PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ravi Shankoli (ranked 43 p4p, 10 weight class) and Albert Hoffman (ranked 256 p4p, 34 weight class). Shankoli comes into the arena with Ravi Shankar - Om Shiva blaring out of the sound system. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Albert Hoffman was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Shankoli
vs
Hoffman

187 cm
35
191 lbs
47 - 14 - 0

167 cm
36
182 lbs
26 - 23 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Zenith Nutrition (160q/$200)
Aspire Clothing

Mockstar Energy Drinks 160Q
Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 47 - 14 - 0, fighting out of London, Ravi Shankoli!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 23 - 0, fighting out of London, Albert Hoffman !
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, Alyssa Summers and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hoffman sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Shankoli misses with a double jab

so Hoffman counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Shankoli wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Shankoli has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Shankoli wants to stand but Hoffman is controlling the position.
Shankoli looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

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 scoring with some ground and pound.
Shankoli utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Hoffman postures up.
Hoffman 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.
Shankoli has control of Hoffman 's left arm, preventing Hoffman from doing any damage.
Shankoli working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Hoffman .
Hoffman pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Shankoli is keeping the position for now.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Shankoli holds on and takes a little breather.
Shankoli has momentary wrist control but Hoffman slips an elbow through the middle.
Shankoli will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Shankoli is pulling down on Hoffman 's head to control his posture.
This is a sustained period of stalling by Shankoli.
Shankoli continues to hold on tight.
Shankoli is trying to control the position but Hoffman postures up.
Hoffman lands a couple of elbows.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shankoli seems keen to control Hoffman 's posture.
Shankoli is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Hoffman drops back looking for a leg! Shankoli is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Shankoli manages to kick Hoffman off! Hoffman jumps back into Shankoli's guard.
Shankoli is adopting a defensive guard.
Shankoli controls Hoffman momentarily but Hoffman frees himself.
Hoffman stops Shankoli from standing up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Shankoli pulls Hoffman in close to prevent any damage.
Shankoli is trying to control the position but Hoffman postures up.
Hoffman throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Shankoli works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Hoffman is pushing down on Shankoli's leg trying to pass to half guard. Shankoli is fighting to maintain full guard but Hoffman has managed to sneak the leg through.
Hoffman passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Shankoli!
Shankoli working to try and regain half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shankoli tries to hold on but Hoffman pushes him away.
BOOM! Hoffman connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Hoffman landing punches.

Hoffman is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Shankoli can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.

Hoffman with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.

Shankoli defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Hoffman .
Shankoli tries to hold on but Hoffman pushes him away.
Hoffman landing strikes, looking to finish!

Hoffman has hold of Shankoli's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Shankoli manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Hoffman scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Shankoli tries to reverse the position but Hoffman maintains control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hoffman is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Shankoli is surviving well by controlling Hoffman 's body position as best he can.
Shankoli sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shankoli wants to control but Hoffman is keeping busy.

Hoffman is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Shankoli defends it well.
Hoffman sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Shankoli defending well though.
Shankoli wants to get back to full guard.
Hoffman has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Hoffman is working for a submission of some sort.
Shankoli tries to roll over but Hoffman keeps him under control.

Shankoli manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Hoffman keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
Hoffman is looking to take this one to the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Albert Hoffman dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Shankoli misses with a two punch combination.
Shankoli throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Hoffman on the side of the head.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hoffman .
Shankoli looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
Shankoli throws a solid leg kick but Hoffman takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Shankoli.
Hoffman feints the counter takedown.
Shankoli throws the left hand but Hoffman avoids the punch easily.
Hoffman fails with the takedown
and Shankoli counters with a nice uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Hoffman changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Shankoli looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Shankoli gets back to half guard.
Shankoli moves into full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shankoli is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Hoffman pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Shankoli is keeping the position for now.
Hoffman lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

Shankoli scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Shankoli lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hoffman circles away quickly and effectively.
A punch combination from Shankoli misses.
Shankoli throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Ravi Shankoli is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

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

Hoffman is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Shankoli looks like he's trying to stand up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shankoli gets full guard.
Shankoli is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Shankoli preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Shankoli is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Hoffman postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Hoffman missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Albert Hoffman has got the better of the ground game so far.
Shankoli is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Hoffman looking to pass the guard.
Shankoli is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

Hoffman drops back looking for a leg! Shankoli is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Shankoli manages to kick Hoffman off! Hoffman jumps back into Shankoli's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Hoffman 's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Hoffman thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Shankoli has control of Hoffman 's left arm, preventing Hoffman from doing any damage.
Shankoli is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Hoffman passes Shankoli's left leg - he's now in half guard.

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.

Hoffman is looking for a kimura here.
Hoffman has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Hoffman looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Shankoli moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Shankoli trying to control the position.
Shankoli has his hands on Hoffman 's head, controlling the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hoffman tries to free his leg and advance position but Shankoli is retaining full guard.
Shankoli is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Shankoli pulls Hoffman in close to his closed guard and prevents Hoffman from doing any damage or advancing position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ravi Shankoli dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Hoffman turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Hoffman throws an overhand right that lands on Shankoli's shoulder, as Shankoli tries to avoid the shot.
Hoffman slips under a jab from Shankoli.
Shankoli tries to clinch up.
Shankoli tries to clinch but Hoffman moves away

and Hoffman counters with a shoot takedown. Shankoli fights it but they end up in guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shankoli is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Hoffman drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Hoffman jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Shankoli is trying to control the position but Hoffman postures up.
Hoffman throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Shankoli works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shankoli managing to control the position.

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

Hoffman 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 postures up.
Hoffman throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Shankoli works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Shankoli working a defensive guard here.
Hoffman looking to pass the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Shankoli has his hands on Hoffman 's head, controlling the position.
Hoffman is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Shankoli looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Shankoli not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Hoffman thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Hoffman postures up.
Hoffman is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Hoffman wants to pass the guard but Shankoli is keeping the position.
Hoffman loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Shankoli controlling the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shankoli is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Shankoli wriggles free and stands up.
Shankoli throws a lazy body kick

and Hoffman counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Hoffman throws a big elbow that misses.
Shankoli is looking to stand up but Hoffman isn't so interested in that idea.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Hoffman accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Hoffman lands a couple of elbows.
Hoffman cracks Shankoli with a solid left hand.
Hoffman pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Shankoli is keeping the position for now.

Shankoli pushes Hoffman off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Shankoli scores with a decent looking hook.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shankoli throws a series of punches but Hoffman avoids them all with ease.

Hoffman scores with a takedown into Shankoli's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Hoffman thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Shankoli controls Hoffman momentarily but Hoffman frees himself.

Hoffman 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.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Shankoli has control of Hoffman 's left arm, preventing Hoffman from doing any damage.

Shankoli manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.
Hoffman is trying to drag Shankoli to the mat but Shankoli just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Albert Hoffman just about did enough to take it.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Hoffman closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Shankoli's guard.
Shankoli seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Shankoli is trying to keep Hoffman in close.
Hoffman scoring with some ground and pound.
Shankoli trying to control the position.

Hoffman thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Shankoli wriggles free and stands up.
Hoffman fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Shankoli is looking to counter with a shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shankoli tries to land a body kick

and Hoffman decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Shankoli's guard.
Shankoli not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Hoffman postures up and lands a big shot to Shankoli's brow.
Shankoli trying to control the position.
Hoffman trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Shankoli wants to stand up but Hoffman is controlling him.
Shankoli keeping full guard, as Hoffman tries to pass.
Shankoli utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Shankoli is adopting a defensive guard.
Hoffman is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Hoffman thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Hoffman trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Shankoli is pulling down on Hoffman 's head to control his posture.
Hoffman postures up.
Shankoli is really struggling to control Hoffman but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Hoffman stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Shankoli swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Shankoli is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Hoffman presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.

Shankoli breaks the clinch.

Hoffman darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Hoffman is trying to work for a kimura but Shankoli is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shankoli is trying is best to control the position here.
Shankoli is looking to control Hoffman 's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Shankoli avoid being mounted?

Hoffman is working for a kimura but Shankoli is defending it quite comfortably.
Shankoli tries to roll over but Hoffman keeps him under control.

Hoffman is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Shankoli defends it well.
Shankoli is controlling Hoffman 's trapped leg to prevent Hoffman from advancing to side control.
Shankoli is looking to escape.
Shankoli works his way to full guard. Good work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Hoffman thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Shankoli pulls Hoffman in close to prevent any damage.
Hoffman looking to pass the guard.
Shankoli pulls Hoffman in close to his closed guard and prevents Hoffman from doing any damage or advancing position.
Shankoli working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Hoffman .
Shankoli wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Shankoli continues to stall.

Hoffman drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Hoffman jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hoffman throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Hoffman thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Albert Hoffman 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!

Hoffman throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Shankoli's waist but Shankoli gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Hoffman off to one side.
Shankoli walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Hoffman checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Hoffman tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Shankoli defends well and Hoffman ends up having to push Shankoli into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
A head kick misses from Shankoli.
Shankoli digs a good hook to Hoffman 's body.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Shankoli - that will leave a mark!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shankoli tries to clinch but Hoffman is having none of it.

Hoffman shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Shankoli's guard.
Shankoli is trying to control the position but Hoffman postures up.
Shankoli looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hoffman 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.
Shankoli looking to control.
Shankoli seems keen to control Hoffman 's posture.
Hoffman lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Hoffman works over Shankoli with some ground and pound from guard.
Shankoli is trying to keep Hoffman in close.
Hoffman looking to pass the guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Hoffman accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Shankoli managing to control the position.

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

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.

Hoffman thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Hoffman 's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Hoffman thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Ravi Shankoli has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Shankoli wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Shankoli preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Shankoli pulls Hoffman in close to his closed guard and prevents Hoffman from doing any damage or advancing position.
Shankoli is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Hoffman is looking to work some ground and pound but Shankoli has wrist control.
Hoffman stands up over Shankoli, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Hoffman working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Shankoli has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Shankoli not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hoffman works over Shankoli with some ground and pound from guard.
Hoffman connects with a couple of short punches.
Shankoli utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Shankoli controls Hoffman momentarily but Hoffman frees himself.
Hoffman content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Hoffman scoring with some ground and pound.
Hoffman tries to free his leg and advance position but Shankoli is retaining full guard.
Hoffman throwing strikes but missing.
Hoffman postures up.
Hoffman looking to pass the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hoffman is fighting to break Shankoli's control of his arms but Shankoli is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Hoffman trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Shankoli had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Hoffman defends it easily.
Hoffman is pushing down on Shankoli's leg trying to pass to half guard. Shankoli is fighting to maintain full guard but Hoffman has managed to sneak the leg through.

Hoffman is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Shankoli doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Hoffman .

Hoffman is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Albert Hoffman is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Shankoli looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Albert Hoffman comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Hoffman has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Steve Montenegro scores the fight 46:49
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 46:49
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Albert Hoffman !
Albert Hoffman is the new middleweight champion!
Albert Hoffman gave a mention to Urban Fighter in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).
Ravi Shankoli was interviewed post fight and said 'I believe he forgotten shower for a week or something, I gagged on my own vomit and never could get it back together again. Take a shower you filthy bastard!'.