PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between KJ Hoodwell (ranked 3700 p4p, 3953 weight class) and Gatis Ginters (ranked 431 p4p, 457 weight class). KJ Hoodwell has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Hoodwell
vs
Ginters

177 cm
24
162
9 - 13 - 0

190 cm
21
155
2 - 5 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 13 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, KJ Hoodwell!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Gatis Ginters!
The judges for this bout are Paul Gruel, Colin Fray and Micheangelo Fripello.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ginters moves out of range of the strikes.

Hoodwell darts in and clinches Ginters up against the cage.
Ginters tries to pull guard but Hoodwell holds him up against the cage and eventually Ginters drops back down to his feet.

Hoodwell has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Ginters uses from the top position.

Hoodwell looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Ginters advances position into side control!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hoodwell is not content to let Ginters control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ginters lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Hoodwell definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hoodwell is not content to let Ginters control the position.
A lull in the action here.
Hoodwell on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Hoodwell tries to get out of the position.

Ginters stands up and beckons Hoodwell to his feet.
Ginters tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Hoodwell defends well and Ginters ends up having to push Hoodwell into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Hoodwell misses with a double jab.

Ginters forces Hoodwell back against the cage and clinches.
Stalling in the clinch from Ginters.
Ginters drops down looking for an ankle pick but Hoodwell pulls his leg out and moves away.
KJ Hoodwell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gatis Ginters.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hoodwell throws a leg kick but Ginters sees it coming and checks it nicely.

Hoodwell cracks Ginters with a big right hand and Ginters goes down!

Ginters is rocked!

It looks like Gatis Ginters has been cut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ginters keeping moving, preventing Hoodwell from controlling successfully.

Ginters is working an open guard so Hoodwell takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

Hoodwell moves into the clinch successfully.
A right hand to the body from Hoodwell.
Ginters wants a takedown.
Ginters tries to break the clinch but Hoodwell is controlling the position.

Hoodwell decides to pull guard.
Hoodwell not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Hoodwell knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Ginters on the ground.

Ginters drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Hoodwell manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Ginters has Hoodwell in his guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ginters keeping full guard, as Hoodwell tries to pass.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Hoodwell accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Ginters escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hoodwell gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Ginters utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Ginters looking for a guillotine here but Hoodwell defends easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Ginters trying to control the position.
Hoodwell trying to control the position from guard on top but Ginters is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ginters utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Hoodwell throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Ginters works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Ginters can't keep his opponent in guard - Hoodwell advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Hoodwell thows a huge punch but Ginters dodges it nicely.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

KJ Hoodwell dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Gatis Ginters's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Ginters throws a series of punches but Hoodwell moves out of range.

Hoodwell drives through and clinches with Ginters against the cage.
Hoodwell lands a nice shot to the body.
Ginters wants to break free but Hoodwell has control.

Hoodwell escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hoodwell fails to land with a series of punches.
Hoodwell is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ginters can do to turn this around?
Hoodwell throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Hoodwell moves into the clinch.

Ginters drags the fight down to the ground.
Hoodwell wants to control from the top but Ginters keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Ginters has his foot on Hoodwell's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hoodwell works his way back into a safe position though.
Hoodwell loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ginters looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hoodwell is one step ahead there.

Hoodwell thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Hoodwell is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Ginters keeping moving, preventing Hoodwell from controlling successfully.

Hoodwell stands up from Ginters's guard - Hoodwell perhaps looking for a knockout.
KJ Hoodwell is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A punch combination from Hoodwell misses.
Hoodwell avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ginters changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Hoodwell tries to avoid it but Ginters manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Hoodwell to the ground. Hoodwell escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ginters wants to slow Hoodwell down by chopping away at his legs.
KJ Hoodwell is winning the standup battle so far.
Ginters misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Ginters is breathing heavily.
Hoodwell fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Ginters on the side of the head.
Ginters is still on wobbly legs! Can Hoodwell finish him?
A punch combination from Hoodwell misses.
Ginters seems to have recovered his senses.

Hoodwell moves into range and clinches up with Ginters.

Hoodwell's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Ginters shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Hoodwell sprawls well. Hoodwell wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Ginters gets slowly back to his feet.
KJ Hoodwell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gatis Ginters.
Hoodwell avoids the head kick by Ginters.
Hoodwell throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Ginters.
Ginters stuffs the takedown attempt from Hoodwell. Hoodwell gets slowly back to his feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Hoodwell has closed the distance and engaged Ginters in a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ginters is trying to drag Hoodwell to the mat but Hoodwell just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Hoodwell is stalling here.
Ginters fails to pull guard.

Hoodwell pulls guard successfully.

Hoodwell is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Hoodwell trying to strike off his back.

That's four 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.
Ginters stops Hoodwell from standing up.

Hoodwell has his feet on Ginters's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.

Hoodwell rushes Ginters and presses him up against the cage.
Ginters is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Hoodwell gets through Ginters's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hoodwell is looking to take this one to the mat.

Hoodwell breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ginters looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Hoodwell is fending him off so far but Ginters persists. Nope, Hoodwell circles away and we're back to standing.

Hoodwell throws a big overhand right that connects, sending Ginters tumbling to the canvas!
Hoodwell throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

KJ Hoodwell dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Gatis Ginters's cut.
That's time! Hoodwell's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Ginters tries to keep at a distance but Hoodwell has taken the fight into the clinch.
Ginters wants a takedown.

Hoodwell breaks from the clinch.

Hoodwell closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Hoodwell breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Hoodwell avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Hoodwell gets a clinch.
Ginters tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Ginters jumps guard but Hoodwell stands there with Ginters around his waist. Ginters gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
KJ Hoodwell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gatis Ginters.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Hoodwell gets control of Ginters's arms and successfully pulls guard. Hoodwell will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
KJ Hoodwell overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Hoodwell working a defensive guard here.
Ginters passes easily into side control. Nice work.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hoodwell sneaks out the side door and pushes Ginters away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Ginters fails with the takedown.
Ginters takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Hoodwell keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Hoodwell moves into the clinch.

Hoodwell breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hoodwell misses with a low kick.
Hoodwell throws a right hand that Ginters ducks under and follows up with a left that Ginters also avoids with ease.
Hoodwell throws a low kick but Ginters avoids it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hoodwell changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Ginters tries to avoid it but Hoodwell manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Ginters to the ground. Ginters escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
A head kick from Ginters lands but Hoodwell takes it in his stride.

Hoodwell gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Hoodwell digs a right hand into Ginters's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Ginters's gas tank.
Hoodwell looking for a takedown.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ginters is trying to pull guard but Hoodwell turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Ginters jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Hoodwell walks away with a smile on his face. Ginters gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
A solid leg kick lands there for Ginters.

Hoodwell gets a clinch.

Hoodwell pulls guard successfully.

Hoodwell pushes Ginters off and gets back to his feet.
Ginters avoids a kick to the body.
Hoodwell will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Hoodwell has closed the distance and engaged Ginters in a clinch.
Hoodwell keeps control of Ginters as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Hoodwell breaks from the clinch.
Hoodwell throws a right and a left that both miss.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ginters looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Hoodwell tries to score a power double leg takedown but Ginters sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Hoodwell somewhat.
Hoodwell looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ginters shoots in but no luck this time.
Hoodwell will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Hoodwell gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Hoodwell escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hoodwell misses with a takedown attempt
and Ginters counters with a nice low kick that buckles Hoodwell's knee momentarily.
Hoodwell changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Ginters tries to avoid it but Hoodwell manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Ginters to the ground. Ginters escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Ginters lands a head kick!

Hoodwell has managed to clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ginters is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Hoodwell to keep the fight standing.
Ginters is trying to push Hoodwell away but Hoodwell has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Gatis Ginters has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
KJ Hoodwell is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Hoodwell blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

And that's the end of the fight!
KJ Hoodwell showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Hoodwell has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paul Gruel scores the fight 30:27
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 30:27
Judge Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... KJ Hoodwell!