PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Kyoji Horiguchi (ranked 2432 p4p, 205 weight class) and Alton Newcastle (ranked 2356 p4p, 202 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Horiguchi
vs
Newcastle

164 cm
40
145 lbs
33 - 22 - 2

170 cm
40
148 lbs
27 - 27 - 2

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class MT
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 33 - 22 - 2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Kyoji Horiguchi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 27 - 2, fighting out of Tokyo, Alton Newcastle!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Timothy Bukovac and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Newcastle throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Horiguchi counters with a straight right hand.
Newcastle throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A counter left hand to the body from Horiguchi misses its target.
Newcastle's coach down at Tōshi was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Newcastle's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Horiguchi misses with a straight right.
Newcastle misses with a right hand
and Newcastle takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Newcastle misses with a looping left.
Horiguchi misses with a hook.
Newcastle missing with a left hand there. Horiguchi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Horiguchi throws a big counter combination but Newcastle scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Horiguchi throws a hook but Newcastle blocks it.
Newcastle lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.

It looks like Kyoji Horiguchi has been cut.
Newcastle throws an off balance right hand
and Horiguchi counters with a left to the body.

Newcastle drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Horiguchi wants to sweep but no luck.
Horiguchi is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Horiguchi looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Newcastle is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Horiguchi's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Horiguchi's back!
Horiguchi trying to control the position but Newcastle manages to sink in the hooks.

Newcastle is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
We've been hearing good reports from Horiguchi'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.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Newcastle has both hooks in and is working for a choke. Horiguchi is in real trouble here. Newcastle gets an arm under the chin and tightens the submission attempt... is this the end? Yes, Horiguchi is tapping out! Newcastle wins by rear naked choke!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:22 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Alton Newcastle!
Alton Newcastle seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.