PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Andy LaPlaguea (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Igor Szalanski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

LaPlaguea
vs
Szalanski

175 cm
23
135 lbs
5 - 5 - 0

175 cm
21
130 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Team S.W.A.T.

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Andy LaPlaguea!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Igor Szalanski!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Wesley Smith and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Szalanski throws a right and a left that LaPlaguea avoids nicely.
LaPlaguea swats away the attempt to clinch by Szalanski.
Left hook, right uppercut from Szalanski.
LaPlaguea throws a nice looking combination but Szalanski bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
LaPlaguea tries a low kick but Szalanski avoids it.
Szalanski tries to clinch but LaPlaguea is having none of it.
LaPlaguea tries a head kick but it misses.
Igor Szalanski seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
LaPlaguea avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Szalanski throws a lazy head kick

and LaPlaguea counters by moving into the clinch.
LaPlaguea really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
LaPlaguea can't find room to land a body shot as Szalanski controls the action.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Szalanski breaks the clinch.
LaPlaguea fails with a takedown attempt.

LaPlaguea gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

LaPlaguea is working an open guard so Szalanski takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
LaPlaguea looks to clinch

and Szalanski counters by clinching up.
Come on Szalanski - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Szalanski goes for a takedown in the clinch but LaPlaguea prevents it.

Szalanski manages to break the clinch.
Szalanski shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts LaPlaguea as he jumps to the side.
Szalanski doesn't manage to clinch there - LaPlaguea circles away.
LaPlaguea misses with a series of wild punches.
Szalanski is looking to clinch.
LaPlaguea tries to clinch but Szalanski moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Szalanski tries to clinch up.
LaPlaguea wants to clinch up but Szalanski keeps it at a distance.
LaPlaguea misses with a takedown attempt - Szalanski sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
LaPlaguea is breathing heavily.

Szalanski gets a clinch.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
LaPlaguea wants to break the clinch but can't.
Szalanski leaning his opponent against the cage.
Szalanski digs a right hand into LaPlaguea's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on LaPlaguea's gas tank.
LaPlaguea letting Szalanski take a breather here.
Szalanski landing some nice looking knees to the body.

Szalanski has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics LaPlaguea uses from the top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Szalanski tries to strike from the bottom.
LaPlaguea postures up.
LaPlaguea wanted to stand there but Szalanski had control of the position.
Szalanski tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Szalanski is working an open guard so LaPlaguea takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Szalanski wants to clinch but LaPlaguea slips to the side
and LaPlaguea counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

Szalanski clinches up against the cage.
LaPlaguea tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Szalanski smiles and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Andy LaPlaguea. That's going to take a lot out of him.
LaPlaguea will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
LaPlaguea misses with a series of wild punches.
Szalanski tries to clinch up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Szalanski throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
LaPlaguea shoots for a double leg takedown but Szalanski sprawls well. He's pushed LaPlaguea's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Szalanski throws a push kick but LaPlaguea slaps the foot to one side.
LaPlaguea moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

Szalanski is rocked!

It looks like Igor Szalanski has been cut.
Szalanski takes a shot right to the bread basket.
LaPlaguea tries to clinch there but Szalanski circles away.
Szalanski stuffs the takedown attempt from LaPlaguea. LaPlaguea gets slowly back to his feet.
LaPlaguea slips a jab and a cross from Szalanski.
LaPlaguea throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Szalanski is still on wobbly legs! Can LaPlaguea finish him?
Szalanski tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
LaPlaguea circles away from the clinch attempt
and LaPlaguea counters with a series of strikes. Szalanski will be more careful next time no doubt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Andy LaPlaguea will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Igor Szalanski's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Szalanski tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Szalanski seems to have recovered his senses.
Szalanski swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Szalanski moves into range and clinches up with LaPlaguea.

LaPlaguea breaks from the clinch.
Szalanski misses with a wild combination.
Szalanski tries to clinch up but LaPlaguea circles away and keeps his distance.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from LaPlaguea.
LaPlaguea fails to land the takedown.
LaPlaguea throws a series of punches but Szalanski moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
LaPlaguea misses with the combination.
Szalanski tries to clinch but LaPlaguea is having none of it.
Andy LaPlaguea is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
LaPlaguea swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Szalanski counters by moving into the clinch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Szalanski breaks the clinch.
LaPlaguea wants to clinch

and Szalanski counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Szalanski.
Szalanski pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. LaPlaguea is keeping the position for now.

Szalanski gets to his feet. LaPlaguea looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Szalanski moves into the clinch.
Szalanski is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Szalanski stalls.
LaPlaguea wants to get back to striking at distance but Szalanski won't allow it.
LaPlaguea tries for a takedown but Szalanski manages to get underhooks.
LaPlaguea is trying to break the clinch but Szalanski has him pressed against the cage.
Szalanski tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

LaPlaguea manages to break the clinch.
Szalanski is looking to clinch but LaPlaguea is avoiding it.
Szalanski closes the distance and clinches up with LaPlaguea, looking for a takedown. Szalanski pushes LaPlaguea against the cage but LaPlaguea circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Andy LaPlaguea has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Igor Szalanski.
LaPlaguea misses with a double jab
and Szalanski counters with a three punch combo that has LaPlaguea backing up. LaPlaguea nods at Szalanski to acknowledge the strikes.
Szalanski fails with the takedown

and LaPlaguea moves into the clinch.
LaPlaguea wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
LaPlaguea is trying to break free.
LaPlaguea doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Szalanski tries for a takedown but LaPlaguea manages to get underhooks.

LaPlaguea breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Szalanski tries to clinch up but LaPlaguea circles away and keeps his distance.

Szalanski takes the fight into the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
LaPlaguea stops a takedown attempt from Szalanski.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Szalanski tries for a takedown. No joy.

Szalanski turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Szalanski tries to score with some ground and pound. LaPlaguea controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Szalanski working the strikes but LaPlaguea uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
LaPlaguea is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Szalanski throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Szalanski decides to stand up.

LaPlaguea moves into range and clinches up with Szalanski.
Szalanski tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. LaPlaguea just stands there and leans against the cage.
LaPlaguea is trying to break free.

Szalanski wants the takedown. LaPlaguea is fighting it off but Szalanski persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in LaPlaguea's guard against the cage.

LaPlaguea looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Szalanski accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

LaPlaguea escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Szalanski gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Szalanski throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Szalanski trying to control but LaPlaguea is working from the bottom.

LaPlaguea is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
This has been an exciting period of action!
LaPlaguea wants to stand but Szalanski is controlling the position.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Szalanski postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
LaPlaguea is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Igor Szalanski showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Igor Szalanski's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Szalanski will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Szalanski shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Szalanski was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
LaPlaguea tries to reverse the position but Szalanski maintains control.
Szalanski trying to control but he's not successful this time.
LaPlaguea manages to regain half guard. Good work.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Szalanski stops LaPlaguea from getting back to his feet.
Szalanski wants to lay and pray for a moment but LaPlaguea keeps working.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
LaPlaguea tries to kick Szalanski off but Szalanski keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

LaPlaguea actively working from the bottom here.

LaPlaguea makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
LaPlaguea throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
LaPlaguea moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Szalanski fails with a takedown attempt.
LaPlaguea keeps the fight on the outside.
Szalanski has his takedown stuffed

and LaPlaguea counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Andy LaPlaguea has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Igor Szalanski.
Szalanski manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. LaPlaguea manages to get himself to full guard.
LaPlaguea keeping moving, preventing Szalanski from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

LaPlaguea pushes Szalanski off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Donk. Szalanski catches LaPlaguea right on the button with a cross.
Szalanski is looking to clinch.
The crowd cheers as Szalanski lands an impressive looking overhand right. LaPlaguea doesn't seem phased though.
A solid leg kick lands there for Szalanski.
Szalanski looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
LaPlaguea closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Szalanski circles away from the clinch attempt.
LaPlaguea throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Szalanski looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Szalanski takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
LaPlaguea swats away the attempt to clinch by Szalanski.

Szalanski shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Szalanski showed some decent athleticism there.

Szalanski stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows LaPlaguea to get to his feet.
Szalanski shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with LaPlaguea but LaPlaguea pushes him off and we're back to square one.

LaPlaguea drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Szalanski bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in LaPlaguea's guard.
Szalanski throws a strike but LaPlaguea rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
LaPlaguea slips nicely into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

LaPlaguea decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.
Szalanski showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from LaPlaguea.
LaPlaguea changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Szalanski tries to avoid it but LaPlaguea manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Szalanski to the ground. Szalanski escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
LaPlaguea misses with an attempted mid kick.
Szalanski thuds his shin into the meat of LaPlaguea's side.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Szalanski fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with LaPlaguea, pushing him back against the cage.
LaPlaguea wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Szalanski wants a takedown.
Szalanski with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

Szalanski drags the fight down to the ground.
Szalanski wants to sweep here but LaPlaguea controlling him for the moment.

And that's the end of the fight!
Andy LaPlaguea showed his dominance in that final round.
I think LaPlaguea has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 George Francis scores the fight 29:28
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 29:28
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Andy LaPlaguea!