PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Menda Sushi (ranked 3985 p4p, 2843 weight class) and Andrew Callaghan Iii (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Sushi
vs
Callaghan Iii

184 cm
25
180
0 - 0 - 0

180 cm
25
170
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Menda Sushi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Andrew Callaghan Iii!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Shigeki Sano and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Callaghan Iii misses with a takedown

and Sushi counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Sushi.
Sushi is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Callaghan Iii pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Sushi taking a breather.

Sushi decides to pull guard.
Callaghan Iii trying to control the position from guard on top but Sushi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sushi is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Callaghan Iii stopping the sweep attempt from Sushi.
Sushi is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Sushi wants to get back to his feet but Callaghan Iii is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Callaghan Iii working some strikes from top position.
Callaghan Iii stays in close to Sushi's body and controls the position.

Callaghan Iii stands up from Sushi's guard - Callaghan Iii perhaps looking for a knockout.
Callaghan Iii looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Sushi goes for a double leg but Callaghan Iii avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Callaghan Iii continues to drive forward.
Callaghan Iii is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Sushi with a body shot.
Callaghan Iii digs a right hand underneath Sushi's ribcage. Sushi let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Callaghan Iii wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Callaghan Iii is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Sushi pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Menda Sushi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Andrew Callaghan Iii.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sushi is trying to pull guard but Callaghan Iii has him pressed against the cage.
Callaghan Iii goes for a takedown in the clinch but Sushi prevents it.

Callaghan Iii manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Sushi trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Sushi got a little sloppy there for a moment and Callaghan Iii has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Sushi has managed to get both his arms back between Callaghan Iii's legs - danger averted.
Sushi passes into half guard.
Callaghan Iii is trying to maintain the position but Sushi is very close to passing his half guard.
Sushi sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Callaghan Iii defending well though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sushi seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Callaghan Iii does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Sushi decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.

Sushi closes the distance and pushes Callaghan Iii back into the cage.
Callaghan Iii blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Sushi is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Sushi jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Callaghan Iii walks away with a smile on his face. Sushi gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Callaghan Iii tries to close the distance and clinch up but Sushi swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Callaghan Iii rushes Sushi and presses him up against the cage.

Sushi's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Callaghan Iii tries for a takedown but Sushi sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Callaghan Iii takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
No luck for Sushi with that takedown attempt.
Callaghan Iii closes this distance looking for a takedown but Sushi circles away.
Sushi throws a big counter combination but Callaghan Iii scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Sushi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Callaghan Iii fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Callaghan Iii looks winded!
Sushi throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

It looks like Andrew Callaghan Iii has been cut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Callaghan Iii tries to clinch there but Sushi circles away.

Callaghan Iii closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Sushi quickly recovers to half guard.
Sushi keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Menda Sushi dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Andrew Callaghan Iii's cut.
That's time! Sushi's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Callaghan Iii fails with a takedown attempt.
Callaghan Iii tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Sushi manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Sloppy strikes from Callaghan Iii. Those never looked like landing.
Sushi fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Sushi dives in for a single leg takedown but Callaghan Iii sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Callaghan Iii looking to stall.
Sushi keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Callaghan Iii's efforts to push away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Callaghan Iii tries to land a knee to the head but Sushi blocks with his arms.
Sushi is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Callaghan Iii gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Menda Sushi. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Sushi breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sushi lands with a kick to the temple. Callaghan Iii shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Callaghan Iii shoots in looking for a takedown but Sushi manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Callaghan Iii's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Callaghan Iii gets the takedown into side control.

Sushi throws Callaghan Iii to one side and escapes!
Callaghan Iii fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Sushi avoids it really well and circles away.
Callaghan Iii is breathing heavily.
Callaghan Iii tries a head kick but it misses.
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!
A left and a right from Sushi both land. Nice combination.
Sushi dives in for a single leg takedown but Callaghan Iii sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Sushi on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sushi goes for a takedown attempt but Callaghan Iii pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Sushi gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Sushi manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Callaghan Iii trying to control the position from guard on top but Sushi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Sushi working for submissions but it's allowed Callaghan Iii to get to half guard.
Sushi is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Callaghan Iii lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Callaghan Iii is thwarting Sushi's attempts to control the position.
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. Callaghan Iii connects with a nice short shot to Sushi's temple.
Sushi is trying to control but can't.
Sushi is trying to stand back up but Callaghan Iii is controlling him

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Callaghan Iii is nestled in close to Sushi, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Callaghan Iii wants to stand up but Sushi is controlling the position.
Callaghan Iii not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Callaghan Iii wants to lay and pray for a moment but Sushi keeps working.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Callaghan Iii misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Callaghan Iii throws a body punch but Sushi moves out of range.
Callaghan Iii shoots in looking for a takedown. Sushi tries to sprawl out of it but Callaghan Iii keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Sushi manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Menda Sushi dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Andrew Callaghan Iii's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Sushi shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Callaghan Iii as he jumps to the side.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Callaghan Iii pulls guard.
Sushi is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Callaghan Iii can do to turn this around?
Sushi stays in close to Callaghan Iii's body and controls the position.
Callaghan Iii is trying to control the position but Sushi postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sushi in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Callaghan Iii is working an open guard so Sushi takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Callaghan Iii misses with a body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Callaghan Iii fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Sushi shoots for a double leg takedown but Callaghan Iii sprawls well. He's pushed Sushi's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Sushi circles away from the clinch attempt.
Sushi is trying hard to land a takedown here. Callaghan Iii sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Callaghan Iii appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Menda Sushi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nice takedown defense from Sushi. No joy for Callaghan Iii on that attempt.
Sushi tries to score a power double leg takedown but Callaghan Iii sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Sushi somewhat.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Callaghan Iii shoots in for a takedown but Sushi shows good takedown defense.
Sushi tries to clinch but Callaghan Iii moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sushi stuffs the takedown attempt from Callaghan Iii. Callaghan Iii gets slowly back to his feet.
Sushi tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Callaghan Iii manages to circle out of the way.
Callaghan Iii lands with an overhand left.

Sushi gets a clinch.

Sushi's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Callaghan Iii tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Sushi defends well and Callaghan Iii ends up having to push Sushi into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Callaghan Iii looks for a takedown but Sushi sprawls well.
Sushi fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Callaghan Iii.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sushi darts in looking for a takedown but Callaghan Iii gets double underhooks and turns Sushi into the cage.
Sushi drops down looking for an ankle pick but Callaghan Iii pulls his leg out and moves away.
Sushi fails with an attempt to clinch.
Callaghan Iii swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Menda Sushi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Callaghan Iii leaves Sushi with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Callaghan Iii tries for a takedown but Sushi sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Callaghan Iii is trying hard to land a takedown here. Sushi sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Sushi digs a good body shot into Callaghan Iii's ribs.
Sushi shoots in looking for a takedown but Callaghan Iii manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Sushi's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Callaghan Iii steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Sushi.
Sushi shoots in for a double leg but Callaghan Iii sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Callaghan Iii avoids the head kick by Sushi.
Callaghan Iii lands a right hook to the body.
Sushi throws a right and a left that Callaghan Iii avoids nicely.
Callaghan Iii tries to clinch there but Sushi circles away.
Sushi tries to bum rush Callaghan Iii with a series of wild strikes but Callaghan Iii uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Callaghan Iii throws a counter combo.
Sushi slaps away a takedown attempt from Callaghan Iii, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Sushi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Sushi rushes Callaghan Iii and presses him up against the cage.
Sushi tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Callaghan Iii just stands there and leans against the cage.
Andrew Callaghan Iii has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Menda Sushi is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Sushi blocking some punches.

And that's the end of the fight!
Menda Sushi showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Sushi, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 30:27
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Menda Sushi!