UK-based grappling promotion Polaris makes its first international trip, touching down in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy at what is being called “Grapple Island”.
The main event sees UFC light heavyweight contender Paul Craig step out of the cage and onto the mat to face promotional fan favorite Jed Hue. “Bearjew” Craig is one of the UFC light heavyweight division’s all-time top submission threats, ranking second only behind Glover Teixeira for most submission wins in the division with six. He will face Hue, who has risen through the ranks at Polaris from winning their Contenders tournament to going undefeated at 4-0 in non-team bouts with the promotion.
The inaugural Polaris women’s bantamweight champion will be crowned as former ADCC and IBJJF champion and current ONE Championship strawweight contender Michelle Nicolini faces Ashley Bendle. Nicolini was originally set to face new ADCC world champion Ffion Davies, but Bendle will now bring her 1-1 Polaris record to the mat against the debuting Brazilian Nicolini.
Two recent ADCC competitors will also battle, as Josh Hinger takes on Owen Livesey. Hinger pulled off a surprise win over Tye Ruotolo in the 88kg division last week before falling to Lucas Hulk Barbosa in the second round, while Livesey was knocked out in the opening round of the 99kg division by eventual winner Kaynan Duarte.
Of note on the prelims is a match between UFC veteran Leigh Remedio and Nick Gullo, also known as “Nick the Tooth”, who previously starred alongside Dana White and Matt Serra on Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight.
MMA Sucka has fight fans covered with Polaris 21 results, with action starting with the preliminary card at Noon ET/9am PT on the Polaris YouTube page, followed by the main card at 3pm ET/Noon PT on UFC Fight Pass.
Polaris 21 Results
Main Card
Jed Hue def. Paul Craig via Submission (Straight Foot Lock) at 0:21
Michelle Nicolini def. Ashley Bendle via Split Decision, wins inaugural Polaris Professional Jiu Jitsu Bantamweight Championship
Owen Livesey def. Josh Hinger via Split Decision
Gi Match – Robson Moura def. Tom Barlow via Unanimous Decision
Tom Halpin def. Alessio Sacchetti via Unanimous Decision
Gi Match – Epsen Mathiesen def. Luca Anacoreta via Submission (Bow and Arrow Choke) at 1:52
Gi Match – Alberto Buriasco def. Shane Curtis via Unanimous Decision
Preliminary Card
Kaya Rudolph def. Francesco Bartolotta via Unanimous Decision
Leigh Remedios def. Nick Gullo via Submission (Heel Hook) at 5:29
Manuel Pilato def. Christiano Troisi via Submission (Kneebar) at 3:25
Samuel Karas def. Sven Groten via Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 5:37
Danielle Tighe def. Darina Goldin via Unanimous Decision
Khadim Dia def. Matteo Vermiglio via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 6:50
Loris Zanolini def. Alessio Salis via Submission (Heel Hook) at 2:15
Davide Martinez def. Fabio Pititto via Unanimous Decision
Steffano Sanna def. Matteo Bittichesu via Unanimous Decision
