PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Mikhail Bakunin (ranked 521 p4p, 75 weight class) and Troy Hooper (ranked 795 p4p, 111 weight class). 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 Troy Hooper was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Bakunin
vs
Hooper

181 cm
36
178 lbs
27 - 12 - 0

180 cm
39
175 lbs
32 - 17 - 2

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 27 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Mikhail Bakunin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 32 - 17 - 2, fighting out of Los Angeles, Troy Hooper!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hooper lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Hooper misses with a body shot.
Hooper throws a hook but Bakunin avoids it easily.
Hooper has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Bakunin tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Hooper tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Hooper swings for the body but Bakunin moves out of range.
Hooper looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Bakunin fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Hooper throws a body shot but no joy.
Hooper blocks a head kick by Bakunin.
Bakunin throws a head kick that half lands.
Hooper misses with a lunging right hand
and Bakunin counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hooper connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hooper wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Hooper throws a body shot but no joy.
Hooper slips a jab and a cross from Bakunin.
Hooper lands with a good body shot.
Bakunin rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Hooper moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Hooper with the counter takedown but Bakunin avoids it easily.
Hooper lands a nice hook to Bakunin's body. Bakunin takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Hooper lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Bakunin throws a big shot that misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hooper. Bakunin does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hooper swings and misses with a hook to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hooper checks a leg kick.
Hooper is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Bakunin avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Hooper is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Bakunin rather than just go for the knockout.
Some bone on bone action there as Bakunin checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Bakunin went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Bakunin throws a one two combo.
A jab from Bakunin misses.
Hooper feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Bakunin's calf.
Hooper dodges the punch combination from Bakunin.
Mikhail Bakunin is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Hooper misses with a body shot.
Bakunin pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Bakunin misses with a head kick.
Bakunin pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Bakunin looks to land a left hand but Hooper moved out of range nicely.
Hooper throws a jab but it's blocked by Bakunin.
Hooper just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromBakunin.
Hooper throws a shot to the body.
Hooper swings for the body but Bakunin moves out of range.
Hooper dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

Bakunin tries to sprawl but Hooper drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hooper working over Bakunin with some ground and pound. Bakunin looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hooper lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Hooper throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Bakunin is looking to escape.
Hooper seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Hooper takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Hooper lands a nice short elbow.
Bakunin tries to kick Hooper off but Hooper keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Nice strikes from Hooper there.
Hooper takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Bakunin is trying to stand up here but Hooper is controlling him well.
Nice strikes from Hooper there.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Hooper tries to pass the half guard into mount. Bakunin knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Bakunin is trying to stand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hooper is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Hooper working Bakunin over with strikes.
Hooper is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Hooper landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Hooper is nestled in close to Bakunin, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Hooper lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Hooper is trying to control. Bakunin wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Hooper scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Bakunin has hold of Hooper's hands but Hooper slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Hooper working over Bakunin with some ground and pound. Bakunin looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Bakunin is trying to stand up here but Hooper is controlling him well.
Hooper lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Bakunin is trying to stand back up but Hooper is controlling him

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bakunin wants to improve his position but Hooper is controlling well.
Bakunin looks like he's trying to stand up.
Hooper scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Hooper lands strikes from half guard.
Hooper working Bakunin over with strikes.
Hooper is nestled in close to Bakunin, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Bakunin is trying to stand up here but Hooper is controlling him well.
Bakunin 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.
Bakunin on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Hooper lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Bakunin wants to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Troy Hooper dominated that round.
That's time! Bakunin's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Hooper throws a body punch but Bakunin moves out of range.
Bakunin finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Hooper feints the counter takedown.
Bakunin keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hooper misses with a hook.
Bakunin misses with a double jab.
Hooper with the counter takedown but Bakunin avoids it easily.
Mikhail Bakunin is winning the standup battle so far.
Hooper scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Hooper misses with a looping right.
Hooper avoids the body shot from Bakunin.
Bakunin swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Mikhail Bakunin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Bakunin moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Bakunin 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.
Hooper has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Bakunin scores with a body shot.
Nice defenses there by Bakunin.
Bakunin goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!

Hooper looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Hooper lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Bakunin makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Bakunin.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hooper tries to free his leg and advance position but Bakunin is retaining full guard.
Hooper postures up in Bakunin's guard and throws a big left but Bakunin blocks it.
Hooper connects with a couple of short punches.
Bakunin is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Hooper landing with the ground and pound.
Hooper stops Bakunin from standing up.
Hooper scoring with punches to the head and body.
Hooper trying to control but Bakunin is working from the bottom.
Bakunin has momentary wrist control but Hooper slips an elbow through the middle.
Hooper working some strikes from top position.
Bakunin can't keep his opponent in guard - Hooper advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hooper is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Hooper wants to lay and pray for a moment but Bakunin keeps working.
Hooper winds up and cracks Bakunin with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Hooper prevents Bakunin from improving his position.
Hooper lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Troy Hooper has got the better of the ground game so far.
Bakunin wants to get back to his feet.
Bakunin is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Hooper scores with a couple of nice shots.
Bakunin taking some punishment here, with Hooper in his half guard.
Hooper lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Bakunin is trying to stand back up but Hooper is controlling him

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice strikes from Hooper there.
Bakunin looks like he's trying to stand up.
Ground and pound from Hooper.
Hooper scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Bakunin is trying to stand back up but Hooper is controlling him
Hooper lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Bakunin is looking to escape.
Hooper is trying to control. Bakunin wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Hooper prevents Bakunin from improving his position.
Bakunin is not content to let Hooper control the position.
Hooper prevents Bakunin from standing back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hooper is nestled in close to Bakunin, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Bakunin is trying to stand up here but Hooper is controlling him well.
Bakunin on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Hooper lands strikes from half guard.
Hooper working Bakunin over with strikes.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Hooper connects with a nice short shot to Bakunin's temple.
Bakunin is looking to escape.
Hooper lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Hooper slips a nice elbow through Bakunin's hands, connecting with Bakunin's forehead.
Bakunin pushes Hooper off looking to stand but Hooper dives back in and keeps control.
Bakunin gets full guard.
Hooper won't allow Bakunin to get back to his feet.
Bakunin is looking to stand back up but Hooper counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Bakunin.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Troy Hooper showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Bakunin chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Hooper can pounce on him.
Sloppy strikes from Bakunin. Those never looked like landing.
Bakunin scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Bakunin throws a head kick that misses.
Hooper with the counter takedown but Bakunin avoids it easily.
Hooper moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Hooper avoids the head kick by Bakunin.
Hooper avoids the head kick by Bakunin.
Bakunin tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Bakunin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hooper looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
A good leg kick by Hooper.
Hooper throws a right hand that Bakunin ducks under and follows up with a left that Bakunin also avoids with ease.
Bakunin tries a head kick but it misses.
Bakunin keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hooper.
A little feinted left hand from Bakunin on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hooper lands the left hand.
Hooper changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Hooper uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Bakunin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hooper throws out the jab.
Mikhail Bakunin is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bakunin throws a right and a left that both miss.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hooper. Bakunin does a little dance to reset his feet.
Bakunin throws a right hand that Hooper ducks under and follows up with a left that Hooper also avoids with ease.
Hooper turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Bakunin uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hooper.
Bakunin throws a hook but Hooper avoids it easily.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Bakunin uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hooper.
Hooper blocks a head kick by Bakunin.
Bakunin swinging wildly here.
Hooper ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bakunin moves away.
Jab from Hooper.
Bakunin slips a jab and a cross from Hooper.
A left and a right from Hooper both land. Nice combination.
Bakunin takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Hooper throws a good cross that connects.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bakunin moves forwards but Hooper connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Bakunin looks to land a combination but Hooper avoids it well.
A jab from Bakunin misses.
Mikhail Bakunin has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bakunin lands with a shot to the body.
Bakunin throws a head kick that misses.
Hooper shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Bakunin defends it nicely.
Nice defenses there by Hooper.
No joy there for Bakunin, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Hooper fails to land the takedown.
Bakunin was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
A head kick misses from Bakunin.
Bakunin takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Bakunin misses with a wild combination.
Bakunin comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Bakunin tries to move into range but Hooper moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Hooper slips a jab from Bakunin.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bakunin takes a swing at Hooper's ribcage but misses.
Hooper misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
The fighters circle momentarily. Bakunin darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Bakunin takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Hooper fails to land with a series of punches.
A slow jab from Hooper misses its intended target.
Hooper chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Bakunin tries a head kick but it misses.
Hooper ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Bakunin dips to his left and cracks Hooper with an uppercut!
Bakunin fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hooper manages to avoid it.
Bakunin tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Bakunin misses with a straight right.
Hooper blocks a head kick by Bakunin.
Hooper with the counter takedown but Bakunin avoids it easily.
Hooper takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Bakunin misses with a few strikes there.
Hooper lands a jab to the head.
Bakunin misses with a wild body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hooper scores with a jab to the body.
Bakunin has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Bakunin tries a head kick but it misses.
Hooper tests Bakunin's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Hooper scores with a decent looking hook.
Bakunin throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Hooper.
Bakunin pulls out of a head kick attempt.
And Hooper tries to counter it with a takedown but Bakunin pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Nice uppercut there from Hooper.
Bakunin takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Hooper lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Hooper's jab looks to have found its range, popping Bakunin under the eye.
Hooper clobbers Bakunin with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Hooper tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bakunin was well out of range. Poor timing from Hooper.
Hooper lands a body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Bakunin takes a shot right to the bread basket.
A slow jab from Bakunin misses its intended target.
Hooper works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Hooper lands with a nice body punch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Troy Hooper comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Hooper 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 27:30
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Troy Hooper!
After the fight, Troy Hooper was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.
In defeat, Mikhail Bakunin stepped up to the mic, saying 'I tip my hat to Turbo he's a beast there's a reason he's been champ for so long and been so dominant. I will be back you can count on that'.