PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Alex Polyanskiy (ranked 3095 p4p, 327 weight class) and Better Dead (ranked 14670 p4p, 557 weight class). Polyanskiy comes to the cage accompanied by Oxxxymiron - Signs of life. The crowd seem to be enjoying Dead's choice of entrance music: Death March - Motionless in White. Alex Polyanskiy has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Polyanskiy
vs
Dead

169 cm
31
158 lbs
13 - 12 - 0

183 cm
40
168 lbs
31 - 43 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Great elbows
Heavy handed

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 13 - 12 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alex Polyanskiy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 31 - 43 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Better Dead!
The judges for this bout are Alan Glass, Cecil Peabody and Tiny Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dead is looking to land body kicks.
Polyanskiy thows a left - swing and a miss!
Polyanskiy looks to score with a jab to the body but Dead is just out of range.
Polyanskiy throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Dead with a nice cross.
Dead throws a big shot that misses.
Polyanskiy drops down looking for a counter takedown but Dead sprawls and moves away.
Polyanskiy misses with a body shot.
Polyanskiy throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Dead stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Dead is looking to clinch.
Polyanskiy avoids the body shot from Dead.
Dead keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Polyanskiy.
Dead misses with a low kick.
Dead tries to close the distance and clinch but Polyanskiy swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Dead misses with a body kick.
Dead tries to close the distance and clinch but Polyanskiy swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Polyanskiy scores with a punch to the head.
Dead tries to clinch but Polyanskiy is having none of it.
Donk. Dead catches Polyanskiy right on the button with a cross.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Dead lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
We've been told by Polyanskiy's head coaches at DRAGON MMA - 13 Elite & 2 Double Elite Coaches that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Dead throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Polyanskiy feinted with a counter takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dead misses with a low kick.

Dead has closed the distance and engaged Polyanskiy in a clinch.
Polyanskiy misses with a hook to the ribs.
Dead creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
A short right from Polyanskiy.
Dead tries to throw a body punch but Polyanskiy avoids it by throwing Dead back against the cage.
Dead pushes off an throws an elbow but Polyanskiy leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Dead blocks a body shot from Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Dead misses with some punches.
Dead is trying to stall.
Dead tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Polyanskiy's elbow.
Polyanskiy avoids the elbow strike from Dead, against the cage.
Dead makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Dead looks to throw an elbow but misses.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Dead 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.
Dead tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

Dead escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Dead fails with an attempt to clinch.
Dead finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Polyanskiy is taking a breather. Dead says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!

Polyanskiy is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Dead wants to get back to his feet.

Dead is defending against the submission attempts here by Polyanskiy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Dead is looking to improve his position.

Polyanskiy is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Dead pushes Polyanskiy off and gets back to his feet.
Polyanskiy uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Dead.
Dead wants to clinch up but Polyanskiy keeps it at a distance.
Polyanskiy throws a body punch but Dead moves out of range.
The fighters circling - Polyanskiy throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Dead misses with a head kick.
Polyanskiy half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Polyanskiy bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Polyanskiy dodges the punch combination from Dead.
Dead looking to land some kicks to the body here.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Dead misses with a low kick.

Polyanskiy is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Dead's half guard.
Polyanskiy stops Dead from getting back to his feet.

Polyanskiy is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Dead trying to control but Polyanskiy postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Dead pushes Polyanskiy off and gets back to his feet.
Dead lands a leg kick that knocks Polyanskiy off balance momentarily.
Polyanskiy uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Dead.
Dead fails with an attempt to clinch.

Polyanskiy shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Dead trying to control from the bottom.
Polyanskiy stops Dead from getting back to his feet.
Dead is trying to maintain the position but Polyanskiy is very close to passing his half guard.

Dead looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Dead looks winded!
Dead trying to hold on to Polyanskiy's head to control him but Polyanskiy postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Better Dead 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.

Dead doesn't manage to clinch there - Polyanskiy circles away.

Dead rushes Polyanskiy and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
A left hand lands to the body for Polyanskiy.
Dead tries to circle away but Polyanskiy has him pinned against the cage.
Dead throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Dead blocks an uppercut.
Dead blocks a body shot from Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy scores with a shot to the side of Dead's head.
Dead swings wildly with an uppercut but Polyanskiy uses good head movement to avoid it.
Dead blocks a body shot from Polyanskiy.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Polyanskiy.

Dead's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Polyanskiy lands the left hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Polyanskiy keeps the fight on the outside.

Polyanskiy shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Polyanskiy was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

Dead sneaks out the side door and pushes Polyanskiy away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Dead closes the distance but Polyanskiy moves to the side

and Polyanskiy counters with a single leg into guard. Dead didn't expect that.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dead is trying to control the position from the bottom.

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.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Polyanskiy preventing the sweep.
Dead keeping moving, preventing Polyanskiy from controlling successfully.
Dead wants to sweep here but Polyanskiy controlling him for the moment.
Polyanskiy wants to control from the top but Dead keeps moving.
Dead is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Dead wants to sweep but no luck.

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 has his hands on Polyanskiy's head, controlling the position.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Dead tried to score with a low kick but Polyanskiy checks it.
Nice straight punches there by Dead. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Dead.
Dead tries to clinch but Polyanskiy is having none of it.
Polyanskiy attempts a counter takedown but Dead avoids it well and moves away.
A big right from Polyanskiy misses.
Polyanskiy connects with the punch.
Polyanskiy ducks under a wild hook from Dead.
Dead throws a wild body kick that Polyanskiy sees coming a mile off.
Polyanskiy misses with a head kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Polyanskiy gets a double leg takedown into Dead's guard.
Polyanskiy trying to control but Dead is working from the bottom.
Dead is trying to keep Polyanskiy in close.
Dead wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Dead wants to get back to his feet but Polyanskiy is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Dead trying to keep a closed guard but Polyanskiy is proving a slippery customer.
Dead 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.
Dead pulls Polyanskiy in close to his closed guard and prevents Polyanskiy from doing any damage or advancing position.
Polyanskiy trying to control the position from guard on top but Dead is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Polyanskiy is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Polyanskiy scores with a body shot.
Polyanskiy avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Polyanskiy drops down looking for a counter takedown but Dead sprawls and moves away.
Dead misses with a wild combination.

Dead gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Polyanskiy has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Dead clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Polyanskiy wants to control but Dead is keeping busy.

Dead fending off the submission attempt from Polyanskiy.

Dead manages to escape to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Alex Polyanskiy will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

A punch lands to the side of Dead 's head but he takes it in his stride.

Dead has taken the fight to the clinch.
Polyanskiy scores with a hook to the body.
Polyanskiy drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Dead gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Dead throws an elbow that misses.

Polyanskiy gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.

Polyanskiy thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Dead is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Dead wants to sweep here but Polyanskiy controlling him for the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Polyanskiy being controlled here momentarily.
Alex Polyanskiy overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Dead is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dead wants to stand and escape but Polyanskiy is having none of it.
Dead keeping moving, preventing Polyanskiy from controlling successfully.
Polyanskiy is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Dead is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Polyanskiy slips nicely into half guard.
Dead is looking to control Polyanskiy's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Dead avoid being mounted?

Polyanskiy is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Dead manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Dead throws a leg kick

and Polyanskiy decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Dead's guard.

Dead manages to escape and get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Dead has taken the fight to the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Polyanskiy.
Polyanskiy working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Dead is working Polyanskiy over against the cage.
Polyanskiy lands a hook to the side of the head.
Dead lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Polyanskiy lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Dead gets underhooks to prevent Polyanskiy's takedown attempt.
Dead misses with a hook from the clinch.
Dead tries to work over Polyanskiy's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Dead scores with a nice hook to the head.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Polyanskiy as Dead tries to tie him up.
Dead is pressed up against the cage. Polyanskiy has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Dead down to the mat. Dead avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alex Polyanskiy. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Polyanskiy fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Dead manages to avoid it.

Polyanskiy fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Dead sprawls well initially but Polyanskiy persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dead works his way to full guard. Good work.
Dead pulls Polyanskiy in close to his closed guard and prevents Polyanskiy from doing any damage or advancing position.
Dead looking to hit a scissor sweep but Polyanskiy is one step ahead there.
Polyanskiy trying to control but Dead is working from the bottom.
Polyanskiy sitting in guard here, content to control.
Dead not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Dead is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Polyanskiy trying to control but Dead is working from the bottom.
Dead is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Dead is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Polyanskiy dodges the punch combination from Dead.
Dead blocks a head kick by Polyanskiy.
Dead misses with a double jab.

Polyanskiy closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Polyanskiy has hold of Dead's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Dead seems comfortable defending it but Polyanskiy has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Dead is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Dead is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Polyanskiy couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:40 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Alex Polyanskiy!
Alex Polyanskiy thanked the fans post fight for their support.
Better Dead was interviewed post fight and said 'I was a little off today...o.k. I'm always a little off.'.