PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Wolfgang Pauli (ranked 1150 p4p, 1312 weight class) and Axmed Abdullah (ranked 139 p4p, 160 weight class). Wolfgang Pauli has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Pauli
vs
Abdullah

194 cm
21
270
7 - 1 - 0

182 cm
21
269
7 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Decent elbows
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Good gas tank

Honest Apparel ($30 SPECIAL Hoodie!)
Paddy's Enhancing Drugs (160Q)

Honest Apparel ($30 SPECIAL Hoodie!)
Conquer

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Wolfgang Pauli!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Axmed Abdullah !
The judges for this bout are Gregory Folan, William Peck and Alec Ball.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Abdullah scores with the left hand. Pauli knows he should have avoided that one.
Pauli throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Abdullah stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.

Abdullah throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Pauli tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Abdullah is in Pauli's guard.
Abdullah missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Pauli has his hands on Abdullah 's head, controlling the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Pauli not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Abdullah is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Pauli keeping full guard, as Abdullah tries to pass.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Abdullah postures up in Pauli's guard and throws a big left but Pauli blocks it.
Pauli will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Pauli is trying to control the position from the bottom.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Abdullah working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Abdullah trying to control the position from guard on top but Pauli is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
A jab from Pauli misses.
Abdullah dives in for a single leg takedown but Pauli sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Abdullah shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Abdullah scores with a nice strike.
A big left from Abdullah misses.

Abdullah manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Pauli on his heels. He'll look to pass Pauli's guard now, I'm sure.
Pauli managing to control the position.
Pauli is trying to control the position but Abdullah postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Abdullah content to stall in guard here.
Pauli is trying to keep Abdullah in close.
Abdullah controlling from the top position.
Abdullah is looking to work some ground and pound but Pauli has wrist control.
Abdullah is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Pauli not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abdullah shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Pauli defends it nicely.
Wolfgang Pauli has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Axmed Abdullah .
Pauli slips a jab from Abdullah .
Abdullah changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Pauli tries to avoid it but Abdullah manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Pauli to the ground. Pauli escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Abdullah jabbing away but nothing is landing.
As Abdullah looks to move away, Pauli throws a big counter combo but Abdullah just gets out of the way.
Pauli misses with a body shot.
Abdullah fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Pauli avoids it really well and circles away.
Abdullah fails with the takedown.
Pauli throwing a counter right hand but Abdullah manages to avoid it.
Abdullah fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Pauli swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Abdullah looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Pauli is fending him off so far but Abdullah persists. Nope, Pauli circles away and we're back to standing.
We've been told by Pauli's head coaches at Monkey Magic that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Abdullah throws an overhand right that lands on Pauli's shoulder, as Pauli tries to avoid the shot.
A little feinted left hand from Pauli on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Abdullah fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
A counter left hand to the body from Pauli misses its target.
A big right from Abdullah misses.
Abdullah uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Pauli.
Pauli displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Abdullah throws out the jab.
Pauli throws a right and a left that Abdullah avoids nicely.
Pauli ducks under a wild hook from Abdullah .
It looked like Pauli wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Pauli moves out of range of the strikes.
Pauli is looking for a counter combo.
Nice defenses there by Pauli.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Abdullah throws the left hand but Pauli avoids the punch easily.
A little feinted left hand from Pauli on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Abdullah misses with a takedown attempt - Pauli sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Axmed Abdullah 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.

Abdullah shoots in looking for a takedown. Pauli tries to sprawl out of it but Abdullah keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Pauli manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Pauli swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Pauli keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Abdullah .
Abdullah looks to land a left hand but Pauli moved out of range nicely.
Pauli is looking to counter punch.
Abdullah is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Pauli misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Abdullah darts in looking for a takedown but Pauli gets double underhooks and turns Abdullah into the cage.
Pauli gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Pauli ducks right into an uppercut from Abdullah .
Axmed Abdullah seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pauli leaves Abdullah with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Pauli swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Wolfgang Pauli has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Axmed Abdullah .
Abdullah fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Abdullah rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Pauli counters with a nice body shot.
Abdullah throws a looping overhand right but Pauli ducks down to avoid it.
A slow jab from Abdullah misses its intended target.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Abdullah .
A counter left hand to the body from Pauli misses its target.
Pauli is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
A telegraphed right hand from Abdullah misses the target.
Pauli comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Pauli uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Abdullah .

Pauli drops Abdullah with a beautiful combination! Abdullah stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Pauli is looking for the KO!

It looks like Axmed Abdullah has been cut.
Abdullah is breathing heavily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Abdullah throws a hook to the side of Pauli's head but Pauli sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Pauli is looking to counter with a shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pauli stuffs the takedown attempt from Abdullah . Abdullah gets slowly back to his feet.
Pauli looks to score with a jab to the body but Abdullah is just out of range.
Abdullah uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Pauli.
Abdullah swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.

Abdullah shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Abdullah thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Pauli tries to get to full guard but Abdullah has control of the leg.
Pauli wants to control but Abdullah is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Abdullah wants to control but Pauli is keeping him busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pauli is looking to improve his position.
Abdullah sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Pauli defending well though.
Pauli is looking to improve his position.
Pauli is working hard here to advance position.
Abdullah landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Abdullah seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Pauli does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Abdullah thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Pauli's head.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Abdullah avoids the body shot from Pauli.
Abdullah with a poor takedown
and Pauli counters with a nice uppercut.
Good standup being displayed there by Abdullah as he connects with a hook.
Jab, jab by Abdullah - just one landing.
Pauli cracks a nice hook into Abdullah 's ribs.
Pauli displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Abdullah .
Abdullah thows a left - swing and a miss!
Pauli appears to be looking for a big counter.
A telegraphed right hand from Pauli misses the target.

Pauli gets caught napping as Abdullah dives in and scores a takedown. Pauli manages to retain guard.
Pauli on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Pauli tries to get out of the position.
Pauli working a defensive guard here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Wolfgang Pauli dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Axmed Abdullah '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.

The fighters circling - Abdullah throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Abdullah bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Abdullah throws a lazy right hand but Pauli sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Abdullah throws out a loose jab but Pauli uses good head movement to avoid it.
Pauli swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Abdullah misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Abdullah lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Pauli scores with a sloppy right hand. Abdullah should have avoided that one.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pauli slips under a jab from Abdullah .
Pauli is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Pauli jabs Abdullah to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Pauli leaves Abdullah with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Abdullah has a takedown stuffed.
It looked like Pauli was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Abdullah .
Wolfgang Pauli has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Axmed Abdullah .
Abdullah shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Pauli pinned against the cage. Pauli gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Pauli misses with an uppercut. Abdullah saw that one coming.
Pauli uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Abdullah .
Pauli appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Abdullah swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Abdullah misses with an uppercut.
Abdullah throws the left hand but Pauli avoids the punch easily.
Pauli closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Pauli throws a body shot but no joy.
Abdullah looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Abdullah might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pauli gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Abdullah misses with a straight right.
Abdullah fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

Pauli drops Abdullah with a beautiful combination! Abdullah stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Pauli is looking for the KO!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Abdullah lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Pauli throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Horrible takedown attempt by Abdullah or perhaps it was just good defense by Pauli, which made it look bad.
A jab from Abdullah finds it's way through Pauli's defenses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pauli misses the shot to the body.
Abdullah tries for a takedown but Pauli sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Pauli stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Pauli wants it to stay on the feet.
Abdullah throws an overhand right that lands on Pauli's shoulder, as Pauli tries to avoid the shot.
Abdullah fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Abdullah takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Abdullah throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Pauli counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Pauli keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Abdullah .
Pauli swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Nice straight punches there by Abdullah . You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Abdullah .
Pauli scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Abdullah with a jab.
A slow jab from Pauli misses its intended target.
Abdullah swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Abdullah shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Pauli as he avoids it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Abdullah fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Pauli stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Pauli wants it to stay on the feet.
Pauli is looking to counter punch.
Abdullah jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Pauli throws a jab when Abdullah was well out of range.
Abdullah gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Pauli makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Pauli throws a hook but Abdullah avoids it easily.
Abdullah shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Pauli as he avoids it easily.
Abdullah misses with a straight left.
Pauli was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Abdullah tries for a takedown but Pauli sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Pauli appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Pauli throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Wolfgang Pauli clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Axmed Abdullah 's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Pauli uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Abdullah .
It looked like Pauli was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Abdullah waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Pauli.
A slow jab from Pauli misses its intended target.
Abdullah uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Pauli.
Abdullah throws an overhand right that lands on Pauli's shoulder, as Pauli tries to avoid the shot.
Pauli swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Pauli slips a straight right by Abdullah .
Pauli throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Abdullah misses with an uppercut. Pauli saw that one coming.
Pauli scores with a punch to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Abdullah misses with an uppercut.
Abdullah swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Wolfgang Pauli is winning the standup battle so far.
Abdullah loads up on a big right hand but Pauli slips the punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Abdullah avoids the body shot from Pauli.
Abdullah looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Abdullah steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Pauli.
A big right from Pauli misses.
Abdullah cracks Pauli with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Abdullah misses with an uppercut.
It looked like Pauli wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Abdullah looks for a takedown but Pauli sprawls well.
Nice straight punches there by Pauli. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Pauli.

Abdullah scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Pauli gets back to full guard.
Pauli controls Abdullah momentarily but Abdullah frees himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pauli seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Pauli working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Abdullah .
Pauli is pulling down on Abdullah 's head. It's preventing any offense from Abdullah , at least for the moment.
Abdullah throws a big elbow that misses.
Abdullah trying to control but Pauli is working from the bottom.
Abdullah controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abdullah shoots for a takedown but Pauli saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Pauli is looking to counter punch.
Abdullah misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Pauli throwing a counter right hand but Abdullah manages to avoid it.
Wolfgang Pauli has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Axmed Abdullah .
Abdullah shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Pauli as he avoids it easily.
Wolfgang Pauli is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Pauli ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Abdullah moves away.
Pauli slips a jab from Abdullah .
Abdullah takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Pauli displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Abdullah throws out the jab.
Abdullah misses with a right hand
letting Pauli counter with a right hand.
Pauli's jab looks to have found its range, popping Abdullah under the eye.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Abdullah looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Pauli is fending him off so far but Abdullah persists. Nope, Pauli circles away and we're back to standing.
It looked like Pauli wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Abdullah is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Abdullah thows a left - swing and a miss!
It looked like Pauli wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Pauli looks to score with a jab to the body but Abdullah is just out of range.
Pauli ducks right into an uppercut from Abdullah .
Abdullah will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Pauli slips under a jab.
Abdullah shoots in for a takedown but Pauli shows good takedown defense.
It looked like Pauli wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Abdullah throws the left hand but Pauli avoids the punch easily.
It looked like Pauli wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Abdullah with a lazy takedown attempt
and Pauli counters with a stiff right hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Abdullah fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Abdullah takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Wolfgang Pauli had his way with Axmed Abdullah in that round.
The cut man is working on Axmed Abdullah 's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Abdullah fails with a takedown attempt.
Pauli takes a swing at Abdullah 's ribcage but misses.
Pauli defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Abdullah .
Pauli displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Abdullah .
Wolfgang Pauli has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Axmed Abdullah .
Abdullah throws a lazy uppercut
and Pauli counters with a right hand to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pauli punishes Abdullah 's body with a nice straight punch.
Pauli throws a body shot but no joy.
Abdullah drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Pauli defends it well.
Abdullah is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Pauli moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Abdullah shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Pauli pinned against the cage. Pauli gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pauli misses with a wild body shot.
Abdullah has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Abdullah there as he acknowledges the shot.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Abdullah is defended easily by Pauli.
Pauli appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Abdullah ducks under a wild hook from Pauli.
Pauli misses the shot to the body.
Pauli displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Abdullah .
Pauli appears to be looking for a big counter.
Abdullah fails with a takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pauli moves out of range of the strikes.
It looked like Pauli was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Abdullah .
Abdullah misses with a hook
and Pauli counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Abdullah uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Pauli.
Pauli steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Abdullah .
Pauli was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
A swing and a miss from Abdullah .
Abdullah cracks Pauli with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Abdullah slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Abdullah closes this distance looking for a takedown but Pauli circles away.
It looked like Pauli was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Abdullah .
Pauli tries to bum rush Abdullah with a series of wild strikes but Abdullah uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abdullah fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Abdullah throws out a loose jab but Pauli uses good head movement to avoid it.
Abdullah goes for a double leg but Pauli avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Pauli continues to drive forward.
Abdullah is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Nice uppercut there from Abdullah .
Pauli bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Abdullah shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Pauli pinned against the cage. Pauli gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Pauli was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Pauli lands a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Abdullah shoots and misses
and Abdullah takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
A big right from Abdullah misses.
A counter left hand to the body from Pauli misses its target.
Nice shot lands for Abdullah .
Abdullah fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Abdullah throws a hook but Pauli blocks it.
It looked like Pauli was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Abdullah .
Wolfgang Pauli is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Pauli throws a hook to the side of Abdullah 's head but Abdullah sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Abdullah goes for a double leg but Pauli avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Pauli continues to drive forward.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Abdullah throws the left hand but Pauli avoids the punch easily.
Axmed Abdullah has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Pauli closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Abdullah gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Pauli counters with a left to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Wolfgang Pauli showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Pauli 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 49:46
Judge William Peck scores the fight 49:46
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Wolfgang Pauli!
Wolfgang Pauli retains his heavyweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Wolfgang Pauli thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.