PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Karim Johnson (ranked 201 p4p, 187 weight class) and William Riker (ranked 13 p4p, 10 weight class). Johnson kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Don't say nuthin'. Riker comes into a darkened arena with his song building. In The Summertime kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Johnson
vs
Riker

195 cm
35
270
38 - 12 - 0

190 cm
33
265
23 - 14 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Heavy handed

Urban Fighter
Bondi MMA 🏝️

NARCOS

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 38 - 12 - 0, fighting out of London, Karim Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, William Riker!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, Paul Tew and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Johnson cracks a nice hook into Riker's ribs.
Riker shoots for a double leg takedown but Johnson sprawls well. He's pushed Riker's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Riker scores with a jab to the body.
Johnson lands a glancing blow to the side of Riker's head.
Riker throws a jab but it's blocked by Johnson.
Riker cracks Johnson with a right hand to the side of the head.
Riker doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A combination from Riker does no damage.
Johnson connects with a single shot there.
Riker walks into a straight right hand from Johnson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A shot to the liver by Johnson. Beautiful body shot.
Riker doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Karim Johnson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Riker looks winded!
Johnson connects with a single shot there.
Johnson comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Johnson lands with a right hand.
Johnson swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Johnson just misses with a punch to the body.
Riker is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Riker tries to move into range but Johnson moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Riker takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Johnson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Riker was well out of range. Poor timing from Johnson.
Riker has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Johnson.

Johnson cracks Riker with a big right hand that sends him crashing to the floor. Johnson has the opportunity to follow him to the ground but instead he's beckoning Riker to stand back up!

It looks like William Riker has been cut.
Johnson cracks Riker with an open hand slap.
Johnson throws a big shot that misses.
Johnson misses the shot to the body.
Riker tries to counter with a clinch but Johnson shakes him off and moves away.
Johnson missing with a left hand there. Riker was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Riker swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Jab, jab by Riker - just one landing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Johnson looks to score with a jab to the body but Riker is just out of range.
Karim Johnson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Riker tries to close the distance and clinch but Johnson swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Riker doesn't manage to clinch there - Johnson circles away.
Riker uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Johnson.
Nice body punch from Johnson.
Johnson tries to land a leg kick but Riker saw it coming and moves away.
Johnson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Riker takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Riker bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Riker shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Johnson connects with a right hand. Riker shakes it off.
Johnson connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Johnson scores with a nice strike.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Johnson cracks Riker on the jaw with a powerful right hand and Riker falls backwards against the cage. Johnson follows up with more strikes that drop Riker to his knees. Johnson keeps the pressure on and the referee jumps in to save Riker! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Karim Johnson!
In his post fight interview, Karim Johnson started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.