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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Paul Eclaro (ranked 685 p4p, 451 weight class) and Jesse-James Hopson (ranked 78 p4p, 59 weight class). Eclaro kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is I'm The Boy. Hopson has chosen Home among the gumtrees. as his entrance music. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.
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| 168 cm
31
155
20 - 9 - 0 |
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182 cm
27
159
16 - 5 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Granite chin |
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Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Paul Eclaro!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 5 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Jesse-James Hopson!
The judges for this bout are Paulsen Ambrosius, Patrick Alders and Radbod Blank.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hopson dips to his left and cracks Eclaro with an uppercut!
Hopson connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Hopson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hopson looks to land a left hand but Eclaro moved out of range nicely.
Eclaro tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Hopson manages to circle out of the way.
Hopson misses with a hook. Eclaro ducked under it nicely.
Hopson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Eclaro takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Hopson slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Eclaro fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Eclaro swings for the body but Hopson moves out of range.
Hopson misses with a hook. Eclaro ducked under it nicely.
Eclaro misses with a two punch combination.
Hopson has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Eclaro throws a body shot but no joy.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hopson throws a looping overhand right but Eclaro ducks down to avoid it.
Eclaro has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Hopson scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Eclaro avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Eclaro looks to score with a jab to the body but Hopson is just out of range.
Hopson doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Eclaro displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hopson throws out the jab.
Eclaro moves out of range of the strikes.
Eclaro appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Eclaro wants to clinch but Hopson slips to the side
and Hopson counters with a left to the body.
Eclaro swinging wildly here.
Jesse-James Hopson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Eclaro takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Jesse-James Hopson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Eclaro takes a swing at Hopson's ribcage but misses.
Hopson scores with a jab to the jaw.
Eclaro takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Eclaro misses with a body shot
and Hopson counters with a straight right hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Eclaro fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hopson manages to avoid it.
Eclaro's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Hopson connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Eclaro scrambles back to his feet.
Hopson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Eclaro moves away.
Eclaro changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Nice body punch from Hopson.
Eclaro misses with a body punch
and Hopson counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hopson misses with a wild body shot.
Eclaro tries to counter with a takedown but Hopson is quick to defend against it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Eclaro slips a jab from Hopson.
A big right from Eclaro misses.
Eclaro misses with a body shot.
It seemed like Hopson was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Eclaro takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Hopson throws a body punch but Eclaro moves out of range.
Eclaro is looking to wear down Hopson with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Hopson cracks Eclaro with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
A slow jab from Hopson misses its intended target.
Eclaro ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
A big right from Hopson misses.
Hopson takes a swing at Eclaro's ribcage but misses.
Eclaro tries to counter with a takedown but Hopson is quick to defend against it.
A big right from Hopson misses.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hopson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Eclaro moves away.
Eclaro closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Eclaro lands in his opponent's guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Eclaro stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hopson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Eclaro throws a big elbow that misses.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hopson keeping full guard, as Eclaro tries to pass.
Eclaro passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Eclaro is looking to take a break and control but Hopson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Jesse-James Hopson dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Eclaro fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hopson manages to avoid it.
Eclaro throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hopson throws out a counter right but Eclaro avoids it with no problem.
Hopson lands a really nice looking cross but Eclaro seems unphased.
Eclaro throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hopson throws an overhand right that lands on Eclaro's shoulder, as Eclaro tries to avoid the shot.
Eclaro closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hopson circles away.
Eclaro just misses with a punch to the body.
Hopson misses with a looping left.
Eclaro changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab from Hopson misses.
Eclaro drops down looking for a counter takedown but Hopson sprawls and moves away.
Hopson wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Hopson throws out a loose jab but Eclaro uses good head movement to avoid it.
Eclaro appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hopson jabs at Eclaro's body.
Eclaro misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hopson.
Hopson scores with a jab to the head.
Eclaro misses the shot to the body.
Hopson is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Hopson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Eclaro half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Hopson throws a hook but Eclaro avoids it easily.
Eclaro drops down looking for a counter takedown but Hopson sprawls and moves away.
Eclaro keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hopson dodges the punch combination from Eclaro.
It seemed like Hopson was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hopson lands a lovely overhand right.
Eclaro has taken the fight to the clinch.
Hopson manages to break the clinch.
Eclaro slips a straight right by Hopson.
Eclaro attempts a counter takedown but Hopson avoids it well and moves away.
Eclaro tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hopson was well out of range. Poor timing from Eclaro.
A countering left hand to the body from Hopson misses.
Hopson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Eclaro sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Eclaro appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Eclaro keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Eclaro attempts a counter takedown but Hopson avoids it well and moves away.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Eclaro takes a swing at Hopson's ribcage but misses.
Eclaro swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Eclaro swings and misses with a hook to the body.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Eclaro shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hopson pinned against the cage. Hopson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Hopson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Eclaro manages to avoid it.
Eclaro fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hopson manages to avoid it.
Hopson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Eclaro shoots in looking for a takedown. Hopson tries to sprawl out of it but Eclaro keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Hopson manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Paul Eclaro. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hopson lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hopson scores with a jab. Eclaro acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
A big left from Hopson misses.
Eclaro misses with a body shot.
Hopson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Eclaro appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Hopson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Eclaro keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Eclaro fails with the takedown
and Hopson makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hopson digs a good hook to Eclaro's body.
Hopson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Eclaro.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Jesse-James Hopson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.
Hopson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Eclaro manages to avoid it.
Eclaro tries to counter with a takedown but Hopson is quick to defend against it.
Hopson throws a big shot that misses.
Eclaro bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Hopson sneaks back into half guard.
Eclaro wants to pass to mount but Hopson is defending the position.
Hopson is trying to get back to full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Eclaro is looking to advance position but Hopson won't allow it.
Eclaro working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Hopson's thigh. Hopson counters though and makes it back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Eclaro wants to pass the guard but Hopson is keeping the position.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Eclaro throws an elbow that misses. Hopson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Eclaro's guard. Nice move by Hopson!
Hopson stopping the sweep attempt from Eclaro.
Eclaro looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Hopson avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Eclaro can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Hopson controls the pace.
Paul Eclaro overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Eclaro has his foot on Hopson's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hopson works his way back into a safe position though.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Eclaro looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Hopson passes into half guard.
Eclaro is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Hopson pulls his head out easily.
Hopson content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Hopson's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hopson moves nicely into side control.
Hopson scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Eclaro to see if he's OK.
Hopson is staying tight to Eclaro's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Eclaro is looking to reverse the position.
Eclaro manages to get back to half guard.
Eclaro is trying to get back to full guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hopson working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Hopson controlling the action here.
Eclaro is refusing to be controlled, as Hopson sits in half guard.
Eclaro actively working from the bottom here.
Hopson prevents Eclaro from improving his position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Eclaro gets full guard.
Eclaro looking to control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close third round but Jesse-James Hopson just about did enough to take it.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.
Hopson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hopson stuns Eclaro with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Eclaro. Hopson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hopson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Eclaro.
Eclaro tries to counter with a takedown but Hopson is quick to defend against it.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Eclaro.
The fighters circle momentarily. Hopson darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Eclaro tries to clinch
enabling Hopson to counter with a crisp jab.
Jesse-James Hopson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson misses with a straight right.
Hopson connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Eclaro tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hopson swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Hopson now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Eclaro looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hopson cracks Eclaro with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Eclaro uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hopson.
A telegraphed right hand from Hopson misses the target.
Nice body punch from Hopson.
Hopson lands the left hand.
Eclaro avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Eclaro gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Eclaro misses with a shot to the body
and Hopson counters with a straight right hand.
Eclaro ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hopson moves away.
Hopson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Eclaro misses the shot to the body.
Hopson is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Hopson misses with an uppercut. Eclaro saw that one coming.
Eclaro tries to counter with a takedown but Hopson is quick to defend against it.
Eclaro throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Eclaro throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Hopson! But no joy.
Eclaro throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hopson looks to score with a jab to the body but Eclaro is just out of range.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Eclaro moves out of range of the strikes.
Eclaro uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hopson.
Eclaro takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Hopson takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hopson misses the jab.
Eclaro keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Eclaro takes the fight into the clinch.
Hopson lands a right hand.
Eclaro tries a body shot but Hopson blocks it.
Eclaro tries a body shot but Hopson blocks it.
Hopson stalling against the cage.
Hopson breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hopson slips a jab and a cross from Eclaro.
Hopson doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
A looping hook to the body misses from Eclaro. Hopson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hopson connects with a looping right hand.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hopson lands the left hand.
Hopson misses with a body shot.
Hopson punishes Eclaro's body with a nice straight punch.
Eclaro on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Hopson takes a swing at Eclaro's ribcage but misses.
Hopson throws a body punch but Eclaro moves out of range.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Eclaro has Hopson up against the cage in a clinch.
Hopson breaks the clinch.
Hopson misses with a wild body shot.
Hopson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Jesse-James Hopson dominated that fourth round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!
Hopson lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Paul Eclaro has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jesse-James Hopson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
A jab from Hopson misses.
Eclaro swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Eclaro misses with a jab to the body
and Eclaro takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Eclaro darts in looking for a takedown but Hopson gets double underhooks and turns Eclaro into the cage.
Hopson throws out a counter right but Eclaro avoids it with no problem.
Eclaro misses with a punch to the body.
Hopson blocking some punches.
Hopson struggles to land a body shot inside as Eclaro controls his hands.
A short right from Hopson.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Nice cross by Hopson.
Eclaro misses with a jab to the body
and Hopson counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Hopson missing with a left hand there. Eclaro was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Eclaro half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hopson lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Hopson.
Hopson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Eclaro manages to avoid it.
Eclaro shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Eclaro tries to free his leg and advance position but Hopson is retaining full guard.
Eclaro is looking to advance position but Hopson has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Eclaro is looking to improve his position but Hopson isn't that keen on the idea.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hopson tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Eclaro keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hopson content just to control the position here.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
More stalling from Hopson.
Eclaro really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Eclaro might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Eclaro wants to control but Hopson is having none of it.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hopson tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Eclaro can't escape the position.
Hopson looking to control and managing it successfully.
Eclaro tries to reverse the position but Hopson maintains control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Eclaro is working hard here to advance position.
And that's the end of the fight!
Jesse-James Hopson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Hopson winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 45:50
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 46:50
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 45:50
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jesse-James Hopson!
An out of breath Jesse-James Hopson thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
42% |
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