PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Michal Filipowicz (ranked 571 p4p, 80 weight class) and Kordell Bailey Sr. (ranked 2056 p4p, 259 weight class). Filipowicz comes to the cage accompanied by Duran Duran - The Wild Boys . Bailey Sr. is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Damian Marley - Road To Zion. 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.

Filipowicz
vs
Bailey Sr.

186 cm
29
195 lbs
18 - 9 - 0

173 cm
41
185 lbs
30 - 15 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

KOMBAT KLOTHING
424 Co.

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Michal Filipowicz!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Kordell Bailey Sr.!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Taro Takaoka and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice straight punches there by Filipowicz. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Filipowicz.
Bailey Sr. takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Bailey Sr. cracks Filipowicz with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Bailey Sr. misses with a wild body shot.
Bailey Sr. walks into a stiff left hand from Filipowicz.
Bailey Sr. has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Bailey Sr. throws out a loose jab but Filipowicz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Filipowicz takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Bailey Sr. lands with a good body shot.
Bailey Sr. lands a right hook to the body.
Bailey Sr. takes a swing at Filipowicz's ribcage but misses.
Filipowicz throws a sloppy head kick
letting Bailey Sr. counter with a right hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Bailey Sr. scores with a shot to the body.
Filipowicz defending well as Bailey Sr. loads up on a big left hand.
Bailey Sr. works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Filipowicz throws an overhand right that lands on Bailey Sr.'s shoulder, as Bailey Sr. tries to avoid the shot.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Filipowicz scores with a nice head shot.
We've been told by Filipowicz's head coaches at Blackscar Fitness that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Filipowicz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Bailey Sr. throws out the jab.
Bailey Sr. takes a swing at Filipowicz's ribcage but misses.
Bailey Sr. checks a leg kick nicely.
Bailey Sr. scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Bailey Sr. is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Filipowicz rather than just go for the knockout.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Bailey Sr. shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Filipowicz is trying to defend but Bailey Sr. finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Bailey Sr. is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Filipowicz has managed to free his arm - good work.
Bailey Sr. wants to pass to mount but Filipowicz is defending the position.
Bailey Sr. wants to lay and pray for a moment but Filipowicz keeps working.
Bailey Sr. wants to pass to mount but Filipowicz is defending the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bailey Sr. misses with a head shot. Filipowicz uses the momentum to regain guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bailey Sr. throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Filipowicz works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Bailey Sr. preventing the sweep.
Bailey Sr. engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Bailey Sr. makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Bailey Sr. controlling from the top position.
Bailey Sr. trying to control the position from guard on top but Filipowicz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bailey Sr. postures up in Filipowicz's guard and throws a big left but Filipowicz blocks it.
Bailey Sr. trying to control the position from guard on top but Filipowicz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
A big right from Bailey Sr. misses.
Filipowicz throws a push kick but Bailey Sr. slaps the foot to one side.
A solid leg kick lands there for Filipowicz.
Filipowicz with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Filipowicz rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Bailey Sr. counters with a lovely shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bailey Sr. throws a series of punches but Filipowicz moves out of range.
Bailey Sr. scores with a body shot.
Bailey Sr. wants to clinch up but Filipowicz keeps it at a distance.
Bailey Sr. feints a jab promting Filipowicz to slip. Bailey Sr. then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Filipowicz slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Filipowicz scores with a decent looking hook.
Bailey Sr. thuds a left hand into Filipowicz's body.
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!

Filipowicz has taken the fight to the clinch.
Filipowicz can't find room to land a body shot as Bailey Sr. controls the action.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Bailey Sr..
Filipowicz misses with a body punch.
Bailey Sr. lands with a right to the head.
Bailey Sr. is trying to stall.
Filipowicz struggles to land a body shot inside as Bailey Sr. controls his hands.
Filipowicz lands a hook that snaps the head of Bailey Sr. backwards.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Filipowicz.
Bailey Sr. tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Filipowicz's elbow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kordell Bailey Sr. dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Bailey Sr. dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Bailey Sr. throws a sloppy body shot
and Bailey Sr. takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
A shot to the body from Bailey Sr. misses
and Bailey Sr. takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Filipowicz is looking to clinch.
Bailey Sr. lands a body shot.
Filipowicz with a nice cross.
Bailey Sr. has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Bailey Sr. misses with a hook to the body
and Filipowicz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Filipowicz misses with an uppercut.
Nice defenses there by Bailey Sr..
Filipowicz loads up on a big right hand but Bailey Sr. slips the punch.
Filipowicz is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Filipowicz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Filipowicz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Bailey Sr. throws out the jab.
Filipowicz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Bailey Sr..
A telegraphed right hand from Filipowicz misses the target.
A big left from Bailey Sr. misses.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Filipowicz looks to land a body kick but Bailey Sr. moved away.

Filipowicz rushes Bailey Sr. and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Bailey Sr. leaning his opponent against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Filipowicz misses with a punch on the inside.
Bailey Sr. misses with a short punch on the inside.
Bailey Sr. tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Filipowicz's elbow.
Stalling in the clinch from Bailey Sr..
Bailey Sr. cracks Filipowicz with a nice body shot.
Bailey Sr. is trying to pull guard but Filipowicz has him pressed against the cage.

Bailey Sr. pulls guard successfully.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Bailey Sr. is on top in guard.

Bailey Sr. won't allow Filipowicz to sweep him here.
Bailey Sr. content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Filipowicz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Bailey Sr. is pushing down on Filipowicz's leg trying to pass to half guard. Filipowicz is fighting to maintain full guard but Bailey Sr. has managed to sneak the leg through.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bailey Sr. is looking to advance position but Filipowicz won't allow it.
Bailey Sr. not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Well, if Bailey Sr. is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.

Bailey Sr. is trying to work for a kimura but Filipowicz is defending well.
Bailey Sr. working over Filipowicz with some ground and pound. Filipowicz looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Filipowicz wants to control but Bailey Sr. is keeping busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bailey Sr. is pressing down on Filipowicz's thigh, looking to free his foot. Filipowicz is holding on for now.
Bailey Sr. is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bailey Sr. trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Bailey Sr. working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Bailey Sr. trying to control the position from guard on top but Filipowicz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Filipowicz has his hands on Bailey Sr.'s head, controlling the position.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Bailey Sr. throwing strikes from guard but Filipowicz blocks nicely.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Filipowicz takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Bailey Sr. throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bailey Sr. ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Filipowicz misses with an uppercut. Bailey Sr. saw that one coming.
Filipowicz drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Filipowicz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Bailey Sr..
The fighters circling - Bailey Sr. throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A looping hook to the body misses from Bailey Sr.. Filipowicz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Bailey Sr. blocks a jab.
Bailey Sr. throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kordell Bailey Sr. showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Nice body punch from Bailey Sr..
Filipowicz moves out of range of the strikes.
Bailey Sr. misses with an uppercut. Filipowicz saw that one coming.
Bailey Sr. swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Bailey Sr. misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Filipowicz.
Bailey Sr. has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Filipowicz.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Filipowicz.
Filipowicz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Bailey Sr. steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Filipowicz.
Filipowicz smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Filipowicz is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Filipowicz blocks a jab.
Filipowicz dips to his left and cracks Bailey Sr. with an uppercut!
A telegraphed right hand from Filipowicz misses the target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A looping hook to the body misses from Bailey Sr.. Filipowicz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Bailey Sr. lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Filipowicz lands a head kick!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Bailey Sr. gets the takedown into side control.
Bailey Sr. misses with an attempted head punch from side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Filipowicz takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.

Bailey Sr. tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Bailey Sr. has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Bailey Sr. wants to lay and pray for a moment but Filipowicz keeps working.
Filipowicz manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Bailey Sr. missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Bailey Sr. wants to advance to full mount but Filipowicz doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
Filipowicz keeping moving, preventing Bailey Sr. from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bailey Sr. lands a couple of digs.
Bailey Sr. trying to control the position from guard on top but Filipowicz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Filipowicz avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Bailey Sr. is looking to work some ground and pound but Filipowicz has wrist control.
Bailey Sr. looking to sit in guard and control but Filipowicz gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Bailey Sr. throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Filipowicz escapes and throws Bailey Sr.'s legs to the side, diving into side control!
Bailey Sr. is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bailey Sr. is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Bailey Sr. has a hand on Filipowicz's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Filipowicz takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Bailey Sr. tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Kordell Bailey Sr. has got the better of the ground game so far.
Bailey Sr. sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Filipowicz passes into side control, despite Bailey Sr.'s attempt to control the position.
Filipowicz trying to control the action but Bailey Sr. is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Bailey Sr.'s face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Bailey Sr. is looking to reverse the position.
Bailey Sr. is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Kordell Bailey Sr. just about did enough to take it.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Bailey Sr. steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Filipowicz.
Bailey Sr. misses with a hook to the body
and Filipowicz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Filipowicz connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Bailey Sr. momentarily.

Bailey Sr. has managed to clinch.
Bailey Sr. taking a breather.
Filipowicz avoiding damage.
Filipowicz prevents a takedown attempt there.
Bailey Sr. blocking some punches.
Bailey Sr. goes for a takedown attempt but Filipowicz pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Bailey Sr. throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A looping hook to the body misses from Bailey Sr.. Filipowicz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Bailey Sr. jabs Filipowicz to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Bailey Sr. is looking to clinch.
Filipowicz lands a head kick. Bailey Sr. smiles back at him and beckons him forward.

Bailey Sr. rushes Filipowicz and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bailey Sr. looking to control.
Bailey Sr. looking to control but Filipowicz passes into half guard.
Bailey Sr. is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Filipowicz's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Filipowicz's back!
Bailey Sr. has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.

Bailey Sr. looking for the choke but no joy.

Filipowicz is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Bailey Sr. gets his way!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Filipowicz is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
I would not like to be Filipowicz right now.
Will Bailey Sr. go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Filipowicz has his hands over his head blocking the strikes from Bailey Sr..
Filipowicz covering up well and avoiding damage.
Bailey Sr. scores with punches and elbows.
Bailey Sr. tries to keep control of the position but Filipowicz is staying busy.
Bailey Sr. has good solid back control here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Filipowicz trying to control the action but Bailey Sr. just sinks the hooks in.
Bailey Sr. tries to keep control of the position but Filipowicz is staying busy.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bailey Sr. lands a shot to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kordell Bailey Sr. dominated that fourth round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Bailey Sr. throws a right and a left that both miss.
Filipowicz misses with a straight left.
Kordell Bailey Sr. seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Bailey Sr. moves in looking to clinch but Filipowicz pushes him off.
Filipowicz misses with a wild body shot.
Bailey Sr. fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Filipowicz on the side of the head.
Filipowicz throws a body shot but no joy.
Filipowicz misses with an uppercut. Bailey Sr. saw that one coming.
Filipowicz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Filipowicz tries to clinch there but Bailey Sr. circles away.
Filipowicz misses with a looping right.
Filipowicz throws a head kick that misses
and Bailey Sr. connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bailey Sr. scores with a shot to the body.
Bailey Sr. scores with a jab to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Bailey Sr.. Filipowicz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Filipowicz throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Filipowicz connects with a body shot.
Bailey Sr. tries to close the distance and clinch but Filipowicz swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Filipowicz is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Bailey Sr..
Bailey Sr. let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Filipowicz lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Bailey Sr. is looking to clinch.
As Bailey Sr. looks to move away, Filipowicz throws a big counter combo but Bailey Sr. just gets out of the way.
Bailey Sr. with a body punch. A glancing blow.

Bailey Sr. closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Bailey Sr. missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Bailey Sr. landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Bailey Sr. stalling away here and it's allowed Filipowicz to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Filipowicz will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Bailey Sr. wants to pass the guard but Filipowicz is keeping the position.
Bailey Sr. passes Filipowicz's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Filipowicz tries to get to full guard but Bailey Sr. has control of the leg.

Bailey Sr. is working for an americana but Filipowicz has been sneaky and has managed to get back to half guard, whilst Bailey Sr. was thinking about the submission.
Bailey Sr. tries to free his leg and advance position but Filipowicz is retaining full guard.
Filipowicz wants to sweep here but Bailey Sr. controlling him for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bailey Sr. throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Filipowicz works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Bailey Sr. trying to control the position from guard on top but Filipowicz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Filipowicz controlling the position.
Bailey Sr. forces his way into half guard.
Bailey Sr. is keen to just control but Filipowicz is a slippery customer.

Bailey Sr. seems to be looking for submissions.
Bailey Sr. drops an elbow to the side of Filipowicz's head.
Michal Filipowicz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kordell Bailey Sr. is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Bailey Sr. wants to free his trapped foot but Filipowicz is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Bailey Sr. slows the pace down in half guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Nice straight punches there by Bailey Sr.. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Bailey Sr..
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Filipowicz takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Bailey Sr. uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Filipowicz.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kordell Bailey Sr. comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Bailey Sr. winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 46:50
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 46:50
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kordell Bailey Sr.!
Kordell Bailey Sr. is the new middleweight champion!
Kordell Bailey Sr. seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.