PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Marshall Mathers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Luke Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mathers comes to the cage accompanied by Superman. Johnson is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Will T. Bear - For a Few Dollars More. Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Mathers
vs
Johnson

180 cm
38
168 lbs
30 - 14 - 4

179 cm
31
161 lbs
26 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Red Belt
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Meet the Future
//buriedALIVE// Fight Gear

Conquer
Reaper Combatwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 30 - 14 - 4, fighting out of Tokyo, Marshall Mathers!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Luke Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Chad Campbell and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Johnson throws a hook to the side of Mathers's head but Mathers sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
We've been told by Mathers's head coaches at Philly Dawgz MMA - PIT Inc that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.

Johnson drives through with a takedown into guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Mathers is pulling down on Johnson's head to control his posture.
Mathers working a defensive guard but Johnson passes into half guard.
Johnson seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
My spies in mugler.newyork inform me that Johnson has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Johnson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Johnson takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Johnson is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Mathers!
Mathers is trying to escape the mount.
Mathers wants to get back to his feet.
Johnson lands a couple of good shots and Mathers has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mathers trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Mathers trying to get back to his feet but Johnson is in full control for now.
Johnson throwing lazy shots from the back mount that aren't doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mathers wants to get back to his feet.
Johnson trying to control momentarily.
Mathers is trying to stand back up.
Mathers is covering up but some of the strikes from Johnson are getting through and doing damage.
Mathers controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad position.

Mathers is trying to shake Johnson off. He's managed it and has hopped back to his feet! Johnson won't be happy about giving up the dominant position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson scoring well with a low kick there.
Johnson will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
A nice leg kick lands there from Johnson.
Luke Johnson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Johnson fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Mathers checks it well.
Mathers takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Johnson thows a leg kick but Mathers checks it
enabling Mathers to counter with a crisp jab.
Johnson misses with a looping left.
Johnson lands a leg kick that knocks Mathers off balance momentarily.
Johnson fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Mathers cracks a nice hook into Johnson's ribs.
A looping hook to the body misses from Johnson. Mathers does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Johnson throws a head kick that misses.
A decent looking cross lands there for Johnson.
Marshall Mathers is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Nice jab there from Mathers.
Johnson misses with a looping right.

Johnson throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Mathers tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Johnson is in Mathers's guard.
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Mathers is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Mathers wants to stand up but Johnson is controlling him.
Johnson passes Mathers's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Johnson is looking to take a break and control but Mathers is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mathers looks like he's trying to stand up.
Mathers tries to get to full guard but Johnson has control of the leg.
Johnson stops Mathers from getting back to his feet.
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!
Johnson is trying to control the action in half guard but Mathers is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Johnson throwing shots but Mathers is blocking nicely.
Johnson looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Mathers tries to push off, looking to stand up, but Johnson manages to move to mount!
Johnson wants to control the pace but Mathers is squirming around nicely.
Johnson tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A nice elbow there by Johnson.
Mathers is in a horrible position here. Johnson smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Luke Johnson dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Mathers looks to land a right hand but Johnson moved out of range.
A swing and a miss from Johnson.
Johnson's jab looks to have found its range, popping Mathers under the eye.
An inside leg kick lands from Johnson.
Johnson throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Johnson. Mathers shrugs it off though.
Johnson paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Johnson fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Johnson on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Mathers checks a low kick from Johnson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson scores with a punch to the head.
Johnson fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Johnson throws a sloppy head kick and Mathers moves out of range easily.
Johnson cracks Mathers with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Johnson thumps Mathers with a low kick.
Johnson's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Mathers connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Johnson scrambles back to his feet.
Mathers avoids the body shot from Johnson.
Mathers misses with a double jab.
A jab lands there for Mathers.
Mathers tries to move into range but Johnson moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Mathers checks a leg kick.
Johnson catches Mathers with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Johnson throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Johnson goes for a double leg but Mathers avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Mathers continues to drive forward.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mathers doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Johnson lands a shoulder strike.
A head punch on the inside from Johnson fails to land.
Mathers scores with a shot to the side of Johnson's head.
Mathers is looking to break free of the clinch but Johnson has double underhooks.
A nice right hand lands inside from Mathers.

Johnson manages to break the clinch.
A jab from Johnson misses.
Johnson avoids the body shot from Mathers.
Mathers just misses with a punch to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mathers tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Mathers tries a head kick but it misses.
Johnson scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Johnson just misses with a punch to the body.
Mathers has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Johnson finds it's way round the side to connect with Mathers's head.
Mathers takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Johnson looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Johnson fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Marshall Mathers has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Luke Johnson.
Mathers lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Johnson circles away quickly and effectively.
Johnson throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Johnson gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Mathers counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson goes for a takedown in the clinch but Mathers prevents it.
Mathers misses with a punch to the body.
Mathers tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Johnson misses with a punch on the inside.

Mathers's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Mathers misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Johnson tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Mathers defends well and Johnson ends up having to push Mathers into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Johnson wants to stall.
Mathers wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Johnson has him pressed against the cage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Johnson is leaning against Mathers and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Mathers misses with some punches.
A head punch on the inside from Mathers fails to land.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Luke Johnson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Mathers attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Mathers ducks under a wild hook from Johnson.
Mathers motions for Johnson to come forward. Mathers throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Johnson looks to throw a body kick
and Mathers counters with a stiff right hand.
Johnson looks to throw a body kick
and Mathers counters with a right hand to the body.
Johnson throws a looping overhand right but Mathers ducks down to avoid it.
Johnson scores with a jab.
Luke Johnson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Johnson slips a jab and a cross from Mathers.
Johnson has a takedown stuffed.
Mathers moves out of range of the body kick.
Johnson has his takedown stuffed
and Mathers cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Johnson closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

Mathers manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Johnson keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
Johnson misses with a body punch.
Johnson wants to stall.
Johnson can't find room to land a body shot as Mathers controls the action.
Mathers wants to get back to striking at distance but Johnson won't allow it.
Mathers lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Johnson backwards.
Johnson misses with a punch on the inside.
Johnson is leaning against Mathers and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

Johnson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Johnson lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Mathers jabbing away but nothing is landing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mathers fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Johnson is out of range.
Mathers tries a head kick but it misses.
Mathers throws a jab when Johnson was well out of range.
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!
Johnson tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Mathers is able to avoid easily.
Johnson fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Mathers.
Mathers scores with a crisp jab that stopped Johnson in his tracks.
Mathers throws a jab when Johnson was well out of range.
Mathers throws a left and a right that both miss

and Johnson counters with a shoot takedown. Mathers fights it but they end up in guard.
Johnson wants to control from the top but Mathers keeps moving.
Johnson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Johnson looking to pass the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mathers wants to sweep but no luck.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Johnson's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Mathers is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Johnson is controlling him.
Johnson chips away with some ground and pound.
Johnson looking to pass the guard.
Mathers working a defensive guard here.
Mathers is looking to stand back up but Johnson counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Mathers.
Johnson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Johnson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Mathers keeps working.
Mathers won't allow Johnson to pass to mount.
Johnson working Mathers over with strikes.
Johnson thows a huge punch but Mathers dodges it nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mathers tries to kick Johnson off but Johnson keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Johnson not doing much here.
Johnson throwing shots but Mathers is blocking nicely.
Johnson trying to mount his opponent but Mathers defends it.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Johnson is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Johnson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Mathers keeps working.
Johnson is looking to advance position but Mathers won't allow it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Mathers is trying to stand back up but Johnson is controlling him
Johnson trying to control the action but Mathers is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Luke Johnson really dominated that round.
That's time! Mathers's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Johnson looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Mathers takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Johnson scores with a shot to the body.
Johnson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Mathers moves away.
Johnson walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Mathers checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Mathers is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Johnson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Johnson throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Mathers stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Johnson shoots in for a takedown but Mathers shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Johnson will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mathers throws a body punch but Johnson moves out of range.

Johnson shoots in and bounces Mathers off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Mathers is looking to stand up but Johnson isn't so interested in that idea.
Johnson with a flurry of punches that miss.
Johnson trying to control the position from guard on top but Mathers is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Mathers can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Johnson controls the pace.
Mathers wants to get back to his feet but Johnson is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson wants to pass the guard but Mathers is keeping the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Mathers is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Johnson is controlling him.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Johnson looks to score with a jab to the body but Mathers is just out of range.
Johnson tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Mathers defends well and Johnson ends up having to push Mathers into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Marshall Mathers has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Luke Johnson.
Mathers misses with a hook from the clinch.
Mathers blocks an uppercut.
Mathers swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Johnson wants a takedown.
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!
Johnson lands a body punch in the clinch.
Mathers doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Mathers misses with the head strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mathers swings wildly with an uppercut but Johnson uses good head movement to avoid it.

Mathers breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Johnson scores with a push kick.
Mathers avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Johnson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Mathers.
A head kick misses from Johnson.
Johnson throws a leg kick which misses Mathers's front leg but catches the back leg as Mathers tries to avoid it.
Johnson misses with a straight right.
Mathers throws a quick inside leg kick.
Johnson pivots, looking for a leg kick but Mathers is out of range and Johnson settles back down.
Jab from Johnson.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mathers with a hook.
Johnson misses the jab.
Johnson smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Johnson thows a leg kick but Mathers checks it
and Mathers counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Johnson throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
A slow jab from Mathers misses its intended target.
Johnson shoots in and drives through. Mathers sprawls well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Mathers scores with a push kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mathers bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Mathers takes a swing at Johnson's ribcage but misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Luke Johnson dominated that fourth round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Johnson throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Mathers counters with a leg kick.
Johnson looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Mathers is fending him off so far but Johnson persists. Nope, Mathers circles away and we're back to standing.
Johnson checks the leg kick nicely there.
Mathers takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Johnson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Mathers misses with a jab, cross combination.
Mathers throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Johnson misses with a kick to the body.

Johnson looking to score a takedown here. Mathers is defending well but Johnson drives through and ends up in Mathers's guard.
Mathers pulls Johnson in close to prevent any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Mathers looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Marshall Mathers wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Johnson shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Mathers counters with a stiff right hand.
Johnson looks to throw the jab but Mathers is out of range.
Mathers lands with a right hand.
Mathers misses the jab.
Johnson misses with a leg kick
and Mathers counters with an outside leg kick.
Johnson tries to land a leg kick but Mathers saw it coming and moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mathers throws a shot from downtown. Johnson moves away and avoids it.
Mathers stuffs the takedown.
Marshall Mathers has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Luke Johnson.
Johnson shoots for a takedown but Mathers saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Johnson lunges at Mathers with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Mathers's hand.
Johnson has his takedown stuffed

and Mathers counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Mathers lands a body punch in the clinch.
Mathers lands with a short shot to the head.
Johnson is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Johnson fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Marshall Mathers has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Mathers misses with a hook from the clinch.
Mathers is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Johnson's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Marshall Mathers has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short body shot lands from Mathers as the two fighters clinch.
Johnson lands a body shot in the clinch.
Johnson is trying to maintain a safe position but Mathers gets an underhook and turns Johnson into the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Mathers.
Johnson has Mathers pressed against the cage, preventing Mathers from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

Johnson breaks the clinch.
Johnson jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Good shot there by Mathers.
Nice body punch from Johnson.

Johnson feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Mathers is pulling down on Johnson's head to control his posture.
Mathers wants to stand but Johnson is controlling the position.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Mathers throws a nice elbow from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Mathers has an active guard here but Johnson has managed to pass into half guard.
Johnson looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Mathers is refusing to be controlled, as Johnson sits in half guard.
Mathers avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Johnson.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Johnson connects with a nice short shot to Mathers's temple.
Johnson lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Mathers flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.

Mathers has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Johnson is on him like a limpet, forcing Mathers back against the cage.
Mathers blocking some punches.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Mathers.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Marshall Mathers.
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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 46:49
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 46:49
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Luke Johnson!
Luke Johnson is the new lightweight champion!
An out of breath Luke Johnson thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.