PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Nobu Sanada (ranked 5034 p4p, 470 weight class) and Alex Polyanskiy (ranked 2699 p4p, 287 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Polyanskiy's choice of entrance music: Oxxxymiron - Signs of life. 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.

Sanada
vs
Polyanskiy

175 cm
22
159 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

169 cm
26
158 lbs
9 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
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 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Nobu Sanada!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alex Polyanskiy!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Sergei Dronov and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Polyanskiy shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Sanada but Sanada pushes him off and we're back to square one.
As Polyanskiy tries to get set, Sanada tries to push him back and clinch up but Polyanskiy manages to avoid the attempt.
Polyanskiy swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sanada takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Polyanskiy misses with a right hand

and Sanada moves into the clinch.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Polyanskiy has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Sanada misses with the head strike.
Sanada blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Polyanskiy can't find room to land a body shot as Sanada controls the action.
Sanada is leaning against Polyanskiy and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Sanada lands with a right to the head.
Polyanskiy doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Sanada lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Polyanskiy.
Sanada lands with a short shot to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sanada works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Polyanskiy blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Polyanskiy is trying to trip Sanada. He has hold of a leg but Sanada is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Polyanskiy persists though and gets the takedown into guard.

Sanada has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Polyanskiy is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
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!
Sanada tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Sanada swings wildly with an uppercut but Polyanskiy uses good head movement to avoid it.
Polyanskiy blocking some punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Polyanskiy throws a head punch that misses.
Sanada swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Sanada blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Sanada misses with the head strike.
Sanada lands a left hand that snaps the head of Polyanskiy backwards.
Polyanskiy prevents a body shot from Sanada.
Sanada misses with a hook to the ribs.
Polyanskiy blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A nice left hand lands by Sanada.
Polyanskiy misses with a hook from the clinch.
Sanada misses with a hook from the clinch.
Polyanskiy takes a shot to the head.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Sanada scores with a hook to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Sanada.
Sanada lands a hook that snaps the head of Polyanskiy backwards.
Sanada lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Sanada blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Sanada softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A right hand to the body from Sanada.
Sanada lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Polyanskiy backwards.
A left hand lands to the body for Sanada.
Polyanskiy looks winded!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sanada makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Sanada controlling the action here for a moment.
Sanada working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Sanada.
Sanada stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Sanada scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Sanada blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Still in the clinch, Sanada scores with a nice short uppercut.
Sanada lands with a short shot to the head.
Sanada is working Polyanskiy over against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Sanada.
A short left from Sanada.
Sanada lands with a right to the head.
Sanada takes a shot to the head.
Sanada struggles to land a body shot inside as Polyanskiy controls his hands.
Sanada swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Sanada works on Polyanskiy's body with a couple of short punches.
Polyanskiy swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Sanada lands with a short shot to the head.
Sanada gets underhooks to prevent Polyanskiy's takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sanada lands a left hand that snaps the head of Polyanskiy backwards.
A short uppercut from Sanada.
Sanada lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Sanada lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Sanada lands with a short shot to the head.
Sanada lands on the inside with an uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Polyanskiy.
Sanada is leaning against Polyanskiy and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Sanada makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy misses with a hook from the clinch.
Polyanskiy changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Sanada fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Nobu Sanada has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alex Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sanada connects with a body shot that sends Polyanskiy's belly button to the back.
We've been told by Sanada's head coaches at Rings Russia that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sanada uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Sanada bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sanada wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Sanada cracks Polyanskiy with a good jab.

Sanada has closed the distance and engaged Polyanskiy in a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sanada scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Polyanskiy tries for a takedown. No joy.
Sanada prevents the takedown attempt.
Sanada scores with a nice hook to the head.
Sanada misses with some punches.
Still in the clinch, Sanada scores with a nice short uppercut.
A short right from Sanada.
Sanada can't find room to land a body shot as Polyanskiy controls the action.
Sanada misses with a short punch on the inside.
Sanada lands a shot to the body.
Sanada is working Polyanskiy over against the cage.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
A hook to the body from Sanada.
A left hand lands to the body for Sanada.
Polyanskiy tries a body shot but Sanada blocks it.
Sanada scores with a hook to the body.
Sanada throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Polyanskiys head.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Polyanskiy fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Polyanskiy lands a right hand.
A shot in the inside from Sanada.
Sanada has Polyanskiy pressed against the cage.
Sanada is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Polyanskiy is keeping busy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Sanada throws a body shot but no joy.
Polyanskiy throws a hook to the side of Sanada's head but Sanada sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sanada moves into range and connects with a jab.

Sanada moves into the clinch.

Polyanskiy has hold of one of Sanada's legs. Sanada is fighting the takedown attempt but Polyanskiy gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Polyanskiy is fighting to break Sanada's control of his arms but Sanada is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Polyanskiy trying to control the position from guard on top but Sanada is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sanada pulls Polyanskiy in to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sanada continues to stall.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
A big right from Polyanskiy misses.
Polyanskiy avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Nobu Sanada is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Polyanskiy misses with a takedown attempt - Sanada sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
As Polyanskiy tries to get set, Sanada tries to push him back and clinch up but Polyanskiy manages to avoid the attempt.
Sanada ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Polyanskiy moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
A swing and a miss from Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy misses the jab.
A big left from Polyanskiy misses.
Sanada is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Polyanskiy.
Sanada moves in looking to clinch but Polyanskiy pushes him off.
Alex Polyanskiy seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Sanada gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Sanada tries to throw a body punch but Polyanskiy avoids it by throwing Sanada back against the cage.
Polyanskiy has a couple of punches blocked by Sanada.
Sanada misses with a hook from the clinch.
Sanada lands a hook that snaps the head of Polyanskiy backwards.
Sanada lands an uppercut.
Sanada misses with the head strike.
Sanada scores with a nice hook to the head.
Sanada lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Polyanskiy backwards.
A short right from Sanada.
Polyanskiy has a couple of punches blocked by Sanada.
Polyanskiy lands with a light punch inside.
Sanada lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Sanada.
A head punch on the inside from Sanada fails to land.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sanada tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Still in the clinch, Sanada scores with a nice short uppercut.
Sanada is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Polyanskiy can do to turn this around?
Sanada softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Sanada tries a body shot but Polyanskiy blocks it.
Sanada works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Sanada scores with a nice hook to the head.
Sanada tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Sanada gets through Polyanskiy's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Sanada pushes Polyanskiy back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Sanada is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Nobu Sanada has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Polyanskiy throws a punch but it's blocked by Sanada.
Sanada stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Sanada creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Sanada lands a hook that snaps the head of Polyanskiy backwards.
Sanada tries to throw a body punch but Polyanskiy avoids it by throwing Sanada back against the cage.
Sanada swings wildly with an uppercut but Polyanskiy uses good head movement to avoid it.
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!
Sanada lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Nice body punch from Sanada - that landed with a thud.
Polyanskiy is breathing heavily.
Sanada blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Polyanskiy throws a punch but it's blocked by Sanada.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sanada blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Polyanskiy lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Polyanskiy scores with a nice hook to the head.
Sanada lands with a short shot to the head.
Polyanskiy can't get the takedown.
Nobu Sanada has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alex Polyanskiy.
Sanada working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Sanada lands a body shot in the clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Sanada.
Polyanskiy has a couple of punches blocked by Sanada.
Sanada lands a right hand.
Polyanskiy's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Sanada lands a body shot in the clinch.
Sanada lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Polyanskiy backwards.
Sanada lands a hook to the side of the head.
Polyanskiy misses with a shot to the kidneys.

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

Sanada pushes Polyanskiy off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sanada digs a good hook to Polyanskiy's body.
Sanada tests Polyanskiy's chin there with a solid looking shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nobu Sanada dominated that second round.
That's time! Sanada's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Polyanskiy throws a body shot but no joy.
Sanada tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Polyanskiy manages to circle out of the way.
Sanada slips a straight right by Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Polyanskiy doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Sanada cracks a nice hook into Polyanskiy's ribs.

Polyanskiy scores with a takedown into Sanada's guard.

Sanada has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Polyanskiy is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Polyanskiy takes a shot to the head.
Polyanskiy fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Sanada.
Polyanskiy has a couple of punches blocked by Sanada.
Polyanskiy misses with a short punch on the inside.
Sanada lands a body punch.

Polyanskiy gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.

Sanada pushes Polyanskiy off and gets back to his feet.
Polyanskiy takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A telegraphed right hand from Sanada misses the target.

Sanada has taken the fight to the clinch.
Polyanskiy tries to throw a body punch but Sanada avoids it by throwing Polyanskiy back against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Sanada.
Sanada struggles to land a body shot inside as Polyanskiy controls his hands.
Sanada lands an uppercut.
A nice right hand lands inside from Sanada.
Sanada blocks a body shot from Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy lands a hook to the side of the head.
Polyanskiy blocking some punches.
Sanada lands a shot to the body.
Sanada lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Sanada lands a right hand.
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!
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Polyanskiy.
Sanada lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Sanada softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Sanada.
Sanada makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Sanada lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Alex Polyanskiy has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Polyanskiy takes a shot to the head.
Still in the clinch, Sanada scores with a nice short uppercut.
Sanada scores with a shot to the side of Polyanskiy's head.

Polyanskiy is rocked!
A nice right hand lands inside from Sanada.
Polyanskiy is still on wobbly legs! Can Sanada finish him?
A short left from Sanada.
Sanada scores with a shot to the side of Polyanskiy's head.
Polyanskiy tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Sanada.
Sanada digs a right hand into Polyanskiy's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Polyanskiy's gas tank.
Sanada lands a left hand that snaps the head of Polyanskiy backwards.
Polyanskiy misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Sanada creates a bit of space for himself and rocks Polyanskiy with a big uppercut! Polyanskiy tries to clinch up but Sanada pushes him back against the cage and lands another monster strike that crumples Polyanskiy to the mat! Polyanskiy covers up and Sanada unloads with more strikes until the referee steps in to end the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:35 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Nobu Sanada!