PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Orla Wanker (ranked 1224 p4p, 1239 weight class) and Abdullah Zaire (ranked 176 p4p, 180 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Wanker
vs
Zaire

190 cm
28
191
15 - 12 - 0

189 cm
30
202
5 - 4 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent MT
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

The Dirty Needle Project

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Orla Wanker!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Abdullah Zaire!
The judges for this bout are Saam Ante, Paul Aken and Patrick Alders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Wanker fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Wanker walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Wanker uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Zaire throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Zaire attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Zaire with a hook.
Wanker throws a right hand that Zaire ducks under and follows up with a left that Zaire also avoids with ease.
A big left from Zaire misses.
Wanker scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Zaire lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Zaire misses with an uppercut. Wanker saw that one coming.
An inside leg kick lands from Zaire.
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!
Wanker throws a nice looking combination but Zaire bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Wanker missing with a left hand there. Zaire was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Wanker fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Zaire on the side of the head.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Zaire.
Zaire jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Wanker attempts a counter takedown but Zaire avoids it well and moves away.
Zaire keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Zaire throws a shot from downtown. Wanker moves away and avoids it.
The crowd cheers as Zaire lands an impressive looking overhand right. Wanker doesn't seem phased though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wanker throws a right and a left that both miss.
Zaire getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Zaire bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Zaire connects with a jab.
Zaire takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Zaire connects with an inside leg kick.
Wanker throws a good cross that connects.
Zaire works Wanker's body with a nice hook.
Wanker takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Wanker ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Zaire staying out of range there.
Zaire dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Wanker moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Wanker throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Wanker lands a jab to the nose.
Zaire throws a low kick but Wanker avoids it.
Wanker tries to counter with a takedown but Zaire is quick to defend against it.
Zaire with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Wanker to score with a decent uppercut.
A jab from Wanker misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaire slips under a jab from Wanker.
Zaire moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Wanker takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Wanker throws a series of punches but Zaire moves out of range.
Wanker throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Zaire lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.

It looks like Orla Wanker has been cut.
Zaire scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Wanker doesn't seem bothered though.
Abdullah Zaire is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Wanker throws a body kick, spinning off balance
enabling Zaire to counter with a crisp jab.
Zaire connects with a solid leg kick.
Zaire comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Zaire looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Wanker is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Zaire.
Zaire looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
A head kick from Zaire lands but Wanker takes it in his stride.
Wanker checks a leg kick nicely.
Zaire moves into range and connects with a jab.
Wanker misses with a hook.
Zaire throws the kick towards the body but Wanker avoids it.
Wanker half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Zaire lands the left hand.
Zaire is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Wanker had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Zaire drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wanker misses with a wild combination.
Wanker goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Zaire misses with an attempted mid kick.
Zaire scores with a kick to the midsection.
Zaire throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Wanker connects with a high kick.
Zaire connects with a crisp jab.
Wanker staying out of range there.
Nice defenses there by Wanker.

Wanker scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Zaire throws Wanker to one side and escapes!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Orla Wanker seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A punch lands to the side of Zaire 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Wanker throws a head kick but Zaire moves out of range.
Zaire looks to score with a jab to the body but Wanker is just out of range.
Wanker tries a head kick but it misses.
Zaire is looking to land body kicks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Wanker misses.
Zaire is looking to land body kicks.
Wanker looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Zaire is fending him off so far but Wanker persists. Nope, Zaire circles away and we're back to standing.
It seemed like Zaire was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Wanker moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Wanker throws a jab but it's blocked by Zaire.
Zaire is trying to counter with his kicks.
Wanker swings away with a body shot that misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Wanker throws a lazy head kick
and Zaire counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Wanker ducks under a wild hook from Zaire.
Wanker closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
A chopping leg kick lands by Zaire.
Zaire throws a quick inside leg kick.
Wanker closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Wanker is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Wanker misses the jab.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Wanker is defended easily by Zaire.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Orla Wanker. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zaire lands with a good body shot.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Abdullah Zaire dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Orla Wanker's cut.
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.

Wanker throws a solid leg kick but Zaire takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Wanker.
Wanker shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Zaire but Zaire pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Wanker scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Zaire scores with a jab. Wanker acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Wanker tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A big right from Wanker misses.
Zaire fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Wanker manages to avoid it.
Zaire throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Zaire cracks Wanker with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Zaire ducks under a wild hook from Wanker.
Wanker misses with a head kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zaire throws a front kick aimed at Wanker's knee but Wanker avoids it well.
Wanker lands a head kick!

It looks like Abdullah Zaire has been cut.
Zaire lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A punch lands to the side of Wanker 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Wanker lands a lovely overhand right.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wanker fails to land the takedown.
And Zaire responds with a good body kick, but Wanker manages to step out the way in time.
Zaire has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Wanker.
Zaire with a nice calf kick.
The crowd cheers as Zaire lands an impressive looking overhand right. Wanker doesn't seem phased though.
Wanker ducks under a wild hook from Zaire.
Zaire misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Wanker.
Zaire fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Wanker.
Wanker throws a leg kick which misses Zaire's front leg but catches the back leg as Zaire tries to avoid it.
Zaire throws a chopping leg kick but Wanker manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Zaire ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Wanker moves away.
Zaire doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Zaire avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Zaire throws a good cross that connects.
A jab from Zaire misses.
Zaire connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wanker shoots in but Zaire avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Orla Wanker. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A head kick misses from Wanker.
Wanker backing away here, and Zaire unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Zaire misses with a body kick.
Wanker throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Zaire lands with a thumping leg kick.
Zaire connects with a solid leg kick.
Wanker misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Wanker misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Zaire has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Zaire moves out of range of the strikes.
Zaire swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Zaire changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Zaire just misses with a punch to the body.
Zaire misses the jab.
Zaire scores with a shot to the body.
Zaire throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wanker is trying hard to land a takedown here. Zaire sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Zaire misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Wanker.
Wanker feinted with a counter takedown.
Wanker chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Zaire can pounce on him.
A nice inside leg kick there by Zaire. That's going to slow Wanker down.
Zaire jabs Wanker to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Zaire is looking to slow Wanker down with leg kicks.
Wanker misses with a kick to the body
and Zaire counters with a body kick that stops Wanker in his tracks momentarily.
Nice shot lands for Zaire.
Zaire swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Wanker blocks a jab.
A big right from Wanker misses.
Abdullah Zaire seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Zaire misses with a wild body shot.
Zaire takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Zaire lands an overhand right.
Wanker tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wanker is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Zaire.
Zaire swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Wanker jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Wanker looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wanker misses with a head kick.
Wanker throws a series of punches but Zaire avoids them all with ease.
Zaire thumps Wanker with a low kick.
Wanker throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Zaire sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Wanker throws a series of strikes that have Zaire backpedaling.
Wanker with a jab.
Zaire misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Wanker.
Zaire is looking to slow Wanker down with leg kicks.
Wanker dips to his left and cracks Zaire with an uppercut!
Zaire lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Wanker missing with a left hand there. Zaire was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Zaire is looking to chop away at Wanker's legs.
A thudding body kick lands there by Zaire!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Wanker with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Zaire throws a leg kick but Wanker sees it coming and moves out of range.
Wanker closes the distance and clinches up with Zaire, looking for a takedown. Wanker pushes Zaire against the cage but Zaire circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
A countering left hand to the body from Zaire misses.
Zaire stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Zaire wants it to stay on the feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Abdullah Zaire showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Zaire throws a head kick that half lands.
Zaire moves away from the strike by Wanker.
Wanker has his takedown stuffed
and Zaire counters with a slapping leg kick.
Wanker takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Wanker is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Zaire lands a leg kick that knocks Wanker off balance momentarily.
A thudding body kick lands there by Zaire!
Wanker fails to land the takedown.
Zaire scores with a nice strike.
Wanker moves out of range of the strikes.
Wanker will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Zaire throws a hook but Wanker avoids it easily.
Zaire keeps Wanker at a distance using the push kick.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Zaire jabs at Wanker's body.
Zaire swings for the body but Wanker moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wanker walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Zaire checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Zaire throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Wanker looks to score with a jab to the body but Zaire is just out of range.
Zaire has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Zaire there as he acknowledges the shot.
Wanker takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Wanker throws a nice outside leg kick.
Wanker moves out of range as Zaire throws a body kick.
Zaire uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Wanker.
Zaire turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Zaire connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Zaire scores with a nice strike.
Zaire misses with a hook. Wanker ducked under it nicely.
Wanker fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Zaire manages to avoid it.
Zaire scores with a jab to the jaw.
Wanker misses the shot to the body.
A big right from Wanker misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wanker misses with a shot to the body
and Zaire counters with a nice low kick that buckles Wanker's knee momentarily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaire uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Wanker.
Wanker backing away here, and Zaire unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Wanker throws a head kick that misses
letting Zaire counter with a right hand.
Wanker misses with an uppercut
and Zaire counters with a stiff right hand.
A jab from Zaire finds it's way through Wanker's defenses.
Zaire misses with a body kick.
Wanker misses with an uppercut. Zaire saw that one coming.
A head kick misses from Wanker.
Wanker is trying hard to land a takedown here. Zaire sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Zaire is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Wanker with a body shot.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Orla Wanker. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A nice leg kick from Zaire, right into the meat of the thigh.
A left lands for Zaire.
Wanker on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Wanker avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Zaire misses with a kick to the body.
Wanker fails with the takedown.
Zaire blocks a head kick by Wanker.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wanker misses with a looping left.
Zaire jabs at Wanker's body.
Zaire fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Wanker throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Wanker just misses with a punch to the body.
Wanker attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Wanker takes one on the button.
Wanker moves out of range as Zaire throws a body kick.
Zaire pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Wanker shoots in but Zaire avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Wanker dives in for a single leg takedown but Zaire sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

Wanker escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Wanker throws a wild body kick that Zaire sees coming a mile off.
Zaire paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Wanker tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Zaire blocks a head kick by Wanker.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaire with the inside leg kick.
Wanker slips a straight right by Zaire.
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!
Zaire connects with a solid leg kick.
Wanker misses with a left hand
and Zaire counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Zaire connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Zaire misses the shot to the body.
Wanker tries to counter with a takedown but Zaire is quick to defend against it.
Wanker will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Wanker fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Zaire avoids it really well and circles away.
Zaire is looking to slow Wanker down with leg kicks.
Zaire dips to his left and cracks Wanker with an uppercut!
Wanker tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Zaire lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Abdullah Zaire really dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Wanker's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Wanker blocks a head kick by Zaire.
Wanker wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Nice jab there from Zaire.

Wanker looking to score a takedown here. Zaire is defending well but Wanker drives through and ends up in Zaire's guard.
Wanker trying to control the position from guard on top but Zaire is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Wanker being controlled here momentarily.
Wanker stands and throws Zaire's legs to the side, diving into side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zaire is looking to regain half guard here but Wanker keeps moving and retains side control.
Wanker wants to control but Zaire is keeping him busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaire can't do much from the bottom here.
Wanker takes a little break here. Zaire wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Zaire is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Wanker's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Wanker is looking to take a break and control but Zaire is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Zaire is looking to improve his position.
We've been hearing that Wanker has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Wanker seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Zaire does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Zaire is looking to improve his position.
Wanker wants to lay and pray for a moment but Zaire keeps working.
Wanker wants to free his trapped foot but Zaire is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Zaire is looking to improve his position.
Wanker is looking to advance position but Zaire won't allow it.
Wanker is taking a breather. Zaire 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.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Wanker takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A swing and a miss from Zaire.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Zaire enables Wanker to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Zaire manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Zaire pulls Wanker in close to prevent any damage.
Wanker controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Zaire looking to control.
Zaire is adopting a defensive guard.
Wanker works a leg free and moves into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wanker wants to lay and pray for a moment but Zaire keeps working.
Zaire tries to roll over but Wanker keeps him under control.
Wanker is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Zaire is looking to improve his position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Wanker perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Wanker seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Zaire for as long as he can get away with.
Wanker works his way into full mount!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Orla Wanker had his way with Abdullah Zaire in that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Wanker's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Wanker avoids the body shot from Zaire.
Zaire misses with a straight left.
Zaire throws a hook but Wanker blocks it.
Wanker swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Some wild striking there from Wanker.
Wanker takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Zaire lands a leg kick that knocks Wanker off balance momentarily.
Zaire thows a body kick. Wanker tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Wanker throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Wanker loads up on a big right hand but Zaire slips the punch.
Zaire ducks under a wild hook from Wanker.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wanker cracks Zaire with a right hand to the side of the head.
Wanker checks a low kick from Zaire.
Wanker throws a right and a left that Zaire avoids nicely.
Wanker tries a head kick but it misses.
Zaire throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wanker looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Wanker throws a sloppy head kick and Zaire moves out of range easily.
Wanker throws a looping overhand right but Zaire ducks down to avoid it.
Sloppy strikes from Wanker. Those never looked like landing.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Wanker takes one to the chin there.
Zaire is looking to slow Wanker down with leg kicks.
Zaire scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Zaire lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Wanker misses with a hook. Zaire ducked under it nicely.
Zaire scores with the left hand. Wanker knows he should have avoided that one.
Wanker with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Wanker is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Wanker misses with an uppercut.
Zaire displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Wanker throws out the jab.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zaire connects with an inside leg kick.
Wanker takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wanker fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Wanker throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Zaire on the side of the head.
Wanker's legs have taken a beating and he's really slowing down as a result.
A swing and a miss from Wanker.
Zaire looks to throw the jab but Wanker is out of range.
Wanker throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Zaire connects with a crisp jab.
Wanker stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Zaire.
Wanker shoots in for a double leg but Zaire sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Wanker tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Zaire swivels and escapes.
Zaire connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Wanker takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
An inside leg kick lands from Zaire.
A combination from Zaire does no damage.
Wanker shoots in and drives through. Zaire sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Orla Wanker. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zaire punishes Wanker's body with a nice straight punch.
Crunch! Zaire slams his shin into Wanker's torso.
Wanker connects with the punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wanker fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Zaire avoids it really well and circles away.
That kick from Zaire tenderised Wanker's leg. Wanker is trying to keep his angry face on.
Wanker misses with a wild combination.
Wanker 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.

Wanker escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Zaire delivers a nice body kick.
Zaire tests Wanker's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Nice uppercut there from Zaire.
Wanker tries to bum rush Zaire with a series of wild strikes but Zaire uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Wanker tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Zaire was well out of range. Poor timing from Wanker.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A decent looking cross lands there for Zaire.
Zaire pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Wanker swinging wildly here.
Zaire throws a hook to the side of Wanker's head but Wanker sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Nice body kick there by Zaire.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Wanker misses with a hook
and Zaire connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Wanker wants to slow Zaire down by chopping away at his legs.
Wanker throws a nice looking combination but Zaire bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Abdullah Zaire is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Zaire throws a hook but Wanker avoids it easily.
Nice sprawl there from Zaire as Wanker shoots in.
Wanker takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Wanker misses with a combination
and Zaire counters with a straight right hand.
Orla Wanker has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Zaire wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zaire scores with a leg kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Abdullah Zaire comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Zaire has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 46:49
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 46:49
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Abdullah Zaire!
Abdullah Zaire is the new middleweight champion!
During a confident post fight interview, Abdullah Zaire thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.