PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Hakkamunoi Phouthong (ranked 5504 p4p, 0 weight class) and Esteban Casillas (ranked 3300 p4p, 0 weight class). Esteban Casillas is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Phouthong
vs
Casillas

175 cm
25
157 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

178 cm
25
158 lbs
2 - 6 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Hakkamunoi Phouthong!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Esteban Casillas!
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, Jonathan Paton and Chad Campbell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Phouthong has managed to clinch.
Phouthong looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
Casillas scores with a nice hook to the head.
Casillas is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Phouthong pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Casillas tries to throw a body punch but Phouthong avoids it by throwing Casillas back against the cage.
Casillas is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Casillas changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Phouthong fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Phouthong is trying hard to land a takedown here. Casillas sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Casillas closes the distance but Phouthong moves to the side
and Phouthong counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Casillas thinking.
Phouthong misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Casillas throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Phouthong's waist but Phouthong gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Casillas off to one side.
Hakkamunoi Phouthong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Esteban Casillas.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Casillas is defended easily by Phouthong.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phouthong has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Phouthong there as he acknowledges the shot.
No luck for Casillas with that takedown attempt.
Phouthong throws a big counter combination but Casillas scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.

Casillas forces Phouthong back against the cage and clinches.

Phouthong's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Casillas clinches.
Phouthong has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Casillas tries to pull guard but Phouthong holds him up against the cage and eventually Casillas drops back down to his feet.
Casillas tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A frustrated look appears on Phouthong's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Phouthong cracks Casillas with a nice body shot.
Phouthong drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Casillas gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Casillas throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Phouthong tries to break free but Casillas pushes him back against the cage.
Casillas tries to pull guard but Phouthong won't allow it.
Casillas drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Phouthong gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Phouthong wants to stall.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phouthong is trying to break free.
Casillas is trying to pull guard but Phouthong turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

Casillas breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Casillas drives through and clinches with Phouthong against the cage.
Phouthong is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

Casillas pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Casillas.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Casillas shoots in for a double leg but Phouthong sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Phouthong swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Casillas counters with a three punch combo that has Phouthong backing up. Phouthong nods at Casillas to acknowledge the strikes.
Casillas shoots in but no luck this time.
Phouthong tries for a takedown but Casillas circles away easily
and Casillas counters with a lovely shot to the body.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Casillas.
Phouthong shoots in looking for a takedown but Casillas manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Phouthong's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Casillas fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Casillas throws a leg kick that misses.
Phouthong shoots in and drives through. Casillas sprawls well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Esteban Casillas dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Casillas tries to close the distance and clinch but Phouthong swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Casillas tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Phouthong connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Phouthong scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Casillas shoots in for a double leg but Phouthong sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Casillas tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Phouthong swivels and escapes.
Phouthong takes a shot to the body in his stride.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Casillas fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Hakkamunoi Phouthong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Esteban Casillas.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Casillas shoots in but Phouthong avoids the takedown attempt easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Casillas connects with a looping right hand.
Casillas fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Phouthong takes a swing at Casillas's ribcage but misses.
Casillas tries to counter with a clinch but Phouthong shakes him off and moves away.
Casillas fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Casillas tries to score a power double leg takedown but Phouthong sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Casillas somewhat.
Phouthong leaves Casillas with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Phouthong tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Casillas swivels and escapes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A good leg kick by Casillas.
Phouthong stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Phouthong wants it to stay on the feet.
Casillas tries a head kick but it misses.

Casillas shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Phouthong is trying to defend but Casillas finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Phouthong keeping hold of Casillas's head, controlling as best he can.
Casillas wants to take a breather but Phouthong is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phouthong trying to hold on to Casillas's head to control him but Casillas postures up.
Casillas is figuring out what he wants to do next.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Phouthong is looking to control Casillas's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Phouthong avoid being mounted?
Casillas throwing shots but Phouthong is blocking nicely.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Phouthong trying to control but Casillas postures up.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Casillas throws a head kick that misses.
Casillas misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Casillas looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Phouthong is fending him off so far but Casillas persists. Nope, Phouthong circles away and we're back to standing.
Phouthong darts in trying to clinch
and Casillas counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Casillas shoots in for a takedown but Phouthong shows good takedown defense.
Phouthong throws a quick counter kick to the body but Casillas avoids it.
A head kick by Phouthong misses
and Casillas counters with a series of strikes. Phouthong will be more careful next time no doubt.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Phouthong stuffs the takedown attempt from Casillas. Casillas gets slowly back to his feet.
Phouthong throws a right and a left that both miss.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Esteban Casillas will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Casillas closes the distance and pushes Phouthong back into the cage.
Phouthong tries to pull guard but Casillas won't allow it.
Phouthong taking a breather.
The referee calls for Casillas to work.
Casillas tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Phouthong just stands there and leans against the cage.

Casillas breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Casillas has a takedown stuffed.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Casillas changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Phouthong tries to avoid it but Casillas manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Phouthong to the ground. Phouthong escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Hakkamunoi Phouthong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Esteban Casillas.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Phouthong lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Casillas at a distance.
Hakkamunoi Phouthong is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Casillas tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Casillas throws a sloppy head kick and Phouthong moves out of range easily.

Phouthong closes the distance and clinches.
Casillas tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Phouthong just stands there and leans against the cage.

Phouthong jumps guard.
Casillas stopping the sweep attempt from Phouthong.
Phouthong is trying to control the position but Casillas postures up.
Phouthong is really struggling to control Casillas but he's trying to hold on to the position.

Phouthong is looking for a triangle but Casillas pushes his legs off easily.
Phouthong looking to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Casillas sitting in guard, not really doing much.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Casillas scores with a hook to the body. Phouthong takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Casillas fails with the takedown.
Phouthong tries to clinch there but Casillas circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Casillas closes the distance and clinches up with Phouthong, looking for a takedown. Casillas pushes Phouthong against the cage but Phouthong circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Phouthong tries for a takedown but Casillas circles away easily
and Casillas counters with a one-two to the body.
Casillas is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Phouthong rather than just go for the knockout.
Phouthong is looking to clinch.
Phouthong tries to clinch but Casillas is having none of it.
Casillas shoots in for a takedown but Phouthong shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Casillas circles away from the clinch attempt.
Casillas throws a push kick but Phouthong slaps the foot to one side.
Phouthong tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Casillas paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Phouthong shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Casillas cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Phouthong throws a head kick that misses.
Casillas scoring well with a low kick there.
Casillas is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Casillas throws a nice inside leg kick.
Casillas shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Phouthong as he avoids it easily.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Phouthong fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Casillas, pushing him back against the cage.
Casillas wants a takedown.
Hakkamunoi Phouthong has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Esteban Casillas is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Phouthong has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Casillas avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Esteban Casillas.
Well Casillas 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 Steve Montenegro scores the fight 29:28
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 27:30
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Esteban Casillas!