PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Joe Bailey (ranked 3483 p4p, 362 weight class) and Alex Polyanskiy (ranked 3273 p4p, 346 weight class). Bailey's entrance music is Go Hard Or Go Home. A fine choice. Polyanskiy has chosen Oxxxymiron - Signs of life as his entrance music. Alex Polyanskiy is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Bailey
vs
Polyanskiy

177 cm
33
166 lbs
25 - 13 - 0

169 cm
30
158 lbs
12 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

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 25 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Joe Bailey!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 11 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alex Polyanskiy!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Stewart Dunkirk and Tiny Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bailey throws a push kick but Polyanskiy slaps the foot to one side.
A solid leg kick lands there for Bailey.
Bailey connects with a leg kick. Polyanskiy looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Polyanskiy connects with a nice looking jab.
Bailey scores with a push kick.
We've been hearing reports that Bailey has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Polyanskiy keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Bailey throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Bailey swings for the body but Polyanskiy moves out of range.
Bailey blocks a head kick by Polyanskiy.
Bailey slaps away a takedown attempt from Polyanskiy, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Bailey defending well as Polyanskiy loads up on a big left hand.
Bailey scores with a one two! Polyanskiy had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Bailey throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Bailey swings for the body but Polyanskiy moves out of range.
Polyanskiy changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Polyanskiy misses the jab.
Bailey throws a big counter combination but Polyanskiy scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Bailey misses with a double jab.
Polyanskiy throws out a loose jab but Bailey uses good head movement to avoid it.
Bailey on the wrong end of a nice jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Polyanskiy lunges at Bailey with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Bailey's hand.
Polyanskiy lands with a cross.
Bailey scores with a hook.
Bailey throws a leg kick that misses.
Bailey throws a series of strikes that have Polyanskiy backpedaling.
Bailey fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Bailey throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Polyanskiy is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Bailey throws a right and a left that both miss.
Bailey stuffs the takedown attempt from Polyanskiy. Polyanskiy gets slowly back to his feet.
Nice shot by Bailey.
Bailey throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Polyanskiy.
And Polyanskiy tries to counter it with a takedown but Bailey pushes his down on his head and steps out.
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!
Bailey scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Polyanskiy showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Bailey.
Joe Bailey is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bailey lands a body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bailey scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
A shot to the liver by Polyanskiy. Beautiful body shot.
Bailey uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Polyanskiy has time to react.
Joe Bailey seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Polyanskiy connects with a good right hand that stumbles Bailey. Bailey circles away out of range and recomposes himself.

Polyanskiy shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Bailey is trying to defend but Polyanskiy finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
The fighters are battling for position here. Bailey manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Polyanskiy seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Polyanskiy looking to pass the guard.

Polyanskiy drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Bailey dives on top into guard.

Bailey has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Polyanskiy is proving hard to escape from.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Bailey got a little sloppy there for a moment and Polyanskiy has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Bailey has managed to get both his arms back between Polyanskiy's legs - danger averted.

Polyanskiy working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Bailey doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Bailey manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Bailey postures up.
Bailey would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Bailey trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Bailey postures up.

Polyanskiy looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Polyanskiy throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Polyanskiy escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Bailey gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Bailey would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Polyanskiy has his foot on Bailey's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Bailey works his way back into a safe position though.

Polyanskiy has an active guard here but Bailey has managed to pass into half guard.
Bailey controlling the pace.

Polyanskiy actively working from the bottom here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joe Bailey dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Bailey tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Polyanskiy was well out of range. Poor timing from Bailey.
Bailey is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Polyanskiy can do to turn this around?
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Polyanskiy is defended easily by Bailey.
A jab from Polyanskiy misses.
Bailey throws a right and a left that Polyanskiy avoids nicely.
Bailey feints and then cracks Polyanskiy's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Polyanskiy down.
Bailey slips a straight right by Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Polyanskiy avoids a punch combination nicely.
Polyanskiy throws an off balance right hand
and Bailey makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Horrible takedown attempt by Polyanskiy or perhaps it was just good defense by Bailey, which made it look bad.
Bailey throws a big counter combination but Polyanskiy scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Bailey is looking to wear down Polyanskiy with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bailey misses with an attempted mid kick.
Joe Bailey is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A looping hook to the body misses from Bailey. Polyanskiy does a little dance to reset his feet.
Polyanskiy with the counter takedown but Bailey avoids it easily.
Bailey lands a really nice looking cross but Polyanskiy seems unphased.
Bailey throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Polyanskiy looks to throw the jab but Bailey is out of range.
Bailey walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Polyanskiy might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Polyanskiy connects with a single shot there.
Bailey throws a series of punches but Polyanskiy moves out of range.
Polyanskiy waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Bailey.
Bailey attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Polyanskiy throws out a loose jab but Bailey uses good head movement to avoid it.

Polyanskiy gets the takedown into side control.

Polyanskiy working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Polyanskiy swings around for an armbar but Bailey sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Polyanskiy's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Polyanskiy is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Bailey wants to stand but Polyanskiy has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bailey controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

Polyanskiy is looking for a triangle here but Bailey uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Polyanskiy wants to control but Bailey postures up.

Bailey stands up and beckons Polyanskiy to his feet.
Nice body kick from Bailey.
Polyanskiy connects with a looping right hand.
Polyanskiy misses with a hook. Bailey ducked under it nicely.
Bailey defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Polyanskiy.
It looked like Bailey was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Joe Bailey has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alex Polyanskiy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Polyanskiy blocks a low kick nicely.
Bailey throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Bailey cracks Polyanskiy with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Bailey moves out of range of the body kick from Polyanskiy.
Bailey throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Polyanskiy drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Bailey defends it well.
Bailey throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Polyanskiy will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Bailey is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Bailey lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Bailey will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Bailey uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Polyanskiy.
Joe Bailey is winning the standup battle so far.
Polyanskiy throws a body shot but no joy.
Bailey scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Bailey blocks a head kick by Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy lands a jab to the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Polyanskiy misses with an uppercut.
A jab from Polyanskiy misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A left lands for Bailey.
Bailey just misses with a punch to the body.
Polyanskiy throws a sloppy head kick and Bailey moves out of range easily.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Bailey lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Polyanskiy has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Polyanskiy and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Bailey throws out a leg kick but Polyanskiy moves out of range and Bailey only half commits.
Polyanskiy jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Polyanskiy takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Polyanskiy ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bailey moves away.
Bailey misses with a few strikes there.
Bailey rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Polyanskiy moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Bailey has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Bailey there as he acknowledges the shot.
Polyanskiy tries to score with a low kick but Bailey moves his leg out of the way.
As Polyanskiy backs away, Bailey returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Bailey slaps away a takedown attempt from Polyanskiy, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Bailey throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Bailey connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Polyanskiy takes a swing at Bailey's ribcage but misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joe Bailey dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Polyanskiy gets a double leg takedown into Bailey's guard.
Polyanskiy trying to control but Bailey is working from the bottom.
Bailey 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.

Polyanskiy has gone for a leg lock! Bailey slips out almost immediately though and dives into Polyanskiy's guard.

Polyanskiy looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Polyanskiy looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Bailey has picked Polyanskiy up and slammed him! Polyanskiy can't keep hold of the triangle and Bailey manages to pass to side control!

Bailey has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Bailey throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bailey fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Polyanskiy manages to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Bailey lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Polyanskiy has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Polyanskiy and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Polyanskiy loads up on a big right hand but Bailey slips the punch.
Polyanskiy misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Polyanskiy misses with a wild body shot.
Bailey fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
A swing and a miss from Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy slips a jab and a cross from Bailey.
Polyanskiy misses the shot to the body.
Bailey fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Polyanskiy on the side of the head.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Bailey lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Polyanskiy has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Polyanskiy and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Polyanskiy checks a leg kick.
Bailey lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Bailey tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Polyanskiy tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Polyanskiy scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Polyanskiy throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Polyanskiy moves out of range of the body kick from Bailey.
Bailey ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Polyanskiy moves away.
Alex Polyanskiy has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Bailey throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Bailey throws a series of punches but Polyanskiy moves out of range.
Polyanskiy throws a body shot but no joy.
Bailey misses with a two punch combination.
Bailey throws a hook but Polyanskiy blocks it.
Nice shot lands for Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy misses with a straight right.
Polyanskiy dives in and grabs Bailey's left leg, looking for a takedown. Bailey pushes down on Polyanskiy's head and hops out.
Polyanskiy throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bailey is looking to counter punch.
Bailey lands a jab to the head.
Bailey displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Polyanskiy throws out the jab.
Bailey throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Bailey thuds a left hand into Polyanskiy's body.
Bailey stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Bailey wants it to stay on the feet.
Polyanskiy takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Bailey lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Polyanskiy circles away quickly and effectively.
Bailey throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A big right from Polyanskiy misses.
Bailey is looking to counter the offense by Polyanskiy and move into the clinch.
Bailey misses with a wild combination.
Polyanskiy changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Polyanskiy chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Bailey can pounce on him.
Polyanskiy checks a low kick from Bailey.
Bailey connects with a good right hand that stumbles Polyanskiy. Polyanskiy circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Polyanskiy rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Bailey counters with a nice uppercut.
Bailey lands with an uppercut that bounces Polyanskiy off the cage and back into range.
Bailey will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Horrible takedown attempt by Polyanskiy or perhaps it was just good defense by Bailey, which made it look bad.
Joe Bailey has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alex Polyanskiy.
Bailey avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Polyanskiy tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Polyanskiy misses with an uppercut. Bailey saw that one coming.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Polyanskiy throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Bailey sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Polyanskiy misses with a wild body shot.
Polyanskiy's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Bailey connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Polyanskiy scrambles back to his feet.
Joe Bailey is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Bailey throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bailey throws a right and a left that both miss.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bailey digs a good hook to Polyanskiy's body.
The fighters circling - Bailey throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Polyanskiy avoids a punch combination nicely.
Polyanskiy dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Polyanskiy takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Polyanskiy pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Bailey is looking to slow Polyanskiy down with leg kicks.
Bailey uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy misses with a hook

and Bailey counters with a takedown into side control.

And that's the end of the fight!
Joe Bailey showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Bailey has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 30:27
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joe Bailey!
Joe Bailey was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.