PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Curtis Johnson (ranked 3895 p4p, 24934 weight class) and Dan Diego (ranked 303 p4p, 396 weight class). Curtis Johnson had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 146.1lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. 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
Diego

175 cm
28
158
5 - 5 - 0

170 cm
20
150
1 - 3 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Curtis Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Dan Diego!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Ivan Kurochkin and Illya Tyunina.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Diego throws a hook but Johnson blocks it.
Diego throws a body shot but no joy.
Johnson throws a big counter combination but Diego scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Diego swings for the body but Johnson moves out of range.
Johnson appears to be looking for a big counter.
Diego looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
A big left from Diego misses.
Johnson swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Diego jabbing away but nothing is landing.
It looked like Johnson was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Diego lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Johnson at a distance.
Johnson takes a body punch but keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Diego connects with a body shot that sends Johnson's belly button to the back.
Diego is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Johnson rather than just go for the knockout.
Diego lands with a nice body punch.
Diego comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson throws a sloppy head kick and Diego moves out of range easily.
Johnson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Johnson is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Diego dips to his left and cracks Johnson with an uppercut!
The fighters circling - Diego throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Diego throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Diego is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Diego lands with a straight right. Johnson didn't see that one coming.
Johnson lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Diego circles away quickly and effectively.
Diego swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Johnson appears to be looking for a big counter.
Diego throws a lazy uppercut
and Johnson counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Diego manages to avoid it.
Diego misses with an uppercut.
Johnson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Diego.
Johnson appears to be looking for a big counter.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Diego lands with a nice body punch.
Johnson looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Diego misses with an uppercut
and Johnson counters with a stiff right hand.
Johnson walks into a stiff left hand from Diego.

Johnson is rocked!
Diego is looking for an opening here. He's unloaded a big left hand that catches Johnson flush on the jaw and sends him tumbling to the canvas! Johnson is out cold! Diego holds back from landing any unnecessary shots to his unconscious opponent, as the referee reacts slowly to the situation. A brutal knockout and then some excellent sportsmanship - this guy is my new favorite fighter!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Dan Diego!