PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Bartholomew Simpson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Abdullah Zaire (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Simpson
vs
Zaire

190 cm
26
200 lbs
16 - 3 - 0

182 cm
30
193 lbs
25 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Reaper Combatwear

Syndicate Nutrition

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 16 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Bartholomew Simpson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Abdullah Zaire!
The judges for this bout are Donatello Bradman, Winston Howard and Hugh Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zaire fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Zaire cracks Simpson with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.

It looks like Bartholomew Simpson has been cut.

Zaire shoots in and bounces Simpson off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Simpson working a defensive guard here.
Simpson controlling the position.
Simpson keeping full guard, as Zaire tries to pass.
Simpson trying to control the position here.
Zaire advances to half guard.
Zaire working the head and body with strikes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Zaire wants to take a breather but Simpson is having none of it.
Simpson desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Zaire lands with a punch from half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaire wants to free his trapped foot but Simpson is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Simpson wants to get back to full guard.
Simpson is holding on to half guard well.
Simpson trying to hold on to Zaire's head to control him but Zaire postures up.
Zaire prevents Simpson from improving his position.
Zaire seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Simpson does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Zaire throwing shots but Simpson is blocking nicely.
Zaire is looking to advance position but Simpson won't allow it.
Simpson is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Zaire scores with a couple of nice shots.
Simpson is looking for a sweep. Zaire is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Zaire sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Simpson defending well though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaire working the head and body with strikes.
Zaire wants to control but Simpson is keeping him busy.
Zaire throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Simpson is looking to improve his position.
Zaire sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Simpson defending well though.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zaire scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Simpson is looking to improve his position.
Simpson wants to control but Zaire is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Simpson won't allow Zaire to pass to mount.
Simpson is looking to control Zaire's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Simpson avoid being mounted?
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Simpson preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Zaire content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Zaire wants to work for an arm triangle but Simpson is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Zaire trying to control the action but Simpson is working from the bottom.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Zaire connects with a nice short shot to Simpson's temple.
Zaire trying to mount his opponent but Simpson defends it.
Zaire is thwarting Simpson's attempts to control the position.
Zaire is nestled in close to Simpson, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Zaire is looking to advance position but Simpson won't allow it.
Zaire not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Simpson has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Zaire is working away from the top position though.
Simpson holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simpson won't allow Zaire to pass to mount.
Simpson moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Simpson is controlling Zaire's posture.
Zaire loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
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!
Simpson working a defensive guard but Zaire passes into half guard.

Zaire is looking for a kimura here.
Nice strikes from Zaire there.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Zaire missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Zaire thows a huge punch but Simpson dodges it nicely.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Simpson moves into full guard.
Simpson is trying to control the position but Zaire postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Abdullah Zaire dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Bartholomew Simpson's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Zaire motions for Simpson to come forward. Zaire throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Nice defenses there by Simpson.
Zaire swings for the body but Simpson moves out of range.
Zaire cracks Simpson with a good jab.
Zaire takes a jab right on the kisser.
Simpson is looking to clinch.
Zaire attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Zaire connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Zaire thows a left - swing and a miss!
Zaire lands a right hook to the body.

Zaire takes the fight into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simpson can't find room to land a body shot as Zaire controls the action.
Zaire misses with a body punch.
Zaire misses with a hook to the ribs.

Zaire ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Zaire no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Zaire controlling Simpson's posture.
Simpson trying to control but Zaire is working from the bottom.
Abdullah Zaire has got the better of the ground game so far.
Zaire trying to control the position.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Abdullah Zaire wasn't active enough on the ground.
Zaire throws a sloppy head kick and Simpson moves out of range easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaire thows a body shot but no joy.
Zaire slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Zaire connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
The fighters circling - Zaire throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A left lands for Zaire.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zaire rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Simpson counters with a straight right hand.
Simpson throws a jab but it's blocked by Zaire.

Zaire closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Zaire creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Simpson sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Zaire tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Zaire has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Simpson can't do much from the bottom here.
Simpson prevents Zaire from improving position.
Zaire landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Simpson tries to buck Zaire off but Zaire is having none of it.
Zaire scores with a couple of short elbows.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaire lands some shots froms side control.
Simpson manages to work his way to half guard, despite Zaire's best efforts.
Zaire thows a huge punch but Simpson dodges it nicely.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zaire working the head and body with strikes.
Zaire missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Zaire looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Simpson is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Zaire thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Simpson's head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Zaire sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Simpson defending well though.
Zaire not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Simpson won't allow Zaire to pass to mount.
And that’s 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.
The cut man is working on Bartholomew Simpson's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Zaire displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Zaire clobbers Simpson with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Abdullah Zaire seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zaire shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Zaire cracks Simpson with an open hand slap.
Zaire misses with a hook. Simpson ducked under it nicely.
Zaire throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Zaire throws a body punch but Simpson moves out of range.
Simpson has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Zaire.
Simpson takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Zaire misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaire's corner calls for a 1-2. Zaire obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Zaire throws a leg kick
and Simpson counters with a straight right hand.
Zaire shoots for a double leg takedown but Simpson sprawls well. He's pushed Zaire's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Simpson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A leg kick checked by Simpson.
Zaire looks to score with a jab to the body but Simpson is just out of range.
Zaire shoots in but no luck this time.
Bartholomew Simpson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Abdullah Zaire.
Simpson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Zaire.
Some bone on bone action there as Simpson checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.

Zaire instigates a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simpson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Zaire is defending well for now.
Simpson softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Zaire tries to throw a body punch but Simpson avoids it by throwing Zaire back against the cage.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Simpson lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zaire misses with a hook to the ribs.
Simpson misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Zaire.
Zaire scores a nice knee to the body.
Zaire works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Zaire missing with knees to the body.
Zaire tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Simpson's elbow.
Good body shot from Simpson.
Simpson misses with a body punch.
A head punch on the inside from Zaire fails to land.
Simpson tries a body shot but Zaire blocks it.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Simpson takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaire tries to pull guard but Simpson holds him up against the cage and eventually Zaire drops back down to his feet.
Simpson struggles to land a body shot inside as Zaire controls his hands.
Zaire misses with a punch to the body.
Zaire's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Zaire is leaning against Simpson and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Simpson just misses with a elbow thrown towards Zaire's brow.
Simpson misses with a body punch.
Simpson blocks a body shot from Zaire.
Simpson lands a body shot.
Zaire managing to block the knees to the body from Simpson.
Zaire fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
With the fighters up against the cage, Simpson throws an elbow but misses.
Zaire tries a body shot but Simpson blocks it.
Zaire misses with some punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaire lands with a left to the head.

Zaire gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Simpson controlling the position.
Zaire landing with the ground and pound.
Simpson controlling Zaire's posture.
Simpson trying to keep a closed guard but Zaire is proving a slippery customer.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Zaire wants to control from the top but Simpson keeps moving.
Zaire has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Bartholomew Simpson.
Zaire will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Abdullah Zaire really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Bartholomew Simpson'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.

Zaire cracks a nice hook into Simpson's ribs.
Simpson on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Some bone on bone action there as Simpson checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Simpson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Zaire.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Zaire pushes Simpson back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Simpson on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Simpson lands a knee to the head.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Zaire blocks a body shot from Simpson.
Simpson struggles to land a body shot inside as Zaire controls his hands.
A head punch on the inside from Simpson fails to land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simpson presses Zaire against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Simpson lands an uppercut.
Zaire tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Simpson misses with a hook to the ribs.
Zaire tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Simpson's elbow.
Zaire prevents a body shot from Simpson.
Zaire misses with a short punch on the inside.
Zaire blocking some punches.
Zaire blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Zaire misses with a body punch.
Simpson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Zaire.
Bartholomew Simpson has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Simpson trying to land knees to the body.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Zaire tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Simpson smiles and moves away.
Abdullah Zaire seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Simpson dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Zaire. That did some damage!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Some bone on bone action there as Simpson checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
A solid leg kick lands there for Zaire.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Simpson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Zaire.
Bartholomew Simpson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Zaire is trying hard to land a takedown here. Simpson sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Bartholomew Simpson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Abdullah Zaire.
Zaire misses with a head kick.
Zaire misses with an uppercut.
A looping hook to the body misses from Zaire. Simpson does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Zaire moves into range and clinches up with Simpson.
Simpson blocks a body shot from Zaire.
Simpson struggles to land a body shot inside as Zaire controls his hands.
Simpson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Zaire misses with some punches.
Simpson lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A short uppercut from Simpson.
Simpson makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

Zaire is rocked!
A nice right hand lands inside from Simpson.
Zaire is still on wobbly legs! Can Simpson finish him?
Simpson crunches a lovely knee into Zaire's ribcage.
Zaire is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Simpson.
Simpson lands a good knee to the midsection. Zaire won't want to take too many of those.

Simpson drops Zaire onto one knee with a big uppercut from the clinch! Zaire is propped up by the cage and works his way back to his feet!
Simpson digs a right hand underneath Zaire's ribcage. Zaire let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Simpson dips a shoulder and cracks Zaire with a mighty uppercut! Zaire falls back against the cage and Simpson unloads with a barrage of strikes! Zaire is completely out with his eyes open, only supported by the cage! Save him ref! Eventually the ref decides to do his job and jumps in - Simpson screams abuse at the incompetent official before going over to celebrate with his corner. Brutal stuff!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 4, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Bartholomew Simpson!
Bartholomew Simpson retains his middleweight title!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Bartholomew Simpson made sure he mentioned Hell's Balls Recovery (160), along with how happy he was to win his fight.