Almighty Fighting Championship 23 saw professional featherweight fighter Callum Mullen take another huge step in his young career and leave Barnsley the Almighty FC featherweight champion after submitting Nicolae Pirogan in the second round.
Nicolae Pirogan proved to be Mullen’s toughest test to date on paper. Still, with a packed Metrodome behind the Bradford boy, he passed with flying colours.
Callum Mullen vs Nicolae Pirogan
The fight started with both men in no rush to engage, respecting the power each other possessed. As Mullen usually does, he took control of the centre, bounced forward light on his feet utilising feints, and tried to set traps to lure Pirogan in.
Halfway through the first, both men continued to throw leather. With every exchange was a gasp of breath from those in attendance. Towards the end of the opening round, it was clear that the main event was on the podium for Fight of the Night. Mullen and Pirogran pursued to land heavy shots on one another to much delight of the crowd.
The second round started the same as the first, with Mullen looking to put pressure and strategically pick his shots. Due to some desperation and recklessness from Pirogan, Mullen took the fight to the mat. From there, it was the beginning of the end for Pirogan, who tasted defeat for the first time as a professional. Mullen was able to keep touching Pirogran on the ground, eventually waiting to latch onto the opening to secure a rear-naked choke.
Watch Mullen Put the Featherweights on Notice
Mullen turned to the professional ranks in 2018 and, to tell the truth, hasn’t put a foot wrong. The prospect has accumulated five back-to-back victories in the professional circuit, stopping all five of his opponents.
What’s next for Callum Mullen remains to be seen. If he stays on the path of destruction, it won’t be long until we see him at the pinnacle of the sport. A young man destined for success.
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Featured image credits to Dn4photography
