PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Better Dead (ranked 6092 p4p, 504 weight class) and Alex Polyanskiy (ranked 4104 p4p, 410 weight class). Dead's entrance music is Death March - Motionless in White. A fine choice. Polyanskiy has chosen Oxxxymiron - Signs of life as his entrance music. Better Dead has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Dead
vs
Polyanskiy

183 cm
40
168 lbs
31 - 42 - 0

169 cm
31
158 lbs
12 - 12 - 0

Good wrestling
Great elbows
Big right hand

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 31 - 42 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Better Dead!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 12 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alex Polyanskiy!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Alan Glass and Gwen Towbar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dead takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Polyanskiy connects with a jab.
Dead slips under a jab.
Dead misses with an uppercut.
Polyanskiy changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Polyanskiy.
Dead bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Dead throws a combination that misses

and Polyanskiy counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Dead trying to control here.
Polyanskiy trying to control from half guard but Dead is working away.
Dead is trying to stand back up but Polyanskiy is controlling him
Dead trying to control from the bottom.

Dead is defending against the submission attempts here by Polyanskiy.
Dead has his hands clasped together around Polyanskiy's back. He's all about the action.
Dead is trying to maintain the position but Polyanskiy is very close to passing his half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Polyanskiy wants to lay and pray for a moment but Dead keeps working.

Polyanskiy looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Dead moves into full guard.
Dead controls Polyanskiy momentarily but Polyanskiy frees himself.
Dead keeping moving, preventing Polyanskiy from controlling successfully.

Polyanskiy is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Dead is pulling down on Polyanskiy's head. It's preventing any offense from Polyanskiy, at least for the moment.

Dead is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Polyanskiy slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Polyanskiy wants to control from the top but Dead keeps moving.
Dead looking to hit a scissor sweep but Polyanskiy is one step ahead there.
Polyanskiy wants to control from the top but Dead keeps moving.
Dead pulls Polyanskiy in to control the position.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to 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 referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Dead looks to land a combination but Polyanskiy avoids it well.
Dead throws out a leg kick but Polyanskiy moves out of range and Dead only half commits.
Polyanskiy lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Polyanskiy is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Dead's half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Polyanskiy is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Dead is not content to let Polyanskiy control the position.

Polyanskiy is looking for a kimura but Dead is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Polyanskiy to get the leverage.

Polyanskiy is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Polyanskiy seems to be working for a kimura but Dead defends the submission attempt.
Dead preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.

Polyanskiy is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Dead is just riding it out for now. Polyanskiy eventually gives up the hold.
Dead is looking to escape.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Polyanskiy seems to be working for a kimura but Dead defends the submission attempt.

Polyanskiy is looking for a kimura but Dead is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Polyanskiy to get the leverage.
Dead is trying to get back to full guard.
Polyanskiy wants to control but Dead is keeping him busy.

Polyanskiy is looking for a kimura here.
Polyanskiy perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Dead trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Polyanskiy manages to pass to mount!
Dead sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.

Polyanskiy is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Dead is just riding it out for now. Polyanskiy eventually gives up the hold.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alex Polyanskiy dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Polyanskiy circles away from the clinch attempt.
Dead throws a head kick that misses.
A telegraphed right hand from Dead misses the target.
Polyanskiy throws a sloppy head kick and Dead moves out of range easily.
Dead avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Dead throws a quick counter head kick but Polyanskiy was just out of range.
Better Dead is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Dead tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Polyanskiy is able to avoid easily.
Polyanskiy tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
A head kick misses from Dead.
Polyanskiy checks a leg kick nicely.
Dead wants to clinch.

Polyanskiy closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Dead did well to prevent Polyanskiy getting side control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dead wants to get back to full guard.
Dead is working hard here to advance position.

Polyanskiy is working for a kimura but Dead is defending it quite comfortably.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Polyanskiy is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Dead is just riding it out for now. Polyanskiy eventually gives up the hold.
Dead is looking to control Polyanskiy's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Dead avoid being mounted?
Polyanskiy has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Polyanskiy seems to be looking for submissions.
Dead tries to get to full guard but Polyanskiy has control of the leg.
Dead pushes Polyanskiy off looking to stand but Polyanskiy dives back in and keeps control.

Polyanskiy is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Dead is just riding it out for now. Polyanskiy eventually gives up the hold.

Polyanskiy is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Dead sees it coming and defends easily.

That's two 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.

Polyanskiy seems to be looking for submissions.
Polyanskiy trying to control from half guard but Dead is working away.
Dead tries to roll over but Polyanskiy keeps him under control.

Polyanskiy is working for a submission of some sort.
Dead wants to get back to his feet.

Polyanskiy is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Dead doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy trying to control the action but Dead is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dead moves into full guard.
Dead is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Polyanskiy tries to get to full guard but Dead has control of the leg.
Dead slows the pace down in half guard.
Polyanskiy is pressing down on Dead's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Polyanskiy has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Dead can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Dead has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Polyanskiy is proving hard to escape from.
Dead tries to free his leg and advance position but Polyanskiy is retaining full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Dead avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Dead passes Polyanskiy's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Polyanskiy tries to get to full guard but Dead has control of the leg.
Polyanskiy wants to control but Dead is keeping busy.

Polyanskiy looking for submissions off his back.
Dead looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Polyanskiy looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Polyanskiy looking for submissions off his back.
Dead perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Alex Polyanskiy will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Dead throws a body punch but Polyanskiy moves out of range.
Dead is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Dead misses with a low kick.
Dead misses with a double jab.
Polyanskiy throws a body punch but Dead moves out of range.
Better Dead seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Dead staying out of range there.
Dead tries to clinch there but Polyanskiy circles away.
Polyanskiy is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Dead jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A lazy left from Dead finds it's target.
Dead throws a looping overhand right but Polyanskiy ducks down to avoid it.
Polyanskiy ducks under a wild hook from Dead.
Polyanskiy feints the counter takedown.
Dead moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Polyanskiy has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dead misses with a double jab.
Nice shot by Dead.
Jab by Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Dead throws out the jab.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Dead looks to land a left hand but Polyanskiy moved out of range nicely.
Polyanskiy scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Polyanskiy scores with a crisp jab that stopped Dead in his tracks.
Alex Polyanskiy seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Polyanskiy avoids the head kick by Dead.
Polyanskiy drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Dead defends it well.
Better Dead is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Dead gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Polyanskiy avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
The crowd cheers as Polyanskiy lands an impressive looking overhand right. Dead doesn't seem phased though.
Dead tries to close the distance and clinch up but Polyanskiy swats him away and circles back towards the center.
A decent looking cross lands there for Polyanskiy.
Dead defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Polyanskiy.
Dead throwing a counter right hand but Polyanskiy manages to avoid it.
Polyanskiy misses with a hook. Dead ducked under it nicely.
Dead on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Dead throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Dead on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

Polyanskiy drives through with a takedown into guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Polyanskiy wants to control from the top but Dead keeps moving.

Dead wriggles free and stands up.
Dead tries to clinch up but Polyanskiy circles away and keeps his distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dead is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Dead throws a head kick but Polyanskiy moves out of range.
Dead throws a solid leg kick but Polyanskiy takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Dead.
Better Dead has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A slapping leg kick lands for Dead.
Polyanskiy scores with a jab.
Polyanskiy throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Dead fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Polyanskiy manages to avoid it.
Dead has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Dead there as he acknowledges the shot.
A low kick from Dead is predictable there

and Polyanskiy decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Dead's guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Polyanskiy thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Polyanskiy thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Dead trying to control the position.
Polyanskiy controls from within his opponent's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dead wants to stand but Polyanskiy is controlling the position.
Dead pulls Polyanskiy in close to prevent any damage.
Dead keeping full guard, as Polyanskiy tries to pass.

Polyanskiy is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Dead wants to stand up but Polyanskiy is controlling him.
Polyanskiy not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Dead has his hands on Polyanskiy's head, controlling the position.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Dead misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Polyanskiy lunges at Dead with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Dead's hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Dead rushes Polyanskiy and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Polyanskiy lands a right hand that snaps the head of Dead backwards.
Polyanskiy tries for a takedown. No joy.
Dead lands a shot to the body.
Dead is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Polyanskiy goes for a takedown in the clinch but Dead prevents it.
Alex Polyanskiy is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Better Dead has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alex Polyanskiy.
A left hand lands to the body for Polyanskiy.
Dead is trying to force a seperation but Polyanskiy has the dominant position.
Polyanskiy blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Polyanskiy lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Dead lands a hook to the side of the head.

Polyanskiy has hold of one of Dead's legs. Dead is fighting the takedown attempt but Polyanskiy gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Dead looking to control.
Polyanskiy stops Dead from standing up.

Dead looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Polyanskiy pushing down on Dead's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alex Polyanskiy comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Polyanskiy 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 27:30
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 27:30
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alex Polyanskiy!
Alex Polyanskiy decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
Better Dead was interviewed post fight and said 'I was a little off today...o.k. I'm always a little off.'.