PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Hessu Hopo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rotte DeMauler (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hopo comes into the arena with Gers Pardoel - Ik Neem Je Mee blaring out of the sound system. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Hopo
vs
DeMauler

185 cm
28
275 lbs
22 - 14 - 0

195 cm
34
275 lbs
22 - 12 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

[CBK] LEGAL HIGHS « SFL ↑ 5x160Q

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 14 - 0, fighting out of London, Hessu Hopo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Rotte DeMauler!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Shimada, Ren Mimura and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
DeMauler tries to clinch up but Hopo circles away and keeps his distance.
Hopo blocks the body kick.
DeMauler wants to clinch up but Hopo keeps it at a distance.
Hopo throws a looping overhand right but DeMauler ducks down to avoid it.

Hopo shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. DeMauler manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
DeMauler wants to stand but Hopo is controlling the position.
Hopo pushing down on DeMauler's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
DeMauler keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Hopo is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Hopo trying to advance position but DeMauler counters by regaining guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hopo throwing strikes from guard but DeMauler blocks nicely.
Hopo trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but DeMauler manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Hopo keeping moving, preventing DeMauler from controlling successfully.

Hopo pushes DeMauler off and scrambles back to his feet.
DeMauler throws out a leg kick but Hopo moves out of range and DeMauler only half commits.
Good shot there by DeMauler.
DeMauler lands a jab to the nose.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
DeMauler fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Hopo cracks DeMauler with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Rotte DeMauler seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hopo takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Hopo misses with a hook.
DeMauler misses the jab.
DeMauler looks for the body kick but Hopo saw that one coming.
DeMauler lands a nice leg kick that just misses Hopo's sensitive parts.
DeMauler misses with a head kick.
DeMauler wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.

DeMauler gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Hopo to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Hopo is looking to work some ground and pound but DeMauler has wrist control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hopo trying to control but DeMauler is working from the bottom.
DeMauler 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.
Hopo throws a strike but DeMauler rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
DeMauler throws a big elbow that misses.
Hopo looking to hit a scissor sweep but DeMauler is one step ahead there.
Hopo is controlling DeMauler's posture.
DeMauler tries to stand but Hopo is controlling from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
DeMauler throws a big right hand that misses.
Hopo keeping full guard, as DeMauler tries to pass.
Hopo trying to keep a closed guard but DeMauler is proving a slippery customer.
DeMauler stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hopo swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hopo looking for a sweep. Not yet Hopo, not yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hopo trying to keep a closed guard but DeMauler is proving a slippery customer.

We're going to have a standup here because Hessu Hopo wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.

DeMauler gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Hopo throws a strike but DeMauler rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Hopo working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from DeMauler.
DeMauler preventing the sweep.
DeMauler must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Hopo pulls DeMauler in close to prevent any damage.
Hopo is trying to control the position from the bottom.
DeMauler with a flurry of punches that miss.
Hopo looking to control.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Hessu Hopo just wasn't active enough.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from DeMauler.
DeMauler slips under a jab.
Hopo looks to score with a jab to the body but DeMauler is just out of range.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Hopo throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
DeMauler tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
DeMauler connects with a leg kick. Hopo looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.

Hopo gets tackled into the cage by DeMauler. DeMauler maintains the clinch.
Hopo tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. DeMauler smiles and moves away.
Hopo misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Hopo looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Good work by Hopo as he checks the leg kick.
Hopo throws a body punch but DeMauler moves out of range.
Hopo throws a hook to the side of DeMauler's head but DeMauler sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

A momentary lapse in concentration from DeMauler enables Hopo to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. DeMauler manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Hopo slips nicely into half guard.
DeMauler trying to hold on to Hopo's head to control him but Hopo postures up.
Hopo thows a huge punch but DeMauler dodges it nicely.
Hopo scoring with strikes to the body and head.
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. Hopo connects with a nice short shot to DeMauler's temple.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hopo scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Hopo missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Hopo tries to pass the half guard into mount. DeMauler knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
DeMauler wants to control but Hopo is keeping busy and won't allow it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hopo wants to pass to mount but DeMauler is defending the position.
Hopo winds up and cracks DeMauler with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Hopo is pressing down on DeMauler's thigh, looking to free his foot. DeMauler is holding on for now.
Hopo is working hard here to advance position.
Hopo trying to control from DeMauler's half guard. DeMauler has other ideas though and has regained full guard.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Hopo accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
DeMauler avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Hopo in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Hopo pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. DeMauler is keeping the position for now.
Hopo preventing the sweep.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hopo looking to pass the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hessu Hopo dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

DeMauler takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
DeMauler misses with a head kick.
Rotte DeMauler seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Hopo misses with a body shot.
A jab from Hopo misses.
Hopo tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but DeMauler was well out of range. Poor timing from Hopo.
Hopo throws a hook but DeMauler blocks it.
DeMauler drops his hands momentarily and Hopo takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Hopo walks forward, straight into a front kick from DeMauler.
Hopo dives in and grabs DeMauler's left leg, looking for a takedown. DeMauler pushes down on Hopo's head and hops out.

Hopo clinches with his opponent.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hopo is trying to work for a single leg takedown but DeMauler pulls him back up using the underhooks.
DeMauler goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Hopo tightens his grip and picks DeMauler up, before dumping him to the ground. DeMauler manages to land in guard.

DeMauler working for a triangle but Hopo defends it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now DeMauler is on top in guard.
Hopo looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
DeMauler throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hopo works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Hopo 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.
DeMauler looking to sit in guard and control but Hopo gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Hopo trying to control the position from guard on top but DeMauler is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hopo is looking to work some ground and pound but DeMauler has wrist control.
DeMauler preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
DeMauler looking for a sweep. Not yet DeMauler, not yet.
Hopo is looking to work some ground and pound but DeMauler has wrist control.
DeMauler keeping moving, preventing Hopo from controlling successfully.
DeMauler manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Hopo manages to get himself to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hopo strikes from his own guard.
DeMauler trying to control the position from guard on top but Hopo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
DeMauler wants to stand but Hopo has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
DeMauler stopping the sweep attempt from Hopo.
DeMauler trying to control the position from guard on top but Hopo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hopo is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Hopo seems keen to control DeMauler's posture.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

We're going to have a standup here because Hessu Hopo wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
DeMauler throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
DeMauler pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
DeMauler misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hopo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but DeMauler moves away.
DeMauler looks to land a body kick but Hopo moved away.
Hopo looks to land a combination but DeMauler avoids it well.
Hopo looks to score with a jab to the body but DeMauler is just out of range.
DeMauler buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Hopo pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
DeMauler throws a head kick that misses.
Rotte DeMauler is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
DeMauler throws a leg kick but Hopo sees it coming and moves out of range.
DeMauler will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
DeMauler thows a body kick. Hopo tries to catch it but that hurt him.
DeMauler scores with a kick to the midsection.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
DeMauler throws a head kick that misses.
DeMauler chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Hopo is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Hopo throws a right hand that misses
and DeMauler counters with a nice body kick.
Hopo swings away with a body shot that misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
DeMauler throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Hopo's head.

It looks like Hessu Hopo has been cut.
A decent looking cross lands there for DeMauler.
DeMauler digs a good body shot into Hopo's ribs.
DeMauler tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Hopo avoids the head kick by DeMauler.
Hopo just misses with a punch to the body.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
DeMauler looking to land some kicks to the body here.
DeMauler throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Hopo takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Hopo swings for the body but DeMauler moves out of range.
Hopo darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
DeMauler throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
DeMauler tries to land a front kick but Hopo steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
DeMauler uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hopo.
DeMauler jabs Hopo right on the nose. Hopo blinks but takes it well.
Hopo takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
DeMauler has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
A kick lands to the mid section there for DeMauler.
DeMauler throws a head kick but Hopo moves out of range.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
DeMauler thows a body kick. Hopo tries to catch it but that hurt him.
DeMauler misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hopo.
DeMauler misses with a kick to the body.
A big left from Hopo misses.
DeMauler throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Hopo is defended easily by DeMauler.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hessu Hopo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
DeMauler feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Hopos jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
DeMauler ducks under a wild hook from Hopo.
Hopo shoots in looking for a takedown but DeMauler manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Hopo's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Hopo blocks the body kick.
DeMauler tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hopo swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
DeMauler tries to land a front kick but Hopo steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Hopo misses with a straight right.
Hopo avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Hopo tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but DeMauler swivels and escapes.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by DeMauler.
DeMauler throws a push kick but Hopo slaps the foot to one side.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
DeMauler throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Hopo lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but DeMauler circles away quickly and effectively.
DeMauler looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
DeMauler throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Hopo will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
The fight stays on the outside here - DeMauler looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Hopo keeps the fight on the outside.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Hopo blocks the body kick.
Hopo moves out of range of the body kick.
Hopo throws a big shot that misses.
DeMauler wants to clinch up but Hopo keeps it at a distance.
Hopo tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but DeMauler swivels and escapes.
A slapping body kick lands there for DeMauler.
Hopo connects with a single shot there.
DeMauler throws a combination that misses
and Hopo counters with a nice body shot.
DeMauler tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Hopo misses with a wild body shot.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hopo rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but DeMauler moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from DeMauler.
Hopo lands with a nice combination. DeMauler backs away looking to recover.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rotte DeMauler showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Hessu Hopo's cut.
That's time! Hopo's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Hopo misses with an uppercut
and DeMauler counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Hopo is lucky that one didn't land flush.
DeMauler lands a head kick. Hopo smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
DeMauler takes one on the button.
Hopo is trying hard to land a takedown here. DeMauler sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
A head kick misses from DeMauler.
DeMauler takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
DeMauler lands with a kick to the ribs.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
DeMauler explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
DeMauler misses with a jab to the body
and Hopo counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Hopo has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from DeMauler.
DeMauler finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Hopo takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
DeMauler ducks under a wild hook from Hopo.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hopo throws a body punch but DeMauler moves out of range.
DeMauler throws a head kick that half lands.
DeMauler ducks right into an uppercut from Hopo.
Hopo scores with a crisp jab that stopped DeMauler in his tracks.
Hopo waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract DeMauler.
DeMauler lands with a right hand.
A bone on bone clash there as Hopo blocks the leg kick.
DeMauler looks to land a body kick but Hopo moved away.
Hopo connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A jab from Hopo misses.
DeMauler pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Hopo looks for a takedown but DeMauler sprawls well.
Hopo moves out of range of the body kick from DeMauler.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hopo dives in and grabs DeMauler's left leg, looking for a takedown. DeMauler pushes down on Hopo's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hessu Hopo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
DeMauler throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Hopo takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
DeMauler throws a push kick but Hopo slaps the foot to one side.
DeMauler throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
DeMauler looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Hopo slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Hopo takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
DeMauler swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hopo lands with a hook. DeMauler tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.

Hopo darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Hopo with the ground and pound but DeMauler uses the opportunity to regain guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
DeMauler is trying to control the position but Hopo postures up.
Hopo is looking to work some ground and pound but DeMauler has wrist control.
Hopo wants to control from the top but DeMauler keeps moving.
DeMauler keeping full guard, as Hopo tries to pass.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hopo looking to pass the guard.
Hopo trying to control but DeMauler is working from the bottom.
Hopo is looking to work some ground and pound but DeMauler has wrist control.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Hopo trying to control the position from guard on top but DeMauler is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
DeMauler looking for a sweep. Not yet DeMauler, not yet.
Hessu Hopo overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Hessu Hopo.
Hopo misses with a few strikes there.
DeMauler tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Hopo looks to score with a jab to the body but DeMauler is just out of range.
DeMauler takes one on the chin but seems OK.
DeMauler scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Hopo lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
DeMauler misses with a double jab
and DeMauler takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hopo on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by DeMauler. DeMauler obviously looking to wear him down.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
DeMauler slips a jab from Hopo.
Hopo takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
DeMauler takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Hopo bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
DeMauler tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
DeMauler slips under a jab.
Hopo thows a body shot but no joy.
DeMauler throws a sloppy head kick and Hopo moves out of range easily.
DeMauler stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and DeMauler wants it to stay on the feet.
Hopo tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but DeMauler was well out of range. Poor timing from Hopo.
DeMauler looks to land a body kick but Hopo moved away.
DeMauler avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
DeMauler lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Hopo fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
DeMauler tried to score with a low kick but Hopo checks it.
Hopo misses the shot to the body.
Hopo misses with a straight right.
A solid leg kick lands there for DeMauler.
Good leg kick by DeMauler there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
DeMauler throws a looping overhand right but Hopo ducks down to avoid it.
DeMauler misses with a kick to the body.
DeMauler scores with a jab to the jaw.
DeMauler throws a wild body kick that Hopo sees coming a mile off.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Hopo.
Hopo shoots in looking for a takedown. DeMauler tries to sprawl out of it but Hopo keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. DeMauler manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Hopo throws a lazy right hand but DeMauler sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
DeMauler throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Hopo shoots in but no luck this time.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hopo is trying hard to land a takedown here. DeMauler sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
DeMauler keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
A big left from Hopo misses.
DeMauler goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Hopo misses with a left hand
and DeMauler counters with an inside leg kick.
Hopo is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
A solid body kick from DeMauler.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
A thudding body kick lands there by DeMauler!
DeMauler throws a quick inside leg kick.
DeMauler throws the kick towards the body but Hopo avoids it.
Good work by Hopo as he checks the leg kick.
DeMauler throws a hook but Hopo blocks it.
DeMauler is looking to land body kicks.
Hopo shoots in for a double leg but DeMauler sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
DeMauler fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
DeMauler lands with a slapping head kick.
DeMauler is looking to clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hopo pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
DeMauler misses with a head kick.
DeMauler throws out a loose jab but Hopo uses good head movement to avoid it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rotte DeMauler comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think DeMauler 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 Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight for Rotte DeMauler!
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight for Rotte DeMauler!
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight for Rotte DeMauler!

Rotte DeMauler wins by unanimous decision!
An out of breath Rotte DeMauler thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.