PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between John Skjelbred (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bobby Blimm (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Skjelbred comes into the arena with Bad To The Bone blaring out of the sound system. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Skjelbred
vs
Blimm

175 cm
31
124 lbs
22 - 11 - 0

150 cm
26
145 lbs
8 - 9 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, John Skjelbred!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Bobby Blimm!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Leandro Rodrigues and Paulo Santos.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Blimm tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Blimm will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Blimm fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Skjelbred to the ground. Blimm is now in Skjelbred's guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Blimm trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Blimm trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Blimm stopping the sweep attempt from Skjelbred.
Blimm throws an elbow that misses. Skjelbred uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Blimm's guard. Nice move by Skjelbred!
Skjelbred wants to pass the guard but Blimm is keeping the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Blimm is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Blimm looking to hit a scissor sweep but Skjelbred is one step ahead there.
Skjelbred working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Blimm is trying to keep Skjelbred in close.
Skjelbred trying to control the position from guard on top but Blimm is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Skjelbred tries to stand but Blimm is controlling from the bottom.
Blimm tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Blimm pulls Skjelbred in close to prevent any damage.

Bobby Blimm has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Blimm takes a kick to the side of the head.
John Skjelbred seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Skjelbred cracks Blimm with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Skjelbred throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Skjelbred uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Blimm.
Skjelbred slips a jab and a cross from Blimm.
Skjelbred will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Skjelbred moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

Blimm is rocked!
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!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Skjelbred.
Blimm swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Blimm avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Blimm thumps Skjelbred with a low kick.
Blimm with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Blimm lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Skjelbred at a distance.
Skjelbred misses with a low kick.
Blimm looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Blimm slips a jab and a cross from Skjelbred.

Blimm gets a double leg takedown into Skjelbred's guard.
Blimm throws a big right hand that misses.
Blimm won't allow Skjelbred to sweep him here.
Skjelbred manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Blimm manages to get himself to full guard.
Skjelbred pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Blimm is keeping the position for now.
Skjelbred won't allow Blimm to sweep him here.
Skjelbred will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Blimm is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Blimm is looking for a kimura here.
Blimm prevents Skjelbred from improving his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Blimm is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Blimm is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Skjelbred sees it coming and defends easily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Blimm missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Blimm looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Skjelbred makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Skjelbred.

Skjelbred is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Bobby Blimm will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Blimm swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Skjelbred really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Skjelbred fails with an attempt to clinch.
Blimm bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Skjelbred's head backwards.
Skjelbred misses with a two punch combination.
A big left from Blimm misses.
Skjelbred throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Blimm blocks a head kick by Skjelbred.
Blimm swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Skjelbred counters with a takedown into side control.
You can see the frustration on Blimm's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Skjelbred lands an elbow.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Blimm manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Skjelbred gets back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Skjelbred keeping moving, preventing Blimm from controlling successfully.
Blimm has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Blimm stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Blimm getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Skjelbred takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

It looks like John Skjelbred has been cut.
Skjelbred swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Bobby Blimm seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Blimm looks to land a body kick but Skjelbred moved away.
Skjelbred swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Blimm blocks the body kick.
Skjelbred shoots in but Blimm avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Blimm scores with a nice body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Skjelbred thows a body shot but no joy.

Blimm clinches up against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Skjelbred goes for a takedown attempt but Blimm pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Blimm moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.

Blimm darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Skjelbred has a hand on Blimm's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Blimm takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!

Blimm wants to finish this one by submission but Skjelbred is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Blimm.
Skjelbred working to try and regain half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Blimm sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Skjelbred gets back to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Blimm trying to mount his opponent but Skjelbred defends it.

Blimm is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Skjelbred defends it well.
Skjelbred regains full guard. Nicely done.
Blimm looking to pass the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Skjelbred is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Blimm defends well.
Blimm wants to control from the top but Skjelbred keeps moving.
Blimm throwing strikes from guard but Skjelbred blocks nicely.

Skjelbred looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Blimm throws a big right hand that misses.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Blimm trying to control but Skjelbred is working from the bottom.
Skjelbred working a defensive guard here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Bobby Blimm will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on John Skjelbred's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Skjelbred fails with an attempt to clinch.
Blimm avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Blimm connects with an inside leg kick.
Skjelbred throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Blimm's waist but Blimm gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Skjelbred off to one side.
Blimm misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Blimm throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Blimm throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Skjelbred connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Blimm throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Skjelbred throws a predictable looking body shot

and Blimm counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Skjelbred trying to control but Blimm postures up.

Blimm is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Skjelbred has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Skjelbred has one foot on Blimm's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.

Blimm throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Skjelbred tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Blimm is in Skjelbred's guard.

Skjelbred throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Skjelbred preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Blimm has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Skjelbred is proving hard to escape from.

Skjelbred looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Blimm has picked Skjelbred up and slammed him! Skjelbred can't keep hold of the triangle and Blimm manages to pass to side control!

Blimm goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Skjelbred rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Blimm's guard! Nice work there by Skjelbred!
Skjelbred tries to free his leg and advance position but Blimm is retaining full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Skjelbred throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Blimm works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Blimm working a defensive guard here.
Blimm wants to stand up but Skjelbred is controlling him.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Skjelbred trying to control the position from guard on top but Blimm is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Blimm is looking to sweep but instead, Skjelbred has passed into half guard.
Skjelbred blocks the strikes from Blimm.
Bobby Blimm has got the better of the ground game so far.
Blimm throws a strike from the bottom that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Blimm wants to control the action here but instead Skjelbred manages to pass to full mount!
Blimm has given up his back here. Will Skjelbred look for the submission or keep pounding away?

Skjelbred is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Blimm defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.

Blimm defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Skjelbred's arms.
Blimm breaks Skjelbred's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Blimm trying to control the position from guard on top but Skjelbred is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Skjelbred avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Blimm postures up.
Blimm looking to sit in guard and control but Skjelbred gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Blimm manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Skjelbred manages to get himself to full guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Skjelbred working a defensive guard here.
Blimm passes Skjelbred's left leg - he's now in half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Blimm is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Skjelbred wants to control but Blimm is keeping busy and won't allow it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bobby Blimm really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on John Skjelbred'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.

Blimm connects with a crisp jab.
Skjelbred slips a jab and a cross from Blimm.
Skjelbred misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Skjelbred looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Skjelbred is trying to control the action in half guard but Blimm is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Blimm works his way to full guard. Good work.
Blimm is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Blimm holds on and takes a little breather.
Blimm is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Skjelbred wants to get up but he can't break Blimm's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Blimm is on top in guard.

Skjelbred is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Blimm trying to control but Skjelbred is working from the bottom.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Blimm accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Blimm trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Skjelbred looking to hit a scissor sweep but Blimm is one step ahead there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blimm stands up over Skjelbred, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Blimm slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Blimm sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Skjelbred's guard.
Skjelbred pushes Blimm off but Blimm dives into side control.
Skjelbred is not content to let Blimm control the position.

Blimm is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Skjelbred knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Blimm decides to stand back up. Blimm steps back and let's Skjelbred get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Blimm shoots in and drives through. Skjelbred sprawls well.
Blimm checks a low kick from Skjelbred.
Skjelbred misses with the combination.
Skjelbred misses with a few strikes there.
Blimm looks to land a combination but Skjelbred avoids it well.
Skjelbred closes the distance and clinches up with Blimm, looking for a takedown. Skjelbred pushes Blimm against the cage but Blimm circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Skjelbred wants to clinch but Blimm slips to the side
and Blimm counters with a slapping leg kick.
Blimm throws a body punch but Skjelbred moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
That kick from Skjelbred tenderised Blimm's leg. Blimm is trying to keep his angry face on.
Blimm dives in and grabs Skjelbred's left leg, looking for a takedown. Skjelbred pushes down on Blimm's head and hops out.
Blimm checks a low kick from Skjelbred.
Blimm looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Skjelbred staying out of range there.
Blimm tries a head kick but it misses.
Blimm showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Skjelbred.
Danga de danga de dang - Blimm scores with a four punch combination!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Blimm avoids the head kick by Skjelbred.
Blimm throws a combination. Skjelbred tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Blimm fails with a takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bobby Blimm dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on John Skjelbred'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. This is the final round!

Skjelbred connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Blimm momentarily.
Skjelbred shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Blimm pinned against the cage. Blimm gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Sloppy strikes from Blimm. Those never looked like landing.
Blimm swinging wildly here.
Skjelbred throws a head kick but Blimm moves out of range.
Skjelbred connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Blimm's hands.
Skjelbred tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Blimm manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Blimm shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Skjelbred as he avoids it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Blimm lands with a slapping head kick.
Blimm is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Blimm fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Skjelbred on the side of the head.
Skjelbred with a nice cross.
Skjelbred keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Skjelbred wants to clinch.
Skjelbred lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.

Skjelbred moves into the clinch.
Skjelbred taking a breather.
A knee to the head by Skjelbred.
Skjelbred tries a knee to the head but Blimm blocks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Skjelbred is pressed up against the cage. Blimm has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Skjelbred down to the mat. Skjelbred avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
John Skjelbred has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bobby Blimm.
Skjelbred throws a poor cross that misses

and Blimm counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Skjelbred is trying to stand.
Blimm prevents Skjelbred from improving his position.

Skjelbred looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Blimm seems to be looking for submissions.

Blimm is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Skjelbred moves into full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Blimm postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

Blimm drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Skjelbred manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Blimm has Skjelbred in his guard.

Skjelbred avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Skjelbred advances to half guard.
John Skjelbred has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Skjelbred is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Blimm has managed to free his arm - good work.
Blimm tries to roll over but Skjelbred keeps him under control.
Blimm pushes Skjelbred off looking to stand but Skjelbred dives back in and keeps control.
Skjelbred seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Blimm is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Skjelbred's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Skjelbred's back!
Skjelbred rolls, trying to escape but Blimm keeps control of the position.
Skjelbred is working hard here to advance position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Blimm has managed to slip his arm under Skjelbred's chin. This could be all over... yep, Skjelbred is tapping out! Submission win for Blimm.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Bobby Blimm!
Bobby Blimm is the new bantamweight champion!
Bobby Blimm gave a mention to Hellbent in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).