PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Abdullah Zaire (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Adi Dassler (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Zaire
vs
Dassler

183 cm
21
198 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

198 cm
19
215 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid Muay Thai
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Solid chin

Héritage!

Urban Fighter
KAISER Nutrition - Q160/$250

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Abdullah Zaire!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Adi Dassler!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Tiny Johnson and Cecil Peabody.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zaire misses with a hook

and Dassler holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Zaire struggles to land a body shot inside as Dassler controls his hands.
Zaire missing with knees to the body.
Dassler can't get the takedown.
Zaire gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Dassler.
Zaire lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

Zaire breaks from the clinch.
Zaire swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Zaire looks to land a body kick but Dassler moved away.
Dassler staying out of range there.
Dassler is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Zaire with a body shot.
Dassler has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Zaire is landing a low percentage of strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Horrible takedown attempt by Dassler or perhaps it was just good defense by Zaire, which made it look bad.
Abdullah Zaire has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Adi Dassler.
Dassler moves out of range of the body kick from Zaire.
Dassler shoots for a double leg takedown but Zaire sprawls well. He's pushed Dassler's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Dassler forces Zaire back against the cage and clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A bit of stalling here from Zaire.
Dassler is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Zaire is defending well.
Dassler wants to take the fight to the mat but Zaire manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Dassler avoiding damage as Zaire throws knees to the body.
Zaire slows down the pace here.
Zaire prevents the takedown attempt.
Dassler has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Zaire is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Dassler drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Zaire has Dassler pushed against the cage.

Zaire pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Zaire looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Dassler fails with the takedown
and Zaire counters with a stiff right hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Zaire. Dassler does a little dance to reset his feet.
Dassler takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Zaire misses with a low kick as Dassler jumps back.
Dassler throws out a counter right but Zaire avoids it with no problem.
We've been hearing reports that Zaire has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Zaire misses with a hook

and Dassler counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Zaire working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Dassler.
Dassler trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Zaire working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Dassler.
Zaire looking to hit a scissor sweep but Dassler is one step ahead there.
Zaire trying to keep a closed guard but Dassler is proving a slippery customer.
Dassler advances position into side control!
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!
Dassler postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaire is looking to reverse the position.
Dassler creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Zaire sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.

Dassler is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Zaire has escaped the position, nice work there.
Dassler throws an elbow but Zaire slips to the side and avoids it well.

Dassler is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Zaire has escaped the position, nice work there.

Dassler looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Dassler tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

Dassler wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Zaire, who protects the arm well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaire tries to improve position but can't.
Zaire can't do much from the bottom here.
An elbow from Dassler crashes against the mat.
Zaire manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

Dassler seems to be working for a kimura but Zaire defends the submission attempt.

Dassler seems to be working for a kimura but Zaire defends the submission attempt.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Zaire trying to hold on to Dassler's head to control him but Dassler postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Adi Dassler will probably get the nod.
That's time! Zaire's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Dassler shoots in for a takedown but Zaire shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Zaire wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Zaire misses with a body kick.
Dassler moves out of range of the body kick.
Dassler looks like he wanted to counter with a high kick but didn't throw it.
Good work by Dassler as he checks the leg kick.
Zaire throws the kick towards the body but Dassler avoids it.
Dassler shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Zaire but Zaire pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Zaire clinches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zaire leaning against his opponent.
Zaire missing with knees to the body.

Zaire escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Zaire misses with an attempted mid kick.
Zaire throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
And Dassler tries to counter it with a takedown but Zaire pushes his down on his head and steps out.

That's one minute gone in the round.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Dassler crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Zaire - the referee stops the clock and Dassler gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Zaire. Dassler manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Zaire has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Zaire is looking to slow Dassler down with leg kicks.
Dassler moves out of range of the body kick.
Dassler drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Zaire defends it well.
Zaire looks to score with a jab to the body but Dassler is just out of range.
Dassler fails with the takedown.
Abdullah Zaire has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Adi Dassler.
Dassler moves out of range as Zaire throws a body kick.
Zaire scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Abdullah Zaire is winning the standup battle so far.
Horrible takedown attempt by Dassler or perhaps it was just good defense by Zaire, which made it look bad.

Zaire moves into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaire has a couple of punches blocked by Dassler.
Dassler goes for a takedown in the clinch but Zaire prevents it.
Dassler blocking some punches.
Zaire has Dassler pushed against the cage.
Dassler has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Zaire after a bit of a struggle.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Zaire here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Zaire with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

Zaire breaks from the clinch.
Zaire looks to land a right hand but Dassler moved out of range.
Zaire throws a front kick aimed at Dassler's knee but Dassler avoids it well.
Zaire throws a body punch but Dassler moves out of range.
Zaire defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Dassler.
Dassler shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Zaire defends it nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaire lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Nice defenses there by Dassler.
Dassler wants to counter the offense by Zaire and move into the clinch position.

Zaire closes the distance and clinches.
Zaire misses with a hook from the clinch.
Zaire is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Dassler's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.

Zaire pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Zaire turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Zaire throws a leg kick that misses.
Zaire delivers a nice body kick.
Abdullah Zaire seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Dassler checks the leg kick.
Dassler tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Dassler.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big right from Zaire misses.
Zaire lands a front kick.
Zaire lands a leg kick that knocks Dassler off balance momentarily.
Dassler on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Zaire bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zaire bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Zaire looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Zaire lands a nice looking kick to the body. Dassler takes a step back to recover.
A combination from Zaire does no damage.
Zaire is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Dassler can do to turn this around?
Zaire misses the jab.
Zaire throws an ugly left hook that misses
letting Dassler counter with a right hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Abdullah Zaire dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Dassler checks a leg kick nicely.
Dassler has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Zaire.
Dassler dives in and grabs Zaire's left leg, looking for a takedown. Zaire pushes down on Dassler's head and hops out.
Zaire swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Dassler checks the leg kick.

Zaire fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Dassler, pushing him back against the cage.
Zaire with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Dassler looking for a takedown.
Dassler looking for a takedown.
Abdullah Zaire has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Adi Dassler.
Zaire wants to stall.
Dassler drops down looking for an ankle pick but Zaire pulls his leg out and moves away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dassler fails with the takedown.
Zaire throws a leg kick which misses Dassler's front leg but catches the back leg as Dassler tries to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dassler moves out of range of the body kick from Zaire.
Dassler shoots in for a takedown but Zaire shows good takedown defense.
Zaire is looking to score with low kicks.
Dassler goes for a double leg but Zaire avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Zaire continues to drive forward.
Zaire throws a leg kick which misses Dassler's front leg but catches the back leg as Dassler tries to avoid it.
Zaire thows a left - swing and a miss!
Dassler with a poor takedown

and Zaire counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Zaire.
Dassler is trying to drag Zaire to the mat but Zaire just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Dassler takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Zaire digs a right hand into Dassler's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Dassler's gas tank.
Zaire tries a body shot but Dassler blocks it.
Dassler has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Zaire avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Dassler makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dassler is trying to pull guard but Zaire turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Zaire leaning his opponent against the cage.
Zaire gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Dassler.

Zaire pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Zaire throws a body punch but Dassler moves out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Zaire. Dassler does a little dance to reset his feet.
Zaire tries to land a front kick but Dassler steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Nice sprawl there from Zaire as Dassler shoots in.
Dassler dives in for a single leg takedown but Zaire sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Zaire finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Dassler moves out of range of the body kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaire slaps away a takedown attempt from Dassler, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Zaire fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
A lazy body kick from Zaire

and Dassler counters with a single leg into guard. Zaire didn't expect that.
Zaire bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Dassler's guard.

Dassler is looking for a triangle but Zaire pushes his legs off easily.

Dassler is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Zaire is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaire trying to control but Dassler is working from the bottom.
Zaire postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Dassler keeping moving, preventing Zaire from controlling successfully.
Zaire landing with the ground and pound.

Dassler is looking for a triangle but Zaire pushes his legs off easily.
Zaire engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Dassler throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

And that's the end of the fight!
Abdullah Zaire showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Zaire has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Frank Dennis scores the fight 30:27
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 30:27
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 29:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Abdullah Zaire!