PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Artjom Fjodorow (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jacob Hopper (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fjodorow's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Moskau. 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.

Fjodorow
vs
Hopper

195 cm
25
266 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

197 cm
25
270 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Artjom Fjodorow!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Jacob Hopper!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Aleksandr Martynov and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hopper shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Fjodorow pinned against the ropes. Fjodorow gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Fjodorow stuffs the takedown attempt from Hopper. Hopper gets slowly back to his feet.
Fjodorow swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Hopper fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Fjodorow, pushing him back against the ropes.
Fjodorow is trying to push Hopper away but Hopper has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.

Fjodorow breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Hopper moves forwards but Fjodorow connects with a nice, crisp jab.

It looks like Jacob Hopper has been cut.
Fjodorow moves in looking to clinch but Hopper pushes him off.
Hopper is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Fjodorow with a body shot.
Hopper avoids a punch combination nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopper misses with a takedown attempt - Fjodorow sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Artjom Fjodorow has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacob Hopper.
Fjodorow throws a right and a left that Hopper avoids nicely.
Fjodorow falls off balance throwing a combination

and Hopper counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fjodorow tries to circle away but Hopper has him pinned against the ropes.
Fjodorow is trying to push Hopper away but Hopper has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Fjodorow tries to circle away but Hopper has him pinned against the ropes.
Hopper jumps guard but Fjodorow turns him against the ropes and keeps the fight standing.
Hopper has Fjodorow pressed against the ropes, preventing Fjodorow from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Fjodorow is trying to push Hopper away but Hopper has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.

Hopper breaks from the clinch.
Fjodorow swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Hopper counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Fjodorow is breathing heavily.
Fjodorow tries to clinch but Hopper is having none of it.

Fjodorow clinches.

Fjodorow's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Hopper shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Fjodorow but Fjodorow pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Hopper rushes Fjodorow and presses him up against the ropes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hopper tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Hopper tries to land knees in the clinch but Fjodorow avoids the damage to the body.

Hopper breaks from the clinch.
Hopper tries to clinch there but Fjodorow circles away.
Hopper circles away from the clinch attempt.
Hopper on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Hopper looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Fjodorow tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Fjodorow connects with the punch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Hopper closes the distance and clinches.
Fjodorow is trying to break the clinch but Hopper has him pressed against the ropes.
Fjodorow tries to break the clinch but Hopper is controlling the position.
Fjodorow is trying to break the clinch but Hopper is controlling him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hopper changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Fjodorow fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Fjodorow looks to land a combination but Hopper avoids it well.
Hopper fails with the takedown.
Fjodorow is looking for a counter combo.
Hopper dodges the punch combination from Fjodorow.
Fjodorow throws a body shot but no joy.
Hopper misses with a takedown attempt - Fjodorow sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Fjodorow swings for the body but Hopper moves out of range.
Fjodorow takes a swing at Hopper's ribcage but misses.
Fjodorow misses with a series of wild punches.
Fjodorow misses with a hook. Hopper ducked under it nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hopper moves away from the strike by Fjodorow.
Hopper is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Fjodorow definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
No joy there for Fjodorow, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Hopper clinches.

Hopper escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Fjodorow wants to clinch
and Hopper counters with a nice body shot.
Fjodorow swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Hopper counters with a three punch combo that has Fjodorow backing up. Fjodorow nods at Hopper to acknowledge the strikes.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hopper tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Fjodorow throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hopper.
Artjom Fjodorow seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hopper shoots in looking for a takedown. Fjodorow tries to sprawl out of it but Hopper keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Fjodorow manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Artjom Fjodorow dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jacob Hopper's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

A punch combination from Fjodorow misses.

Hopper closes the distance and clinches.
Hopper wants to take the fight to the mat but Fjodorow manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Hopper fails to pull guard.

Fjodorow escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Fjodorow fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hopper manages to avoid it.
Hopper shoots in for a takedown but Fjodorow shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Artjom Fjodorow has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacob Hopper.
Fjodorow looks to land a left hand but Hopper moved out of range nicely.
Fjodorow throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Hopper.
Hopper fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Fjodorow is out of range.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fjodorow misses with a series of wild punches.
Hopper tries to counter with a clinch but Fjodorow shakes him off and moves away.
A nice combination there by Hopper.
Artjom Fjodorow is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Hopper moves into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hopper wants a takedown but no success here.

Hopper jumps into guard, dragging Fjodorow to the mat.
Fjodorow throws a big elbow that misses.

Hopper has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Fjodorow can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Hopper is trying to control the position from the bottom.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Hopper can do anything to dispel that myth.
Hopper has momentary wrist control but Fjodorow slips an elbow through the middle.
Fjodorow throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hopper works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Fjodorow postures up in Hopper's guard and throws a big left but Hopper blocks it.
Hopper looking to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fjodorow postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Fjodorow with a flurry of punches that miss.
Fjodorow postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Hopper working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Fjodorow.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Fjodorow will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
A countering left hand to the body from Hopper misses.
Fjodorow throws a left and a right that both miss

and Hopper counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

Hopper pulls guard successfully.
Hopper looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Fjodorow postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Hopper working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Fjodorow.
Fjodorow throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hopper controls Fjodorow momentarily but Fjodorow frees himself.
Fjodorow throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Fjodorow postures up in Hopper's guard and throws a big left but Hopper blocks it.
Fjodorow throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hopper works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Fjodorow with a flurry of punches that miss.
Hopper really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Fjodorow. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Fjodorow accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Hopper misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Horrible takedown attempt by Hopper or perhaps it was just good defense by Fjodorow, which made it look bad.
Fjodorow lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hopper circles away quickly and effectively.
Hopper with the counter takedown but Fjodorow avoids it easily.
Fjodorow throws a right and a left that Hopper avoids nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hopper closes this distance looking for a takedown but Fjodorow circles away.
A combination from Fjodorow does no damage.
Hopper feints the counter takedown.
Fjodorow throws a right hand that Hopper ducks under and follows up with a left that Hopper also avoids with ease.

Hopper closes the distance and clinches.
Hopper taking a breather.
Fjodorow is trying to break the clinch but Hopper has him pressed against the ropes.

Hopper breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Fjodorow throws a jab but it's blocked by Hopper.
Hopper tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Fjodorow paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Fjodorow is looking to clinch but Hopper is avoiding it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Nice uppercut lands for Hopper. That snapped Fjodorow's head back.
Hopper swats away the attempt to clinch by Fjodorow.
And Hopper tries to counter it with a takedown but Fjodorow pushes his down on his head and steps out.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Artjom Fjodorow will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Jacob Hopper's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business.

Fjodorow keeps the fight on the outside.
Fjodorow moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Hopper tries for a takedown but Fjodorow sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Hopper doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Fjodorow counters with a series of strikes. Hopper will be more careful next time no doubt.
Hopper showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Fjodorow.
Artjom Fjodorow is winning the standup battle so far.

Hopper moves into the clinch.

Hopper breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Hopper keeps the fight on the outside.
Fjodorow lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hopper circles away quickly and effectively.
Hopper closes this distance looking for a takedown but Fjodorow circles away.
Artjom Fjodorow has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacob Hopper.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hopper slips a jab and a cross from Fjodorow.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hopper fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Fjodorow, pushing him back against the ropes.
Fjodorow tries to break free but Hopper pushes him back against the ropes.
A frustrated look appears on Fjodorow's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Hopper looking for a takedown.
Hopper is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

Fjodorow pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Hopper moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Hopper throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Fjodorow's waist but Fjodorow gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Hopper off to one side.
It looked like Fjodorow was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Fjodorow comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
A combination from Fjodorow does no damage.
Hopper lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Hopper keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Fjodorow throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fjodorow tries to clinch but Hopper moves out of range.
Hopper shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Fjodorow as he jumps to the side.
It looked like Fjodorow was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Hopper.
Nice takedown defense from Fjodorow. No joy for Hopper on that attempt.
Fjodorow fails to land with a series of punches.
Fjodorow is looking to clinch.
Hopper slips a jab and a cross from Fjodorow.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Fjodorow misses with a two punch combination.

Hopper rushes Fjodorow and presses him up against the ropes.

Hopper manages to break the clinch.
Fjodorow throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

Hopper fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Fjodorow to the ground. Hopper is now in Fjodorow's guard.
Fjodorow wants to get back to his feet but Hopper is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fjodorow is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hopper can do to turn this around?
Hopper tries to free his leg and advance position but Fjodorow is retaining full guard.
Fjodorow wants to get back to his feet but Hopper is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

Hopper stands up from Fjodorow's guard - Hopper perhaps looking for a knockout.

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.

Hopper clinches up against the ropes.

Hopper pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Hopper doesn't manage to clinch there - Fjodorow circles away.
Fjodorow throws a series of strikes that have Hopper backpedaling.
Fjodorow throws a right and a left that Hopper avoids nicely.
Hopper misses with a takedown attempt - Fjodorow sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Fjodorow is looking to clinch.
Hopper slips a jab and a cross from Fjodorow.
Hopper shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Fjodorow as he avoids it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Artjom Fjodorow clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Jacob Hopper's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Fjodorow misses with a wild body shot.
Fjodorow misses with a two punch combination.
Hopper dives in for a single leg takedown but Fjodorow sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the ropes.
Hopper keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hopper throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Fjodorow throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Hopper.
Hopper works Fjodorow's body with a nice hook.

Hopper gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Hopper trying to land knees to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Hopper successfully pulls guard.
Fjodorow throwing strikes from guard but Hopper blocks nicely.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Fjodorow throws a big elbow that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hopper throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Fjodorow in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Hopper looking for a sweep. Not yet Hopper, not yet.
Fjodorow loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Fjodorow postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Hopper is trying to control the position but Fjodorow postures up.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Some wild striking there from Fjodorow.
Hopper is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Hopper fails with the takedown.

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.
Fjodorow tries to bum rush Hopper with a series of wild strikes but Hopper uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Fjodorow tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hopper swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Hopper dives in for a single leg takedown but Fjodorow sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the ropes.
Artjom Fjodorow has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacob Hopper.
Fjodorow keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Hopper takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Fjodorow misses with a double jab.
Hopper slips a jab and a cross from Fjodorow.
Hopper's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Fjodorow connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Hopper scrambles back to his feet.
Hopper throws a one two combo.
Fjodorow throws a right and a left that both miss.

Hopper moves into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Fjodorow pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Hopper attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Fjodorow lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Hopper shoots in looking for a takedown but Fjodorow manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Hopper's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Fjodorow lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Fjodorow throws a nice looking combination but Hopper bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Fjodorow tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Hopper shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Fjodorow as he jumps to the side.
Fjodorow is looking to wear down Hopper with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Hopper showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Fjodorow.
Fjodorow throws a left and a right that both miss
and Hopper counters with a two punch combo.
Fjodorow misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hopper fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Fjodorow, pushing him back against the ropes.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hopper jumps guard but Fjodorow stands there with Hopper around his waist. Hopper gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Fjodorow breaks the clinch.
Hopper misses with a low kick.
Fjodorow throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Fjodorow misses with a wild combination.
Fjodorow misses with the combination.
Hopper throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Fjodorow's waist but Fjodorow gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Hopper off to one side.
Fjodorow keeps the fight on the outside.
Fjodorow tries to clinch but Hopper is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Artjom Fjodorow had his way with Jacob Hopper in that round.
The cut man is working on Jacob Hopper's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Fjodorow misses with a series of wild punches.
Hopper ducks under a wild hook from Fjodorow.

Hopper closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Hopper goes for a takedown in the clinch but Fjodorow prevents it.
Hopper keeps control of Fjodorow as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Fjodorow has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Hopper tries to pull guard but Fjodorow forces him back to his feet, against the ropes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopper is trying to stall.

Fjodorow breaks the clinch.
Hopper staying out of range there.
Fjodorow just misses with a punch to the body.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hopper showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Fjodorow.
Hopper dives in and grabs Fjodorow's left leg, looking for a takedown. Fjodorow pushes down on Hopper's head and hops out.
Artjom Fjodorow has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacob Hopper.
Some wild striking there from Fjodorow.
Hopper wants to clinch.
Nice sprawl there from Fjodorow as Hopper shoots in.
Fjodorow looks to land a combination but Hopper avoids it well.
Fjodorow falls off balance throwing a combination

and Hopper counters by clinching up.

Hopper breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hopper tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Fjodorow paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Fjodorow misses with a two punch combination.
Fjodorow swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Hopper lands a lovely overhand right.
Fjodorow throws a left and a right that both miss
and Hopper counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

Fjodorow gets caught napping as Hopper dives in and scores a takedown. Fjodorow manages to retain guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Fjodorow is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Hopper is controlling him.
Hopper trying to control the position from guard on top but Fjodorow is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hopper missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Hopper must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Fjodorow is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Hopper is controlling him.
Fjodorow trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Hopper is looking to clinch.
Fjodorow throws a series of punches but Hopper moves out of range.
Despite the aggression on Hopper's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Hopper fails to land with a series of punches.
Hopper darts in looking for a takedown but Fjodorow gets double underhooks and turns Hopper into the ropes.
Fjodorow swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hopper doesn't manage to clinch there - Fjodorow circles away.
Hopper shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Fjodorow as he avoids it easily.
Fjodorow misses with a series of wild punches.
Fjodorow swings for the body but Hopper moves out of range.
Hopper connects with a body shot.
Hopper misses with a takedown attempt - Fjodorow sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Hopper slips a jab and a cross from Fjodorow.
Fjodorow tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Hopper paws at him with a jab and circles away.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Hopper closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Hopper has Fjodorow pressed up against the ropes and is working for takedown. Fjodorow manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Jacob Hopper has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Artjom Fjodorow is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Artjom Fjodorow.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Fjodorow, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 50:45
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 50:45
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Artjom Fjodorow!
Our winner, Artjom Fjodorow, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.