PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Pat Verbeek (ranked 6 p4p, 1 weight class) and Hans Hermann Hoppe (ranked 201 p4p, 25 weight class). Hoppe has chosen Wind of Change as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Verbeek
vs
Hermann Hoppe

176 cm
36
167 lbs
23 - 9 - 0

173 cm
28
161 lbs
17 - 6 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

UnderGround Clothing Co.
Zenith Nutrition (160q/$200)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Pat Verbeek!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Hans Hermann Hoppe!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Jack Bonds and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hoppe jabs at Verbeek's body.
Verbeek scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Hoppe looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Hoppe slips under a jab.
Hoppe tries to land a front kick but Verbeek steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Hoppe slips a straight right by Verbeek.
Verbeek scoring well with a low kick there.
We've been told by Verbeek's head coaches at Guerrilla MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Verbeek misses with a body shot.
Hoppe looks for a takedown but Verbeek sprawls well.
Verbeek throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hoppe sees it coming and avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Verbeek lands a lovely overhand right.
Verbeek misses with a straight left.

Hoppe drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sloppy strikes there by Hoppe.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Verbeek wants to control but Hoppe postures up.
Verbeek manages to get back to half guard.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Hoppe working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Verbeek keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Hoppe is looking to advance position but Verbeek won't allow it.
Hoppe looks to land a strike but Verbeek avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Verbeek working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Hoppe.
Hoppe with a flurry of punches that miss.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Hoppe's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Hoppe is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Hoppe throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hoppe tries to free his leg and advance position but Verbeek is retaining full guard.
Hoppe working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Verbeek is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Hoppe wants to pass the guard but Verbeek is keeping the position.
Verbeek lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Hoppe has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Verbeek 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 Hoppe.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hoppe tries to bench press Verbeek off him but Verbeek keeps the position.
Verbeek controlling the position from side mount.
Hoppe is trying to control Verbeek's posture but Verbeek avoids it.
Hoppe is trying to get back to half guard.
Hoppe sneaks back into half guard.

Hoppe actively working from the bottom here.

That's four 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.
Verbeek controlling the action here.

Hoppe looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Hoppe is trying to get back to full guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
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 Pat Verbeek will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Nice sprawl there from Verbeek as Hoppe shoots in.
Verbeek throws a low kick but Hoppe moves out of range easily.
Verbeek throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Verbeek darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Verbeek scores with a body shot.
Hoppe dives in and grabs Verbeek's left leg, looking for a takedown. Verbeek pushes down on Hoppe's head and hops out.
Verbeek swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Pat Verbeek seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hoppe lands a two punch combo.
Hans Hermann Hoppe is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A looping hook to the body misses from Verbeek. Hoppe does a little dance to reset his feet.
Verbeek looks to land a combination but Hoppe avoids it well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A big left from Verbeek misses.
Hoppe throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Verbeek misses the shot to the body.
Verbeek connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Verbeek throws a big shot that misses.
Pat Verbeek is winning the standup battle so far.
Hoppe avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Verbeek feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Hoppe's calf.
Verbeek misses with a straight left.
Hoppe tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Hoppe misses with a body shot.
Pat Verbeek is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Verbeek blocks a head kick by Hoppe.

Hoppe moves into range and clinches up with Verbeek.
Hoppe controlling the action here for a moment.
Hoppe tries to stall but Verbeek uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Verbeek lands a body punch in the clinch.
Hoppe drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Verbeek gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Pat Verbeek has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hans Hermann Hoppe.
Verbeek scores with a hook to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Verbeek pushes Hoppe back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Verbeek tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Verbeek tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hoppe's elbow.
Hoppe wants a takedown.
Verbeek throws a head punch that misses.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.

Verbeek breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hoppe shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Verbeek but Verbeek pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Verbeek was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
A thudding body kick lands there by Verbeek!
Verbeek throws a jab but it's blocked by Hoppe.
And Hoppe tries to counter it with a takedown but Verbeek pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Hoppe fails in his attempt to clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Verbeek jabs Hoppe right on the nose. Hoppe blinks but takes it well.
Hoppe blocks a jab.
Verbeek lands the left hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Verbeek explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Hoppe blocks a leg kick.
Hoppe fails in his attempt to clinch.
Verbeek moves into range and connects with a jab.
Verbeek misses with a straight left.
Hoppe is looking to clinch.
Verbeek takes a swing at Hoppe's ribcage but misses.
Verbeek works the jab nicely.
Verbeek lands a leg kick that knocks Hoppe off balance momentarily.
Verbeek avoids the body shot from Hoppe.
Verbeek appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Hoppe moves out of range of the body kick.
Hoppe tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Verbeek swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Verbeek is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hoppe can do to turn this around?
Verbeek ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hoppe moves away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hoppe takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Hoppe throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Verbeek misses with a hook.
Hoppe takes one to the side of the head.
Verbeek leaves Hoppe with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Verbeek thinks about countering with a body kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Verbeek misses with a right hand

and Hoppe counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Verbeek!
Hoppe in side control, throwing shots but Verbeek defends.
The strikes coming from Hoppe are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Hoppe tries to advance to mount but Verbeek denies him.
Verbeek sneaks back into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Verbeek scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Hoppe is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Verbeek rather than just go for the knockout.
Hoppe jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hoppe uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Verbeek.
Hoppe shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Verbeek defends it nicely.
A bone on bone clash there as Hoppe blocks the leg kick.
Hoppe throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Verbeek's waist but Verbeek gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Hoppe off to one side.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoppe wants to clinch but Verbeek slips to the side
and Verbeek cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Verbeek feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Hoppe's calf.
Verbeek swings widly with a right hand

so Hoppe counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Hoppe trying to control but Verbeek is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hoppe with a nice head shot there.
Hoppe wants to control from the top but Verbeek keeps moving.
Verbeek looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hoppe is one step ahead there.
Hoppe throwing strikes but missing.
Hoppe slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

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.

Hoppe drops back looking for a leg! Verbeek is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Verbeek manages to kick Hoppe off! Hoppe jumps back into Verbeek's guard.
Verbeek trying to control the position.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Verbeek has his hands on Hoppe's head, controlling the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Hoppe throws a big shot that misses.
Verbeek thinks about countering with a body kick.
Verbeek feints and then cracks Hoppe's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Hoppe down.
Verbeek takes a swing at Hoppe's ribcage but misses.
And Hoppe tries to counter it with a takedown but Verbeek pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Hoppe checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hoppe changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Verbeek tries to avoid it but Hoppe manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Verbeek to the ground. Verbeek escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Pat Verbeek has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hans Hermann Hoppe.
A slapping leg kick lands for Verbeek.
Verbeek tries a low kick but Hoppe avoids it.
Hoppe tries to clinch but Verbeek moves out of range.
Verbeek throws a looping overhand right but Hoppe ducks down to avoid it.
Verbeek throws a right hand that misses

and Hoppe counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Verbeek wants to control but Hoppe is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Verbeek is not content to let Hoppe control the position.
Hoppe misses with a head shot. Verbeek uses the momentum to regain guard.
Hoppe trying to control the position from guard on top but Verbeek is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hoppe throws a strike but Verbeek rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Hoppe looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Hoppe looking to control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Hoppe looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Hoppe has an active guard here but Verbeek has managed to pass into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Pat Verbeek did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Verbeek throws a push kick but Hoppe slaps the foot to one side.
Verbeek scores with a nice head shot.
Verbeek blocks a head kick by Hoppe.
A little feinted left hand from Verbeek on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Hoppe checks a leg kick.
Verbeek feints and then cracks Hoppe's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Hoppe down.
Hoppe fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Hoppe avoids the body shot from Verbeek.

Hoppe has managed to clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Verbeek breaks the clinch.
Verbeek looks to score with a jab to the body but Hoppe is just out of range.
Verbeek throws a half hearted mid kick.
Hoppe avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Hoppe walks forward, straight into a front kick from Verbeek.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Verbeek tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hoppe was well out of range. Poor timing from Verbeek.
Verbeek lands with a hook. Hoppe tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Hoppe darts in looking for a takedown but Verbeek gets double underhooks and turns Hoppe into the cage.
Verbeek dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Verbeek lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Hoppe tries to score a power double leg takedown but Verbeek sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Hoppe somewhat.
Verbeek feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Pat Verbeek has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hans Hermann Hoppe.
Verbeek throws out a loose jab but Hoppe uses good head movement to avoid it.
Verbeek punishes Hoppe's body with a nice straight punch.
Nice body punch from Verbeek.
Verbeek chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Hoppe can pounce on him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Verbeek misses with a straight left.
Hoppe is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Hoppe looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Verbeek is fending him off so far but Hoppe persists. Nope, Verbeek circles away and we're back to standing.
Hoppe dives in and grabs Verbeek's left leg, looking for a takedown. Verbeek pushes down on Hoppe's head and hops out.
Hoppe on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hoppe tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Verbeek throws a hook but Hoppe avoids it easily.
Verbeek cracks the inside of Hoppe's front leg.
Hoppe blocks a low kick nicely.
Nice defenses there by Hoppe.
Hoppe's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Verbeek works the jab nicely.
Verbeek ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hoppe moves away.
Hoppe ducks under a wild hook from Verbeek.
Verbeek throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hoppe fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Verbeek tries to land a body kick

and Hoppe counters with a shoot takedown. Verbeek fights it but they end up in guard.
Hoppe wants to control from the top but Verbeek keeps moving.
Hoppe throwing strikes but missing.
Hoppe is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Hoppe working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hoppe throws a strike but Verbeek rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Hoppe working for a triangle but Verbeek defends it easily.

Verbeek avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Hoppe has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Verbeek can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Verbeek pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hoppe is keeping the position for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pat Verbeek had his way with Hans Hermann Hoppe in that round.
That's time! Back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Hoppe changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Verbeek tries to avoid it but Hoppe manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Verbeek to the ground. Verbeek escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Hoppe shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Hoppe was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Hoppe in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Hoppe throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Verbeek is looking to regain half guard here but Hoppe keeps moving and retains side control.
Hoppe lands an elbow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Hoppe tries for a kimura but Verbeek is defending well.

Hoppe thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hoppe wants to control but Verbeek is keeping him busy.
Verbeek avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Hoppe.
The ground and pound from Hoppe seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Hoppe tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Hoppe trying to control the position but Verbeek is working away.

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.
Hoppe works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Verbeek tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Hoppe wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Hoppe working the ground and pound from side control.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Hoppe has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Hoppe is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Hoppe looking to control but Verbeek is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hoppe sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!

Hoppe working for a submission but Verbeek is keeping him at bay.
Hoppe trying to control but Verbeek is having none of it.
Hoppe thowing shots but they're missing.
Hoppe looking to control but Verbeek is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

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

Hoppe with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Hoppe trying to control but Verbeek is having none of it.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Verbeek holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Hoppe tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hans Hermann Hoppe comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Verbeek has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 47:47
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 48:47
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Pat Verbeek!
Pat Verbeek retains his lightweight title!
Our winner, Pat Verbeek, 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.