PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Joe Bailey (ranked 2180 p4p, 251 weight class) and Rashid Magomedov (ranked 3539 p4p, 376 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Bailey
vs
Magomedov

177 cm
33
166 lbs
25 - 11 - 0

178 cm
28
165 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

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 - 11 - 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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Rashid Magomedov!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, William Peck and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Magomedov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Bailey fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Magomedov misses the shot to the body.
Magomedov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
And Bailey counters with a quick kick to the body but Magomedov blocks it.
Magomedov misses with a body shot.
A big right from Bailey misses.
Magomedov throws a body shot but no joy.
Magomedov staying out of range there.
Bailey throws a looping overhand right but Magomedov ducks down to avoid it.
We've been informed that Magomedov has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Bailey throws a low kick but Magomedov avoids it.
Bailey throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Magomedov lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Bailey blocks a jab.
Bailey throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Magomedov takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Bailey throws a nice outside leg kick.
Bailey slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Magomedov is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Bailey rather than just go for the knockout.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Magomedov loads up on a big right hand but Bailey slips the punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Good work by Magomedov as he checks the leg kick.
Magomedov connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Bailey momentarily.
Bailey throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Magomedov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

Bailey is rocked!
Bailey misses with a few strikes there.
Oh Bailey is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Joe Bailey seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Bailey looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Magomedov changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Bailey gets off balance looking for a body kick

and Magomedov decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Bailey's guard.
Bailey controls Magomedov momentarily but Magomedov frees himself.
Magomedov working some strikes from top position.
Magomedov is looking to work some ground and pound but Bailey has wrist control.
Bailey seems to have got his legs back now.
Magomedov must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Magomedov is looking to work some ground and pound but Bailey has wrist control.
Magomedov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Magomedov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Magomedov throws an elbow that misses. Bailey uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Magomedov's guard. Nice move by Bailey!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Magomedov wants to sweep here but Bailey controlling him for the moment.
Magomedov has Bailey pulled in close to control his posture.
Let's hope that Magomedov has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bailey stopping the sweep attempt from Magomedov.

Bailey drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Magomedov manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Bailey has Magomedov in his guard.

Bailey is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.

Bailey is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Magomedov with a flurry of punches that miss.

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 wants to stand and escape but Magomedov is having none of it.
Magomedov is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Magomedov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Magomedov throws a body punch but Bailey moves out of range.
Joe Bailey is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A looping hook to the body misses from Magomedov. Bailey does a little dance to reset his feet.
Magomedov missing with a left hand there. Bailey was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Bailey pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Bailey looks to land a left hand but Magomedov moved out of range nicely.
Magomedov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Magomedov throws a 1-2 combo that connects squarely on Bailey's jaw, knocking him onto his back! Magomedov dives in looking to finish as Bailey flails his arms in a desperate attempt to block Magomedov's strikes! Magomedov is raining down hammerfists and the ref stops it! Bailey's desperate flailing just didn't constitute intelligent defence. Some people will probably question the ref's decision but Bailey was definitely hurt and the ref saved him from taking unnecessary punishment. A fighter's safety is paramount in this sport.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:53 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Rashid Magomedov!