PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between La Tigre Munanaposa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mitchell Menchaka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Munanaposa's entrance music is I'm an Adult Now. A fine choice. Mitchell Menchaka will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Tigre Munanaposa
vs
Menchaka

171 cm
21
135 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

168 cm
19
143 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, La Tigre Munanaposa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Mitchell Menchaka!
The judges for this bout are Roger Salmon, Jeff Smith and Micheangelo Fripello.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Munanaposa gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Menchaka missing with a left hand there. Munanaposa was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Munanaposa tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Menchaka swivels and escapes.
Donk. Menchaka catches Munanaposa right on the button with a cross.
Menchaka fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Munanaposa manages to avoid it.
Munanaposa takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

Munanaposa closes the distance and clinches.
Menchaka tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Menchaka misses with a hook to the ribs.
Menchaka tries to throw a body punch but Munanaposa avoids it by throwing Menchaka back against the cage.

Munanaposa manages to break the clinch.

Munanaposa shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Munanaposa thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Menchaka's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Munanaposa thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Menchaka's head.
Munanaposa prevents Menchaka from improving his position.
Menchaka avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Munanaposa.
Menchaka trying to control from the bottom.
Menchaka is trying is best to control the position here.
Menchaka 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.
Menchaka is trying to maintain the position but Munanaposa is very close to passing his half guard.
Munanaposa thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Menchaka's head.
Munanaposa wants to pass the guard but Menchaka is defending well.

Munanaposa is working for a submission of some sort.
The fighters are battling for position here. Menchaka manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Munanaposa wants to control from the top but Menchaka keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Munanaposa in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Munanaposa trying to control but Menchaka is working from the bottom.
Munanaposa with a flurry of punches that miss.
Munanaposa has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Menchaka is trying to keep Munanaposa in close.
Menchaka tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Munanaposa trying to control the position from guard on top but Menchaka is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up because La Tigre Munanaposa just wasn't active enough.

Munanaposa gets a clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Munanaposa.
Menchaka is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Munanaposa is keeping busy.

Munanaposa manages to break the clinch.
Menchaka thows a body shot but no joy.
Munanaposa closes this distance looking for a takedown but Menchaka circles away.
Munanaposa tries to score a power double leg takedown but Menchaka sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Munanaposa somewhat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for La Tigre Munanaposa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Munanaposa dives in and grabs Menchaka's left leg, looking for a takedown. Menchaka pushes down on Munanaposa's head and hops out.
Menchaka lands with a good body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Munanaposa uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Menchaka.
A head kick misses from Munanaposa.
Munanaposa takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Munanaposa swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Menchaka cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Menchaka uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Munanaposa has time to react.
Menchaka throws a shot from downtown. Munanaposa moves away and avoids it.
Munanaposa fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Jab by Menchaka.
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!
Munanaposa tries to score a power double leg takedown but Menchaka sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Munanaposa somewhat.
Munanaposa fails with a takedown attempt.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Munanaposa doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Mitchell Menchaka will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Munanaposa clinches up with Menchaka and pushes him back against the cage.

Munanaposa breaks from the clinch.
Munanaposa fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

Munanaposa has taken the fight to the clinch.
Menchaka throws a head punch that misses.
Menchaka has a couple of punches blocked by Munanaposa.
Munanaposa has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Menchaka avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Munanaposa drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Menchaka gets the underhooks and prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for La Tigre Munanaposa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Munanaposa jumps guard but Menchaka turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Munanaposa has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Menchaka is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Menchaka tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Menchaka misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Munanaposa prevents a body shot from Menchaka.
Munanaposa tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Menchaka just stands there and leans against the cage.
Munanaposa is trying to push Menchaka away but Menchaka has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Menchaka prevents a takedown attempt there.

Munanaposa breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Munanaposa.
Munanaposa shoots in looking for a takedown. Menchaka tries to sprawl out of it but Munanaposa keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Menchaka manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Munanaposa goes for a double leg but Menchaka avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Menchaka continues to drive forward.
Munanaposa can't get the takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Munanaposa is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Menchaka to keep the fight standing.
Munanaposa blocks a body shot from Menchaka.
Menchaka misses with a punch to the body.
Menchaka lands a body shot in the clinch.
Menchaka swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Menchaka breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Menchaka slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Menchaka misses with a wild body shot.
Munanaposa looks for a takedown but Menchaka sprawls well.
Munanaposa takes one on the chin but seems OK.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Menchaka lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Menchaka connects with a right hand. Munanaposa shakes it off.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Munanaposa shoots in and drives through. Menchaka sprawls well.
Menchaka connects with a body shot.
Menchaka misses with a wild body shot.
Menchaka just misses with a punch to the body.
Mitchell Menchaka seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Menchaka misses with a body shot.
Menchaka misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Munanaposa.

Munanaposa drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Menchaka is looking for a sweep.
Menchaka manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Menchaka tries to pass the half guard into mount. Munanaposa knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Menchaka seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Munanaposa does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Munanaposa wants to get back to full guard.
Menchaka wants to lay and pray for a moment but Munanaposa keeps working.
Munanaposa is looking for a sweep. Menchaka is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Menchaka wants to take a breather but Munanaposa is having none of it.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Mitchell Menchaka.
Menchaka cracks Munanaposa with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.

Munanaposa closes the distance and clinches.

Munanaposa breaks the clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Menchaka. No joy for Munanaposa on that attempt.
Menchaka throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Menchaka lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Munanaposa circles away quickly and effectively.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Munanaposa.
Menchaka lands a jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mitchell Menchaka showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Menchaka looks to land a combination but Munanaposa avoids it well.
Menchaka misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Munanaposa.
Menchaka misses with a straight right.
Menchaka scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Munanaposa gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Menchaka.
Munanaposa moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Munanaposa is looking to clinch but Menchaka is avoiding it.
Menchaka misses the shot to the body.
Munanaposa shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Menchaka sprawls well. Menchaka wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Munanaposa gets slowly back to his feet.
Munanaposa is looking to clinch.
Menchaka jabs Munanaposa right on the nose. Munanaposa blinks but takes it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Donk. Menchaka catches Munanaposa right on the button with a cross.

Munanaposa is rocked!
Munanaposa needs to keep his hands up - Menchaka had a free shot at his head there.
Oh Munanaposa is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Munanaposa dodges the punch combination from Menchaka.
Menchaka throws the left hand but Munanaposa avoids the punch easily.
Menchaka stuffs the takedown.

Munanaposa looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Menchaka is adopting a defensive guard.
Munanaposa working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Menchaka manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Munanaposa seems to have got his legs back now.
Munanaposa is wriggling around trying to escape.
Munanaposa tries to lock up and control but Menchaka gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Munanaposa 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.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Munanaposa flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Still in half guard, Menchaka seems content to control.
Menchaka is keen to just control but Munanaposa is a slippery customer.
Menchaka with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Munanaposa controlling the position well.
Menchaka blocks the strikes from Munanaposa.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Mitchell Menchaka hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Menchaka thows a body shot but no joy.
Menchaka tests Munanaposa's chin there with a solid looking shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Munanaposa looks for a takedown but Menchaka sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for La Tigre Munanaposa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Munanaposa uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Menchaka.
La Tigre Munanaposa is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Munanaposa moves out of range as Menchaka strikes.
Menchaka misses with a hook.
Munanaposa closes this distance looking for a takedown but Menchaka circles away.
Nice straight punches there by Menchaka. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Menchaka.
Mitchell Menchaka is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Menchaka fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
La Tigre Munanaposa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Munanaposa slips under a jab.
Menchaka scores with a jab to the body.

Munanaposa drives through and clinches with Menchaka against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Munanaposa has clasped his hands together around Menchaka's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Munanaposa 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.
Menchaka being controlled for a moment.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Menchaka is looking to regain half guard here but Munanaposa keeps moving and retains side control.
Mitchell Menchaka is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
You can see the frustration on Menchaka's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Menchaka is looking to reverse the position.
Menchaka parries the strikes from Munanaposa easily there. Munanaposa is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Menchaka to escape.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Mitchell Menchaka.
I've got Menchaka 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Roger Salmon scores the fight 27:30
Judge Jeff Smith scores the fight 27:30
Judge Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mitchell Menchaka!
Mitchell Menchaka was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.