchich sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Zaruchich pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson tries to bum rush Zaruchich with a series of wild strikes but Zaruchich uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Zaruchich lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Zaruchich looks to land a combination but Johnson avoids it well.
Zaruchich throws a series of punches but Johnson moves out of range.
Johnson fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Zaruchich avoids it really well and circles away.
Zaruchich misses with the combination.
Zaruchich will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Zaruchich thows a body shot but no joy.
Johnson shoots in looking for a takedown. Zaruchich tries to sprawl out of it but Johnson keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Zaruchich manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Johnson fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Zaruchich avoids it really well and circles away.
Zaruchich lands with a kick to the ribs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaruchich tries to bum rush Johnson with a series of wild strikes but Johnson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Johnson.
Zaruchich lands a slapping body shot.
Zaruchich throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Johnson's head.
Zaruchich pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Zaruchich as he jumps to the side.
A combination from Zaruchich does no damage.
Johnson lands with a nice body punch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zaruchich misses with a series of wild punches.
Zaruchich displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Johnson.
Johnson dives in and grabs Zaruchich's left leg, looking for a takedown. Zaruchich pushes down on Johnson's head and hops out.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Johnson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Zaruchich.
Shtipe Zaruchich is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Zaruchich thows a left - swing and a miss!
Johnson misses with a takedown attempt - Zaruchich sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shtipe Zaruchich dominated that round.
The cut man is working on John Johnson's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

A right-left combo lands from Zaruchich.
Zaruchich will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
No luck for Johnson with that takedown attempt.
Zaruchich throws a nice looking combination but Johnson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Shtipe Zaruchich seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Zaruchich lands with a shot to the body.
Zaruchich looks to land a left hand but Johnson moved out of range nicely.
No luck for Johnson with that takedown attempt.
Zaruchich displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Johnson shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Johnson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zaruchich misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Sloppy strikes from Zaruchich. Those never looked like landing.
Zaruchich tries a head kick but it misses.
Zaruchich looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Zaruchich tries to bum rush Johnson with a series of wild strikes but Johnson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Johnson throws a series of strikes that have Zaruchich backpedaling.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Zaruchich stuffs the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson fails to land the takedown.
Zaruchich scores with a jab to the body.
Johnson fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Johnson fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Johnson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Zaruchich.
Johnson avoids the body shot from Zaruchich.
Johnson shoots in looking for a takedown. Zaruchich tries to sprawl out of it but Johnson keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Zaruchich manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Sloppy strikes from Zaruchich. Those never looked like landing.
Johnson looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Johnson slips a jab and a cross from Zaruchich.
Johnson checks a leg kick nicely.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Zaruchich as he avoids it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaruchich misses with a series of wild punches.
Zaruchich takes a shot right to the bread basket.
A jab from Zaruchich misses.
Zaruchich throws a head kick but Johnson moves out of range.
Nice takedown defense from Zaruchich. No joy for Johnson on that attempt.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Zaruchich!
Zaruchich throws the kick towards the body but Johnson avoids it.
Zaruchich throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Johnson.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Nice takedown defense from Zaruchich. No joy for Johnson on that attempt.
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!
A combination from Zaruchich does no damage.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Zaruchich. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.
Zaruchich throws a right and a left that Johnson avoids nicely.
Zaruchich dodges the punch combination from Johnson.
Zaruchich keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Zaruchich looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson digs a good hook to Zaruchich's body.
Johnson rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Zaruchich moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
The fighters circling - Zaruchich throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
This entire fight has taken place on the feet so far and you wonder whether Johnson might be better served trying to take this one to the ground because he's losing the standup battle so far.
Johnson shoots in for a double leg but Zaruchich sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Johnson avoids the head kick by Zaruchich.
Johnson throws a combination. Zaruchich tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Johnson tries for a takedown but Zaruchich sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Zaruchich swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Johnson misses with a takedown attempt - Zaruchich sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Zaruchich swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Zaruchich slaps away a takedown attempt from Johnson, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Zaruchich as he jumps to the side.
Zaruchich lands a body shot.
Johnson takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Johnson misses with a takedown attempt - Zaruchich sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaruchich paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Zaruchich sprawls well. Zaruchich wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Johnson gets slowly back to his feet.
John Johnson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Zaruchich jabs at Johnson's body.
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!
Zaruchich lands a nice looking body kick.
Johnson throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Left hook, right uppercut from Zaruchich.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Johnson is defended easily by Zaruchich.
Zaruchich throws a right and a left that Johnson avoids nicely.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Johnson.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Sloppy strikes from Zaruchich. Those never looked like landing.
Johnson shoots in for a double leg but Zaruchich sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Zaruchich misses with the combination.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shtipe Zaruchich showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on John Johnson's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Johnson shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Zaruchich scores with a punch to the head.
Zaruchich throws a series of punches but Johnson avoids them all with ease.
Johnson closes the distance and clinches up with Zaruchich, looking for a takedown. Johnson pushes Zaruchich against the cage but Zaruchich circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Zaruchich throws a right and a left that Johnson avoids nicely.
Johnson avoids a punch combination nicely.
Johnson looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Zaruchich is fending him off so far but Johnson persists. Nope, Zaruchich circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Johnson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Johnson throws a right and a left that Zaruchich avoids nicely.
Zaruchich throws a right and a left that both miss.
Johnson looks for a takedown but Zaruchich sprawls well.
Zaruchich throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Zaruchich misses with a series of wild punches.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zaruchich throws a sloppy head kick and Johnson moves out of range easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Johnson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Zaruchich.
Johnson tries to score a power double leg takedown but Zaruchich sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Johnson somewhat.
Zaruchich has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaruchich throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Johnson.
Johnson fails to land the takedown.
Zaruchich lets loose with a powerful body kick. Johnson will feel that in the morning.
Johnson avoids the body shot from Zaruchich.
Johnson comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Horrible takedown by Johnson or perhaps it was just good defense by Zaruchich which made him look bad.
Nice sprawl there from Zaruchich as Johnson shoots in.
Zaruchich misses with a jab, cross combination.
Johnson throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Zaruchich's waist but Zaruchich gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Johnson off to one side.
Johnson dodges the punch combination from Zaruchich.
Zaruchich defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Johnson.
Johnson throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Zaruchich's waist but Zaruchich gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Johnson off to one side.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaruchich lands a front kick.
Zaruchich tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nice takedown defense from Zaruchich. No joy for Johnson on that attempt.
Zaruchich tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Zaruchich tries to land a front kick but Johnson steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
No luck for Johnson with that takedown attempt.
Johnson is looking to wear down Zaruchich with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Zaruchich misses with the combination.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Johnson looks for a takedown but Zaruchich sprawls well.
Zaruchich connects with a nice looking jab.
Zaruchich throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Johnson has a takedown stuffed.
Zaruchich rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Johnson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Zaruchich misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Johnson.
Zaruchich slaps away a takedown attempt from Johnson, before circling back to the center of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaruchich throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Johnson.
Johnson shoots in and drives through. Zaruchich sprawls well.
No joy there for Zaruchich, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Zaruchich throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Johnson tries to score a power double leg takedown but Zaruchich sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Johnson somewhat.
Zaruchich throws a right and a left that both miss.
Zaruchich scores with a jab to the body.
Zaruchich keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Zaruchich rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Johnson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Zaruchich takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Johnson moves out of range of the leg kick from Zaruchich.
Johnson misses with a takedown attempt - Zaruchich sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Zaruchich misses with a few strikes there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson shoots in but Zaruchich avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Zaruchich misses with the combination.
Johnson shoots in but Zaruchich avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Zaruchich but Zaruchich pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown but Zaruchich shows good takedown defense.
Zaruchich misses with a jab, cross combination.
The fighters circling - Zaruchich throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Johnson tries to score a power double leg takedown but Zaruchich sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Johnson somewhat.
Johnson scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A solid leg kick lands there for Zaruchich.
Zaruchich scores with a leg kick.
John Johnson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Zaruchich throws a sloppy head kick and Johnson moves out of range easily.
Johnson feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Zaruchichs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!

And that's the end of the fight!
Shtipe Zaruchich comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Zaruchich has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Aafke Stam scores the fight 27:30
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 27:30
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shtipe Zaruchich!