PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Lee Stroud (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Little Grasshopper (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Stroud
vs
Grasshopper

190 cm
25
220 lbs
9 - 7 - 0

190 cm
23
210 lbs
9 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Lee Stroud!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Little Grasshopper!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Reed Andrews and Bruno Lombardi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stroud tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Grasshopper paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Grasshopper is looking to clinch but Stroud is avoiding it.
Grasshopper shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Stroud but Stroud pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Grasshopper gets caught flat footed, as Stroud shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Grasshopper is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Stroud working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Grasshopper looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

Grasshopper looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Stroud lands a couple of digs.
Grasshopper is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Stroud is looking for a sweep. Grasshopper is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Grasshopper thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Stroud's head.
Stroud is staying active underneath Grasshopper, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grasshopper throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Grasshopper is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Stroud reverses the position - he's now on top in Grasshopper's guard.

Grasshopper is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Stroud with a flurry of punches that miss.
Stroud is working Grasshopper over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Grasshopper trying to strike off his back.
Grasshopper looking for a sweep. Not yet Grasshopper, not yet.
Stroud scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Grasshopper keeping moving, preventing Stroud from controlling successfully.
Grasshopper tries to land a sweep but no joy.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Stroud tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Grasshopper was well out of range. Poor timing from Stroud.
Grasshopper tries to clinch but Stroud moves out of range.
Stroud tries for a takedown but Grasshopper circles away easily

and Grasshopper counters by moving into the clinch.
Stroud has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Grasshopper is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Stroud escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Grasshopper tries to clinch

so Stroud counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

Grasshopper has his foot on Stroud's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Stroud works his way back into a safe position though.
Grasshopper tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Grasshopper is trying to control the position but Stroud postures up.
Grasshopper wants to sweep but no luck.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Grasshopper looks gassed!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stroud trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Stroud lands a couple of digs.
Stroud looking to pass the guard.
Stroud has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Grasshopper tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Stroud has his takedown stuffed

and Grasshopper counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Grasshopper.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lee Stroud. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Grasshopper prevents a takedown attempt there.
Stroud jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Grasshopper walks away with a smile on his face. Stroud gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Stroud swats away the attempt to clinch by Grasshopper.
Grasshopper tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Stroud counters with a series of strikes. Grasshopper will be more careful next time no doubt.

Grasshopper moves into the clinch.
Grasshopper stalling against the cage.
Grasshopper tries to land knees in the clinch but Stroud avoids the damage to the body.
Grasshopper drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Stroud throws a punch but it's blocked by Grasshopper.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stroud throws a punch but it's blocked by Grasshopper.
Stroud drops down looking for an ankle pick but Grasshopper pulls his leg out and moves away.
Grasshopper tries to clinch

and Stroud holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Grasshopper throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Stroud blocks it with crossed arms.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.

Stroud tightens his grip and picks Grasshopper up, before dumping him to the ground. Grasshopper manages to land in guard.
Grasshopper is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

Stroud drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Stroud jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Stroud wants to pass the guard but Grasshopper is keeping the position.
Grasshopper looking for a sweep. Not yet Grasshopper, not yet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Grasshopper lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Stroud!
Grasshopper pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lee Stroud dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Stroud goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Stroud lands a jab.
Stroud will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Stroud keeps the fight on the outside.
Nice takedown defense from Stroud. No joy for Grasshopper on that attempt.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Stroud.
The fight stays on the outside here - Grasshopper looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Stroud swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Stroud clinches but Grasshopper breaks the clinch

and Grasshopper counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Grasshopper.
Grasshopper misses with a knee strike.
Grasshopper avoiding damage as Stroud throws knees to the body.
Grasshopper tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Stroud avoids it.

Stroud pulls guard effortlessly.
Stroud avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Stroud keeping full guard, as Grasshopper tries to pass.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grasshopper trying to control the position from guard on top but Stroud is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Stroud utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Grasshopper in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Stroud is on top in guard.

Stroud drops back looking for a leg! Grasshopper is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Grasshopper manages to kick Stroud off! Stroud jumps back into Grasshopper's guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Grasshopper working for a triangle but Stroud defends it easily.

Grasshopper has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Stroud can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

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.
Stroud is in close to Grasshopper's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Stroud trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Stroud preventing the sweep.
Stroud postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Stroud cracks Grasshopper with a solid left hand.
Stroud stopping the sweep attempt from Grasshopper.
Stroud trying to control but Grasshopper is working from the bottom.
Stroud tries to free his leg and advance position but Grasshopper is retaining full guard.
Stroud throws a strike but Grasshopper rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grasshopper throws a big right hand that misses.
Grasshopper trying to control but Stroud is working from the bottom.
Grasshopper advances position into side control!

Grasshopper swings around for an armbar but Stroud sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Grasshopper's guard.
Stroud stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Grasshopper swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Stroud postures up.
Stroud loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Stroud won't allow Grasshopper to sweep him here.

Grasshopper looking for a guillotine here but Stroud defends easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Stroud postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Stroud drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Stroud jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Stroud preventing the sweep.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Grasshopper is on top in guard.
Grasshopper must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Grasshopper landing with the ground and pound.
Grasshopper trying to control the position from guard on top but Stroud is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Stroud is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Grasshopper is controlling him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lee Stroud dominated that second round.
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. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Stroud shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Grasshopper holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Grasshopper softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Grasshopper is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Grasshopper misses with a knee to the head.
Stroud can't get the takedown.
Grasshopper tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Stroud on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Stroud managing to block the knees to the body from Grasshopper.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Grasshopper obliges.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Grasshopper missing with knees to the body.
Stroud tries to score a body lock takedown but Grasshopper shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lee Stroud. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Grasshopper misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Stroud.
Grasshopper leaning his opponent against the cage.
Grasshopper throws a knee to the head but misses.
Stroud takes a knee to the side of the body.

Stroud gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Stroud with the ground and pound but Grasshopper uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Grasshopper manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Stroud manages to get himself to full guard.

Stroud is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Grasshopper defends well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grasshopper stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Stroud swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Grasshopper with a flurry of punches that miss.
Grasshopper tries to free his leg and advance position but Stroud is retaining full guard.
Grasshopper with a flurry of punches that miss.
Grasshopper in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Stroud wants to sweep here but Grasshopper controlling him for the moment.
Little Grasshopper has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

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.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Stroud fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

Grasshopper drives through and clinches with Stroud against the cage.
Grasshopper tries to land knees in the clinch but Stroud avoids the damage to the body.
Stroud letting Grasshopper take a breather here.
A short body shot lands from Grasshopper as the two fighters clinch.
Grasshopper works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Grasshopper looking to throw knees to the head but Stroud is blocking nicely.
Grasshopper tries a knee to the head but Stroud blocks it.
Grasshopper works on Stroud's body with a couple of short punches.
Grasshopper missing with knees to the body.
Grasshopper unloads a knee to the mid-section. Stroud lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Stroud on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Grasshopper is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Grasshopper misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Stroud.

Stroud gets control of Grasshopper's arms and successfully pulls guard. Stroud will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Lee Stroud overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Stroud has his feet on Grasshopper's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Stroud misses with a takedown attempt

and Grasshopper holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grasshopper pressing his opponent against the cage.

Stroud breaks from the clinch.
Grasshopper tries to clinch there but Stroud circles away.

Grasshopper has taken the fight to the clinch.
A left hand lands to the body for Stroud.
Grasshopper keeps control of Stroud as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Stroud working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Stroud has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Grasshopper is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Grasshopper tries a knee to the head but Stroud blocks it.
Grasshopper is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Stroud is defending well for now.
Stroud drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Grasshopper gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Stroud on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Nice body punch from Stroud.
Grasshopper is trying to stall.
Grasshopper prevents the takedown attempt.
Stroud managing to block the knees to the body from Grasshopper.
Stroud blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Stroud is trying to force a seperation but Grasshopper has the dominant position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stroud goes for a takedown attempt but Grasshopper pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Grasshopper tries to clinch

and Stroud counters with a shoot takedown. Grasshopper fights it but they end up in guard.

Stroud drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Stroud jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Stroud stopping the sweep attempt from Grasshopper.

Grasshopper escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Stroud gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Stroud wants to control from the top but Grasshopper keeps moving.

Grasshopper has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Stroud can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Grasshopper working for a triangle but Stroud defends it easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Little Grasshopper.
I think Stroud 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 29:28
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 29:28
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lee Stroud!