PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Isaac Clarksdale (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nelson Hopper (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nelson Hopper told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Clarksdale
vs
Hopper

168 cm
21
151 lbs
6 - 3 - 1

155 cm
30
156 lbs
8 - 8 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Very quick

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Powerful

TFP Graphics - Pit Inc

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Isaac Clarksdale!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nelson Hopper!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Wesley Smith and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Clarksdale works the jab nicely.

It looks like Nelson Hopper has been cut.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hopper.
Hopper misses with a takedown attempt
and Clarksdale counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

Hopper looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Clarksdale keeping moving, preventing Hopper from controlling successfully.

Hopper avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Hopper stops Clarksdale from standing up.
Hopper makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Clarksdale managing to control the position.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hopper throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Clarksdale works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hopper trying to control but Clarksdale is working from the bottom.
Clarksdale seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Hopper loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Isaac Clarksdale.
Hopper tries to clinch up but Clarksdale circles away and keeps his distance.
Clarksdale avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Hopper tries for a takedown but Clarksdale circles away easily
and Clarksdale counters with a three punch combo that has Hopper backing up. Hopper nods at Clarksdale to acknowledge the strikes.
Isaac Clarksdale has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nelson Hopper.

Clarksdale gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Hopper stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Clarksdale swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Clarksdale working a defensive guard here.
Hopper stands and throws Clarksdale's legs to the side, diving into side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Clarksdale avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Hopper.
Clarksdale tries to bench press Hopper off him but Hopper keeps the position.

Hopper goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Clarksdale rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Hopper's guard! Nice work there by Clarksdale!
Clarksdale wants to pass the guard but Hopper is keeping the position.
Hopper keeping moving, preventing Clarksdale from controlling successfully.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hopper looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hopper looking to control.
Clarksdale throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hopper works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Clarksdale cracks Hopper with a solid left hand.
Hopper wants to stand up but Clarksdale is controlling him.
Hopper is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Hopper throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Clarksdale trying to control the position from guard on top but Hopper is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We must be close to a standup if these guys 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.
Clarksdale fakes the leg kick and cracks Hopper in the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hopper fails to land the takedown.
Hopper shoots in for a takedown but Clarksdale shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Clarksdale misses with the combination.
Clarksdale throws a right hand that Hopper ducks under and follows up with a left that Hopper also avoids with ease.
A combination from Clarksdale does no damage.
Hopper misses with a leg kick
and Clarksdale counters with a nice body shot.
Clarksdale misses with a wild combination.
Hopper with a lazy takedown attempt
and Clarksdale makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Clarksdale scores with 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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Clarksdale's corner calls for a 1-2. Clarksdale obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Hopper shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Clarksdale pinned against the cage. Clarksdale gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Hopper takes a shot right to the bread basket.
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 Isaac Clarksdale will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Nelson Hopper's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Clarksdale swinging wildly here.
Clarksdale lands with a nice body kick.
Clarksdale slaps away a takedown attempt from Hopper, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Clarksdale is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Clarksdale cracks Hopper with an open hand slap.
Nelson Hopper seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hopper fails with the takedown.
Hopper is trying hard to land a takedown here. Clarksdale sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Isaac Clarksdale has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nelson Hopper.
Hopper fails with a takedown attempt.
Clarksdale lands a lovely overhand right.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Clarksdale, right into the meat.
Hopper takes one on the button.
Clarksdale moves out of range as Hopper strikes.
Clarksdale is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hopper with a poor takedown
and Clarksdale counters with a straight right hand.
Clarksdale connects with the punch.
Hopper shoots in for a takedown but Clarksdale shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Clarksdale scores with a hook to the body. Hopper takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Hopper throws a series of strikes that have Clarksdale backpedaling.
Hopper is breathing heavily.
Hopper misses with a takedown
and Clarksdale counters with a series of strikes. Hopper will be more careful next time no doubt.
Hopper takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Clarksdale will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Hopper shoots and misses
and Clarksdale counters with a left and a right that stings Hopper.
Hopper looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Clarksdale swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Clarksdale throws a series of punches but Hopper avoids them all with ease.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hopper misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Hopper shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Clarksdale pulls Hopper in close to prevent any damage.
Clarksdale will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Hopper preventing the sweep.
Clarksdale controls Hopper momentarily but Hopper frees himself.
Clarksdale tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Isaac Clarksdale has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Hopper shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Clarksdale pinned against the cage. Clarksdale gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Isaac Clarksdale is winning the standup battle so far.
Hopper changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Clarksdale tries to avoid it but Hopper manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Clarksdale to the ground. Clarksdale escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hopper takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Hopper takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A punch combination from Clarksdale misses.
Hopper misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Clarksdale.
A combination from Clarksdale does no damage.
Hopper will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Hopper shoots in looking for a takedown but Clarksdale manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Hopper's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Hopper tries to clinch but Clarksdale is having none of it.
Clarksdale's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Clarksdale duly obliges.
Hopper shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Clarksdale defends it nicely.
Hopper dodges the punch combination from Clarksdale.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hopper shoots for a double leg takedown but Clarksdale sprawls well. He's pushed Hopper's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Hopper shoots for a takedown but Clarksdale saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Clarksdale swats away the attempt to clinch by Hopper.
Clarksdale lands with a shot to the body.
Clarksdale keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Clarksdale throws a right hand that Hopper ducks under and follows up with a left that Hopper also avoids with ease.
A nice combination there by Clarksdale.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hopper shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Clarksdale pinned against the cage. Clarksdale gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Nice body punch from Clarksdale.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Isaac Clarksdale dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Nelson Hopper's cut.
That's time! Clarksdale's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Hopper doesn't succeed with the takedown
letting Clarksdale counter with a right hand.
Clarksdale throws a right hand that Hopper ducks under and follows up with a left that Hopper also avoids with ease.
Clarksdale throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hopper dodges the punch combination from Clarksdale.
Clarksdale lands a slapping body shot.
Clarksdale bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Hopper shoots in for a takedown but Clarksdale shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Hopper moves to clinch but Clarksdale breaks away
and Clarksdale counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Clarksdale ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Clarksdale, as that shot connected.
A leg kick checked by Hopper.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Clarksdale wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Hopper shoots for a takedown but Clarksdale saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Isaac Clarksdale has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nelson Hopper.
Hopper takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Hopper dodges the punch combination from Clarksdale.
Isaac Clarksdale is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Hopper buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Hopper looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Clarksdale closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Clarksdale looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Clarksdale stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Clarksdale wants it to stay on the feet.

Hopper drives through with a takedown into guard.
Hopper in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Clarksdale trying to keep a closed guard but Hopper is proving a slippery customer.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hopper missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Clarksdale looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Clarksdale is trying to control the position from the bottom.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

Isaac Clarksdale has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Clarksdale stuffs the takedown.
Isaac Clarksdale is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A punch combination from Clarksdale misses.
Hopper tries to move into range but Clarksdale moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Clarksdale displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Hopper shoots in for a takedown but Clarksdale shows good takedown defense.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Clarksdale's jab looks to have found its range, popping Hopper under the eye.
Clarksdale fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Hopper is out of range.
The fighters circle momentarily. Clarksdale darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Clarksdale blocks a head kick by Hopper.
Hopper has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Hopper dives in and grabs Clarksdale's left leg, looking for a takedown. Clarksdale pushes down on Hopper's head and hops out.
Clarksdale moves out of range of the body kick.
Clarksdale swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Clarksdale moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Clarksdale misses with a wild body shot.
Hopper tries to clinch up.
Hopper tries a head kick but it misses.
Hopper tries to score a power double leg takedown but Clarksdale sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Hopper somewhat.
Hopper fails with a takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Clarksdale smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Hopper gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Clarksdale counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Clarksdale throws a right hand that Hopper ducks under and follows up with a left that Hopper also avoids with ease.
Clarksdale connects with a body shot that sends Hopper's belly button to the back.
Clarksdale circles away from the clinch attempt.
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.
Sloppy strikes from Clarksdale. Those never looked like landing.
Nelson Hopper has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Hopper throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Isaac Clarksdale is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Clarksdale lands a slapping body shot.
Hopper misses with a head kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Isaac Clarksdale showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Clarksdale, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Cecil Peabody scores the fight 30:27
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 30:27
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Isaac Clarksdale!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Isaac Clarksdale made sure he mentioned KrakHeaD Nutrition, along with how happy he was to win his fight.