PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Tom Thompson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jean Claude Van Damme (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Thompson comes to the cage accompanied by Yo Yo Scrape by Skinny Puppy. This should be a great matchup!

Thompson
vs
Claude Van Damme

165 cm
27
170 lbs
18 - 4 - 0

185 cm
27
174 lbs
12 - 8 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

MADE IN GERMANY

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Tom Thompson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Jean Claude Van Damme!
The judges for this bout are Dillan Fox, Yves DeLean and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Thompson shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Thompson showed some decent athleticism there.
Thompson tries to pass the half guard into mount. Van Damme knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Van Damme is trying to get back to full guard.

Thompson is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Thompson wants to control but Van Damme is keeping him busy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Van Damme is trying to get back to full guard.
Van Damme won't allow Thompson to pass to mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van Damme trying to hold on to Thompson's head to control him but Thompson postures up.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Thompson fails with a takedown attempt.

Van Damme fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Thompson sprawls well initially but Van Damme persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Van Damme not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Thompson gets back to full guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Thompson is on top in guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thompson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Van Damme keeping moving, preventing Thompson from controlling successfully.

Thompson thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Thompson postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Van Damme is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Thompson, into his guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van Damme wants to control from the top but Thompson keeps moving.

Thompson working for a triangle but Van Damme defends it easily.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Thompson is on top in guard.
Van Damme looking to hit a scissor sweep but Thompson is one step ahead there.
Thompson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Van Damme is keeping the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Van Damme wants to sweep but no luck.
Thompson tries to free his leg and advance position but Van Damme is retaining full guard.

Thompson drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Van Damme dives on top into guard.
Thompson wants to sweep but no luck.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Thompson is trying to keep Van Damme in close.
Thompson trying to control the position here.
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 Tom Thompson will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Thompson shoots in and bounces Van Damme off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Thompson trying to control but Van Damme is working from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Thompson drops back, looking for a kneebar! Van Damme looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Van Damme looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Van Damme!
Thompson can't do much from the bottom here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thompson is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Van Damme working the ground and pound but Thompson is defending the strikes.
Thompson manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Thompson uses his free foot to push down on Van Damme's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Van Damme.
Thompson tries to control but Van Damme wriggling away.
Van Damme reaches up to try and control the position but Thompson seems to have an arm triangle now! Uh oh! Van Damme rolls and tries to escape and now Thompson has his back!
Even with his hooks in, Thompson manages to miss with strikes from the back.
Thompson is trying to stick to Van Damme's back but Van Damme is turning into Thompson. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Thompson's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Van Damme.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thompson looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Van Damme throwing strikes but missing.

Thompson has his foot on Van Damme's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Van Damme works his way back into a safe position though.

Thompson isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Van Damme stacks Thompson on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Van Damme!
Thompson struggling a bit here.
Van Damme is looking to take a break and control but Thompson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Thompson tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van Damme misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Van Damme lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Van Damme working away.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Thompson changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Van Damme looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

Thompson is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Van Damme is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Van Damme is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Thompson off and has taken his back!
Thompson is keeping busy.
Van Damme not allowing Thompson to control his hands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thompson is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Van Damme is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Van Damme is trying to stick to Thompson's back but Thompson is turning into Van Damme. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Van Damme's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Thompson.
Thompson trying to control but Van Damme is working from the bottom.
Thompson slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Van Damme trying to keep a closed guard but Thompson is proving a slippery customer.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Thompson misses with a takedown

and Van Damme counters with a nice double leg into side control. Thompson won't be happy with that.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Jean Claude Van Damme will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Thompson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Van Damme tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Thompson was well out of range. Poor timing from Van Damme.
Thompson misses with a takedown attempt

and Van Damme counters with a nice double leg into side control. Thompson won't be happy with that.
Van Damme wants to control but Thompson is keeping him busy.
Van Damme postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Thompson can't do much from the bottom here.
Thompson tries to bench press Van Damme off him but Van Damme keeps the position.
Thompson is working hard here to advance position.
Thompson can't do much from the bottom here.
Van Damme misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thompson is looking for a sweep.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Thompson gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Van Damme holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

Van Damme has Thompson pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Van Damme pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Thompson tumbling to the mat - Van Damme dives into Thompson's guard.

Thompson had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Van Damme defends it easily.
Thompson is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Thompson wants to take a breather but Van Damme is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van Damme is looking to improve his position.

Thompson is looking for a kimura but Van Damme is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Thompson to get the leverage.
Thompson trying to control the action but Van Damme is working from the bottom.

Thompson is working for a kimura but Van Damme is defending it quite comfortably.
Thompson wants to pass to mount but Van Damme is defending the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thompson trying to control the action but Van Damme is working from the bottom.
Thompson is looking to stall here but Van Damme recovers full guard.
Thompson has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

Van Damme pushes Thompson up against the cage in a clinch.
Van Damme prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tom Thompson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Van Damme effectively controlling the action here.
Van Damme has Thompson pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Thompson manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Van Damme successfully pulls guard.
Thompson trying to control the position from guard on top but Van Damme is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Thompson looking to sit in guard and control but Van Damme gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Thompson looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Thompson might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Thompson wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Thompson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Van Damme is one step ahead there.
Van Damme in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jean Claude Van Damme really dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Thompson shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Van Damme counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Van Damme trying to control but Thompson is working from the bottom.
Thompson trying to control the position.

Van Damme got a little sloppy there for a moment and Thompson has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Van Damme has managed to get both his arms back between Thompson's legs - danger averted.

Thompson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Van Damme defends well.
Thompson is trying to control the position but Van Damme postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van Damme cracks Thompson with a solid left hand.
Van Damme stopping the sweep attempt from Thompson.

Thompson looking for a guillotine here but Van Damme defends easily.
Van Damme keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Thompson's head.
Thompson is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Thompson is looking to stall here but Van Damme recovers full guard.
Van Damme not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van Damme is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Thompson avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Van Damme.
Van Damme sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Thompson defending well though.
Van Damme wants to take a breather but Thompson is having none of it.
Thompson wants to improve his position but Van Damme is controlling well.
Thompson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Thompson is trying to maintain the position but Van Damme is very close to passing his half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Thompson with a poor takedown

and Van Damme holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Thompson managing to block the knees to the body from Van Damme.
Thompson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Van Damme.

Van Damme successfully pulls guard.
Thompson is pushing down on Van Damme's leg trying to pass to half guard. Van Damme is fighting to maintain full guard but Thompson has managed to sneak the leg through.
Thompson takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Thompson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Thompson sitting and controlling from the half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Thompson is working for an americana but Van Damme has been sneaky and has managed to get back to half guard, whilst Thompson was thinking about the submission.
Thompson preventing the sweep.
Thompson wants to control from the top but Van Damme keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jean Claude Van Damme dominated that fourth round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Van Damme has taken the fight to the clinch.
Van Damme tries to score a body lock takedown but Thompson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Thompson is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Van Damme pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Van Damme drops down looking for an ankle pick but Thompson pulls his leg out and moves away.

Thompson shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Van Damme manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Van Damme keeping moving, preventing Thompson from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thompson stands and throws Van Damme's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Thompson is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Van Damme knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Thompson throwing strikes but missing, from side control.

Thompson swings around for an armbar but Van Damme sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Thompson's guard.
Jean Claude Van Damme is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

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.
Van Damme wants to control from the top but Thompson keeps moving.
Thompson manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Thompson wants to control the pace but Van Damme is squirming around nicely.

Thompson goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Van Damme turns into him and now he's in Thompson's guard.
Thompson avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van Damme postures up.

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

Thompson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Van Damme defends well.
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.
Van Damme trying to control but Thompson is working from the bottom.
Thompson is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Thompson is controlling Van Damme's posture.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Thompson tries to clinch
and Thompson takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Thompson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Van Damme.
Thompson struggling a bit here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Van Damme wants to control but Thompson is keeping him busy.
Tom Thompson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Van Damme working the ground and pound from side control.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Jean Claude Van Damme.
Well Van Damme has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Dillan Fox scores the fight 47:49
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 47:49
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 47:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jean Claude Van Damme!
Jean Claude Van Damme is the new welterweight champion!