PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Henrik Stenson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nils Holgersson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Stenson might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Young Jeezy - I'm Here. Holgersson is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Theme. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Stenson
vs
Holgersson

170 cm
39
155 lbs
21 - 10 - 0

169 cm
34
157 lbs
26 - 17 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Dangerous knees
Good gas tank

My$tic Clothing ~ (`10%Laundry`)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Henrik Stenson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Nils Holgersson!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Don Winkell and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Holgersson feints and as Stenson raises his hands in defense, Holgersson changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Holgersson wants to control from the top but Stenson keeps moving.
Stenson has control of Holgersson's left arm, preventing Holgersson from doing any damage.
Holgersson wants to pass the guard but Stenson is keeping the position.
Holgersson passes easily into side control. Nice work.

Holgersson wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Stenson, who protects the arm well.
Holgersson looks up at the clock and then as Stenson takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Holgersson smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Holgersson looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Stenson can't do much from the bottom here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Holgersson tries to move into full mount but can't pass Stenson's legs.
Holgersson throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Holgersson has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at Ballshoi Ballet 4. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
Stenson on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Holgersson tries to move into full mount but can't pass Stenson's legs.
Stenson wants to control but Holgersson postures up.

Holgersson thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Holgersson in side control, throwing shots but Stenson defends.
Stenson is trying to control Holgersson's posture but Holgersson avoids it.

Holgersson goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Stenson has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Holgersson but great work by Stenson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Holgersson looks to move to half guard but instead Stenson has passed into mount! Damn!
Stenson is trying to stand up but he's being controlled by his opponent.
Stenson trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Holgersson is trying desperately to improve position.
Holgersson tries to hold on but Stenson pushes him away.
Stenson is looking to stand but Holgersson has his arms wrapped tightly around him, looking to prevent the damage.
Holgersson wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
Stenson has the hooks in. Holgersson is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Holgersson prevents Stenson from getting a body triangle.
Holgersson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Stenson is trying to stand.

Stenson has Holgersson's back but decides to stand back up... Obviously he fancies his chances in the standup department!
Stenson connects with an inside leg kick.
Holgersson tries to move into range but Stenson moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Holgersson looks to throw the jab but Stenson is out of range.
Holgersson throws a leg kick but Stenson checks it.
Stenson throws a low kick but Holgersson avoids it.
Stenson will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Holgersson misses with a wild body shot.

Holgersson shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Holgersson is looking to work some ground and pound but Stenson has wrist control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stenson looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Holgersson trying to control but Stenson is working from the bottom.
Holgersson is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Stenson pulls Holgersson in to control the position.
Holgersson with a flurry of punches that miss.
Stenson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Holgersson is one step ahead there.
Holgersson trying to control but Stenson is working from the bottom.
Holgersson landing some decent shots from guard.
Stenson wants to sweep here but Holgersson controlling him for the moment.
Holgersson wants to control from the top but Stenson keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nils Holgersson dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Holgersson moves out of range of the strikes.
Stenson connects with the punch.

Stenson closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Holgersson did well to prevent Stenson getting side control.
Stenson tries to stand but his arm is trapped.

Holgersson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Holgersson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Stenson tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Holgersson.

Holgersson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stenson seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.

Holgersson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Stenson pulls his head out easily.
Stenson prevents Holgersson from improving his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Stenson moves into side control, avoiding a weak kimura attempt from Holgersson.
Stenson wants to stand but Holgersson has his arm trapped.
Holgersson is looking for a sweep.
Holgersson gets back to half guard.
Holgersson slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Stenson wants to stand but Holgersson has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Stenson won't allow Holgersson to get back to his feet.
Holgersson looking for a sweep. Not yet Holgersson, not yet.
Stenson tries to stand but Holgersson is controlling from the bottom.

Stenson stands up from guard. Let's bang!
No luck for Holgersson with that takedown attempt.
Holgersson throws a low kick but Stenson avoids it.
Stenson throws a nice inside leg kick.
Holgersson avoids the body shot from Stenson.
Stenson feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Holgersson's calf.
Stenson will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Holgersson pivots, looking for a leg kick but Stenson is out of range and Holgersson settles back down.
Holgersson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Stenson attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Stenson lands with a hook. Holgersson tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
A nice leg kick lands there from Stenson.
Holgersson goes for a double leg but Stenson avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Stenson continues to drive forward.
Holgersson is looking to clinch but Stenson is avoiding it.
Stenson appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Stenson lands with a hook. Holgersson tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Stenson scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Holgersson doesn't seem bothered though.
Stenson tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Henrik Stenson is winning the standup battle so far.
Stenson throws a low kick but Holgersson avoids it.
Stenson attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Holgersson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Stenson attempts a counter takedown but Holgersson avoids it well and moves away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
That kick from Stenson tenderised Holgersson's leg. Holgersson is trying to keep his angry face on.
Stenson scores with a hook to the body. Holgersson takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Stenson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Holgersson tries a head kick but it misses.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Holgersson throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Stenson tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Holgersson is in Stenson's guard.
Holgersson in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Stenson tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Holgersson throwing strikes but missing.
Holgersson wants to pass the guard but Stenson is keeping the position.
Stenson pulls Holgersson in close to prevent any damage.
Holgersson throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Stenson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Henrik Stenson dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Holgersson misses with a head kick.
Holgersson checks the leg kick.

Holgersson fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Stenson to the ground. Holgersson is now in Stenson's guard.
Holgersson looking to pass the guard.
Stenson tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Holgersson throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Stenson wants to sweep here but Holgersson controlling him for the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stenson managing to control the position.
Holgersson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stenson manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Holgersson manages to get himself to full guard.

Stenson got a little sloppy there for a moment and Holgersson has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Stenson has managed to get both his arms back between Holgersson's legs - danger averted.

Holgersson working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Stenson doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Stenson manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Holgersson working a defensive guard here.

Holgersson is looking for a triangle but Stenson pushes his legs off easily.
Nils Holgersson has got the better of the ground game so far.
Holgersson manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Stenson manages to get himself to full guard.

Stenson controlling the position.
Stenson continues to stall.

Holgersson postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Stenson is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Holgersson, into his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stenson trying to stand up but can't free himself from Holgersson's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Holgersson looking for a sweep. Not yet Holgersson, not yet.
Stenson wants to get up but he can't break Holgersson's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Stenson gets to his feet. Holgersson looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Holgersson looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Holgersson checks a leg kick.
Holgersson changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Holgersson pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Stenson connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stenson misses with a hook. Holgersson ducked under it nicely.
Holgersson changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Holgersson drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Nice defenses there by Holgersson.
Holgersson with the counter takedown but Stenson avoids it easily.

Stenson shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Holgersson's guard.
Stenson trying to stand up but can't free himself from Holgersson's guard.

Holgersson had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Stenson defends it easily.
Stenson has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Holgersson is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Holgersson wants to sweep but no luck.
Stenson trying to stand up but can't free himself from Holgersson's guard.

Stenson stands up from Holgersson's guard - Stenson perhaps looking for a knockout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stenson throws a solid leg kick but Holgersson takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Stenson.
Holgersson looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Stenson fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Holgersson has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Holgersson moves forwards but Stenson connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Holgersson fails to land the takedown.
Stenson throws a hook but Holgersson avoids it easily.
Holgersson appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
A head kick misses from Holgersson.
Henrik Stenson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Stenson misses with a wild body shot.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A head kick misses from Holgersson.
A solid leg kick lands there for Stenson.
Stenson lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Henrik Stenson clearly takes 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.

Stenson throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Holgersson stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Stenson lands a nice leg kick that just misses Holgersson's sensitive parts.
Stenson checks the leg kick nicely there.
Stenson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Holgersson's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Holgersson fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Stenson connects with an inside leg kick.
Holgersson shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Holgersson moves out of range as Stenson strikes.
An inside leg kick lands from Stenson.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stenson fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Holgersson is out of range.
Stenson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Holgersson can do to turn this around?
Stenson throws an overhand right that lands on Holgersson's shoulder, as Holgersson tries to avoid the shot.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Stenson, right into the meat.
Holgersson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Stenson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stenson fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Stenson throws a hook but Holgersson avoids it easily.
Holgersson tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Stenson swivels and escapes.
Henrik Stenson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nils Holgersson.
Stenson's jab looks to have found its range, popping Holgersson under the eye.
Stenson throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Holgersson misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Stenson drops down looking for a counter takedown but Holgersson sprawls and moves away.
That kick from Holgersson tenderised Stenson's leg. Stenson is trying to keep his angry face on.
Stenson stuns Holgersson with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Holgersson wants to slow Stenson down by chopping away at his legs.
Stenson changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Stenson ducks under a wild hook from Holgersson.
A big left from Stenson misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Holgersson thows a leg kick but Stenson checks it

and Stenson counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Stenson wants to get up but he can't break Holgersson's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Holgersson striking off his back but it's not causing Stenson any problems.
Holgersson has a closed guard, preventing Stenson from standing up.
Stenson stopping the sweep attempt from Holgersson.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Holgersson has a closed guard, preventing Stenson from standing up.
Stenson preventing the sweep.

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

Holgersson feints and as Stenson raises his hands in defense, Holgersson changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stenson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Holgersson is one step ahead there.
Holgersson being controlled here momentarily.
Stenson 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.
Holgersson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Holgersson wants to control from the top but Stenson keeps moving.
Stenson pulls Holgersson in close to prevent any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Holgersson wants to control from the top but Stenson keeps moving.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Stenson throws an off balance right hand

and Holgersson counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Holgersson.
Holgersson with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Stenson avoiding damage as Holgersson throws knees to the body.
Holgersson with an attempt at a knee that misses.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Stenson blocking some punches.
Holgersson lands with a short shot to the head.
Holgersson lands with a right to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Henrik Stenson had his way with Nils Holgersson in that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

A telegraphed right hand from Stenson misses the target.

Stenson dives in and scores a takedown into Holgersson's guard.
Stenson would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Stenson won't allow Holgersson to sweep him here.
Stenson has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Holgersson is proving hard to escape from.
Holgersson 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.
Stenson wants to get up but he can't break Holgersson's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stenson feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Holgersson's calf.
Stenson scores with the left hand. Holgersson knows he should have avoided that one.

Stenson shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Stenson was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Holgersson is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

Stenson stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Holgersson moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stenson lands a jab to Holgersson's midsection.
Holgersson shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A low kick from Holgersson misses

and Stenson counters with a shoot takedown. Holgersson fights it but they end up in guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Stenson wanted to stand there but Holgersson had control of the position.
Holgersson working a defensive guard here.
Stenson wants to stand but Holgersson is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Holgersson looking for a guillotine here but Stenson defends easily.
Nils Holgersson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Holgersson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Stenson is one step ahead there.
Stenson wants to get up but he can't break Holgersson's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Good shot there by Stenson.
Stenson throws a leg kick that is checked

and Holgersson counters with a shoot takedown. Stenson fights it but they end up in guard.
Holgersson working some strikes from top position.
Stenson has momentary wrist control but Holgersson slips an elbow through the middle.
Holgersson wants to control from the top but Stenson keeps moving.
Holgersson distracts Stenson with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Stenson pulls Holgersson in close to prevent any damage.
Stenson trying to keep a closed guard but Holgersson is proving a slippery customer.
Stenson keeping moving, preventing Holgersson from controlling successfully.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Holgersson loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

And that's the end of the fight!
Henrik Stenson showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Stenson 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 49:46
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 49:46
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Henrik Stenson!
Henrik Stenson retains his lightweight title!
A very excited looking Henrik Stenson made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
Nils Holgersson spoke after the fight, saying 'Fyfan!'.