PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Troy Hooper (ranked 2278 p4p, 6278 weight class) and Vito Scaletta (ranked 331 p4p, 615 weight class). Vito Scaletta is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Hooper
vs
Scaletta

180 cm
44
175
37 - 22 - 2

181 cm
38
184
25 - 17 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 37 - 22 - 2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Troy Hooper!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 17 - 1, fighting out of New York, Vito Scaletta!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Vladimir Khabensky and Valeri Chadov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Scaletta shoots for a double leg takedown but Hooper sprawls well. He's pushed Scaletta's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Hooper scores with a three punch combo!
Scaletta misses with a body kick.
The crowd cheers as Hooper lands an impressive looking overhand right. Scaletta doesn't seem phased though.
Hooper misses with a straight right.
Hooper fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Scaletta manages to avoid it.

Scaletta pushes Hooper up against the cage in a clinch.
Hooper misses with some punches.

Hooper has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Scaletta clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Scaletta grimaces as he takes a shot to the body.
Scaletta takes a big shot to the side of the head.
Hooper has the hooks in. Scaletta is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
We've been hearing good reports from Hooper's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Scaletta has his hands over his head blocking the strikes from Hooper.
Hooper lands shots from the back.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Hooper's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hooper lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Scaletta wants to control his opponent's hands but Hooper gets his hands free.
Hooper is punishing Scaletta with some ground and pound.
Scaletta turns into Hooper and is now in his guard.
Scaletta tries to free his leg and advance position but Hooper is retaining full guard.
Hooper wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Scaletta trying to control but Hooper is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Scaletta is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Hooper is controlling Scaletta's posture.
Scaletta slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

Scaletta drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Hooper dives on top into guard.

The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Scaletta looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hooper working some strikes from top position.
Scaletta is trying to control the position but Hooper postures up.
Hooper working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Scaletta's head.

Scaletta is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Hooper defends well.
Scaletta wants to stand and escape but Hooper is having none of it.
Hooper trying to control the position from guard on top but Scaletta is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hooper is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Hooper throws a big elbow that misses.
Scaletta bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Hooper's guard.

Hooper bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Scaletta's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Scaletta working a defensive guard here.

Scaletta has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Hooper has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Hooper misses with a short punch on the inside.
Scaletta prevents a body shot from Hooper.
Hooper throws a punch but it's blocked by Scaletta.
Scaletta tries to stall but Hooper uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Scaletta is trying to drag Hooper to the mat but Hooper just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Scaletta has Hooper pushed against the cage.
Scaletta blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hooper swings wildly with an uppercut but Scaletta uses good head movement to avoid it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Scaletta tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Troy Hooper has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vito Scaletta.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hooper.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Troy Hooper 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.

Scaletta tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Hooper swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Scaletta shoots for a takedown but Hooper saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Scaletta on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Scaletta slips under a jab from Hooper.
Hooper feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Scalettas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Hooper throws a jab but it's blocked by Scaletta.
Scaletta avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A combination from Hooper does no damage.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Scaletta is defended easily by Hooper.
Scaletta on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Hooper. Hooper obviously looking to wear him down.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hooper connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Scaletta's hands.
Scaletta moves out of range of the leg kick from Hooper.
Hooper throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Scaletta stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hooper displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Scaletta.
Troy Hooper has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vito Scaletta.
Hooper misses with a wild body shot.
Good exchange - Hooper coming out on top.
Hooper scores with a shot to the body.
Hooper pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hooper throws out a loose jab but Scaletta uses good head movement to avoid it.
Nice straight punches there by Hooper. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Hooper.
Hooper works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
A punch combination from Scaletta misses.
Hooper swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hooper dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Scaletta is looking to clinch but Hooper is avoiding it.
Scaletta misses with a low kick.
Troy Hooper is winning the standup battle so far.
Scaletta walks into a stiff left hand from Hooper.
Scaletta looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Hooper is fending him off so far but Scaletta persists. Nope, Hooper circles away and we're back to standing.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Scaletta takes one to the chin there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hooper throws a lazy right hand but Scaletta sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

Scaletta has Hooper up against the cage in a clinch.
Hooper throws a punch but it's blocked by Scaletta.
Scaletta scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Hooper swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Scaletta trying to control the position but instead, Hooper has worked for underhooks and has pushed Scaletta into the cage.
Hooper goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hooper lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Scaletta backwards.
Hooper struggles to land a body shot inside as Scaletta controls his hands.
Hooper swings wildly with an uppercut but Scaletta uses good head movement to avoid it.
Scaletta prevents a body shot from Hooper.
Hooper tries to work over Scaletta's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hooper has a couple of punches blocked by Scaletta.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Scaletta prevents a body shot from Hooper.

Scaletta breaks from the clinch.
Scaletta moves out of range as Hooper strikes.
As Hooper backs off Scaletta throws a huge counter combo but Hooper manages to avoid it all.
Scaletta moves out of range of the leg kick from Hooper.
Hooper ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Scaletta moves away.
Vito Scaletta is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Hooper displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Scaletta.
Hooper keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Hooper bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Scaletta's head backwards.
Hooper throws a leg kick but Scaletta sees it coming and moves out of range.
Hooper is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Scaletta can do to turn this around?
Hooper misses with an uppercut. Scaletta saw that one coming.
Scaletta moves in looking to clinch but Hooper pushes him off.
A big right from Hooper misses.
Hooper scores with a punch to the head.
Scaletta avoids the body shot from Hooper.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hooper dips to his left and cracks Scaletta with an uppercut!
Hooper stuns Scaletta with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Scaletta walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
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!
Scaletta tries to clinch but Hooper moves out of range.
A quick step to the side and Hooper tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hooper lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Hooper swings and misses with a hook to the body.
That kick from Hooper tenderised Scaletta's leg. Scaletta is trying to keep his angry face on.

Hooper closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Hooper lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Scaletta is looking to improve his position.
Scaletta has hold of Hooper's hands but Hooper slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Scaletta is trying to maintain the position but Hooper is very close to passing his half guard.
Hooper seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Troy Hooper dominated that second round.
That's time! Hooper'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!

Hooper cracks a nice hook into Scaletta's ribs.
Scaletta pivots, looking for a leg kick but Hooper is out of range and Scaletta settles back down.
Hooper leaves Scaletta with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Hooper scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Scaletta takes one to the side of the head.
Hooper thuds a left hand into Scaletta's body.
Hooper throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Scaletta on the side of the head.
Scaletta steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hooper.
The fighters circle momentarily. Hooper darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hooper lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Scaletta at a distance.
Scaletta shoots in for a double leg but Hooper sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Hooper throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
And Scaletta responds with a good body kick, but Hooper manages to step out the way in time.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hooper tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Scaletta was well out of range. Poor timing from Hooper.
Hooper swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hooper stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Hooper throws a big shot that misses.
Nice takedown defense from Hooper. No joy for Scaletta on that attempt.
Hooper was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Troy Hooper has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vito Scaletta.
Hooper connects with a solid leg kick.
Hooper fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Scaletta.
Hooper slaps away a takedown attempt from Scaletta, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Hooper appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Scaletta takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Hooper throws a body shot but no joy.
Scaletta moves out of range of the strikes.
Scaletta on the wrong end of a nice jab.
No luck for Scaletta with that takedown attempt.

Scaletta moves into the clinch.
Hooper is trying to drag Scaletta to the mat but Scaletta just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
A head punch on the inside from Hooper fails to land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hooper softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Scaletta blocking some punches.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hooper.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hooper lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Scaletta stalling in the clinch but Hooper improves position.
Hooper tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Scaletta's elbow.
Hooper lands a nice shot to the body.
Hooper lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Scaletta has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Hooper is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Hooper swings wildly with an uppercut but Scaletta uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hooper misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A right hook to the body lands for Hooper.
Hooper lands with a light punch inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hooper misses with the head strike.

Scaletta pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Hooper stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Scaletta finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Hooper connects with a solid leg kick.
Scaletta has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Scaletta moves forwards but Hooper connects with a nice, crisp jab.
A shot to the liver by Hooper. Beautiful body shot.
Hooper connects with a body shot that sends Scaletta's belly button to the back.
Scaletta looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Hooper is fending him off so far but Scaletta persists. Nope, Hooper circles away and we're back to standing.
Hooper works the jab nicely.
Hooper lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.

Scaletta is rocked!
Some wild striking there from Hooper.
Scaletta is still on wobbly legs! Can Hooper finish him?
A nice inside leg kick there by Hooper. That's going to slow Scaletta down.
Scaletta seems to have recovered his senses.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Scaletta blocks a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hooper digs a good body shot into Scaletta's ribs.
Hooper lands a jab to Scaletta's midsection.
Hooper throws a hook but Scaletta avoids it easily.
Hooper darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Hooper misses with an uppercut. Scaletta saw that one coming.
Hooper throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Scaletta stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Hooper throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Scaletta sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Scaletta changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Scaletta doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Hooper missing with a left hand there. Scaletta was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Scaletta dives in for a single leg takedown but Hooper sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Troy Hooper seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hooper keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Jab from Hooper.
Hooper scores with a nice head shot.
Hooper throws a poor cross that misses
and Scaletta connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Vito Scaletta has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Scaletta tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

And that's the end of the fight!
Troy Hooper showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Hooper 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 30:26
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 30:26
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Troy Hooper!
In his post fight interview, Troy Hooper gave a big smile as he said 'This will be my last fight. I want to thank everyone that helped me in my career, most of all Sammy Fairtex who took me in when everyone else had counted me out. Respect! '.