PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Lemy Waters (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tarik Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tarik Johnson will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Waters
vs
Johnson

169 cm
27
146 lbs
14 - 3 - 0

184 cm
28
155 lbs
17 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
Decent elbows
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Sun-Tzu
GREEN!160

Spartan Nutrition
GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Lemy Waters!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Tarik Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, George Francis and Robert Twigg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Waters shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

Johnson escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Waters gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Johnson is striking off his back. Waters thinks nothing of it though and passes easily into half guard.
Waters takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Waters trying to control the action but Johnson is working from the bottom.
Johnson trying to control here.

Waters is trying to work for a kimura but Johnson is defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Waters thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Johnson's head.
Waters missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Johnson wants to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Waters controlling the action here.

Johnson looking for submissions off his back.

Johnson looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Johnson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Waters is nestled in close to Johnson, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Johnson tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Waters trying to control the action but Johnson is working from the bottom.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Waters is really struggling to control Johnson but he's trying to hold on to the position.

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.

Johnson looking for submissions off his back.
Johnson is not content to let Waters control the position.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Johnson tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Waters looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Johnson! But no joy.
Waters shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Johnson as he jumps to the side.
Johnson keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Johnson unleashes a big counter combination but Waters bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lemy Waters. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Johnson enables Waters to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Johnson manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Johnson not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Waters might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Waters avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Johnson working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Waters doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Waters manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Waters got a little sloppy there for a moment and Johnson has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Waters has managed to get both his arms back between Johnson's legs - danger averted.
Waters cracks Johnson with a solid left hand.
Waters stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Johnson swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Johnson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Waters defends well.
Johnson throws a couple of heel strikes.

Johnson looking for subs off his back but Waters has passed one foot through into half guard.
Johnson tries to get to full guard but Waters has control of the leg.
Waters seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Johnson does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Johnson trying to control here.
Waters lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lemy Waters dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Johnson fails to land with a series of punches.
Waters fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Johnson is looking for the big counter here.
Waters just misses with a punch to the body.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Johnson! But no joy.
Waters looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Tarik Johnson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Johnson slaps away a takedown attempt from Waters, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Johnson throws a counter combo.
Johnson paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson throws a right and a left that both miss.
Johnson stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lemy Waters. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Johnson stuffs the takedown.
As Waters backs off Johnson throws a huge counter combo but Waters manages to avoid it all.
Johnson displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Waters.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Waters ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Johnson moves away.
Waters shoots for a takedown but Johnson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Johnson throws a counter combo.
Johnson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Waters looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Johnson is fending him off so far but Waters persists. Nope, Johnson circles away and we're back to standing.
Johnson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Waters.
Waters shoots in and drives through. Johnson sprawls well.
Johnson throws out a counter right but Waters avoids it with no problem.
Johnson leaves Waters with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Waters gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Johnson counters with a one-two to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Waters fails with a takedown attempt.
Johnson unleashes a big counter combination but Waters bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.

Waters scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Waters working away.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Johnson tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Johnson is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Johnson takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Waters lands a few punches from side control.
Johnson is looking for a sweep.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

Waters wants to work for an arm triangle but Johnson is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Johnson wants to improve his position but Waters is controlling well.

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

Johnson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Waters pulls his head out easily.
Waters not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
The fighters are battling for position here. Johnson manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Johnson throws his legs up looking for a submission but Waters uses it to pass to side control.
Johnson takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson tries to buck Waters off but Waters is having none of it.
Johnson keeps trying to improve his position.
Waters working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Johnson is trying to control Waters's posture but Waters avoids it.
Waters tries to move to mount but Johnson blocks the move with his legs.
Johnson takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Johnson tries to get back to half guard but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Tarik Johnson will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Johnson displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Waters.
Johnson lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.

Waters is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Johnson's half guard.
Waters not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Waters is looking for a kimura but Johnson is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Waters to get the leverage.
Johnson is in trouble now - Waters has advanced to mount!
Waters landing strikes from the mount.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson regains half guard.
Johnson is trying to control but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Waters not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Johnson wants to improve his position but Waters is controlling well.

Johnson actively working from the bottom here.

Johnson actively working from the bottom here.
Waters 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.
Waters trying to control the action but Johnson is working from the bottom.

Waters is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Johnson avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Waters.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
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. Waters connects with a nice short shot to Johnson's temple.
Johnson wants to control but Waters is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Johnson flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.

Johnson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Waters pulls his head out easily.
Waters trying to control the action but Johnson is working from the bottom.
Johnson tries to get to full guard but Waters has control of the leg.
Waters takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Johnson avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Waters.
Johnson wants to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson trying to hold on to Waters's head to control him but Waters postures up.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Waters fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Johnson avoids it really well and circles away.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Waters.
Johnson looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lemy Waters. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Waters fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Johnson avoids it really well and circles away.
Lemy Waters seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Waters shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Johnson looking for a kimura from the bottom but Waters passes into side control!
Waters lands a nice forearm strike.

Waters working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Lemy Waters overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Johnson tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Waters wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Waters working the ground and pound but Johnson is defending the strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lemy Waters clearly takes that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Waters throws a solid leg kick but Johnson takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Waters.
Johnson throws a counter combo.
Waters changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Johnson tries to avoid it but Waters manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Johnson to the ground. Johnson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Good shot there by Waters.
Waters throws an overhand right that lands on Johnson's shoulder, as Johnson tries to avoid the shot.
Good standup being displayed there by Johnson as he connects with a hook.
Waters thumps Johnson with a low kick.
Waters changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Johnson tries to avoid it but Waters manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Johnson to the ground. Johnson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Johnson throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Waters.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lemy Waters. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Waters clinches up with Johnson and pushes him back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Johnson breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Waters fails with the takedown
and Johnson counters with a nice uppercut.
Waters has a takedown stuffed.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Johnson! But no joy.
Waters fails with the takedown.
Johnson lands with a nice combination. Waters backs away looking to recover.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Waters is defended easily by Johnson.
Waters with a lazy takedown attempt
and Johnson connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Nice sprawl there from Johnson as Waters shoots in.
Johnson is looking for the big counter here.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Waters fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Waters shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Johnson defends it nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson lands with a straight right. Waters didn't see that one coming.
Johnson slaps away a takedown attempt from Waters, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Waters fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Waters shoots in for a double leg but Johnson sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Waters.
Johnson is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Waters shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Johnson displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Waters throws out the jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Waters shoots in but no luck this time.
Waters shoots for a takedown but Johnson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Johnson scores with a three punch combo!
Waters misses with a takedown attempt - Johnson sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Johnson is looking for the big counter here.
Johnson lands with a right that hurts Waters. Waters looks to clinch but Johnson throws a short knee that drops Waters. This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:50 of round 4, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punch and Knee). Tarik Johnson! Tarik Johnson retains his featherweight title!
Tarik Johnson took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, GREEN!160 for their support in the buildup to the fight.