PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Torsten Hoffman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Danny Tatum (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Hoffman
vs
Tatum

181 cm
21
157 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

165 cm
23
148 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
KO power

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

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 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Torsten Hoffman!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Danny Tatum!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, James Atkins and Paul Tew.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hoffman moves out of range of the leg kick from Tatum.
Tatum on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Tatum throws a solid leg kick but Hoffman takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Tatum.
Hoffman checks a leg kick.

Hoffman shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Tatum is trying to defend but Hoffman finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Hoffman seems to be working for a kimura but Tatum defends the submission attempt.
Tatum wants to get back to his feet.
Tatum wants to control but Hoffman is keeping busy.
Hoffman wants to lay and pray for a moment but Tatum keeps working.
Hoffman is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Tatum is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hoffman wants to work for an arm triangle but Tatum is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Hoffman is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Tatum is just riding it out for now. Hoffman eventually gives up the hold.

Hoffman seems to be working for a kimura but Tatum defends the submission attempt.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Hoffman misses with an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Tatum misses with a low kick.
Tatum tries a low kick but Hoffman avoids it.
Tatum motions for Hoffman to come forward. Tatum throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A leg kick checked by Hoffman.
Tatum misses with a low kick.

Tatum shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Hoffman's guard.
Hoffman manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Tatum manages to get himself to full guard.
Tatum looking for a sweep. Not yet Tatum, not yet.
Hoffman wants to pass the guard but Tatum is keeping the position.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Hoffman passes into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tatum tries to roll over but Hoffman keeps him under control.
Hoffman stalling away here and it's allowed Tatum to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Tatum wants to sweep but no luck.

Tatum looking for a guillotine here but Hoffman defends easily.

Tatum looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Tatum keeping moving, preventing Hoffman from controlling successfully.
Hoffman tries to free his leg and advance position but Tatum is retaining full guard.

Tatum working for a triangle but Hoffman defends it easily.
Hoffman trying to control but Tatum is working from the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Tatum has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Hoffman is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Tatum.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Torsten Hoffman will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Tatum fails with a takedown attempt.
Tatum scores with a hook.
Hoffman scores with a jab to the body.
Hoffman moves out of range of the body kick.
Tatum on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Hoffman misses with a wild body shot.
An inside leg kick from Tatum misses.
Hoffman misses with a body shot.
Tatum throws a solid leg kick but Hoffman takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Tatum.
Tatum throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.

Hoffman looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hoffman seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Tatum does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Hoffman is working for a kimura but Tatum is defending it quite comfortably.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

Hoffman is looking for a kimura here.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Hoffman missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

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.
Tatum tries to roll over but Hoffman keeps him under control.
Tatum gets back to full guard.
Tatum wants to sweep but no luck.
Hoffman looking to sit in guard and control but Tatum gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Tatum stopping the sweep attempt from Hoffman.
Tatum postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tatum trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Tatum looking to pass the guard.

Tatum drops back, looking for a kneebar! Hoffman looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Hoffman looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Hoffman!
Hoffman wants to lay and pray for a moment but Tatum keeps working.
Tatum is looking for a sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Hoffman moves into full mount!

Hoffman goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Tatum turns into him and now he's in Hoffman's guard.
Tatum sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Hoffman's guard.
Hoffman wants to improve his position but Tatum is controlling well.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Torsten Hoffman dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Tatum throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Tatum misses with a takedown attempt

so Hoffman counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Hoffman won't allow Tatum to sweep him here.
Tatum keeping moving, preventing Hoffman from controlling successfully.
Tatum lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Hoffman!
Hoffman has given up his back here.
You can see the frustration on Hoffman's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Hoffman manages to reverse the position and now he's in Tatum's guard. Nice work there by Hoffman.
Torsten Hoffman overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tatum bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Hoffman's guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Hoffman is on top in guard.
Tatum bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Hoffman's guard.
Hoffman trying to keep a closed guard but Tatum is proving a slippery customer.
Tatum looking to pass the guard.
Hoffman tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Tatum is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Hoffman wants to sweep here but Tatum controlling him for the moment.
Tatum must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Tatum is looking to work some ground and pound but Hoffman has wrist control.
Tatum trying to stand up but can't free himself from Hoffman's guard.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Hoffman blocks a low kick nicely.
Tatum throws a low kick but Hoffman avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tatum fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Hoffman checks it well.
Hoffman throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tatum looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Tatum is looking to score with low kicks.
Danny Tatum seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hoffman avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Hoffman swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hoffman checks a low kick from Tatum.

Tatum shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Hoffman manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Hoffman wants to control but Tatum passes easily into half guard.
Tatum throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Tatum wants to work for an arm triangle but Hoffman is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Tatum tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Hoffman.
Hoffman slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Tatum won't allow Hoffman to sweep him here.
Hoffman trying to keep a closed guard but Tatum is proving a slippery customer.
Tatum won't allow Hoffman to sweep him here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Danny Tatum just about did enough to take it.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Tatum throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hoffman fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Hoffman throws a shot from downtown. Tatum moves away and avoids it.
Tatum shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Hoffman checks the leg kick nicely there.
Hoffman fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tatum manages to avoid it.
Hoffman keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Tatum shoots and misses
and Hoffman counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Tatum throws a leg kick
and Hoffman counters with a left to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tatum misses with a leg kick.
Hoffman just misses with a punch to the body.
Tatum is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Hoffman avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Hoffman avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Tatum throws and low kick but Hoffman moves out of range easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tatum throws a low kick but it's checked well by Hoffman.
Tatum is looking to chop away at Hoffman's legs.

Hoffman throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Tatum was covering up waiting for the punch and Hoffman finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Hoffman is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Tatum is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Tatum has escaped and now he's on top!
Tatum is pushing down on Hoffman's leg trying to pass to half guard. Hoffman is fighting to maintain full guard but Tatum has managed to sneak the leg through.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hoffman is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Tatum is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Hoffman sees it coming and defends easily.
Tatum seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Hoffman does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Hoffman tries to roll over but Tatum keeps him under control.

Tatum decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.
Tatum throws a solid leg kick but Hoffman takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Tatum.
Tatum has his takedown stuffed

and Hoffman counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Torsten Hoffman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Danny Tatum.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Hoffman drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Hoffman jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Hoffman throws a big right hand that misses.
Tatum keeping moving, preventing Hoffman from controlling successfully.
Hoffman wants to pass the guard but Tatum is keeping the position.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Tatum is trying to keep Hoffman in close.
Tatum keeping moving, preventing Hoffman from controlling successfully.

Hoffman postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Tatum is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Hoffman, into his guard.
Tatum trying to control the position from guard on top but Hoffman is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Torsten Hoffman had his way with Danny Tatum in that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Hoffman is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Hoffman checks a low kick from Tatum.
Tatum moves away from the strike by Hoffman.
Hoffman checks a leg kick.
Tatum misses with a takedown attempt

and Hoffman counters with a takedown into side control.
Tatum is looking for a sweep.

Hoffman is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Tatum knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Hoffman trying to control the action but Tatum is working from the bottom.
Hoffman will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hoffman looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Tatum regains half guard.

Tatum manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Tatum pivots, looking for a leg kick but Hoffman is out of range and Tatum settles back down.
An inside leg kick from Tatum misses.
Tatum throws a leg kick but Hoffman sees it coming and moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Tatum tries to work over Hoffman's front leg with a kick but Hoffman checks it.
Tatum tries to clinch but Hoffman is having none of it.
Tatum tries a low kick but Hoffman avoids it.
Tatum tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.

Hoffman shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Tatum napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Hoffman tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.

Hoffman goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Tatum has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Hoffman but great work by Tatum.
Hoffman is looking for a sweep.
Torsten Hoffman is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Hoffman wants to control but Tatum postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tatum tries to move into full mount but can't pass Hoffman's legs.

Tatum tries for a kimura but Hoffman is defending well.
Hoffman wants to control but Tatum postures up.
Tatum moves into full mount!
Hoffman tries to hold on but Tatum postures up.
Danny Tatum has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Hoffman manages to regain half guard. Good work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hoffman looking for a kimura from the bottom but Tatum passes into side control!
Hoffman looks to move to half guard but instead Tatum has passed into mount! Damn!
Tatum wants to control the pace but Hoffman is squirming around nicely.

Tatum has control of Hoffman's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Hoffman regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Hoffman gets back to half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Torsten Hoffman showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Hoffman 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 50:45
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 49:46
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 50:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Torsten Hoffman!
Torsten Hoffman retains his featherweight title!