PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Johnny Knoxville (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Stig Helmer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stig Helmer has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Johnny Knoxville's chin.

Knoxville
vs
Helmer

180 cm
28
264 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

198 cm
22
265 lbs
4 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Determined

BioPharm Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Johnny Knoxville!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Stig Helmer!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Jorge Garcia and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Helmer fails to land the takedown.
Knoxville has his takedown stuffed

and Helmer decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Knoxville's guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

Knoxville had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Helmer defends it easily.
Helmer is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Helmer landing some decent shots from guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Helmer throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Knoxville works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Helmer trying to control but Knoxville is working from the bottom.
Helmer throws a big elbow that misses.

Knoxville has an active guard here but Helmer has managed to pass into half guard.

Helmer wants to work for an arm triangle but Knoxville is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Knoxville misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Knoxville trying to control here.
Knoxville missing with punches from the bottom.
Helmer seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Helmer wants to take a breather but Knoxville is having none of it.
Knoxville is looking for a sweep. Helmer is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Knoxville might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Knoxville is trying to control but can't.

Knoxville looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Helmer lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Helmer drops an elbow to the side of Knoxville's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Knoxville looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Knoxville looking for submissions off his back.

Knoxville looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Knoxville is breathing heavily.

Helmer is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Knoxville sees it coming and defends easily.
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!

Knoxville looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Knoxville is not content to let Helmer control the position.
Knoxville taking some punishment here, with Helmer in his half guard.
Helmer has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Helmer controlling the pace.

Knoxville looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Knoxville wants to control but Helmer is keeping busy.
Helmer is looking to take a break and control but Knoxville is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Helmer landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Helmer looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Knoxville with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

Knoxville looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Helmer lands a nice short elbow.
Helmer wants to lay and pray for a moment but Knoxville keeps working.
Helmer working the head and body with strikes.

Knoxville is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Helmer pulls his head out easily.

Helmer is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Knoxville sees it coming and defends easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Helmer is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Knoxville has managed to free his arm - good work.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Helmer is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Knoxville looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Knoxville taking some punishment here, with Helmer in his half guard.

Knoxville is defending against the submission attempts here by Helmer.

Helmer is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Knoxville is staying active underneath Helmer, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Stig Helmer dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Helmer has his takedown stuffed
and Knoxville counters with a leg kick.
Helmer shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Helmer shoots in looking for a takedown. Knoxville tries to sprawl out of it but Helmer keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Knoxville manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Johnny Knoxville has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Stig Helmer.
Knoxville swings for the body but Helmer moves out of range.
Johnny Knoxville is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Helmer misses with a takedown attempt

and Knoxville counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Knoxville.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Knoxville wants to pass the guard but Helmer is keeping the position.
Helmer is breathing heavily.

Helmer has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Knoxville can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Knoxville drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Knoxville jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Knoxville trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Helmer manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Knoxville has his foot on Helmer's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Helmer works his way back into a safe position though.

Knoxville looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Knoxville working for a triangle but Helmer defends it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Helmer trying to control but Knoxville is working from the bottom.

Knoxville working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Helmer doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Helmer manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Helmer is working Knoxville over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Helmer scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Knoxville keeping moving, preventing Helmer from controlling successfully.
Helmer keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Knoxville's head.
Knoxville keeping moving, preventing Helmer from controlling successfully.
Helmer lands a couple of digs.
Helmer connects with a couple of short punches.
Helmer trying to control the position from guard on top but Knoxville is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Knoxville is looking for a triangle but Helmer pushes his legs off easily.
Helmer postures up and lands a big shot to Knoxville's brow.
Helmer scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Helmer trying to control the position from guard on top but Knoxville is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Knoxville has his foot on Helmer's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Helmer works his way back into a safe position though.
Helmer lands a couple of elbows.
Helmer trying to control the position from guard on top but Knoxville is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Knoxville tries to strike from the bottom.

Knoxville is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Helmer with a flurry of punches that miss.
Helmer working some strikes from top position.
Knoxville being controlled here, momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Helmer trying to control the position from guard on top but Knoxville is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Knoxville wants to control the position but Helmer says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.

Knoxville looking for submissions off his back.

Helmer is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
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. Helmer connects with a nice short shot to Knoxville's temple.

Knoxville looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Knoxville is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Helmer scores with a couple of nice shots.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Knoxville actively working from the bottom here.

Helmer is working for a submission of some sort.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Stig Helmer will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Nice sprawl there from Knoxville as Helmer shoots in.
Helmer tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Knoxville swivels and escapes.

Knoxville throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Helmer was covering up waiting for the punch and Knoxville finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Helmer is trying to keep Knoxville in close.

Helmer is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Knoxville is aware though and is defending well.
Helmer working a defensive guard here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Knoxville stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Helmer swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Knoxville thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Helmer has his foot on Knoxville's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Knoxville works his way back into a safe position though.
Helmer takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Helmer is trying to control the position but Knoxville postures up.

Knoxville is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Knoxville drops back, looking for a kneebar! Helmer looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Helmer looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Helmer!
Helmer in side control lands a decent elbow.
Knoxville struggling a bit here.
Helmer working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Knoxville tries to bench press Helmer off him but Helmer keeps the position.
Knoxville regains half guard.

Helmer is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Helmer is looking to take a break and control but Knoxville is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Knoxville looking for submissions off his back.
Helmer slips a nice elbow through Knoxville's hands, connecting with Knoxville's forehead.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Helmer lands a nice short elbow.
Helmer is trying to control the action in half guard but Knoxville is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Knoxville actively working from the bottom here.
Helmer with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Helmer is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Knoxville sees it coming and defends easily.

Helmer is trying to work for a kimura but Knoxville is defending well.
Knoxville wants to control but Helmer is keeping busy.

Knoxville looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Helmer controlling the action here.

Helmer is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Knoxville is looking for a sweep. Helmer is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
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. Helmer connects with a nice short shot to Knoxville's temple.
Helmer not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Knoxville is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Helmer pulls his head out easily.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Helmer in particular looking to stall.

Helmer has hold of the far side arm. He's working for the Kimura, can Knoxville defend it? Helmer steps over the head and cranks it - Knoxville is tapping out! That was textbook stuff right there - nice submission victory for Helmer!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:48 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Stig Helmer!
Stig Helmer very nearly forgot to thank BioPharm Nutrition amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.