Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: NYF 63: Hopson vs Arnolds
Date: Apr 20, 2024

#R1#
Hopson walks into a straight right hand from Arnolds.#CL#
Hopson takes the fight into the clinch.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Arnolds has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Hopson jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Arnolds walks away with a smile on his face. Hopson gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Hopson tries to score a power double leg takedown but Arnolds sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Hopson somewhat.
Arnolds now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hopson.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jesse-James Hopson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hopson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Horrible takedown attempt by Hopson or perhaps it was just good defense by Arnolds, which made it look bad.
Arnolds misses with a left hand #TD#
and Hopson counters with a shoot takedown. Arnolds fights it but they end up in guard.

Arnolds kicks Hopson off and gets to his feet.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hopson looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Arnolds feints and then cracks Hopson's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Hopson down. #T1#
Hopson checks the leg kick.
Arnolds misses with a left hand #TD#
and Hopson decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Arnolds's guard.
Arnolds is trying to keep Hopson in close.
Hopson trying to control but Arnolds is working from the bottom.
Arnolds lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Hopson keeping moving, preventing Arnolds from controlling successfully.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Arnolds advances to half guard. #T2#
Hopson trying to control from the bottom.
Hopson controlling the position well.
Hopson is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Arnolds's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Arnolds's back!
Hopson scores with strikes from the back.
Hopson not allowing Arnolds to control his hands.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hopson scores with a nice shot to the head of his opponent. Arnolds is looking for a way out.
Arnolds rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Hopson is trying to control the action in half guard but Arnolds is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard. #T3#
Arnolds is looking for a sweep. Hopson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Hopson slows the pace down in half guard.
Arnolds on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Hopson moves nicely into side control.
Arnolds is trying to get back to half guard.
Hopson 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.
Hopson trying to control the action but Arnolds is working from the bottom.
Arnolds is trying to work for a sweep but Hopson has mounted him!#T4#
Hopson is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Arnolds is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Hopson with shots to the head and body - Arnolds looks very uncomfortable down there.
Hopson can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Arnolds is looking to escape.
Arnolds tries to hold on but Hopson pushes him away.
Hopson trying to control but Arnolds is having none of it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hopson breaks from Arnolds's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Hopson lands with some strikes.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Hopson moves out of range of the strikes.
A head kick misses from Arnolds.
Hopson appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Hopson slips under a jab from Arnolds.
Hopson shoots for a double leg takedown but Arnolds sprawls well. He's pushed Hopson's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Nice sprawl there from Arnolds as Hopson shoots in.
Hopson has a takedown stuffed.
Arnolds throws a counter combo.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jesse-James Hopson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Hopson is defended easily by Arnolds.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Arnolds paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Arnolds cracks Hopson with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Hopson shoots and misses
and Arnolds connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#T1#
Arnolds swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Hopson looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
A little jabbing left from Arnolds on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Arnolds throws a jab but it's blocked by Hopson.
Hopson on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Arnolds. Arnolds obviously looking to wear him down.
Both fighters circling a little - Arnolds finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Arnolds misses with a head kick.
Hopson shoots in but no luck this time.
Hopson backing away here, and Arnolds unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Hopson staying out of range there.
Hopson fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
A countering left hand to the body from Arnolds misses.
Arnolds throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd. #T2#
Arnolds leaves Hopson with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Hopson takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Arnolds lands a nice hook to Hopson's body. Hopson takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Hopson on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Arnolds. Arnolds obviously looking to wear him down.
This has been an exciting period of action!#TD#
Hopson manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Arnolds on his heels. He'll look to pass Arnolds's guard now, I'm sure.
Arnolds working a defensive guard here.
Hopson throwing strikes but missing.
Arnolds looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hopson is one step ahead there. #T3#
Arnolds not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Hopson cracks Arnolds with a solid left hand.
Arnolds looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hopson is one step ahead there.
Hopson is stalling in the full guard.
Arnolds looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hopson wants to control from the top but Arnolds keeps moving. #T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Hopson preventing the sweep.
Arnolds punching to the body, from the bottom.
Arnolds keeping moving, preventing Hopson from controlling successfully.
Arnolds trying to control the position. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Arnolds chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Hopson blocks a leg kick.
Arnolds throws a good cross that connects.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Arnolds misses with a body shot.
Alan Arnolds seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Arnolds misses with a looping left.
Nice straight punches there by Arnolds. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Arnolds.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Alan Arnolds 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 each other down, ready to get back to the action.#R3#
Arnolds swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Arnolds misses with a leg kick.
Arnolds misses the shot to the body.
Arnolds throws a jab when Hopson was well out of range.
Hopson tries to close the distance and clinch up but Arnolds swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Arnolds throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hopson changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Arnolds scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Arnolds throws a leg kick #TD#
and Hopson counters with a shoot takedown. Arnolds fights it but they end up in guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Hopson wants to pass the guard but Arnolds is keeping the position.
Arnolds 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.#T1#
Hopson's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Arnolds manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Hopson manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB#
Hopson seems keen to control Arnolds's posture.
Arnolds is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Hopson is trying to keep Arnolds in close.
Hopson is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage. #T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Hopson wants to sweep here but Arnolds controlling him for the moment.
Hopson is trying to control the position but Arnolds postures up.
Arnolds sitting in guard here, content to control.
Hopson manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Arnolds manages to get himself to full guard. #REVR#
Hopson wants to control from the top but Arnolds keeps moving.
Hopson postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Hopson throwing strikes but missing.
Arnolds tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T3#
Arnolds preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Hopson cracks Arnolds with a solid left hand.
Hopson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Arnolds is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Hopson is stalling in the full guard.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Hopson with a flurry of punches that miss. #T4#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Arnolds wants to get back to his feet but Hopson is in a dominant position and won't allow it. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Some wild striking there from Arnolds.
Hopson fails to land the takedown.
Arnolds motions for Hopson to come forward. Arnolds throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Hopson attempts a counter takedown but Arnolds avoids it well and moves away.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Hopson is defended easily by Arnolds.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Arnolds stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Alan Arnolds really dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R4#
Arnolds with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Arnolds throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Hopson blocks a jab.
Hopson tries to counter with a takedown but Arnolds is quick to defend against it.
Arnolds buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Arnolds scores with a nice right hand.
Hopson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Arnolds.
Arnolds misses with a leg kick #TD#
and Hopson counters with a shoot takedown. Arnolds fights it but they end up in guard.
Hopson scoring with punches to the head and body.
Hopson trying to control the position from guard on top but Arnolds is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB2#
Hopson avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Hopson lands a couple of elbows.#T1#
Hopson throwing strikes but missing.
Hopson looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Arnolds has his hands on Hopson's head, controlling the position.
Hopson works over Arnolds with some ground and pound from guard.
Arnolds 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.#T2#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Arnolds is trying to keep Hopson in close.
Arnolds can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Hopson controls the pace.
Arnolds keeping moving, preventing Hopson from controlling successfully.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Hopson's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Hopson throwing strikes from guard but Arnolds blocks nicely.
Hopson content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Hopson lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Arnolds tries to land a sweep but no joy. #T3##SUB2#
Arnolds is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Arnolds has control of Hopson's left arm, preventing Hopson from doing any damage.
Hopson wants to control from the top but Arnolds keeps moving. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Hopson shoots for a double leg takedown but Arnolds sprawls well. He's pushed Hopson's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Arnolds throws a hook to the side of Hopson's head but Hopson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hopson shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Arnolds but Arnolds pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Hopson moves away from the strike by Arnolds.
Arnolds tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hopson was well out of range. Poor timing from Arnolds.
Hopson appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Arnolds throws a nice inside leg kick. #T4#
Arnolds misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hopson.
Arnolds swings for the body but Hopson moves out of range.
Arnolds throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Arnolds defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hopson.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jesse-James Hopson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hopson changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Arnolds tries to avoid it but Hopson manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Arnolds to the ground. Arnolds escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Arnolds throws a push kick but Hopson slaps the foot to one side.
Hopson shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Arnolds but Arnolds pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Alan Arnolds seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Arnolds throws a leg kick but Hopson sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Hopson misses with a takedown attempt
and Arnolds counters with a one-two to the body.
No luck for Hopson with that takedown attempt.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Alan Arnolds dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!#R5#
Arnolds connects with a solid leg kick.
Jesse-James Hopson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Hopson moves out of range of the strikes.
Hopson half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Arnolds misses with a kick to the body #TD#
and Hopson counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Arnolds tries to roll over but Hopson keeps him under control.
Arnolds wants to control but Hopson is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Hopson is looking to take a break and control but Arnolds is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Arnolds is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Hopson's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Hopson's back!
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Arnolds's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke. #T1#
Hopson trying to control the hands but Arnolds won't let him.
Hopson is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Hopson breaks Arnolds's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Arnolds bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Hopson's guard. #REVB#
Arnolds preventing the sweep.
Arnolds trying to control but Hopson is working from the bottom.
Arnolds is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Arnolds stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hopson swivels though and keeps the full guard. #T2#
Hopson has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Hopson keeping moving, preventing Arnolds from controlling successfully.
Arnolds working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Hopson is controlling Arnolds's posture.
Arnolds wants to control from the top but Hopson keeps moving.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Hopson is on top in guard. #REVR##T3#
Arnolds is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVB#
Arnolds controlling the action here.
Hopson is doing well to control the position and prevent Arnolds from advancing to side control.
Alan Arnolds is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Hopson trying to control here.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Arnolds in particular looking to stall.
Arnolds wants to pass to mount but Hopson is defending the position. #T4#
Hopson is holding on to half guard well.
Arnolds is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Hopson is trying to control but can't.
Arnolds is looking to advance position but Hopson won't allow it.
Arnolds takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Arnolds's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Hopson swings for the body but Arnolds moves out of range.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alan Arnolds comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Arnolds has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Robert Douchet scores the fight 46:49
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 46:49
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alan Arnolds!
Alan Arnolds is the new featherweight champion!
Alan Arnolds seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: NYF 59: Yordan vs Hopson
Date: Mar 23, 2024

#R1##TD2#
Hopson closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Yordan did well to prevent Hopson getting side control.
Yordan pushes Hopson off looking to stand but Hopson dives back in and keeps control.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Hopson lands a nice short elbow.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hopson wants to take a breather but Yordan is having none of it.
Hopson trying to mount his opponent but Yordan defends it.
Hopson takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Hopson works his way into side control.
Yordan is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Hopson is controlling him well.
Hopson grinds an elbow into Yordan's temple.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Yordan gets back to half guard.
Hopson works his foot free and advances to mount. #T1#
Hopson can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Yordan is looking to escape.
Yordan is flailing around like a fish out of water, trying to land strikes.
Hopson sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Hopson postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Yordan looks a forlorn figure.
Yordan squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Yordan might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Yordan tries to hold on but Hopson postures up.
Hopson landing strikes from the mount.#T2#
Yordan is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
BOOM! Hopson connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Hopson content just to control the position here.
Yordan's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
Hopson raining down shots from the mount!
Yordan is flailing around like a fish out of water, trying to land strikes.
Yordan throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Yordan is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Hopson breaks from Yordan's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Yordan tries to buck Hopson off but he can't manage it.
Yordan is wriggling around trying to escape.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T3#
Hopson controlling his opponent.
Hopson landing strikes, looking to finish!
Hopson landing strikes from the mount.
Yordan takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Hopson with good strikes from the mount here!#ROC2#Yordan is rocked!
Yordan is squirming around, avoiding Hopson's attempts to control the action.
Hopson landing punches.
Oh Yordan is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Yordan wants to get back to his feet.
Yordan seems to have got his legs back now.
Hopson tries to control but Yordan wriggling away.
Yordan is writhing around trying to get back to his feet. #T4#
Yordan is trying desperately to improve position.
Hopson dominating with strikes here.
Yordan tries to hold on but Hopson pushes him away.
Yordan flailing away with punches but nothing is landing.
Yordan throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Hopson pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Yordan is looking to get to half guard.
Yordan squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Yordan swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.
Hopson has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Yordan's face.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Yordan taking shots to the head.
Yordan tries to hold on but Hopson pushes him away.
Yordan really wants to buck Hopson off and get back to his feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Hopson blocks a head kick by Yordan.
Yordan lands a nice looking body kick.
Yordan just misses with a punch to the body.
Yordan throws an overhand right that lands on Hopson's shoulder, as Hopson tries to avoid the shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Yordan. Hopson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hopson takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Hopson fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Yordan avoids it really well and circles away.#TD2#
Hopson drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson cracks Yordan with a solid left hand.
Hopson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Hopson stops Yordan from standing up.
Hopson makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.#T1#
Yordan wants to stand but Hopson is controlling the position. #ES#
Yordan is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Hopson presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Yordan wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Hopson has him pressed against the cage.#TD2#
Hopson jumps guard and drags Yordan to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Hopson manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Yordan manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB#
Hopson stops Yordan from standing up.
Hopson slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Yordan is trying to get back to half guard.
Yordan takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Hopson lands some shots froms side control.
Yordan is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Hopson has just dragged him back down to the mat.#T2#
Yordan tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Hopson wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Yordan is working hard here to advance position.
Yordan struggling a bit here.
Yordan wants to get back to his feet.
Hopson scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Yordan to see if he's OK.
Hopson landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Hopson looks up at the clock and then as Yordan takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Hopson smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Yordan tries to strike from the bottom but misses.
Yordan is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Hopson landing strikes.
Jesse-James Hopson has got the better of the ground game so far.#T3#
Hopson works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Yordan is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Hopson is controlling him well.
Hopson working the ground and pound.
Yordan can't do much from the bottom here.
Hopson cracks Yordan with a big right hand but Yordan just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Hopson cracks Yordan with a big elbow.
Yordan wants to control but Hopson postures up.
Hopson trying to control the action but Yordan is working from the bottom.
Hopson lands a few punches from side control.
You can see the frustration on Yordan's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Hopson lands a nice forearm strike. #T4#
Hopson remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.
Hopson scores with a couple of short elbows.
Yordan takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Hopson trying to control the action but Yordan is working from the bottom.
Hopson cracks Yordan with a big elbow.
Yordan tries to escape but Hopson is in control.
Yordan manages to get back to half guard.
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 round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R3#
Yordan scores with a hook to the body. Hopson takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Yordan swings and misses with a hook to the body. #TD2#
Hopson closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Yordan to the mat! Yordan manages to get full guard.
Yordan is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Yordan thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Hopson chips away with some ground and pound.
Hopson cracks Yordan with a solid left hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Hopson won't allow Yordan to get back to his feet.
Yordan is striking from the bottom but Hopson uses the opportunity to pass into half guard.
Yordan is staying active underneath Hopson, who seems content to just control the action from this position. #T1#
Yordan is trying to stand back up but Hopson is controlling him
Hopson takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Hopson lands with a punch from half guard.
Yordan is looking for a sweep. Hopson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Yordan tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Hopson is keen to just control but Yordan is a slippery customer.
Hopson winds up and cracks Yordan with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Hopson is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Yordan wants to get back to his feet.
Hopson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Hopson is looking to take a break and control but Yordan is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Yordan is looking for a sweep. Hopson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Yordan is trying to stand back up but Hopson is controlling him
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Yordan has hold of Hopson's hands but Hopson slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.#T2#
Hopson scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Yordan tries to kick Hopson off but Hopson keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Hopson slips a nice elbow through Yordan's hands, connecting with Yordan's forehead.
Yordan on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Ground and pound from Hopson.
Yordan is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Hopson scores with a couple of nice shots.
Hopson wants to take a breather but Yordan is having none of it.
Hopson lands with a punch from half guard.
Yordan taking some punishment here, with Hopson in his half guard.
Yordan is looking to escape.
Yordan is refusing to be controlled, as Hopson sits in half guard.
Still in half guard, Hopson seems content to control.
Yordan wants to get back to his feet.#T3#
Yordan is trying to maintain the position but Hopson is very close to passing his half guard.#REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Yordan swings for the body but Hopson moves out of range.
Hopson keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Yordan misses the target.
Yordan scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Yordan throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hopson avoids the body shot from Yordan.
Hopson shoots for a double leg takedown but Yordan sprawls well. He's pushed Hopson's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Yordan looks to score with a jab to the body but Hopson is just out of range.
Daud Yordan is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#TD2#
Hopson closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Yordan to the mat! Yordan manages to get full guard.
Yordan wants to stand but Hopson is controlling the position.
Yordan has momentary wrist control but Hopson slips an elbow through the middle.#T4#
Hopson engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Hopson passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Yordan is trying to improve his position.
Hopson working the head with strikes.
Hopson trying to control the position but Yordan is working away.
Hopson grinds an elbow into Yordan's temple.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hopson looks up at the clock and then as Yordan takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Hopson smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Hopson in side control lands a decent elbow.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Yordan is trying to control Hopson's posture but Hopson avoids it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson really dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R4#
Yordan stuffs the takedown attempt from Hopson. Hopson gets slowly back to his feet.
Yordan misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hopson.
Yordan tests Hopson's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Yordan jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hopson feints the counter takedown.
Hopson shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Yordan as he avoids it easily. #TD2#
Hopson looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Hopson prevents Yordan from getting back to his feet.
Hopson trying to control but Yordan is working from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yordan wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now. #T1#
Yordan trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Hopson sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Hopson chips away with some ground and pound.
Hopson is in close to Yordan's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Hopson engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Hopson passes Yordan's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Yordan misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Hopson is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound. #T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Yordan missing with punches from the bottom.
Hopson is nestled in close to Yordan, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Yordan wants to get back to his feet.
Yordan is staying active underneath Hopson, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Yordan is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Hopson scores with a couple of nice shots.
Yordan regains full guard. Nicely done.
Hopson controls from within his opponent's guard.
Hopson wants to control from the top but Yordan keeps moving.
Hopson controls from within his opponent's guard. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Hopson slips a straight right by Yordan.#T3#
Hopson tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Yordan defends well and Hopson ends up having to push Yordan into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Yordan seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Daud Yordan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jesse-James Hopson.#TD2#
Hopson looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Yordan!
Yordan is looking for a sweep.
Hopson prevents Yordan from escaping the position.
Yordan is trying to improve his position.
Hopson is looking to take a break and control but Yordan is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Hopson working the body and head with strikes. #T4#
Yordan tries to control the position but he's not in luck - Hopson easily slips into full mount!
Yordan is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Yordan in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Hopson landing strikes from the mount.
Hopson tries to control but Yordan wriggling away.
Hopson looking to control and managing it successfully.
Yordan is desperately trying to improve his position but Hopson has a good base and remains in mount.
Hopson with a couple of short strikes.
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!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Yordan wants to try and get back to his feet.
Yordan regains half guard.
Yordan taking some punishment here, with Hopson in his half guard.
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!#R5#
Yordan delivers a nice body kick.
Jesse-James Hopson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Hopson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hopson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Yordan.
Hopson is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.#TD2#
Hopson drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Yordan has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Hopson off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Yordan tests Hopson's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Yordan misses with a straight right.
Hopson on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Yordan fakes the leg kick and cracks Hopson in the body.
Yordan jabs Hopson to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Good shot there by Yordan.
Yordan fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Hopson has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.#T1#
A swing and a miss from Yordan.
Yordan is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hopson.
Hopson changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Hopson blocks a head kick by Yordan.
Hopson drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Yordan defends it well.
Yordan tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hopson was well out of range. Poor timing from Yordan.
Yordan swings away with a body shot that misses #TD2#
and Hopson counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Hopson sitting in guard here, content to control.
Hopson with a nice head shot there.
Hopson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Yordan is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Hopson is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Yordan wants to stand but Hopson is controlling the position.
Yordan keeping moving, preventing Hopson from controlling successfully. #T2#
Hopson working some strikes from top position.
Yordan is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Hopson is controlling him. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.#TD2#
Hopson shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Yordan wants to get back to his feet but Hopson is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Hopson is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Yordan is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Hopson controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Hopson working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound. #T3#
Hopson trying to control the position from guard on top but Yordan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Yordan wants to stand but Hopson is controlling the position.
Yordan wants to get back to his feet but Hopson passes into half guard.
Daud Yordan has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Yordan on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound. #ES#
Yordan manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Yordan misses with a hook. Hopson ducked under it nicely.
Yordan throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.#T4##TD2#
Hopson closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Yordan to the mat! Yordan manages to get full guard.
Hopson trying to control but Yordan is working from the bottom.
Hopson passes into half guard.
Hopson slips a nice elbow through Yordan's hands, connecting with Yordan's forehead.
Hopson is looking to take a break and control but Yordan is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Hopson working over Yordan with some ground and pound. Yordan looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Yordan has hold of Hopson's hands but Hopson slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Yordan is refusing to be controlled, as Hopson sits in half guard.
Yordan punching from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Daud Yordan showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Hopson has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Reed Andrews scores the fight 46:49
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 46:49
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jesse-James Hopson!
Jesse-James Hopson is the new featherweight champion!
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.

Event: NYF 56: Carter vs Tucker
Date: Mar 02, 2024

#R1#
Peterson moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Peterson walks into a straight right hand from Hopson.
Peterson avoids the body shot from Hopson.
Hopson throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd. #TD2#
Hopson gets the takedown into side control.
Peterson gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Hopson is controlling the pace.
Peterson's coaches at THUD! have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.
Peterson might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Hopson lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt. #T1#
Hopson trying to control the pace.
Hopson's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.#SUB#
Peterson looking for a kimura from the bottom but Hopson passes into side control!#T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Peterson takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Peterson tries to buck Hopson off but Hopson is having none of it.
Peterson being controlled for a moment.
Hopson scores with punches from side control.
Peterson is trying to get back to half guard.
Peterson is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Hopson is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
Hopson landing shots from mount. #T3#
Hopson content just to control the position here.
Peterson is working to get back to half guard.
Peterson is in a horrible position here. Hopson smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Peterson is trying to escape the mount. #T4#
Hopson takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Peterson sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.#SUB#
Peterson looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Peterson is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Peterson wants to get back to full guard but Hopson has passed into side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R2#
Peterson connects with a nice looking jab.
Peterson ducks under a wild hook from Hopson.
Hopson lands a nice looking body shot.
Hopson slips a straight right by Peterson.
Hopson appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Hopson cracks Peterson with an open hand slap.
A jab from Hopson misses.
Hopson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Peterson.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Decent striking displayed by Hopson there.
Hopson fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Peterson looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Peterson has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Hopson finds it's way round the side to connect with Peterson's head. #TD2#
Hopson closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Hopson lands in his opponent's guard.#T1##SUB#
Hopson got a little sloppy there for a moment and Peterson has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Hopson has managed to get both his arms back between Peterson's legs - danger averted.
Hopson pushes down on Peterson's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Hopson takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB#
Peterson looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Hopson prevents Peterson from improving his position.
Well, if Hopson is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait. #T2#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.#SUB#
Peterson actively working from the bottom here.
Hopson with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Hopson prevents Peterson from improving his position.
Hopson drops an elbow to the side of Peterson's head. #T3#
Hopson working over Peterson with some ground and pound. Peterson looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Hopson perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Ground and pound from Hopson.
Peterson is looking to get back to full guard here but Hopson has managed to pass to side control instead.
Hopson cracks Peterson with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Jesse-James Hopson has got the better of the ground game so far.
Hopson controls the position.
Peterson tries to buck Hopson off but Hopson is having none of it.
Hopson working the ground and pound from side control.
Peterson is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Peterson taking punishment in the form of punches. #T4#
Peterson is looking to reverse the position.
Peterson is being controlled here.
More stalling from Hopson.
Peterson tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Hopson wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Peterson is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Hopson moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Peterson is trying to get back to half guard.
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. This is the final round!#R3#
Hopson scores with a shot to the body.
Jesse-James Hopson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Peterson throws a poor cross that misses
and Hopson cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Peterson gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Hopson throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Hopson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Jab, jab by Hopson - just one landing. #TD2#
Hopson throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Peterson tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Hopson is in Peterson's guard.
Hopson stands and throws Peterson's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Peterson tries to bench press Hopson off him but Hopson keeps the position. #T1#
Hopson creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Peterson is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Hopson working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Peterson is looking for a sweep.
The referee asks Hopson politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Hopson prefers to stall for the moment though.
Hopson working the head with strikes.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Peterson is trying to get back to half guard.
Hopson scoring with punches and elbows. #T2#
Hopson remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.
Peterson is looking for a sweep.
Hopson controls the position from side control.
Peterson is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Hopson is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
Hopson lands with some strikes.
Hopson content just to control the position here. #T3#
Casey Peterson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Hopson with shots to the head and body - Peterson looks very uncomfortable down there.
Peterson can't escape the position.
Hopson controlling the pace for now.
Hopson landing strikes from the mount.#T4#
Peterson is trying to escape the mount.
Hopson controlling from the full mount.
Hopson working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Hopson prevents Peterson from getting the reversal.
Hopson controlling the pace for now.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hopson is continuing to stall.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jesse-James Hopson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Hopson 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 Lou da Vinci scores the fight 26:30
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight 26:30
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jesse-James Hopson!
Jesse-James Hopson decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: NYF Fight Night 23
Date: Feb 16, 2024

#R1#
Hopson digs a good hook to Araujo's body.
Hopson lands with a nice body punch.
Araujo shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hopson pinned against the cage. Hopson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Araujo tries for a takedown but Hopson sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Hopson fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Araujo steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hopson.
Hopson misses with a wild body shot.
Hopson looks to land a left hand but Araujo moved out of range nicely.
Araujo falls off balance throwing a combination #TD2#
and Hopson counters with a takedown into side control.
Araujo tries to escape but Hopson is in control.
Hopson working away.
Hopson is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Araujo will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.#T1#
Hopson working away.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Hopson trying to control the position but Araujo is working away.
Hopson looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Araujo is avoiding damage well.
Hopson controls the position.
Hopson trying to control the action but Araujo is working from the bottom.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
A lull in the action here as Hopson stalls from top position.
Hopson trying to control the position but Araujo is working away. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.#T2#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.#TD#
Araujo shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Hopson's guard.
Araujo slips nicely into half guard.
Araujo tries to pass the half guard into mount. Hopson knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Araujo is working hard here to advance position.
Hopson regains full guard. Nicely done.
Araujo looking to pass the guard.
Hopson is adopting a defensive guard.#T3#
Araujo pushing down on Hopson's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Araujo looking to pass the half guard. Not this time. #SUB#
Araujo is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Hopson defends it well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Araujo wants to stand up but Hopson has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Araujo moves nicely into side control.
Hopson felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Hopson manages to get back to half guard.#T4#
Hopson is in trouble now - Araujo has advanced to mount!
Hopson tries to reverse the position but Araujo maintains control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB#
Araujo is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Hopson has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Araujo pushing the pace here, looking to move to his opponents back and work for a finish.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hopson tries to hold on but Araujo pushes him away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Jonathas Araujo will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Hopson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Araujo.
Araujo fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Araujo misses with a takedown attempt
and Hopson counters with a stiff right hand.
Araujo rushes in with a sloppy looking punch #TD2#
so Hopson counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Araujo is on top in guard. #REVR#
Hopson wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Araujo stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hopson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson pulls Araujo in close to his closed guard and prevents Araujo from doing any damage or advancing position.
Araujo is looking to advance position but Hopson has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!#REVB##T1#
Araujo is in a horrible position here. Hopson smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Araujo tries to hold on but Hopson pushes him away.
Hopson trying to control but Araujo is having none of it.
Hopson controlling the position easily from mount.
Hopson is in the full mount, landing strikes. #T2#
Hopson cracks Araujo with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Hopson looking to control and managing it successfully.
Hopson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Hopson's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.#T3#
Jesse-James Hopson has got the better of the ground game so far.
Araujo bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Hopson has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Araujo looking to pass the guard. #T4#
Hopson is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVB#
Araujo has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Hopson is working away from the top position though.
Araujo wants to get back to full guard.
Araujo is looking to control Hopson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Araujo avoid being mounted?
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hopson wants to free his trapped foot but Araujo is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Araujo has a hand on Hopson's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Hopson takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
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 round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!#R3#
Hopson scores with a nice right hand.
Araujo thows a left - swing and a miss!
A telegraphed right hand from Hopson misses the target.
Araujo shoots in and drives through. Hopson sprawls well.
Araujo looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Araujo looks for a takedown but Hopson sprawls well.
Araujo takes one on the chin but seems OK.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson connects with a jab.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Araujo is defended easily by Hopson.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jonathas Araujo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Araujo throws an off balance right hand
and Araujo takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles. #T1#
Araujo shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Hopson but Hopson pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Hopson throws a looping overhand right but Araujo ducks down to avoid it.
A little feinted left hand from Araujo on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Hopson scores with a shot to the body.
Hopson is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Hopson connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Araujo momentarily.
Araujo throws a hook but Hopson avoids it easily.
Araujo shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Hopson counters with a nice uppercut.
Hopson lands a nice hook to Araujo's body. Araujo takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Araujo fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Hopson lands a nice shot to the body.
Araujo walks into a jab.
Hopson cracks Araujo with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Hopson has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.#T2#
Hopson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Jesse-James Hopson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Araujo throws a hook to the side of Hopson's head but Hopson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Araujo misses with a takedown attempt - Hopson sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
A little jabbing left from Hopson on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.#TD2#
Hopson dives in and scores a takedown into Araujo's guard.
Hopson landing with the ground and pound.
Hopson postures up and lands a big shot to Araujo's brow.
Hopson looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Araujo looking to sweep here. No luck so far. #T3#
Hopson is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Hopson is continuing to stall.
Hopson tries to free his leg and advance position but Araujo is retaining full guard. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Hopson leaves Araujo with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.#T4#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Araujo tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Hopson defends well and Araujo ends up having to push Hopson into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.#TD2#
Hopson works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Araujo looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hopson looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Hopson with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Hopson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Hopson looking to pass the guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jesse-James Hopson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Hopson 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 Jorge Garcia scores the fight 28:30
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 28:29
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 28:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jesse-James Hopson!
Jesse-James Hopson decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: CFC 595
Date: Oct 06, 2023

#R1#
Walton throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hopson feinted with a counter takedown.
Hopson slips under a jab.
Hopson throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Walton counters with a stiff right hand.
Walton throws a hook but Hopson blocks it.
Walton misses with a left hand #TD#
so Hopson counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Hopson works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Walton is trying to stand up here but Hopson is controlling him well.
Hopson perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Walton wants to get back to his feet.
Hopson is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.#T1#
Hopson landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Walton really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Hopson. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Walton is trying to stand.
Hopson really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Walton is in trouble now - Hopson has advanced to mount!
Walton is looking to improve his position but Hopson isn't that keen on the idea.
Walton is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Hopson takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.#T2#
Hopson tries to control but Walton wriggling away.
Hopson looking to control and managing it successfully.
Hopson looking to finish with strikes here!
Hopson throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Walton because Hopson loaded up on that one.
Hopson controlling the position easily from mount. #T3#
Walton wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Hopson.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Walton can do anything to dispel that myth.
Hopson throwing strikes here but Walton is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Hopson lands a heavy elbow.
Hopson throws a wild left hand from mount and Walton manages to wriggle his way back to half guard.
Walton is looking to improve his position.
Hopson with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Hopson uses his free foot to push down on Walton's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Walton. #T4#
Hopson lands a big elbow.
Hopson tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Hopson has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Hopson avoids the attempt from Walton to control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hopson looking to finish with strikes here!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2##TD#
Hopson feints and as Walton raises his hands in defense, Hopson changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Hopson 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.
Hopson won't allow Walton to get back to his feet.
Hopson preventing the sweep.
Walton wants to get back to his feet but Hopson passes into half guard.
Hopson keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Hopson wants to free his trapped foot but Walton is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Jesse-James Hopson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Hopson seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Walton keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound. #T1#
Hopson takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
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. Hopson connects with a nice short shot to Walton's temple.
Hopson prevents Walton from standing back up.
Walton looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Hopson performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Walton looks like he's trying to stand up.
Hopson not doing much here.
Hopson takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.#T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Hopson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Walton wants to get back to his feet.
Well, if Hopson is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Hopson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hopson drops down looking for a counter takedown but Walton sprawls and moves away.
Walton throws a shot from downtown. Hopson moves away and avoids it.
Hopson connects with a crisp jab.
Hopson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Horrible takedown attempt by Hopson or perhaps it was just good defense by Walton, which made it look bad.
Walton is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Hopson has a takedown stuffed.
Hopson shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Walton pinned against the cage. Walton gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Hopson looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jesse-James Hopson. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T3#
Walton misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hopson.
Walton looks to land a left hand but Hopson moved out of range nicely.
Hopson blocks a head kick by Walton.
Walton is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hopson.
Hopson throws out a loose jab but Walton uses good head movement to avoid it.
Walton throws a jab when Hopson was well out of range.
Hopson drops down looking for a counter takedown but Walton sprawls and moves away.
Hopson shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Walton as he jumps to the side.
Walton misses with a straight right.
Hopson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Walton.
Hopson throws the left hand but Walton avoids the punch easily.
Hopson sets himself, and Walton steps forward looking for the clinch! Hopson avoids it this time.
Walton misses with a looping right.
Walton tries to clinch but Hopson is having none of it. #CL2#
Walton has taken the fight to the clinch.
Hopson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Walton can do to turn this around?#T4#
Hopson wants to take the fight to the mat but Walton manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Walton swings wildly with an uppercut but Hopson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hopson blocks an elbow strike.
Hopson can't get the takedown.
Walton prevents a takedown attempt there.
Walton lands with a light punch inside.
Hopson is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Walton is defending well.
Walton is pressed up against the cage. Hopson has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Walton down to the mat. Walton avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Hopson shoots in but no luck this time.
A head kick misses from Walton.
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!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hopson swats away the attempt to clinch by Walton.
Walton's jab looks to have found its range, popping Hopson under the eye.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jim Bob Walton showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action!#R3#
A jab from Walton does it's job there.
Hopson shoots in for a takedown but Walton shows good takedown defense.
Walton swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hopson doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Walton tries to clinch but Hopson moves out of range.
Walton throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Walton throws the left hand but Hopson avoids the punch easily.
Hopson with a hook.
Hopson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Walton.#TD#
Hopson shoots in and bounces Walton off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Hopson stays in close to Walton's body and controls the position.
Walton keeping full guard, as Hopson tries to pass. #T1#
Hopson engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Walton looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hopson is one step ahead there.
Walton is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Hopson is controlling him.
Hopson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard. #T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Hopson is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.#TD#
Hopson changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Walton looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Hopson passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Walton!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hopson thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Walton wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Hopson.
Hopson content just to control the position here.
Hopson scores with a couple of good head shots there. #T3#
Hopson sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Hopson dominating with strikes here.
Hopson with the ground and pound from mount.
Hopson controlling from mount.
Hopson landing punches.
Hopson sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment. #T4#
Hopson thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Hopson landing strikes, looking to finish!
Hopson content just to control the position here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hopson wants to control the pace but Walton is squirming around nicely.
Walton is trying to stand.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson clearly takes that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R4#
Walton throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Walton misses with a looping right.
Walton throws a hook to the side of Hopson's head but Hopson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hopson tries to counter with a takedown but Walton is quick to defend against it.
Hopson shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Walton defends it nicely.
Hopson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Walton swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hopson fails with a takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Walton keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jesse-James Hopson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Walton misses with a body shot.
Hopson tries to counter with a takedown but Walton is quick to defend against it.
A lazy left from Walton finds it's target.#T1##TD#
Hopson scores with a takedown into Walton's guard.
Hopson trying to control but Walton is working from the bottom.
Walton has Hopson pulled in close to control his posture.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hopson stays in close to Walton's body and controls the position.
Walton controlling the position.#T2#
Walton keeping moving, preventing Hopson from controlling successfully.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Hopson tries to free his leg and advance position but Walton is retaining full guard. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Walton throws an overhand right that lands on Hopson's shoulder, as Hopson tries to avoid the shot.
Hopson throws a looping overhand right but Walton ducks down to avoid it.
Hopson misses the jab.
Walton pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hopson fails with the takedown#CL2#
and Walton counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Walton.
Walton misses with the head strike.
Walton lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.#T3#
Hopson blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hopson.
Hopson tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Walton working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Walton looking to slow down the pace here.
Hopson blocks an uppercut.
Hopson has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Walton after a bit of a struggle.
Walton is looking to control Hopson's arms but Hopson gets an underhook and turns him. Now Walton has his back to the cage.
Walton is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Hopson blocking some punches.
Hopson is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Walton gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Hopson looking for a takedown.
Walton pushes off an throws an elbow but Hopson leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Walton lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Walton doesn't land with the attempted body shot. #T4#
Walton working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hopson drops down looking for an ankle pick but Walton pulls his leg out and moves away.
Walton tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Hopson manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Walton ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hopson moves away.
Walton lands with a straight right. Hopson didn't see that one coming.
Walton misses with a right hand #TD#
and Hopson counters with a takedown into side control.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Walton prevents Hopson from improving position. #SUB#
Hopson is trying to get an arm triangle but Walton is defending well.
Walton tries to buck Hopson off but Hopson is having none of it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jim Bob Walton dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Hopson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. And we move into the final round!#R5#
Hopson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Walton.
Walton tries to clinch but Hopson moves out of range.
Walton closes the distance looking to clinch #TD#
and Hopson counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Walton!
Hopson is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Walton will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Hopson cracks Walton with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Walton tries to improve position but can't.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Walton can't do much from the bottom here.
Walton takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain. #T1#
Walton struggling a bit here.
Walton prevents Hopson from moving into mount.
Walton struggling a bit here.
Hopson wants to control but Walton is keeping him busy.
Hopson cracks Walton with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Hopson is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Walton will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.#T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Hopson seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Walton for as long as he can get away with.
Walton dodges the ground and pound from Hopson.
Hopson throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Walton is being controlled here. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.#T3#
Hopson looks to throw the jab but Walton is out of range.
Walton looks to land a left hand but Hopson moved out of range nicely.
Hopson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Walton throws a sloppy head kick and Hopson moves out of range easily.
Hopson is trying hard to land a takedown here. Walton sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Walton throws out a counter right but Hopson avoids it with no problem.#TD#
Hopson shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Walton utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Hopson seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Walton is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far. #T4#
Walton looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hopson makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Hopson with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Hopson controlling from the top position.
Hopson won't allow Walton to sweep him here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jesse-James Hopson showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Hopson 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 48:47
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 48:47
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jesse-James Hopson!
Jesse-James Hopson retains his featherweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Jesse-James Hopson thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
The defeated Jim Bob Walton had this to say: 'I am surprised I made it to the cage to be honest. One hell of a Night Last night. Congrats to the other guy over there. We will run it back one day when im not all f'd up on hallucinogens. '.

Event: TWGC 40 (145lbs, D2): Finals - Round 3
Date: Sep 13, 2023

182 cm
21 yrs
145 lbs

173 cm
21 yrs
145 lbs

Hopson

Norman

This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the featherweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Sydney, with a TWGC record of 3 wins and 0 losses; Jesse-James Hopson! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 3 wins and 0 losses; Mark Norman!
The judges for this bout are Donald Grub, Colin Fotheringham and Chris Edwards.

The fighters bow as they face eachother in the middle of the mat and we are under way.#CL#
Hopson rushes Norman and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.#TD2#
Norman lands a takedown into guard.
Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Hopson (0) vs (2) Norman
Norman tries to free his leg and advance position but Hopson is retaining full guard.
Norman controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Hopson seems keen to control Norman's posture.
Hopson 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.
Norman stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hopson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hopson is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Norman trying to control the position from guard on top but Hopson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Norman passes Hopson's right leg, so he's now in half guard. #T1#
Norman tries to pass to full mount but Hopson defends it.
Hopson keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount. #SUB2#
Norman is working for a submission of some sort.
Norman is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Hopson!
Score +3 for passing guard: Hopson (0) vs (5) Norman
Hopson is desperately trying to improve his position but Norman has a good base and remains in mount.
Hopson tries to lock up and control but Norman gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Norman controlling the position easily from mount.
Hopson is squirming around, avoiding Norman's attempts to control the action. #T2##SUB2#
Norman is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Hopson is surviving well by controlling Norman's body position as best he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Norman trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Hopson tries to lock up and control but Norman gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Hopson is wriggling around trying to escape.
Hopson sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Hopson really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Hopson is trying to get back to full guard.
Norman is looking to advance position but Hopson won't allow it. #T3#
Norman keeps trying to improve his position.
Norman is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Hopson is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Hopson is controlling Norman's trapped leg to prevent Norman from advancing to side control.
Hopson is looking to improve his position.
Hopson is doing well to control the position and prevent Norman from advancing to side control.
Norman moves nicely into side control.
Score +3 for passing guard: Hopson (0) vs (8) Norman
Hopson wants to control but Norman postures up.#T4##SUB2#
Norman tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hopson regains half guard.
Hopson preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Norman seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Hopson regains full guard. Nicely done.
Hopson seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Norman looking to pass the guard. #T5#
Norman forces his way into half guard.
Hopson wants to improve his position but Norman is controlling well.
Norman wants to free his trapped foot but Hopson is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Hopson wants to improve his position but Norman is controlling well.
Norman tries to pass to full mount but Hopson defends it.
Hopson wants to control but Norman is keeping busy and won't allow it. #T6#
Norman prevents Hopson from improving his position.
Hopson is looking to control Norman's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Hopson avoid being mounted?
Hopson works his way to full guard. Good work.
Norman tries to free his leg and advance position but Hopson is retaining full guard.
Hopson wants to sweep here but Norman controlling him for the moment.
Norman is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Norman stopping the sweep attempt from Hopson.
Hopson pulls Norman in close to prevent any damage.
Hopson continues to stall.#T7#
Norman looking to pass the guard.
Norman trying to control but Hopson is working from the bottom.
Hopson tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Norman tries to free his leg and advance position but Hopson is retaining full guard.
Norman wants to control from the top but Hopson keeps moving.
Norman tries to free his leg and advance position but Hopson is retaining full guard.
Hopson looking to control.
Norman won't allow Hopson to sweep him here. #T8#
Norman pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hopson is keeping the position for now.
Hopson is controlling Norman's posture.
Norman trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Norman trying to control but Hopson is working from the bottom.
Hopson managing to control the position.
Norman stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hopson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Norman wants to control from the top but Hopson keeps moving.
Hopson not looking particularly offensive just at the moment. #T9#
Norman stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hopson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hopson bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Norman's guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hopson (2) vs (8) Norman#SUB2#
Norman escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hopson gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Hopson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Norman is trying to control the position but Hopson postures up.
Norman manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Hopson manages to get himself to full guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hopson (2) vs (10) Norman
Norman wants to pass the guard but Hopson is keeping the position.#T10#
Hopson is pulling down on Norman's head. It's preventing any offense from Norman, at least for the moment.
Hopson bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Norman's guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hopson (4) vs (10) Norman
Hopson engaging in some classic timewasting tactics. #T11#
Hopson wants to pass the guard but Norman is keeping the position.
Hopson is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Hopson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Norman managing to control the position.
Norman looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hopson is one step ahead there.
Hopson content to stall in guard here. #T12#
Norman is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hopson (4) vs (12) Norman#SUB2#
Norman is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Hopson sees it coming and defends easily.
Hopson desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Hopson is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Norman moves into full mount! Hopson won't be happy about that!
Score +3 for passing guard: Hopson (4) vs (15) Norman#T13#
Hopson keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Norman wants to take Hopson's back but he can't do it this time.
Norman looking to control but Hopson is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Norman seems to be looking to move to his opponent's back but Hopson is holding on tight.
Norman can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Hopson is looking to escape.
Norman with some aggressive grappling here, looking for the finish.
Hopson is writhing around trying to get back to his feet. #T14#
Hopson keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Norman wants to control the pace but Hopson is squirming around nicely.
Hopson tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Hopson is working hard here to advance position.
Hopson prevents Norman from taking his back.
Hopson is squirming around, avoiding Norman's attempts to control the action.
Norman with some aggressive grappling here, looking for the finish.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hopson has given up his back here. Will Norman look for the submission or keep pounding away?
Score +3 for taking back: Hopson (4) vs (18) Norman
Our spies down at at Rollins Fitness inform us that Norman has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
I really don't envy Hopson right now.

And that's the end of the fight!
Norman wins on points by 18 to 4.
Mark Norman is the new featherweight champion!
A very excited looking Mark Norman rambled incoherently for about 5 minutes post fight about how awesome he is. It was kinda funny for a while but then everyone got annoyed.
The defeated Jesse-James Hopson had this to say: 'Ah well, I suppose it has come to this… Such is life.'.

Event: TWGC 40 (145lbs, D2): Finals - Round 2
Date: Sep 12, 2023

182 cm
21 yrs
145 lbs

175 cm
32 yrs
145 lbs

Hopson

Lomachenko

This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the featherweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Sydney, with a TWGC record of 2 wins and 0 losses; Jesse-James Hopson! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 6 wins and 0 losses; Igor Lomachenko!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, James Glass and Donald Grub.

The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.#CL2#
Lomachenko instigates a clinch.
Hopson wants a takedown but no success here. #TD#
Hopson has Lomachenko pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Hopson pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Lomachenko tumbling to the mat - Hopson dives into Lomachenko's guard.
Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Hopson (2) vs (0) Lomachenko
Hopson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Lomachenko is keeping the position for now.
Lomachenko 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.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lomachenko is pulling down on Hopson's head. It's preventing any offense from Hopson, at least for the moment.
Lomachenko is continuing to stall.#T1#
Lomachenko can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Hopson controls the pace.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hopson trying to control but Lomachenko is working from the bottom.
Lomachenko is trying to keep Hopson in close.
Lomachenko has Hopson pulled in close to control his posture.
Hopson passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Score +3 for passing guard: Hopson (5) vs (0) Lomachenko#T2#
Hopson is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Lomachenko's shoulder. That is not cool.
Hopson seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Lomachenko for as long as he can get away with.
Lomachenko is looking to reverse the position.
Hopson working away.
Hopson tries to advance to mount but Lomachenko denies him.
Hopson is looking to take a break and control but Lomachenko is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet. #T3#
Lomachenko is trying to get back to half guard.
Hopson controls the position.
Lomachenko is trying to get back to half guard.
Hopson controlling the position. #T4#
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Lomachenko gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
Score +2 for reaching mount: Hopson (7) vs (0) Lomachenko
Hopson is trying to take his opponent's back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T5#
Hopson tries to control but Lomachenko wriggling away.
Lomachenko is controlling an arm, preventing Hopson from taking his back. Although keeping him in mount is no better to be honest.
Hopson looking to take Lomachenko's back but Lomachenko rolls and after a scramble, Lomachenko ends up on top in guard. Nice escape there from Lomachenko to escape a tricky position.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hopson (7) vs (2) Lomachenko
Lomachenko must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Hopson looking for a sweep. Not yet Hopson, not yet.
Lomachenko pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hopson is keeping the position for now.
Hopson is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Hopson controlling Lomachenko's posture. #T6#
Lomachenko trying to control but Hopson is working from the bottom.
Lomachenko wants to pass the guard but Hopson is keeping the position.
Hopson is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Hopson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Lomachenko is one step ahead there.
Hopson really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.#T7#
Hopson wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Hopson wants to improve his position but instead Lomachenko has moved into half guard.
Hopson is trying is best to control the position here.
Lomachenko prevents Hopson from improving his position.
Lomachenko is thwarting Hopson's attempts to control the position.
Hopson is pressing down on Lomachenko's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.#T8#
Lomachenko content to stall in guard here.
Hopson bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Lomachenko's guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hopson (9) vs (2) Lomachenko
Lomachenko wants to sweep but no luck.
Hopson controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Hopson tries to free his leg and advance position but Lomachenko is retaining full guard.
Lomachenko looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Lomachenko is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Lomachenko 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.#T9#
Hopson engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Lomachenko keeping full guard, as Hopson tries to pass.
Lomachenko is adopting a defensive guard.
Hopson trying to control but Lomachenko is working from the bottom. #T10#
Lomachenko trying to keep a closed guard but Hopson is proving a slippery customer.
Lomachenko 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.
Lomachenko has control of Hopson's left arm, preventing Hopson from doing any damage.
Lomachenko 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.
Hopson looking to pass the guard.
Lomachenko pulls Hopson in close to prevent any damage. #T11#
Lomachenko keeping moving, preventing Hopson from controlling successfully.
Hopson controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Lomachenko is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Lomachenko is the more experienced fighter here and he's going to need to draw on some of that experience if he's going to pull this one out the bag.#T12#
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Lomachenko holds on and takes a little breather.
Hopson won't allow Lomachenko to sweep him here.
Hopson tries to free his leg and advance position but Lomachenko is retaining full guard.
Hopson wants to control from the top but Lomachenko keeps moving.
Hopson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Lomachenko is keeping the position for now. #T13#
Hopson's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Hopson stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Lomachenko swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hopson controls from within his opponent's guard.
Lomachenko working a defensive guard here.
Lomachenko wants to hit a sweep here but Hopson passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Lomachenko there!
Score +3 for passing guard: Hopson (12) vs (2) Lomachenko
Lomachenko really trying hard to get back to half guard here. #T14#
Lomachenko keeps trying to improve his position.#SUB#
Hopson goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Lomachenko is on top in guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hopson (12) vs (4) Lomachenko
Hopson is trying to keep Lomachenko in close.
Lomachenko trying to control but Hopson is working from the bottom.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Lomachenko is stalling in the full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hopson takes the fight on points by 12 to 4.
During a confident post fight interview, Jesse-James Hopson thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
The defeated Igor Lomachenko had this to say: '5 Foot 9. 6.60 Learning Speed.. IQ 101. '.

Event: TWGC 40 (145lbs, D2): Finals - Round 1
Date: Sep 11, 2023

182 cm
21 yrs
145 lbs

165 cm
21 yrs
144 lbs

Hopson

De Rossi

This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the featherweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Sydney, with a TWGC record of 1 wins and 0 losses; Jesse-James Hopson! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Montreal, with a TWGC record of 6 wins and 4 losses; Flavio De Rossi!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Steven Brown and James Glass.

The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.
Hopson with a poor takedown #TD2#
and De Rossi counters with a single leg into guard. Hopson didn't expect that.
Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Hopson (0) vs (2) De Rossi
Hopson really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
De Rossi trying to control the position from guard on top but Hopson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hopson wants to sweep here but De Rossi controlling him for the moment.
Hopson will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Hopson wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
De Rossi stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hopson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
De Rossi being controlled here momentarily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson is trying to keep De Rossi in close. #T1#
De Rossi sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Hopson is controlling De Rossi's posture.
De Rossi looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Hopson lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hopson (2) vs (2) De Rossi#T2#
De Rossi wants to sweep here but Hopson controlling him for the moment. #SUB2#
De Rossi throwing his legs up looking for a triangle. #SUB2#
De Rossi throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Hopson escapes and throws De Rossi's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Score +3 for passing guard: Hopson (5) vs (2) De Rossi
De Rossi is trying to control Hopson's posture but Hopson avoids it.
Hopson taking a breather here.
Hopson tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it. #T3#
De Rossi is looking to reverse the position.
De Rossi is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Hopson is looking to take a break and control but De Rossi is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB2#
De Rossi looking for submissions off his back.#SUB#
Hopson is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
De Rossi has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at The Italian Job. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.#T4#
De Rossi wants to control but Hopson is keeping busy.
De Rossi is looking for a sweep. Hopson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Hopson wants to lay and pray for a moment but De Rossi keeps working.
Hopson perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there. #T5##SUB2#
De Rossi looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Hopson is thwarting De Rossi's attempts to control the position.
Hopson trying to control from half guard but De Rossi is working away.
De Rossi trying to control but Hopson postures up. #T6#
De Rossi is pressing down on Hopson's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.#SUB2#
De Rossi looking for a guillotine here but Hopson defends easily. #SUB2#
De Rossi is looking for a triangle but Hopson pushes his legs off easily.
Hopson preventing the sweep.
De Rossi looking to control.
De Rossi can't keep his opponent in guard - Hopson advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount. #T7##SUB#
Hopson looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
De Rossi wants to improve his position but Hopson is controlling well.
Hopson sitting and controlling from the half guard.
De Rossi trying to control from the bottom. #T8#
De Rossi wants to control but Hopson passes into side.
Score +3 for passing guard: Hopson (8) vs (2) De Rossi
De Rossi tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Hopson takes a little break here. De Rossi wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
De Rossi is not content to let Hopson control the position.
De Rossi wants to control but Hopson postures up.#T9#
Hopson happy to just control the position for now.
De Rossi stops Hopson from passing to mount. #SUB#
Hopson goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, De Rossi rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Hopson's guard! Nice work there by De Rossi!
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hopson (8) vs (4) De Rossi
De Rossi sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Hopson seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now. #T10#
De Rossi preventing the sweep.
De Rossi wants to control from the top but Hopson keeps moving.
De Rossi trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Hopson holds on and takes a little breather. #T11#
Hopson has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
De Rossi trying to control but Hopson is working from the bottom.
Hopson 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.
Hopson is working hard here to advance position.#T12#
Hopson is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
De Rossi pushes down on Hopson's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Hopson is trying to get back to full guard.
De Rossi is thwarting Hopson's attempts to control the position.
Hopson is looking for a sweep. De Rossi is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
De Rossi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hopson keeps working.
Hopson tries to roll over but De Rossi keeps him under control.#T13#
De Rossi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hopson keeps working.
De Rossi is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
De Rossi wants to control but Hopson is keeping him busy.
Hopson holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
De Rossi prevents Hopson from improving his position.
De Rossi wants to pass the guard but Hopson is defending well. #T14#
De Rossi controlling the action here.
De Rossi is looking to advance position but Hopson won't allow it.
Hopson is trying to get back to full guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

And that's the end of the fight!
Hopson takes the fight on points by 8 to 4.
After winning the bout, Jesse-James Hopson thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: TWGC 40 (145lbs, D2): Tokyo Qualifier - Round 1
Date: Sep 02, 2023

182 cm
21 yrs
145 lbs

168 cm
45 yrs
152 lbs

Hopson

Loco

This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the featherweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of Sydney, with a TWGC record of 0 wins and 0 losses; Jesse-James Hopson! And in the blue corner, fighting out of Las Vegas, with a TWGC record of 2 wins and 3 losses; Mono Loco!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Kenichi Hosakawa and Yukihiro Shimada.

The official calls the fighters to the middle and the contest is under way.#TD2#
Loco closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Hopson (0) vs (4) Loco
Hopson is looking to regain half guard here but Loco keeps moving and retains side control.
Hopson's coaches at Combat Wombat Burrow have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.#SUB2#
Loco is trying to get an arm triangle but Hopson is defending well.
Hopson gets back to half guard.
Loco stalling away here and it's allowed Hopson to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Hopson controlling the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Loco must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.#SUB2#
Loco has gone for a leg lock! Hopson slips out almost immediately though and dives into Loco's guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Hopson (2) vs (4) Loco#SUB2#
Loco throwing his legs up looking for a triangle. #T1#
Hopson is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hopson passes into half guard.
Loco trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no!
Score +3 for passing guard: Hopson (5) vs (4) Loco
Loco tries to reverse the position but Hopson maintains control.#SUB#
Hopson is working for a guillotine from mount but Loco frees his head quite easily. #SUB#
Hopson has hold of Loco's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Loco manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Hopson controlling the pace for now. #T2#
Loco wants to control but Hopson is having none of it.
Loco is in all sorts of trouble here.
Hopson controlling from the full mount.
Loco is trying to escape the mount.
Hopson really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.#SUB#
Hopson wants to finish this one by submission but Loco is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Hopson.
Hopson looking to control and managing it successfully.
Hopson mounts Loco! Really nice guard pass there!
Hopson tries to control but Loco wriggling away. #T3#
Hopson prevents Loco from getting the reversal.
Loco wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
Score +3 for taking back: Hopson (8) vs (4) Loco
Hopson keeps control of the position as Loco tries to break free. #SUB#
Hopson is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Loco knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Loco for a finish. #SUB#
Loco preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Hopson. #T4##SUB#
Hopson is looking for the choke from the back position but Loco is controlling his hands well. #SUB#
Loco tries to escape but he's let his defenses down in doing so and Hopson has slipped in the rear naked choke! Oh, that's tiiiiiiiiight! Loco is tapping! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Jesse-James Hopson!
Jesse-James Hopson thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: CFC 574
Date: Jul 29, 2023

#R1#
Hale getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Hopson looks to land a left hand but Hale moved out of range nicely.
Hopson dips to his left and cracks Hale with an uppercut!
Hale definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Hale throws a jab when Hopson was well out of range.
A big left from Hopson misses.
A swing and a miss from Hopson.
Hale throws a body punch but Hopson moves out of range.
Hopson is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Hale blocks a jab.
Hale was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Hale throws a shot from downtown. Hopson moves away and avoids it.
Hale throws a hook to the side of Hopson's head but Hopson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hale throws a jab but it's blocked by Hopson.
Hale scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Hopson doesn't seem bothered though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hopson waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hale.
Nice defenses there by Hale.
Hale throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hale throws a series of punches but Hopson moves out of range.
Hale misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hopson. #T1#
Hale throws a lazy right hand but Hopson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Hopson with the counter takedown but Hale avoids it easily.
Hale loads up on a big right hand but Hopson slips the punch.
Nice defenses there by Hopson.
Hale misses with a hook.
Hale swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hale misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hale keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hopson.
It looked like Hale wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Hopson scores with a punch to the head.
Hopson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hopson avoids the body shot from Hale.
Hale just misses with a punch to the body.
A big left from Hale misses.
Hale lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Hopson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hale misses with an uppercut #TD2#
and Hopson counters with a nice double leg into half guard. #T2#
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hopson keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Hopson slips a nice elbow through Hale's hands, connecting with Hale's forehead.
Hale gets full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hale being controlled here, momentarily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hopson throws a strike but Hale rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVR#
Hopson pulls Hale in close to his closed guard and prevents Hale from doing any damage or advancing position.
Hale has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Hopson keeping moving, preventing Hale from controlling successfully.
Hale trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Hopson manages to land a sweep and now he's on top! #REVB##T3#
Hopson throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Hopson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Hopson stopping the sweep attempt from Hale.
Hale is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Hopson is stalling in the full guard.
Hopson trying to control but Hale is working from the bottom.
Hopson chips away with some ground and pound.#T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Hopson sitting in guard here, content to control.
Hopson throws a big elbow that misses.
Hopson scoring with some ground and pound.
Hopson content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Hopson preventing the sweep.
Hopson postures up in Hale's guard and throws a big left but Hale blocks it.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Hopson trying to control the position from guard on top but Hale is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Hale displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
A big right from Hopson misses.
Hopson throws a jab but it's blocked by Hale.
Hopson's coach down at Combat Wombat Burrow was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Hopson's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Hopson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hale misses with an uppercut.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that George Hale will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
Good exchange - Hopson coming out on top.
Hopson paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Hopson connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Hopson might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Hale looks to throw the jab but Hopson is out of range.
Hale keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hopson.
Hale throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Hale throws a hook but Hopson blocks it.
Hopson throws a jab but it's blocked by Hale.
Hopson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hale.
Hopson changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Hale rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Hopson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Hopson tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Hopson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson misses with a hook. Hale ducked under it nicely.
Hale missing with a left hand there. Hopson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Hale looks to throw the jab but Hopson is out of range.
Hale misses with a wild body shot.
Hale ducks under a wild hook from Hopson.#T1#
Hopson throws a hook but Hale blocks it.
Hale is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Hopson's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Hale misses with a double jab #TD2#
and Hopson counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Hale blocking the ground and pound attempt from Hopson.
Hopson looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Hale with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Hopson with the ground and pound but Hale uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Hopson connects with a couple of short punches.
Hopson in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Hopson throwing strikes but missing. #SUB2#
Hopson drops back looking for a leg! Hale is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Hale manages to kick Hopson off! Hopson jumps back into Hale's guard.
Hopson postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.#T2#
Hale looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hopson is in close to Hale's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Hopson is looking to work some ground and pound but Hale has wrist control.
Hopson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Hale working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Hopson.
Hopson showing good wrestling skills to control the position. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.#T3#
A jab from Hopson misses.
Hopson throws a big shot that misses.
George Hale is winning the standup battle so far.
Hopson looks for a takedown but Hale sprawls well.
Hale misses with a looping right.
Hopson cracks Hale with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Hopson waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hale.
Hale pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hale throws a jab but it's blocked by Hopson.
Hale misses with a hook.
Hale throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hopson misses with a lunging right hand
and Hale counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hopson with a jab.
Hopson catches Hale with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Hale takes a swing at Hopson's ribcage but misses. #T4#
Hopson fails with the takedown.
Hale is looking to counter punch.
Hale throws a big shot that misses.
Hopson keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hale.
Hale slips a jab from Hopson.
A little feinted left hand from Hale on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hale looks to score with a jab to the body but Hopson is just out of range.
Hale steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hopson.
It looked like Hale wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Hopson ducks under a wild hook from Hale.
Hale throws a body shot but no joy.
Hopson waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hale.
Hale was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Hale misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hopson.
A telegraphed right hand from Hopson misses the target.
Hale throws a shot from downtown. Hopson moves away and avoids it.
Hopson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hale is looking to counter with head kicks.
Hale moves out of range of the strikes.
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 time! Hale's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R3#
Hale slips under a jab.
Jab from Hale.
Hale blocks a jab.
Hopson looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Hopson slips a jab and a cross from Hale.
Hale needs to keep his hands up - Hopson had a free shot at his head there.
Hopson looks to land a right hand but Hale moved out of range.
Hale throwing a counter right hand but Hopson manages to avoid it.
Hopson thows a left - swing and a miss!
Hale thuds a left hand into Hopson's body.
Hale swings for the body but Hopson moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A decent looking cross lands there for Hopson.
Hopson moves out of range as Hale strikes.
Hopson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hale bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hale throwing a counter right hand but Hopson manages to avoid it.
Hopson ducks under a wild hook from Hale.#T1#
A jab from Hale misses.
Hopson feints the counter takedown.
Hopson blocks a jab.
Hopson drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Hale defends it well.
Hopson throws a lazy right hand but Hale sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Hale misses with a body shot.
Hale misses with an uppercut. Hopson saw that one coming.
Hopson slips a jab from Hale.
Hopson swings widly with a right hand
and Hale counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Hale throws a hook to the side of Hopson's head but Hopson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hopson changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.#TD2#
Excellent takedown into side control there by Hopson.
Hale being controlled for a moment.
Hale knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Hopson on the ground.
Hopson throwing strikes but missing, from side control. #T2#
Hopson cracks Hale with a big right hand but Hale just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Hale on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Hale tries to get out of the position.#SUB2#
Hopson is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Hale knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Hopson sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Hale is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Hopson controls the position from side control.
Hale takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.#T3#
Hopson misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Hopson is working Hale over with some ground and pound from side control.
Hale is working to avoid the ground and pound but Hopson connects with a decent elbow.
Hopson working the body and head with strikes.
Hopson scoring with punches from side control.
Hopson looks up at the clock and then as Hale takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Hopson smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Hopson is looking to take a break and control but Hale is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Hopson throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Hopson in side control, just content to control the action for now. #T4#
Let's hope that Hopson has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Hopson cracks Hale with a big right hand but Hale just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Hopson working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hopson staying calm.
Hopson lands a few punches from side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson really dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R4#
Hale throws the left hand but Hopson avoids the punch easily.
Jab by Hopson.
Hopson slips a jab from Hale.
And Hopson tries to counter it with a takedown but Hale pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Hale blocks a jab.
Hopson slips a jab from Hale.
Hale fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hopson manages to avoid it.
Hopson slips under a jab.
And Hopson tries to counter it with a takedown but Hale pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Hale throws an overhand right that lands on Hopson's shoulder, as Hopson tries to avoid the shot.
Hopson feints the counter takedown.
Hopson misses with a straight left.
Hale connects with a body shot that sends Hopson's belly button to the back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson throws a poor cross that misses
and Hale connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hopson misses with an uppercut. Hale saw that one coming.
Hopson misses with a straight right.
Hopson avoids the body shot from Hale.
Hopson feints the counter takedown.
Hale looking to land some kicks to the body here. #T1#
Hopson misses with a straight right.
Hale was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Hale throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hopson throws a hook to the side of Hale's head but Hale sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hale throws a jab when Hopson was well out of range.#TD2#
Hopson shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Hopson lands strikes from half guard.
Hopson lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Hale is looking to improve his position. #SUB2#
Hopson is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Hale has managed to free his arm - good work.
Hale holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Jesse-James Hopson has got the better of the ground game so far.#T2#
Hopson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hale keeps working.
Hopson content to control rather than advance.
We're seeing a lot of stalling here from Hopson.#T3#
Hale has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Hopson is working away from the top position though.
Hopson looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Hopson controlling the pace.
Hopson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Hopson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Hopson avoids a punch combination nicely.
Hopson changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Hale throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hale walks into a left hand. #T4#
Hale slips under a jab from Hopson.
An attempted straight right counter from Hale misses the target.
A combination from Hale does no damage.
Hopson dips to his left and cracks Hale with an uppercut!
A big right from Hopson misses.
Hale on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Hale takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Hopson lands with an uppercut that bounces Hale off the cage and back into range.
Hale misses with a hook. Hopson ducked under it nicely.
Hale throws a hook but Hopson avoids it easily.
Hale looks to land a combination but Hopson avoids it well.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hale throws a jab but it's blocked by Hopson.
Hale misses with a few strikes there.
Hopson displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hale throws out the jab.
Hale looks to land a left hand but Hopson moved out of range nicely.
Hale slips a straight right by Hopson.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson dominated that fourth 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. This is the final round!#R5#
Hopson slips a straight right by Hale.
Hale tries to bum rush Hopson with a series of wild strikes but Hopson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Hale throws a body punch but Hopson moves out of range.
Hale steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hopson.
Hale is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Hale takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Hopson avoids the body shot from Hale.
Hopson with the counter takedown but Hale avoids it easily.
Hale throws out a loose jab but Hopson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Jab from Hale.
Hale throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A lazy left from Hopson finds it's target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hale loads up on a big right hand but Hopson slips the punch.
Hale connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.#TD2#
Hopson fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Hale to the ground. Hopson is now in Hale's guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hopson seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up. #T1#
Hopson is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Hopson with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Hopson throws a strike but Hale rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVR#
Hopson tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Hopson has his hands on Hale's head, controlling the position.
George Hale 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.#T2#
Hale is looking to work some ground and pound but Hopson has wrist control.
Hopson lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Hopson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up. #T3#
Hale looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hopson is one step ahead there.
Hopson content to stall in guard here.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.#T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.#REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Hopson throws an overhand right that lands on Hale's shoulder, as Hale tries to avoid the shot.
Hale moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Hopson misses with an uppercut. Hale saw that one coming.
Hopson swings widly with a right hand
and Hale cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hopson moves away from the strike by Hale.
Hopson feints the counter takedown.
Hopson dips to his left and cracks Hale with an uppercut!
Good shot there by Hale.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A big right from Hale misses.
Hopson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hale.
Hopson fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to George Hale.
I think Hopson has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Robert Douchet scores the fight 45:50
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 47:48
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jesse-James Hopson!
Jesse-James Hopson is the new featherweight champion!
A relieved looking Jesse-James Hopson thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
The defeated George Hale had this to say: 'Thank you to my opponent and all the fans, my coaches and sponsors.'.

Event: CFC 566
Date: Jul 01, 2023

#R1#
Sprintin lands a body shot.
Sprintin throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Hopson shoots in for a takedown but Sprintin shows good takedown defense.
Jab, jab by Sprintin - just one landing.
Sprintin misses with a hook. Hopson ducked under it nicely.
Hopson takes one to the side of the head.
Sprintin works the jab nicely.
Hopson throws a jab but it's blocked by Sprintin.
Hopson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Sprintin.
Hopson half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.#TD#
Hopson dives in and scores a takedown into Sprintin's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sprintin has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Hopson will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Hopson slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Sprintin has Hopson pulled in close to control his posture.
Hopson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sprintin has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall. #T1#
Hopson seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Sprintin is controlling Hopson's posture.
Sprintin looking for a sweep. Not yet Sprintin, not yet.
Hopson is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Hopson stopping the sweep attempt from Sprintin.
Sprintin looking to control.
Sprintin has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Hopson moves away from the strike by Sprintin.
Hopson tries to counter with a takedown but Sprintin is quick to defend against it.
Sprintin tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hopson was well out of range. Poor timing from Sprintin.#T2#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.#TD#
Hopson decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Hopson is controlling the pace.
Sprintin is trying to get back to full guard.
Sprintin felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Hopson really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Sprintin trying to control but Hopson postures up.
Hopson seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Sprintin wants to get back to full guard.
Sprintin is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Hopson jumps into side control!
Hopson is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Sprintin's shoulder. That is not cool.
Sprintin struggling a bit here.
Hopson landing a few strikes. #T3#
Hopson staying calm.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sprintin tries to buck Hopson off but Hopson is having none of it.
Hopson slows the pace down.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Sprintin struggling a bit here.
Sprintin tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Hopson wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Hopson controlling from side mount.
Hopson wants to control but Sprintin is keeping him busy.
Sprintin wants to control but Hopson postures up.
Sprintin is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Hopson is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
Sprintin wants to control but Hopson is having none of it.#T4#
Sprintin is looking to get to half guard.
Hopson connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Sprintin is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Hopson content just to control the position here.
Sprintin can't escape the position.
Hopson controlling the position easily from mount.
Sprintin wants to control but Hopson is having none of it.
Hopson tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Sprintin tries to hold on but Hopson pushes him away.
Sprintin is in all sorts of trouble here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R2#
Sprintin ducks under a wild hook from Hopson.
Hopson loads up on a big right hand but Sprintin slips the punch.
Sprintin lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hopson circles away quickly and effectively.
Hopson throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Sprintin's waist but Sprintin gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Hopson off to one side.
A countering left hand to the body from Sprintin misses.
Hopson has been working on his balance at Combat Wombat Burrow, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Sprintin.
Sprintin misses with an uppercut.
Sprintin on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Hopson throws a looping overhand right but Sprintin ducks down to avoid it.
Sprintin throws a big shot that misses.
Hopson ducks under a wild hook from Sprintin.
Sprintin throws an overhand right that lands on Hopson's shoulder, as Hopson tries to avoid the shot.
Phil Sprintin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The fighters circle momentarily. Sprintin darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Hopson throws the left hand but Sprintin avoids the punch easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sprintin connects with a crisp jab.
Hopson slips a jab from Sprintin.
Hopson feinted with a counter takedown.
Sprintin throws a hard body shot but it just misses. #TD#
Hopson bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sprintin dodges the ground and pound from Hopson.
Hopson trying to control the action but Sprintin is working from the bottom. #T1#
Sprintin wants to control but Hopson postures up.
Sprintin tries to buck Hopson off but Hopson is having none of it.
Hopson is looking to take a break and control but Sprintin is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Sprintin gets back to half guard.
Sprintin has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Hopson is working away from the top position though.
Sprintin tries to get to full guard but Hopson has control of the leg.
Sprintin wants to control but Hopson is keeping busy.
Hopson is controlling the pace. #T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Hopson is trying to control. Sprintin wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Sprintin is trying is best to control the position here.
Sprintin gets back to full guard.
Sprintin is trying to keep Hopson in close.
Hopson postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Hopson stopping the sweep attempt from Sprintin.
Sprintin seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Sprintin being controlled here, momentarily.
Sprintin is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Hopson won't allow Sprintin to sweep him here. #T3#
Hopson controls from within his opponent's guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Hopson postures up.
Sprintin tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Sprintin is trying to control the position but Hopson postures up. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Sprintin cracks Hopson with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
A big right from Sprintin misses.
A jab from Sprintin misses.
Hopson avoids the body shot from Sprintin.
Hopson cracks Sprintin with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Sprintin misses with a looping right.
Sprintin misses with a hook #TD#
and Hopson counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Hopson is thwarting Sprintin's attempts to control the position.
Sprintin tries to roll over but Hopson keeps him under control.
Sprintin has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Hopson is working away from the top position though.#T4#
Well, if Hopson is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Sprintin is looking for a sweep. Hopson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Hopson perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Hopson looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Hopson content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Sprintin is concentrating on defense, preventing Hopson from advancing position.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sprintin is looking to control Hopson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Sprintin avoid being mounted?
Hopson lands strikes from half guard.
Hopson keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Sprintin tries to roll over but Hopson keeps him under control.
Hopson trying to control the action but Sprintin is working from the bottom.
Sprintin keeps control of the position for the meantime.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson 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.#R3#
Sprintin lands an overhand right.
Sprintin connects with the punch.
A telegraphed right hand from Sprintin misses the target.
Hopson half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Sprintin tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hopson was well out of range. Poor timing from Sprintin.
Hopson lands an overhand right.
Sprintin misses with a hook #TD#
and Hopson counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Sprintin trying to keep a closed guard but Hopson is proving a slippery customer.
Jesse-James Hopson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Hopson connects with a couple of short punches.
Hopson postures up in Sprintin's guard and throws a big left but Sprintin blocks it.
Hopson trying to control the position from guard on top but Sprintin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hopson postures up in Sprintin's guard and throws a big left but Sprintin blocks it.
Sprintin trying to control the position. #T1#
Hopson won't allow Sprintin to sweep him here.
Hopson scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Sprintin 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.
Sprintin is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Sprintin is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Sprintin can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Hopson controls the pace.
Sprintin is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Hopson looking to control the position here, rather than advance. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.#T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
A telegraphed right hand from Sprintin misses the target.
Sprintin fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hopson manages to avoid it.
Hopson changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Sprintin on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Sprintin thows a left - swing and a miss!
Sprintin misses with a looping right.
Sprintin misses with an uppercut. Hopson saw that one coming.
Sprintin misses with a left hand #TD#
and Hopson counters with a nice double leg into side control. Sprintin won't be happy with that.
Sprintin tries to bench press Hopson off him but Hopson keeps the position.
Hopson working the ground and pound from side control.
Sprintin takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Hopson creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Sprintin defending against the ground and pound.
Hopson lands a decent elbow from side control.
Hopson working away.
Hopson throws a strike aimed at the side of Sprintin's head but Sprintin avoids it well.
You can see the frustration on Sprintin's face as Hopson controls the position.
Sprintin takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain. #T3#
Hopson wants to control but Sprintin is keeping him busy.
Both fighters take a look at the clock.
Sprintin is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Hopson looks up at the clock and then as Sprintin takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Hopson smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Hopson working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Sprintin is trying to improve his position.
You can see the frustration on Sprintin's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Hopson controlling the position. #T4#
Hopson landing a few strikes.
Sprintin is trying to improve his position.
Sprintin is not content to let Hopson control the position.
Hopson scoring with punches and elbows.
Hopson happy to just control the position for now.
Sprintin is looking for a sweep.
Hopson controls the position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson clearly takes that 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.#R4#
Hopson misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Sprintin lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Hopson misses with a hook.
Hopson slips a straight right by Sprintin.
Hopson misses with a straight left.
A slow jab from Hopson misses its intended target.
A big right from Hopson misses.
Sprintin slips under a jab.
Sprintin looks to score with a jab to the body but Hopson is just out of range.
Hopson feinted with a counter takedown.
A swing and a miss from Hopson.
Hopson throws a looping overhand right but Sprintin ducks down to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#TD#
Hopson throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Sprintin was covering up waiting for the punch and Hopson finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Hopson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sprintin can do to turn this around?
Hopson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Hopson stopping the sweep attempt from Sprintin.#T1#
Sprintin is trying to control the position but Hopson postures up.
Sprintin has Hopson pulled in close to control his posture.
Sprintin working a defensive guard here.
Hopson's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Hopson has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Hopson working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Sprintin's head.
Hopson is stalling in the full guard.
Sprintin 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.
Hopson is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Sprintin looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Sprintin is continuing to stall.#REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.#T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Sprintin misses with a right hand #TD#
and Hopson counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Hopson controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Hopson's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Hopson is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Sprintin has his hands on Hopson's head, controlling the position.
Hopson with a nice head shot there.
Hopson with a nice head shot there.
Hopson trying to control but Sprintin is working from the bottom.
Hopson content to stall in guard here. #T3#
Sprintin keeping full guard, as Hopson tries to pass.
Hopson slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Sprintin is controlling Hopson's posture.
Hopson with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Sprintin pulls Hopson in close to prevent any damage.
Sprintin controls Hopson momentarily but Hopson frees himself.
Sprintin keeping moving, preventing Hopson from controlling successfully.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.#T4#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Sprintin is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Sprintin misses with a wild body shot.
A punch lands to the side of Sprintin 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Hopson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A big left from Hopson misses.
Sprintin slips a jab from Hopson.
Sprintin on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Phil Sprintin seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Sprintin scores with a hook to the body. Hopson takes a step back and tries to catch his breath. #TD#
Hopson throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Sprintin was covering up waiting for the punch and Hopson finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Sprintin not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hopson controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Sprintin holds on and takes a little breather.
Sprintin looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hopson is one step ahead there.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson had his way with Phil Sprintin in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!#R5#
Sprintin defending well as Hopson loads up on a big left hand.
Sprintin fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Sprintin throws a big shot that misses.
Hopson slips a jab from Sprintin.
Hopson misses with a lunging right hand
and Sprintin counters with a straight right hand.
Sprintin throws a body punch but Hopson moves out of range.
Sprintin misses with a wild body shot.
Hopson works the jab nicely.
Sprintin misses with a right hand #TD#
and Hopson counters with a single leg into guard. Sprintin didn't expect that.
Sprintin wants to sweep but no luck.
Hopson 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.
Hopson is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Sprintin is pulling down on Hopson's head to control his posture.
Hopson is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Hopson landing with the ground and pound. #T1#
Sprintin trying to control the position.
Hopson trying to control the position from guard on top but Sprintin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hopson postures up and lands a big shot to Sprintin's brow.
Sprintin looking for a sweep. Not yet Sprintin, not yet.
Hopson postures up and lands a big shot to Sprintin's brow.
Sprintin trying to control the position.
Hopson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Sprintin keeping full guard, as Hopson tries to pass.
Sprintin wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Jesse-James Hopson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.#T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Hopson is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Sprintin is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Sprintin throws an off balance right hand #TD#
and Hopson counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Sprintin tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Hopson postures up.
Hopson controlling from the top position.
Sprintin not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Sprintin might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Hopson haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.#T3#
Hopson stopping the sweep attempt from Sprintin.
Sprintin looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Sprintin looking for a sweep. Not yet Sprintin, not yet.
Sprintin working a defensive guard here. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Sprintin ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Sprintin throws a right and a left that Hopson avoids nicely.
Hopson appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Sprintin is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Hopson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hopson attempts a counter takedown but Sprintin avoids it well and moves away.
Hopson connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Hopson looks to throw the jab but Sprintin is out of range.
Sprintin wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Hopson misses with an uppercut. Sprintin saw that one coming.
Hopson misses with an uppercut. Sprintin saw that one coming.
Phil Sprintin is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#T4#
Hopson bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
A big right from Sprintin misses.
Sprintin misses with a hook. Hopson ducked under it nicely.
Hopson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Sprintin.
Hopson takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Sprintin avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Hopson displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Sprintin throws out the jab.
Sprintin misses with a shot to the body #TD#
so Hopson counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hopson sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Sprintin is trying to keep Hopson in close.
Sprintin is pulling down on Hopson's head to control his posture.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jesse-James Hopson showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Hopson, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 50:45
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 50:45
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jesse-James Hopson!
Jesse-James Hopson retains his bantamweight title!
A relieved looking Jesse-James Hopson thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: CFC 555
Date: May 20, 2023

#R1#
Christ fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Christ shoots in but no luck this time.
Christ has a takedown stuffed.
Jesse-James Hopson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jaimie Christ.
Christ defending well as Hopson loads up on a big left hand.
Hopson connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Christ ducks under a wild hook from Hopson.
A punch lands to the side of Christ 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Christ moves out of range as Hopson strikes.
Hopson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hopson looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Christ uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hopson.
Christ is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Hopson cracks Christ with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Hopson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hopson throws a big shot that misses.
Christ is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Hopson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Christ sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Christ fails with the takedown.
Christ's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Hopson connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Christ scrambles back to his feet.#T1#
Hopson misses with a hook. Christ ducked under it nicely.
Hopson cracks Christ with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Hopson swings widly with a right hand #TD2#
and Christ counters with a shoot takedown. Hopson fights it but they end up in guard. #SUB2#
Christ drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Hopson dives on top into guard.#REVR#
Hopson sitting in guard here, content to control.
Hopson postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Christ looking for a sweep. Not yet Christ, not yet.
Hopson has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.#SUB2#
Hopson got a little sloppy there for a moment and Christ has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Hopson has managed to get both his arms back between Christ's legs - danger averted.
Hopson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Hopson wants to pass the guard but Christ is keeping the position.
Hopson slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up. #T2#
Christ controls Hopson momentarily but Hopson frees himself.
Hopson will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Hopson lands a couple of decent looking shots.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hopson scoring with punches to the head and body.
Hopson looking to pass the guard.
Hopson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up. #SUB2#
Christ is looking for a triangle but Hopson pushes his legs off easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hopson slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up. #T3#
Hopson has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Hopson slips nicely into half guard.
Hopson is controlling the pace. #SUB2#
Christ is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Hopson pulls his head out easily. #SUB2#
Christ looking for submissions off his back.
Hopson not doing much here. #T4#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Christ trying to hold on to Hopson's head to control him but Hopson postures up.
Christ slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Hopson is stalling in the full guard. #SUB2#
Christ throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Hopson seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Hopson really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#SUB2#
Christ looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R2#
Christ tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Hopson defends well and Christ ends up having to push Hopson into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Hopson is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Christ ducks under a wild hook from Hopson.
Hopson slaps away a takedown attempt from Christ, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Hopson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Christ can do to turn this around?
Hopson waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Christ.
A telegraphed right hand from Hopson misses the target.
Christ drops his hands momentarily and Hopson takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
A jab from Hopson misses.
Christ shoots in looking for a takedown but Hopson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Christ's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Jesse-James Hopson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jaimie Christ.
Christ shoots in but no luck this time.
Hopson appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Christ takes one to the chin there.
Jaimie Christ is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A jab from Hopson misses.
Hopson misses the jab.
Christ feints the counter takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Christ shoots in looking for a takedown but Hopson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Christ's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Christ walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Christ staying out of range there.
A swing and a miss from Hopson.
A slow jab from Hopson misses its intended target.
Jesse-James Hopson is winning the standup battle so far.
Hopson scores with a hook.#T1#
Hopson throws a hook but Christ blocks it.
Christ staying out of range there.
Hopson lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Hopson is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
A big left from Hopson misses.
Hopson cracks Christ with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Hopson, as that shot connected.
A slow jab from Hopson misses its intended target.
Christ tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hopson swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Christ fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Christ avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Christ shoots for a takedown but Hopson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.#TD2#
Hopson gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Hopson is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVR#
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Christ has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Hopson is working away from the top position though.#T2##SUB2#
Christ actively working from the bottom here.
Christ is looking to improve his position.
Hopson looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Christ with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Christ tries to get to full guard but Hopson has control of the leg.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Christ keeps trying to improve his position.
Jesse-James Hopson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Hopson not doing much here.
Hopson is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Hopson cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers! #T3#
Hopson controlling from the full mount.
The referee warns Christ that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Christ is trying desperately to improve position.
Hopson looking to control and managing it successfully.
Hopson unloading with bombs!
Christ slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Christ wants to improve his position but Hopson is controlling well.
The referee calls for the fighters to work. #T4#
Christ wants to improve his position but Hopson is controlling well.
Hopson passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Christ!
Christ tries to hold on but Hopson pushes him away.
Christ tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Hopson controlling from mount.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson dominated that second 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.#R3#
Hopson throws the left hand but Christ avoids the punch easily.
Hopson misses the jab.
Christ steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hopson.
Christ shoots in looking for a takedown but Hopson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Christ's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Christ changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Hopson tries to avoid it but Christ manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Hopson to the ground. Hopson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Christ shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Hopson as he avoids it easily.
Jesse-James Hopson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jaimie Christ.
Hopson lands with a hook. Christ tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Christ walks into a stiff left hand from Hopson.
Hopson looks to land a left hand but Christ moved out of range nicely.
Christ changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Hopson throws out a powerful jab.
Hopson throws a hook but Christ blocks it.
Hopson throws a lazy right hand but Christ sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson misses with a looping right.
Christ drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Hopson defends it well.
Hopson throws a jab when Christ was well out of range.
Hopson looks to land a right hand but Christ moved out of range.
Jesse-James Hopson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Christ defending well as Hopson loads up on a big left hand.
Hopson throws a looping overhand right but Christ ducks down to avoid it.
Christ drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Hopson defends it well.
Hopson thows a left - swing and a miss! #T1#
Hopson misses with an uppercut. Christ saw that one coming.
A big left from Hopson misses.
Christ closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hopson circles away.
Hopson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Christ drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Hopson misses with a looping left.
Christ with the counter takedown but Hopson avoids it easily.
Hopson misses with an uppercut.
Hopson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
And Christ tries to counter it with a takedown but Hopson pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Christ ducks under a wild hook from Hopson.
Nice defenses there by Christ.
Christ feints the counter takedown.
Christ shoots in for a takedown but Hopson shows good takedown defense.
Christ shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Christ ducks under a wild hook from Hopson.
Hopson with a hook.
Hopson lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Hopson lands with a cross.
Hopson misses with a hook. Christ ducked under it nicely. #T2#
Christ takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hopson throws an overhand right that lands on Christ's shoulder, as Christ tries to avoid the shot.
Christ dives in for a single leg takedown but Hopson sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Christ avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Hopson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hopson throws a hook but Christ avoids it easily.
Christ keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hopson.
Christ with the counter takedown but Hopson avoids it easily.
Christ has a takedown stuffed.
Christ takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Christ shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Hopson sprawls well. Hopson wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Christ gets slowly back to his feet.
Christ blocks a jab.
Christ is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Hopson throws a shot from downtown. Christ moves away and avoids it.
Hopson throws a jab but it's blocked by Christ.
Hopson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Christ steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hopson.#T3#
Hopson throws a shot from downtown. Christ moves away and avoids it.
The fight stays on the outside here - Christ looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Hopson misses with a looping left.
Hopson connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.#TD2#
Christ looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Christ wants to pass the guard but Hopson is keeping the position.
Christ trying to control the position from guard on top but Hopson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Christ preventing the sweep.
Hopson is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVR#
Hopson sitting and controlling from the half guard. #T4##SUB2#
Christ looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Still in half guard, Hopson seems content to control.
Christ is trying to maintain the position but Hopson is very close to passing his half guard.
Hopson is controlling the pace.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson clearly takes that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R4#
Hopson cracks Christ with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
A big right from Hopson misses.
And Christ tries to counter it with a takedown but Hopson pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Nice takedown defense from Hopson. No joy for Christ on that attempt. #TD2#
Christ scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Hopson can't do much from the bottom here. #SUB2#
Christ goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Hopson rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Christ's guard! Nice work there by Hopson!
Hopson is in close to Christ's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Hopson controls the pace of the fight for a moment.#SUB2#
Christ is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Hopson defends well.
Hopson is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.#T1##SUB2#
Christ is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Hopson defends well.
Hopson is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Christ looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hopson is one step ahead there.
Christ can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Hopson controls the pace.#T2#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.#SUB2#
Christ working for submissions but it's allowed Hopson to get to half guard.
Christ has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Hopson is working away from the top position though.
Hopson performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
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 seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense. #T3##SUB2#
Christ looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Hopson is taking a breather. Christ says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Christ trying to control but Hopson postures up.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
Hopson is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Hopson continues to stall.#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Hopson throws a hook to the side of Christ's head but Christ sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.#TD2#
Christ changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Hopson looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Hopson manages to work his way to half guard, despite Christ's best efforts.#T4#
Christ is looking to advance position but Hopson won't allow it.
Hopson is pressing down on Christ's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.#SUB2#
Christ drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Hopson manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Christ has Hopson in his guard.#REVR##SUB2#
Christ had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Hopson defends it easily.
Christ is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Hopson sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Christ looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson had his way with Jaimie Christ in that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!#R5#
Hopson lands with an overhand left.
Hopson scores with a nice right hand.
Christ slips a jab from Hopson.
Christ tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Hopson lands a really nice looking cross but Christ seems unphased.
Christ walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Christ shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Hopson as he avoids it easily.
Hopson connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Christ uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hopson.
Hopson throws a jab but it's blocked by Christ.
Christ fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Hopson throws the left hand but Christ avoids the punch easily.
Christ ducks under a wild hook from Hopson.
Christ moves out of range as Hopson strikes.
Christ looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Christ throws a nice looking combination but Hopson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Hopson attempts a counter takedown but Christ avoids it well and moves away.
Christ misses with a takedown attempt - Hopson sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Jesse-James Hopson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jaimie Christ.
Christ is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?#T1#
Hopson lands with an uppercut that bounces Christ off the cage and back into range.
Christ has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Hopson throws a hook but Christ blocks it.
And Christ tries to counter it with a takedown but Hopson pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Christ shoots in looking for a takedown but Hopson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Christ's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Christ uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hopson.
Hopson throws a big shot that misses.
Christ slips under a jab from Hopson.
Christ defending well as Hopson loads up on a big left hand.
Hopson throws out a loose jab but Christ uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hopson throws an overhand right that lands on Christ's shoulder, as Christ tries to avoid the shot.
Christ feints the counter takedown.
Hopson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Christ feints the counter takedown.
Christ throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Hopson's waist but Hopson gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Christ off to one side.
Christ slips under a jab from Hopson.
Christ blocks a jab.
Hopson looks to throw the jab but Christ is out of range.
Christ misses with a series of wild punches.
Jaimie Christ has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jesse-James Hopson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.#T2#
Christ throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Hopson's waist but Hopson gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Christ off to one side.
Hopson with a nice cross.
Christ dives in for a single leg takedown but Hopson sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Christ takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hopson keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Christ uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hopson.
Christ tries for a takedown but Hopson sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Christ takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Christ has a takedown stuffed.
Hopson tries to counter with a takedown but Christ is quick to defend against it.
Christ slips under a jab.
Hopson misses with a straight left.
Hopson stuffs the takedown.
Christ uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hopson.
Hopson throws a good cross that connects. #T3#
Christ walks into a jab.
Christ throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Christ on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Christ takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
The fighters circling - Hopson throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Hopson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hopson throws a looping overhand right but Christ ducks down to avoid it.
Christ misses with the combination.
Hopson changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Hopson scores with a jab. Christ acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Hopson looks to land a left hand but Christ moved out of range nicely.
Christ tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Hopson lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Christ looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
A decent looking cross lands there for Hopson.#T4#
Christ looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hopson swats away the attempt to clinch by Christ.
Christ closes the distance and clinches up with Hopson, looking for a takedown. Christ pushes Hopson against the cage but Hopson circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Christ throws a head kick but Hopson moves out of range.
Hopson defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Christ.
Hopson throws a jab but it's blocked by Christ.
Hopson missing with a left hand there. Christ was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A big right from Hopson misses.
Hopson throws a jab but it's blocked by Christ.
Christ moves forwards but Hopson connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Hopson jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hopson looks to throw the jab but Christ is out of range.
Hopson catches Christ with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

And that's the end of the fight!
Jesse-James Hopson showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Hopson has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Alec Ball scores the fight 50:44
Judge William Peck scores the fight 50:44
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 50:44

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jesse-James Hopson!
Jesse-James Hopson retains his bantamweight title!
Jesse-James Hopson decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: CFC 547
Date: Apr 22, 2023

#R1#
The Irritator misses the shot to the body.
The Irritator moves away from the strike by Hopson.
Hopson throws a big shot that misses.
The Irritator waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hopson.
The Irritator avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
The Irritator was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.#TD2#
Hopson dives in and scores a takedown into The Irritator's guard.
The Irritator looking to control.
Hopson throws a big right hand that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Hopson accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The Irritator avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Hopson working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
The Irritator has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall. #T1##SUB#
The Irritator is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
The Irritator might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
The Irritator trying to keep a closed guard but Hopson is proving a slippery customer.
The Irritator is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Hopson is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
The Irritator keeping moving, preventing Hopson from controlling successfully. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Hopson fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches The Irritator on the side of the head.#CL#
The Irritator gets a clinch.
Hopson misses with an elbow strike. #T2#
Hopson is looking to break free of the clinch but The Irritator has double underhooks.
Hopson tries to circle away but The Irritator has him pinned against the cage.
Hopson has had enough of the clinch but The Irritator keeps him there for the moment.
The Irritator lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.#BC#
The Irritator breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
The Irritator moves away from the strike by Hopson.
Hopson shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as The Irritator sprawls well. The Irritator wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Hopson gets slowly back to his feet.
Randy The Irritator is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#TD2#
Hopson drives through with a takedown into guard.
Hopson's corner is telling him to maintain position.
The Irritator not looking particularly offensive just at the moment. #T3#
The Irritator has Hopson pulled in close to control his posture.
Hopson stays in close to The Irritator's body and controls the position.
Hopson tries to free his leg and advance position but The Irritator is retaining full guard.
Hopson is fighting to break The Irritator's control of his arms but The Irritator is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Hopson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
It looked like The Irritator wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Hopson is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
The Irritator moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.#T4#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Hopson looks to land a left hand but The Irritator moved out of range nicely.
The Irritator throwing a counter right hand but Hopson manages to avoid it.
The Irritator lands with a hook. Hopson tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Hopson fails to land the takedown.
An attempted straight right counter from The Irritator misses the target.
Hopson takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
The fighters circling - Hopson throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
The Irritator throwing a counter right hand but Hopson manages to avoid it.
The Irritator throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
The Irritator moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
The Irritator lands a body shot.
The Irritator slips a straight right by Hopson.
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!#R2#
The Irritator misses with a straight left.
A decent looking cross lands there for Hopson.
Hopson looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? The Irritator is fending him off so far but Hopson persists. Nope, The Irritator circles away and we're back to standing.
Hopson cracks The Irritator with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
The Irritator definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Hopson shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
The Irritator throwing a counter right hand but Hopson manages to avoid it.
Hopson might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
The Irritator slips a straight right by Hopson.
The Irritator is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Hopson's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
The Irritator lands with a nice body punch.
Jesse-James Hopson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Hopson clobbers The Irritator with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The Irritator feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Hopsons jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Hopson moves out of range of the strikes.
Hopson clobbers The Irritator with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Hopson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Hopson throws a lazy right hand but The Irritator sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
The Irritator swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.#T1#
Hopson slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Hopson connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
The Irritator avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Hopson throws the left hand but The Irritator avoids the punch easily.
The Irritator was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Hopson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from The Irritator.
Nice takedown defense from The Irritator. No joy for Hopson on that attempt.
The Irritator is looking to counter punch.
Randy The Irritator has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jesse-James Hopson.
The fighters circling - The Irritator throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
The Irritator blocks a jab.
The Irritator looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Hopson's hands are dropping dangerously low here and The Irritator connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Hopson scrambles back to his feet.
Jesse-James Hopson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#T2#
The Irritator staying out of range there.
It looked like The Irritator wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Hopson misses with a lunging right hand
and Hopson takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hopson slips a jab from The Irritator.
Hopson drops down looking to force a counter takedown but The Irritator defends it well.
Nice shot by Hopson.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hopson throws a right hand that misses
and The Irritator counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
The Irritator misses with a combination #TD2#
and Hopson counters with a nice double leg into guard.
The Irritator seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Hopson seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Hopson lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.#T3#
Hopson with a flurry of punches that miss.
Hopson trying to control the position from guard on top but The Irritator is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hopson with a flurry of punches that miss. #SUB#
The Irritator is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
The Irritator is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
The Irritator is looking to stand up but Hopson isn't so interested in that idea. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.#T4#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Hopson fails with a takedown attempt.
Hopson thows a left - swing and a miss!
The Irritator slips a straight right by Hopson.
The Irritator swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hopson throws a big shot that misses.
The Irritator was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
The Irritator stuffs the takedown attempt from Hopson. Hopson gets slowly back to his feet.
Hopson fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Hopson throws a lazy uppercut
and The Irritator counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Jesse-James Hopson will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R3#
Hopson scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Hopson throws a hook to the side of The Irritator's head but The Irritator sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
The Irritator swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
The Irritator throws a jab but it's blocked by Hopson.
The Irritator looks to land a combination but Hopson avoids it well.
The Irritator slips a straight right by Hopson.
The Irritator displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hopson throws out the jab.
The Irritator waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hopson.
Hopson has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Hopson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from The Irritator.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson thows a left - swing and a miss!
Hopson uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
The fighters circling - Hopson throws out the jab but it was never going to land. #T1#
Hopson uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before The Irritator has time to react.
Hopson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Hopson with the counter takedown but The Irritator avoids it easily.
Hopson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A counter left hand to the body from The Irritator misses its target.
Hopson misses with a looping left.
The Irritator appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
The Irritator tries to move into range but Hopson moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Hopson connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Nice jab there from Hopson.
The Irritator is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hopson.
The Irritator wants to clinch up but Hopson keeps it at a distance.
The Irritator scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
The Irritator keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hopson.#T2#
The Irritator ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hopson moves away.
Hopson looks to throw the jab but The Irritator is out of range.
The Irritator slips a straight right by Hopson.
Hopson connects with a looping right hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hopson scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Hopson cracks The Irritator with a good jab.
Hopson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
The Irritator throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hopson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by The Irritator.
The Irritator throws a lazy uppercut #TD2#
and Hopson counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground. #T3#
The Irritator is pulling down on Hopson's head. It's preventing any offense from Hopson, at least for the moment.
The Irritator continues to stall.
Hopson controlling from the top position.
The Irritator looking to control.
Hopson content to stall in guard here.
Hopson must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.#T4#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
The Irritator is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Hopson is in close to The Irritator's body, working some short punches and elbows.
The Irritator trying to control the position here. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Hopson shoots in for a takedown but The Irritator shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Hopson throws a lazy right hand but The Irritator sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A big right from Hopson misses.
Hopson throws a right hand that misses
enabling The Irritator to counter with a crisp jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson really dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R4#
The Irritator swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
The Irritator misses with a looping right.
A telegraphed right hand from Hopson misses the target.
The Irritator appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
The Irritator looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
The Irritator uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hopson.
Hopson is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
The Irritator throws a predictable looking body shot #TD2#
and Hopson counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
The Irritator is trying is best to control the position here.
The Irritator is trying to stand.
Ground and pound from Hopson.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The Irritator keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Hopson seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but The Irritator does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back. #T1#
Hopson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Hopson slows the pace down in half guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Hopson is thwarting The Irritator's attempts to control the position.#REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Hopson misses with a looping right.
The Irritator lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Hopson at a distance.
Hopson looks to land a left hand but The Irritator moved out of range nicely.
The Irritator steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hopson.#T2#
Hopson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
And Hopson tries to counter it with a takedown but The Irritator pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Hopson misses with an uppercut. The Irritator saw that one coming.
The Irritator blocks a jab.
The Irritator stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and The Irritator wants it to stay on the feet.
The Irritator throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hopson throws a hook but The Irritator blocks it.
It looked like The Irritator was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Hopson.
Nice defenses there by The Irritator.
A jab from Hopson misses.
A jab from The Irritator misses.
Hopson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
The Irritator was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Hopson lands a jab.#T3#
A big right from Hopson misses.
The Irritator paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
The Irritator takes a swing at Hopson's ribcage but misses.
Hopson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hopson tries to score a power double leg takedown but The Irritator sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Hopson somewhat.
The Irritator slips under a jab from Hopson.
Donk. Hopson catches The Irritator right on the button with a cross.
The Irritator misses with a hook.
Hopson throws a jab but it's blocked by The Irritator. #T4#
Hopson scores with a nice strike.
Hopson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
The Irritator throws a body punch but Hopson moves out of range.
Hopson is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Hopson bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of The Irritator's head.
A looping hook to the body misses from The Irritator. Hopson does a little dance to reset his feet.
The Irritator lands a lovely overhand right.
Hopson tests The Irritator's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hopson connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hopson fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches The Irritator on the side of the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson dominated that fourth 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. This is the final round!#R5#
The Irritator dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Hopson throws a right hand that misses
and The Irritator connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hopson throws the left hand but The Irritator avoids the punch easily.
A counter left hand to the body from The Irritator misses its target.
Hopson moves into range and connects with a jab.
Hopson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
The Irritator swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hopson shoots in looking for a takedown but The Irritator manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Hopson's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
The Irritator swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hopson fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but The Irritator avoids it really well and circles away.
A quick step to the side and The Irritator tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL#
The Irritator moves into the clinch.#T1##TD#
The Irritator decides to pull guard. #SUB#
The Irritator is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Hopson is aware though and is defending well.
Hopson controlling from the top position.
Jesse-James Hopson has got the better of the ground game so far.
The Irritator preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Hopson throws a big right hand that misses.
The Irritator is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control. #SUB#
The Irritator 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.
Randy The Irritator 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.#T2#
The Irritator working a defensive guard here. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
The Irritator keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
An attempted straight right counter from The Irritator misses the target.
Randy The Irritator has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jesse-James Hopson.
Hopson misses with a looping left.
Hopson moves into range and connects with a jab.
The Irritator ducks under a wild hook from Hopson.
Hopson smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Hopson throws a hook but The Irritator blocks it.
The Irritator takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
The Irritator misses with an uppercut. #T3#
Hopson clobbers The Irritator with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Hopson shoots in but no luck this time.
Hopson throws out a loose jab but The Irritator uses good head movement to avoid it.
The Irritator throwing a counter right hand but Hopson manages to avoid it.
The Irritator gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Hopson.
Hopson misses with an uppercut.
The Irritator moves out of range as Hopson strikes.
The Irritator swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
A slow jab from The Irritator misses its intended target.
Hopson misses the jab.
An attempted straight right counter from The Irritator misses the target.
The Irritator loads up on a big right hand but Hopson slips the punch.
Hopson smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.#T4#
The Irritator drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.#CL#
The Irritator clinches up with Hopson and pushes him back against the cage.
Hopson being controlled against the cage.#TD#
The Irritator pulls guard effortlessly.
The Irritator is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.#SUB#
The Irritator has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Hopson can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hopson trying to control but The Irritator is working from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Jesse-James Hopson.
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 William Peck scores the fight 45:50
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 45:50
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jesse-James Hopson!
Jesse-James Hopson is the new bantamweight champion!
Jesse-James Hopson thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: CFC 541
Date: Apr 01, 2023

#R1#
Sprintin misses with an uppercut.
Sprintin throws a right hand that misses #TD2#
and Hopson counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Sprintin controlling Hopson's posture.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hopson content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Hopson preventing the sweep.
Hopson trying to control but Sprintin is working from the bottom.
Sprintin working a defensive guard here.
Sprintin looking for a sweep. Not yet Sprintin, not yet.
Sprintin is adopting a defensive guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sprintin's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Sprintin keeping moving, preventing Hopson from controlling successfully.
Hopson throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Sprintin works some decent striking defense from the bottom. #T1#
Sprintin looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hopson trying to control the position from guard on top but Sprintin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sprintin tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Hopson trying to control but Sprintin is working from the bottom.
Sprintin is controlling Hopson's posture.
Hopson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Sprintin is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVR#
Hopson felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Sprintin not doing much here.
Hopson tries to roll over but Sprintin keeps him under control.
Hopson moves into full guard.
Sprintin wants to control from the top but Hopson keeps moving. #T2#
Hopson pulls Sprintin in to control the position.
Hopson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Sprintin advances position into side control!
Hopson is looking for a sweep.
Sprintin in the domination position with Hopson hanging on.
Hopson can't do much from the bottom here.
Sprintin remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.
Sprintin tries to move into full mount but can't pass Hopson's legs.
Hopson is looking for a sweep.
A lull in the action here.#T3#
Hopson prevents Sprintin from improving position.
Sprintin looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Sprintin content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Sprintin continues to stall.
Hopson tries to buck Sprintin off but Sprintin is having none of it.
Sprintin working away.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Hopson prevents Sprintin from improving position.
Sprintin wants to control but Hopson is keeping him busy. #T4#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Sprintin tries to advance position but instead Hopson slips a leg back in to half guard.
Sprintin prevents Hopson from improving his position.
Hopson is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Sprintin is trying to control the action in half guard but Hopson is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Sprintin stalling.
Sprintin prevents Hopson from improving his position.
Hopson has his hands clasped together around Sprintin's back. He's all about the action.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Sprintin wants to free his trapped foot but Hopson is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Sprintin looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Phil Sprintin will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Sprintin misses with a hook #TD2#
and Hopson counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Sprintin is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Sprintin is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Sprintin is on top in guard. #REVR#
Sprintin wants to control from the top but Hopson keeps moving.
Jesse-James Hopson has got the better of the ground game so far.
Hopson 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.
Hopson has Sprintin pulled in close to control his posture.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sprintin trying to control but Hopson is working from the bottom.
Sprintin pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hopson is keeping the position for now.
Sprintin is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.#T1#
Sprintin stands and throws Hopson's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Sprintin trying to control the position but Hopson is working away.
Hopson can't do much from the bottom here.
A bit of a lull in the action here.
Sprintin trying to control the position but Hopson is working away.
Hopson is looking for a sweep.
Hopson sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.#T2#
Sprintin tries to pass to full mount but Hopson defends it.
Hopson is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Hopson gets back to full guard.
Hopson being controlled here, momentarily.
Hopson manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Sprintin manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB#
Sprintin controlling Hopson's posture.
Sprintin looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hopson in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time. #T3#
Hopson won't allow Sprintin to sweep him here.
Hopson is working Sprintin over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Hopson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Sprintin is controlling Hopson's posture.
Hopson won't allow Sprintin to sweep him here.
Hopson working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Hopson is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Hopson working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Sprintin's head.
Sprintin trying to keep a closed guard but Hopson is proving a slippery customer.
Hopson is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Hopson stands up over Sprintin, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Hopson content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Hopson showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Sprintin bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Hopson's guard. #REVR##T4#
Hopson trying to control the position here.
Hopson keeping full guard, as Sprintin tries to pass.
Hopson wants to sweep here but Sprintin controlling him for the moment.
Sprintin might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Sprintin wants to control from the top but Hopson keeps moving.
Sprintin looking to pass the guard.
Hopson wants to sweep here but Sprintin controlling him for the moment.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Sprintin looking to pass the guard.
Hopson is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Hopson not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
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.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. And we move into the final round!#R3#
Sprintin throws a lazy uppercut #TD2#
so Hopson counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Hopson scoring with punches to the head and body.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Hopson accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Sprintin wants to sweep here but Hopson controlling him for the moment.
Hopson working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Sprintin is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Sprintin looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hopson is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Hopson scoring with punches to the head and body.
Sprintin pulls Hopson in to control the position.
Hopson postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson controlling from the top position.
Hopson postures up and lands a big shot to Sprintin's brow.
Hopson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Sprintin looking for a sweep. Not yet Sprintin, not yet. #T1#
Sprintin pulls Hopson in close to prevent any damage.
Hopson throwing strikes but missing.
Hopson landing with the ground and pound.
Hopson with a flurry of punches that miss.
Hopson scoring with some ground and pound.
Sprintin is trying to keep Hopson in close.
Sprintin looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hopson is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Hopson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Sprintin pulls Hopson in close to prevent any damage.
Sprintin not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Hopson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Hopson won't allow Sprintin to sweep him here. #T2#
Sprintin trying to keep a closed guard but Hopson is proving a slippery customer.
Sprintin seems keen to control Hopson's posture.#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Sprintin throws a looping overhand right but Hopson ducks down to avoid it.
Hopson tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Hopson ducks under a wild hook from Sprintin.
Hopson ducks under a wild hook from Sprintin.
Hopson changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Sprintin is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Hopson's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Sprintin misses with a looping left.
Hopson changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Sprintin throws a hook but Hopson blocks it.
Phil Sprintin is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sprintin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hopson throws a solid leg kick but Sprintin takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Hopson.
A bone on bone clash there as Sprintin blocks the leg kick.
Sprintin is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Sprintin misses with a looping right.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Sprintin checks a leg kick. #T3#
Sprintin misses with a wild body shot.
Hopson staying out of range there.
Hopson feints the counter takedown.
Sprintin looks to land a right hand but Hopson moved out of range.
Sprintin throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hopson sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Phil Sprintin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sprintin throws an ugly left hook that misses #TD2#
and Hopson counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Hopson working Sprintin over with strikes.
Sprintin tries to get to full guard but Hopson has control of the leg.
Hopson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Hopson is nestled in close to Sprintin, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Hopson working the head and body with strikes.
Hopson lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Sprintin is controlling Hopson's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Sprintin has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Hopson is working away from the top position though.
Hopson winds up and cracks Sprintin with a swinging punch to the side of the head. #T4#
Sprintin wants to get back to full guard.
Sprintin has hold of Hopson's hands but Hopson slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Hopson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Sprintin keeps working.
Hopson winds up and cracks Sprintin with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Hopson landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sprintin trying to control here.
Sprintin on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Sprintin keeping control of the position.
Hopson working over Sprintin with some ground and pound. Sprintin looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sprintin avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Hopson.
Sprintin trying to control here.
Hopson is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jesse-James Hopson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Hopson has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Trevor Gratis scores the fight 28:29
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 28:29
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jesse-James Hopson!
A relieved looking Jesse-James Hopson thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

Event: CFC 533
Date: Mar 04, 2023

#R1#
A leg kick checked by Cheese.
Cheese wants to counter with a clinch but Hopson pushes him away.
Cheese throws out a loose jab but Hopson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cheese scores with a one two! Hopson had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Cheese misses with a body shot.
Hopson appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Hopson shoots and misses
and Cheese connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hopson really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson throws a leg kick
enabling Cheese to counter with a crisp jab.
Cheese takes a swing at Hopson's ribcage but misses.
Cheese tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hopson was well out of range. Poor timing from Cheese.#T1#
Cheese thuds a left hand into Hopson's body.
Hopson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hopson takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Cheese looks to land a right hand but Hopson moved out of range.
Hopson shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Cheese connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hopson wants to land a leg kick but Cheese is out of range. #T2#
Hopson moves out of range as Cheese strikes.
Hopson tries to counter with a takedown but Cheese is quick to defend against it.
A shot to the liver by Cheese. Beautiful body shot.
Hopson throws a leg kick but Cheese checks it.
Cheese misses with a straight left.
Hopson tries to counter with a takedown but Cheese is quick to defend against it.
Hopson changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Cheese tries to avoid it but Hopson manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Cheese to the ground. Cheese escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jesse-James Hopson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cheese goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.#T3#
A low kick from Hopson is predictable there
and Cheese counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Hopson fails with the takedown
and Hopson takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles. #TD#
Hopson scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Hopson throws an elbow but Cheese slips to the side and avoids it well.
Cheese managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Hopson.
Cheese is trying to control Hopson's posture but Hopson avoids it.
Hopson is working Cheese over with some ground and pound from side control.
Cheese really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Hopson. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Cheese trying to remain calm as Hopson controls from the top position.#T4#
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Cheese can do anything to dispel that myth.
Hopson throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Cheese struggling a bit here.
An elbow from Hopson crashes against the mat.
Cheese holds on tight, trying to prevent any damage.
Hopson 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.
Hopson tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Cheese tries to improve position but can't.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hopson in side control, throwing shots but Cheese defends.
Cheese taking punishment in the form of punches.
Hopson tries to advance to mount but can't.
Cheese takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Parmesan Cheese dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Hopson attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Cheese throws a body shot but no joy.
Hopson seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Cheese wants to clinch.
Hopson appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson throws a leg kick
and Cheese counters with a nice uppercut.
Good shot there by Cheese.#T1#
A telegraphed right hand from Cheese misses the target.
Cheese misses with an uppercut #TD#
and Hopson counters with a nice double leg into side control. Cheese won't be happy with that.
Hopson connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Cheese some visible discomfort.
Cheese avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Hopson. #SUB#
Hopson thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Hopson throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Hopson scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Cheese to see if he's OK.
A lull in the action here.#T2#
Cheese prevents Hopson from moving into mount.
Hopson throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Hopson landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Hopson scoring with punches from side control.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hopson connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Cheese some visible discomfort.
Hopson controls the position.
Hopson working the head and body with strikes.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hopson staying calm.#SUB#
Hopson tries for a kimura but Cheese is defending well. #T3#
Cheese tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Hopson wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Hopson in side control, throwing shots but Cheese defends.
Hopson in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Hopson working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Cheese is looking for a sweep.
Hopson throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Hopson connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Cheese some visible discomfort.
Hopson wants to control but Cheese is keeping him busy. #T4#
Cheese on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Hopson throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Cheese works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
Hopson trying to control the action but Cheese is working from the bottom.
Hopson sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Cheese keeping hold of Hopson's head, controlling as best he can.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hopson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse-James Hopson dominated that second round.
That's time! Hopson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!#R3#
Hopson throws a low kick but it's checked well by Cheese.
Hopson throws a leg kick but Cheese moved away.
Cheese throws a body punch but Hopson moves out of range.
Hopson throws a low kick but Cheese avoids it.
Hopson fails with the takedown
letting Cheese counter with a right hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hopson attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.#T1#
Cheese waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hopson.
Cheese checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Cheese swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hopson takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Hopson misses with a low kick.
Hopson misses with a leg kick
enabling Cheese to counter with a crisp jab.
Horrible takedown attempt by Hopson or perhaps it was just good defense by Cheese, which made it look bad. #T2#
Cheese connects with a right hand. Hopson shakes it off.
Hopson misses with a leg kick
and Cheese connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#TD#
Cheese tries to sprawl but Hopson drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Cheese avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Hopson.
Hopson content to control rather than advance.
Cheese is staying active underneath Hopson, who seems content to just control the action from this position. #T3#
Cheese blocking the ground and pound attempt from Hopson.
Hopson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Cheese avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Hopson.
Hopson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Cheese trying to hold on to Hopson's head to control him but Hopson postures up.
Hopson is keen to just control but Cheese is a slippery customer.
Hopson working the head and body with strikes. #SUB#
Hopson is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Cheese has managed to free his arm - good work.
Hopson trying to control from half guard but Cheese is working away.
Cheese looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.#T4#
Hopson slips a nice elbow through Cheese's hands, connecting with Cheese's forehead.
Hopson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Hopson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Cheese defending well though.
Hopson is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound. #SUB#
Hopson is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Cheese sees it coming and defends easily.
Hopson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hopson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Nice strikes from Hopson there.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jesse-James Hopson showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Hopson 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 Gregory Folan scores the fight 29:28
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 29:28
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jesse-James Hopson!
Jesse-James Hopson seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: CFC New Years Eve
Date: Dec 31, 2022

#R1#
Hopson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Barnaby.
Hopson has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Hopson there as he acknowledges the shot.
Nice defenses there by Hopson.
A looping hook to the body misses from Barnaby. Hopson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hopson feinted with a counter takedown.
Barnaby throws a looping overhand right but Hopson ducks down to avoid it.
A big left from Barnaby misses.
Barnaby pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hopson appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Hopson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Barnaby.#TD#
Hopson throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Barnaby was covering up waiting for the punch and Hopson finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Barnaby really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Hopson. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Hopson lands a couple of decent looking shots.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Barnaby trying to keep a closed guard but Hopson is proving a slippery customer.
Hopson working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Hopson 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.
Hopson working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Barnaby's head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hopson makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.#T1#
Hopson working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Hopson stopping the sweep attempt from Barnaby.
Hopson landing some decent shots from guard.
Hopson is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Hopson distracts Barnaby with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hopson keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Barnaby's head.
Hopson working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Barnaby's head.
Hopson lands a couple of digs.
Barnaby controls Hopson momentarily but Hopson frees himself.
Hopson really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Barnaby wants to sweep but no luck.
Hopson cracks Barnaby with a solid left hand.
Hopson landing with the ground and pound.
Hopson connects with a couple of short punches.#ROC#Barnaby is rocked!
Hopson chips away with some ground and pound.
Barnaby is still in real trouble! Can Hopson finish him?
Hopson scoring with punches to the head and body.
Hopson loads up on a big left hand. Barnaby felt that one! He's just covering up now, not defending himself intelligently - Hopson looks towards the ref and unloads with 3 more big shots and the ref has no choice but to stop the fight! Barnaby can't hide his disappointment, as Hopson celebrates the victory.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jesse-James Hopson!
Jesse-James Hopson took to the mic in his post fight interview and said 'This tournament wasn’t big enough for the both of us.'.

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Nov 08, 2022

#R1##TD2#
Three shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Graham manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Three stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Graham swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Three postures up.
Graham keeping moving, preventing Three from controlling successfully. #SUB#
Graham is working actively from the bottom, looking for submissions. He's escaped his hips to the side and he's going for an armbar! Three has his hands clasped together but Graham extends and breaks Three's desperate grasp, forcing a tap out due to armbar! Nice BJJ displayed there by Graham .

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:37 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Billy Graham !

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