PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Arai Shuji (ranked 2860 p4p, 4093 weight class) and Felipe Hoover (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.

Shuji
vs
Hoover

175 cm
16
153
0 - 0 - 0

180 cm
21
145
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Arai Shuji!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Felipe Hoover!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Shimada, Yuuki Gou and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Hoover clinches up with Shuji and pushes him back against the cage.
Shuji stalling.
Hoover looking for a takedown.
Hoover tries to score a body lock takedown but Shuji shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Hoover blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

Hoover ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Hoover no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Hoover 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.
Hoover lands a couple of shots from the bottom.
Shuji wants to control from the top but Hoover keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hoover lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Hoover stays in close to Shuji's body and controls the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hoover passes into half guard.
Hoover takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

Hoover seems to be working for a kimura but Shuji defends the submission attempt.
Hoover thows a huge punch but Shuji dodges it nicely.
Nice strikes from Hoover there.
Hoover has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Shuji has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Hoover is working away from the top position though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shuji is trying to stand up here but Hoover is controlling him well.

Shuji manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Hoover keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
Hoover lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Shuji.
Hoover wants a takedown but no success here.
Arai Shuji has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Felipe Hoover.

Hoover gets control of Shuji's arms and successfully pulls guard. Hoover will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

Shuji is trying to tuck his arms in to keep them safe but Hoover has managed to isolate one of them and has got a loose triangle. Shuji is looking to defend but Hoover has done well to lock his legs together - this could be big trouble for Shuji! Hoover pulls down on the head and a little smile comes across his face - he knows he's got it. Yep, Shuji taps out and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Felipe Hoover!
A very excited looking Felipe Hoover rambled incoherently for about 5 minutes post fight about how awesome he is. It was kinda funny for a while but then everyone got annoyed.