PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Weed Hopper (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Artem Graf (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Weed Hopper has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Hopper
vs
Graf

175 cm
23
165 lbs
10 - 2 - 0

178 cm
25
162 lbs
15 - 9 - 1

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Fossington & Blythe: Gentlemen's Fight Attire
Raw Edge Gear (R.E.G)

Wisdom clothing (O.R.G)
The Nutritionists (O.R.G)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Weed Hopper!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 9 - 1, fighting out of London, Artem Graf!
The judges for this bout are James Ackerman, James Atkins and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Graf lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Graf tries to bum rush Hopper with a series of wild strikes but Hopper uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Hopper avoids a punch combination nicely.
Hopper shoots in but no luck this time.
Graf throws a right hand that Hopper ducks under and follows up with a left that Hopper also avoids with ease.
Hopper fails with the takedown.
Hopper doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Graf counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Weed Hopper. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Hopper decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Hopper is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Graf trying to control here.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Graf gets full guard.

Graf looking for a guillotine here but Hopper defends easily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Graf trying to keep a closed guard but Hopper is proving a slippery customer.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Graf is looking to stand up but Hopper isn't so interested in that idea.
Hopper trying to control but Graf is working from the bottom.
Graf working a defensive guard here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Graf looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Graf wants to stand and escape but Hopper is having none of it.

Graf is looking for a triangle but Hopper pushes his legs off easily.
Hopper trying to control but Graf is working from the bottom.

Hopper has gone for a leg lock! Graf slips out almost immediately though and dives into Hopper's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Graf loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Graf passes Hopper's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Graf is looking to take a break and control but Hopper is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Graf seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Graf is looking to advance position but Hopper won't allow it.
Hopper works his way to full guard. Good work.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Hopper is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Hopper working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Graf doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Graf manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Hopper trying to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Graf stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hopper swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Graf avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

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

Hopper throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Graf is in close to Hopper's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Graf wants to pass the guard but Hopper is keeping the position.

Hopper is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hopper is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Hopper keeping moving, preventing Graf from controlling successfully.
Hopper keeping full guard, as Graf tries to pass.
Hopper is trying to control the position but Graf postures up.

Hopper is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Graf scoring with punches to the head and body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Graf postures up in Hopper's guard and throws a big left but Hopper blocks it.
Graf slips nicely into half guard.
Hopper slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Artem Graf will probably get the nod.
That's time! Hopper's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

No joy there for Graf, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Graf cracks Hopper with an open hand slap.
Hopper fails with the takedown

and Graf holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Graf digs a right hand into Hopper's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Hopper's gas tank.
Hopper drops down looking for an ankle pick but Graf pulls his leg out and moves away.
Hopper takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Hopper misses with a takedown
and Graf counters with a lovely straight right hand!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Weed Hopper. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hopper tries for a takedown but Graf circles away easily
and Graf counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Graf tries to clinch there but Hopper circles away.
Artem Graf is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Graf looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Hopper!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hopper is in a horrible position here. Graf smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Graf with the ground and pound from mount.
Hopper is looking to get to half guard.
Graf lands a nice shot to the head.
Hopper is working to get back to half guard.
Graf in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
A nice elbow there by Graf.
Hopper tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Graf working Hopper over with strikes here.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Graf takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Hopper is trying desperately to improve position.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Graf lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Hopper hang on?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Graf looking to control but Hopper is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Graf with the ground and pound from mount.
Graf scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Hopper?
Graf lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Hopper hang on?
Graf with good strikes from the mount here!
Graf putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Graf prevents Hopper from getting the reversal.
Graf avoids the attempt from Hopper to control.
Hopper taking shots to the head.
Hopper bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Hopper won't allow Graf to get back to his feet.
Graf trying to keep a closed guard but Hopper is proving a slippery customer.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Graf bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Hopper's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Graf scoring with punches to the head and body.
Graf with a flurry of punches that miss.
Hopper keeping moving, preventing Graf from controlling successfully.

Hopper had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Graf defends it easily.

Hopper looking for a guillotine here but Graf defends easily.
Hopper keeping moving, preventing Graf from controlling successfully.
Graf landing with the ground and pound.

Hopper throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hopper looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Hopper keeping moving, preventing Graf from controlling successfully.
Graf keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Hopper's head.
Graf cracks Hopper with a solid left hand.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Graf is pushing down on Hopper's leg trying to pass to half guard. Hopper is fighting to maintain full guard but Graf has managed to sneak the leg through.
Graf drops an elbow to the side of Hopper's head.
Graf trying to pass the guard but Hopper defending well.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Graf working Hopper over with strikes.
Hopper is looking to improve his position.
Graf scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Artem Graf 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. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Hopper shoots and misses
and Graf counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Hopper looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Hopper has his takedown stuffed
and Graf cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Weed Hopper. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hopper misses with a takedown
and Graf counters with a stiff right hand.
Weed Hopper seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Graf throws a one two combo.
Graf lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hopper circles away quickly and effectively.
Graf tries to close the distance and clinch but Hopper swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Graf lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hopper circles away quickly and effectively.
Graf misses with a double jab.
Graf moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Hopper looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Graf is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Graf. No joy for Hopper on that attempt.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Graf gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Graf lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Hopper has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Graf is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Graf lands a left hand that snaps the head of Hopper backwards.
Graf digs a right hand underneath Hopper's ribcage. Hopper let out a lung full of air as it connected.

Graf breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Sloppy strikes from Graf. Those never looked like landing.
Graf doesn't manage to clinch there - Hopper circles away.
Graf takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Graf tries to clinch up but Hopper circles away and keeps his distance.
Hopper looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Left hook, right uppercut from Graf.
Graf moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Hopper misses with a takedown attempt
and Graf counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Graf forces Hopper back against the cage and clinches.
Hopper has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Graf is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
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!
Graf lands a hook that snaps the head of Hopper backwards.
Graf lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Hopper takes an elbow to the forehead.

It looks like Weed Hopper has been cut.
Graf lands a left hand.
The referee calls for Graf to work.
A short right from Graf.
Graf lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Graf misses with an elbow over the top.
Graf taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Graf lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Graf lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Hopper backwards.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hopper is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Graf gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Nice body punch from Graf.
Hopper wants a takedown but no success here.
Graf stalling against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Graf.
Graf lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Graf gets underhooks to prevent Hopper's takedown attempt.
Graf lands an uppercut.
Graf lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Hopper backwards.
Graf scores with a shot to the side of Hopper's head.
Graf lands a body shot in the clinch.
A hook to the body from Graf.
Hopper is looking to take this one to the mat.
Graf lands a shoulder strike.
Graf lands a nice uppercut.
Weed Hopper has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Graf throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Hoppers head.
Graf scores with a shoulder strike.
Graf lands an elbow inside.
Artem Graf seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Graf is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hopper is defending well for now.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Graf lands a left hand that snaps the head of Hopper backwards.
Graf lands a left hand.
Graf gets through Hopper's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Graf lands an elbow just above Hopper 's eye.
Graf lands a body punch in the clinch.
Graf gets through Hopper's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Graf has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Graf scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Still in the clinch, Graf scores with a nice short uppercut.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Graf lands a body shot.
Graf lands with a right to the head.
Artem Graf is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Graf is pressed up against the cage. Hopper has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Graf down to the mat. Graf avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Artem Graf comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Graf 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 James Ackerman scores the fight 27:30
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 27:30
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Artem Graf!