PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Sam Ponjev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shia Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Ponjev
vs
Johnson

185 cm
25
180 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

180 cm
25
170 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
Experienced

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

DROPPIN BODIES
Ace of Spades Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Sam Ponjev!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Shia Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Bart Greer, Michael Johnstone and Santiago Holmes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Johnson fails with the takedown
and Ponjev counters with a stiff right hand.
Johnson tries for a takedown but Ponjev circles away easily
and Ponjev counters with a nice body shot.
Johnson doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Ponjev counters with a nice body shot.
Sam Ponjev has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shia Johnson.
Ponjev throws a sloppy head kick and Johnson moves out of range easily.
Johnson tries for a takedown but Ponjev circles away easily
and Johnson takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Johnson has his takedown stuffed

and Ponjev counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Ponjev wants to pass to mount but Johnson is defending the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Johnson looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Ponjev has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Ponjev perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Johnson has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Ponjev knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Johnson on the ground.
Johnson tries to roll over but Ponjev keeps him under control.
Ponjev is pressing down on Johnson's thigh, looking to free his foot. Johnson is holding on for now.

Johnson looking for submissions off his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Johnson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Johnson flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.

Johnson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Johnson looking for submissions off his back.

Johnson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Johnson tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.

Johnson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Ponjev pulls his head out easily.

Johnson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Ponjev pulls his head out easily.
Johnson looks winded!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponjev is figuring out what he wants to do next.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Ponjev passes the guard and advances to mount!
Johnson tries to reverse the position but Ponjev maintains control.
Ponjev dominating with strikes here.
Ponjev landing punches.
Ponjev tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Johnson is trying to escape the mount.
Ponjev blocks Johnson's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson can't escape the position.
Ponjev tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.

Ponjev looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Johnson can't escape the position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johnson swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Johnson is trying to escape the mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ponjev blocks Johnson's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.
Ponjev takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sam Ponjev dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Johnson is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Johnson takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Johnson with a poor takedown

and Ponjev counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Johnson's guard now.

Johnson working for a triangle but Ponjev defends it easily.
Ponjev looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Johnson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ponjev is one step ahead there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson striking off his back but it's not causing Ponjev any problems.
Ponjev looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

Johnson is looking for a triangle but Ponjev pushes his legs off easily.
Johnson throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Ponjev not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Ponjev'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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Sam Ponjev.
Johnson misses with a takedown
and Ponjev makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Shia Johnson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Johnson gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Ponjev counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Sam Ponjev has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shia Johnson.
Some bone on bone action there as Johnson checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Ponjev stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Ponjev clobbers Johnson with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Johnson misses with a takedown
and Ponjev counters with a straight right hand.
Ponjev lands a slapping body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponjev connects with a body shot that sends Johnson's belly button to the back.
Ponjev comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
A decent looking cross lands there for Ponjev.
Johnson with a lazy takedown attempt
and Ponjev counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Johnson with a lazy takedown attempt

so Ponjev counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Johnson is breathing heavily.
Ponjev stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Johnson swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Johnson looking for a guillotine here but Ponjev defends easily.
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!
Ponjev postures up and lands a big shot to Johnson's brow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!

Johnson looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Ponjev sitting in guard here, content to control.
Johnson keeping full guard, as Ponjev tries to pass.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Johnson working for submissions but it's allowed Ponjev to get to half guard.
Johnson missing with punches from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Johnson missing with punches from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Ponjev tries to bum rush Johnson with a series of wild strikes but Johnson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Johnson tries for a takedown but Ponjev circles away easily
and Ponjev counters with a two punch combo.

Johnson throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Ponjev tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Johnson is in Ponjev's guard.
Johnson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Johnson postures up in Ponjev's guard and throws a big left but Ponjev blocks it.
Ponjev seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Johnson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Johnson has gone for a leg lock! Ponjev slips out almost immediately though and dives into Johnson's guard.
Johnson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Johnson has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Ponjev can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Johnson looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Ponjev passes into side control.
Johnson takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Johnson is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Ponjev off and has taken his back!

Johnson is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Ponjev knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Ponjev for a finish.
Ponjev is in bad spot here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is not going to allow Ponjev to sit and survive in this position.
Johnson misses with an elbow to the head.
Johnson controlling well, preventing Ponjev from escaping the position.
Johnson missing with punches from the back.
Johnson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Johnson is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Ponjev is defending well though. Johnson let's go of the attempt for now.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Johnson working for a choke but Ponjev reverses nicely into Johnson 's guard.
Ponjev slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Johnson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Ponjev defends well.
Ponjev sitting in guard, not really doing much.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Johnson throws some sloppy strikes off his back.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Sam Ponjev just wasn't active enough.
Johnson tries for a takedown but Ponjev circles away easily
and Ponjev counters with a nice uppercut.
Johnson misses with a takedown
and Ponjev counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Sam Ponjev has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shia Johnson.
Johnson gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Ponjev makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Johnson takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Johnson checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Shia Johnson just about did enough to take it.
That's time! Ponjev's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Ponjev moves into the clinch.
Johnson is trying to drag Ponjev to the mat but Ponjev just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Ponjev is pushing Johnson up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.

Ponjev turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Johnson tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Ponjev wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Johnson being controlled for a moment.
Johnson tries to strike but it doesn't land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson sneaks back into half guard.
Johnson is looking to improve his position.
Ponjev lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Ponjev performing his best blanket impression for a moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ground and pound from Ponjev.
Johnson tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Ponjev drops an elbow to the side of Johnson's head.
Johnson throws a strike from the bottom but Ponjev passes into side control!
Ponjev working the ground and pound from side control.
Johnson trying to remain calm as Ponjev controls from the top position.
Johnson tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Johnson manages to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
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. Ponjev connects with a nice short shot to Johnson's temple.

Johnson actively working from the bottom here.
Ponjev trying to mount his opponent but Johnson defends it.

Johnson looking for submissions off his back.
Johnson is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

Johnson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Ponjev pulls his head out easily.
Ponjev scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Johnson missing with punches from the bottom.

Johnson looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ponjev not doing much here.

Johnson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Ponjev not doing much here.
Johnson misses with some strikes from the bottom.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ponjev looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Johnson with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Ponjev working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sam Ponjev had his way with Shia Johnson in that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Johnson fails with the takedown

and Ponjev counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Johnson's guard now.

Johnson is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Johnson throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Ponjev postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Johnson is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Ponjev postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Johnson trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Johnson looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Ponjev passes into side control.
Johnson is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Ponjev is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Johnson's shoulder. That is not cool.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson wings away with a couple of strikes but they don't land.
Johnson is being controlled here.
Ponjev has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Johnson tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Ponjev lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Johnson is trying to get back to half guard.
Johnson tries to strike from the bottom but misses.
Johnson is working to avoid the ground and pound but Ponjev connects with a decent elbow.
Johnson misses with an elbow from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is trying to improve his position.
Johnson sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

Johnson is working on a guillotine. He's managed to get to full guard and he's really squeezing tight! Ponjev is tapping! Great win for Johnson!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:22 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Shia Johnson!
Shia Johnson is the new welterweight champion!