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The Ultimate Fighter Season 9: Episode 12

June 17, 2009 By

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Episode 12: REMATCH

I’m still here, and on the eve of my baby’s due date, I get to enjoy the last regular episode of TUF!

Last week, the four remaining lightweights faced off. In the first fight, Andre Winner submitted Cameron Dollar with a triangle in round 1, giving the UK its first finalist. In the second fight, Ross Pearson went toe-to-toe with James Dent in a three-round brawl, winning with a unanimous decision. Tonight decides the remaining finalist for the welterweights – who will face Damarques in the Finale? Will it be Frank Lester or James Wilks?

At the house, the American coaches come over to grill up some BBQ and to just hang out with the team. They begin discussing the upcoming rematch between Lester and Wilks. Lester feels that if Henderson believes in him, he can believe in himself. He seems pretty confident in himself considering his path in the house thus far. Damarques even gives him a bit of a pep talk, saying that Lester can take more damage (though Damarques is a bit biased, as he refers to Wilks as a pompous prick).

On the UK side of the house, they are discussing much of the same. They noticed that in his fight against Faulkner, Lester was much more relaxed. They admit that Lester is probably stronger and tougher, but that Wilks is more technically skilled. It seems like both guys have a sound respect for each other.

The next day at Team UK training, Wilks feels he is probably the favorite because he’s already beaten Lester. However, Bisping doesn’t want to be overly confident because the first fight was so close. He feels like Wilks can win if he takes it to the ground because Lester is strong and has a good chin. The ground seems to be Lester’s weakness.

Once Team USA arrives at the gym, Lester says he feels comfortable in the cage because this will be his third fight in as many weeks. He sweetly calls the cage home. In discussing strategy and attitude, he tells Hendo that he’s “more clear headed” (hey, these guys aren’t really known for their ability to speak English, lol). Hendo calls for more straight punches: not too hard and not looping, but straight and quick.

Back at the house, Wilks and Lester seem to be getting along while chit-chatting about Lester’s daughter. They are actually pretty chill, and Lester adds that Wilks has kind of grown on him. They get in the sauna and get chummy. Lester openly tells Wilks that he didn’t like him in the beginning, and doesn’t really know why, but now he actually likes him. Could this be a ploy on Lester’s part to kind of get into Wilks’ head? Regardless, Dana likes this rematch because both guys think they can win. It should definitely prove to be pretty interesting.

Later that night, Amasinger is cooking up curry chicken as the coaches arrive. Bisping talks about how much he has enjoyed the coaching process – the coaching, meeting the guys, the camaraderie they’ve forged and the respect he has for them. Then Wilks decides to show off some parlor tricks, playing a joke on Bisping involving a penny – though I expected something seriously lame, it was actually pretty amusing. It’s nice to see Bisping able to laugh at himself for a change. After the coaches leave, Andre begins spitting his food out, deciding to also throw a wad of curry at Amasinger’s neck where it then explodes. The usually calm Amasinger quickly jumps to his feet, throwing chairs out of his way to find Winner. Uh oh! Could this be the dumba$$ antics we’ve been waiting for?

Amasinger chases Winner down near the pool and violently chucks him in. As Winner tries to get out, Faulkner then sneaks up and launches a bag of flour at him, turning him a nice pasty white. The joking ends when Amasinger then pushes Winner back in the pool. All got a good, spirited laugh. This is the most light-hearted the house has been all season.

Well, not all are light-hearted. Damarques and Lester are hanging out in their room, but Lester is crying. He claims not to be afraid, but he’s afraid of letting everyone down. I actually feel for the guy.

FIGHT DAY

The Brits talk about Wilks’ chances. They give Lester a lot of credit, and it is clear that Wilks is taking it seriously. Bisping wants Wilks to relax and follow the gameplan. Wilks wants to get this fight out of the way so he can fight in the Finale.

Lester feels like he has something to lose, as in a 6-figure contract. Lester seems much less composed, but this is his dream. The only thing standing in his way is Wilks (who Hendo reminds Lester was the one who knocked out his teeth).

ROUND 1: Wilks is the first to strike with a straight jab that misses. He follows it with a leg kick. Lester counters with a straight jab, then a wide right. Lester then gets inadvertently kicked in the nuts. They resume and Lester starts with a good body kick. A nice left from Wilks is followed by a good combo. Lester lands a solid leg kick. Wilks with a good offensive combo. Another good leg kick from Lester. Wilks is far more aggressive, while Lester is more cautious about his shots. They seem to jab at the same time, cancelling each other out. They have some weak exchanges, but Lester keeps chopping at Wilks with leg kicks. A solid right from Lester hurts Wilks. Wilks shoots and pins Lester against the fence, but can’t get him down. They clinch, but neither does much. They separate, and Lester lands some excellent shots. Wilks tries to shoot again, but Lester just keeps punching at him. They clinch and finally Wilks lands some knees. Wilks tries to sweep, but Lester keeps it on their feet. Still clinching, they exchange some head shots. They separate and both land good face shots. The round ends on their feet.

ROUND 2: Lester starts the round with a leg kick that lands straight to Wilks’ groin (though it looked lower to me). They restart and exchange a few jabs. Lester swings and misses with a left hook, but then Wilks swings and misses with a head kick. A nice straight left to Wilks’ face, but then Lester eats the same. Good straight kick from Wilks. Some so-so exchanges and finally Wilks lands another straight kick. A great right from Wilks lands, but Lester takes it. Then Lester lands a solid shot that rocks Wilks and Wilks shoots. They clinch, and Wilks keeps trying to sweep, but with no success. They break after a weak clinch and Wilks gets in a nice leg kick. Lester returns with a painful straight jab. A solid right hook from Lester gets checked. Wilks fakes with a low left kick and follows with a right head kick that rocks Lester. Wilks charges for the takedown and he controls Lester at the cage. They clinch and Wilks lands knee after knee. They get back to the center and continue to exchange as the round ends.

Seems to me that the fight is 1 round each.

ROUND 3: Both come out swinging, but Wilks is the first to connect with a nice leg kick. They exchange a lot, with Wilks doing more damage. He lands a straight kick, followed by a right that really rocks Lester. He charges and pins Lester against the cage. Neither does anything, but they break up and Lester lands a couple good jabs. Wilks lands a good knee when Lester gets close and gets him back up against the cage where he lands a few more knees. As Wilks is trying to get Lester down, Lester is looking tired. Wilks lands a nice knee that starts to drop Lester. As Lester starts to come back up, Wilks takes advantage with a couple more knees that keep him down. He crouches and Wilks continues pounding on him as the ref stops it.

Winner: James Wilks via TKO

Frank clearly did his best, but he was picked apart. He was tired going into the fight. Despite knowing that Wilks was definitely the better fighter, all are unbelievably impressed with Lester’s heart, especially Dana. I definitely foresee a future for Lester in the UFC.

Lester is disappointed in himself and feels like he let everyone down– he is just completely drained. But he looks at the bright side: that he’s leaving a better man than when he came in.

Bisping, back to being an a$$, is rubbing it in about being up 3-1 in the Finale. Hendo is just proud of his team overall. Heck, if Damarques wins, they end tied!

In parting words, Hendo says that this whole experience has made him want to beat Bisping even more because he’s “for lack of a better word, a douchebag.” Bisping disagrees and actually thinks he’s going to win on July 11th. In the words of Nelson….”HA HA!”

And so, there ends the ninth season of The Ultimate Fighter. On Saturday, June 20th, live on Spike, the Ultimate Finale will take place. Brit Ross Pearson will square off against fellow Brit and friend Andre Winner in the lightweight battle, while UK’s James Wilks will take on the lone American Damarques Johnson for the welterweight contract. We’ll see soon who will be left standing at the end of the night!

Hopefully, the hospital I’m in will have Spike!

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The Ultimate Fighter Season 9: Episode 11

June 10, 2009 By

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Episode 11: More Ups, Less Downs

Previously on TUF, the semifinals begin and Damarques Johnson gets the decision win over Nick Osipczak to give the Americans the first slot in the finals. Tonight, the first of the lightweight semis pits Cameron Dollar vs. Andre Winner. Then we’ll see who is triumphant between Ross Pearson and James Dent.

Tonight’s episode begins at Team US Training. Henderson discusses his plan for Cameron, which involves starting on his feet, then taking Winner to the ground to finish. Unfortunately for Cameron, his ribs were hurt at some point in the week, are now very tender and causing trouble for him. Hendo wants Cameron to stand up and bang with his sparring partner, but not be stupid and hurt his ribs. Of course, the ribs become an issue. Cameron is afraid of getting hit in the ribs because he’s afraid he’s gonna fold when it comes to the real fight. The ultimate goal for Hendo: to make the finals a nightmare for Dana with no UK guys.

Over at Team UK’s training, again, Pierce’s name is brought up. This time, he told Winner what Cameron likes to do, so he’s preparing based on that. But no, Pierce never said anything, right? Later at the house, it’s brought up that Winner likes to suck his thumb, and the guys rib him a bit for it (though he denies it at first). They’re making fun of Winner for this, but not Faulkner for his mouthpiece issues??? Very interesting. Cameron jokes that he can’t lose to someone who sucks his thumb.

FIGHT DAY

Cameron is feeling the pressure once again, but trusts that god wouldn’t give him something he couldn’t handle. He prays every night for “God’s speed and Devil’s rage.” Winner, on the other hand, just wants to pay the bills. He says he doesn’t like to run his mouth, but he’s going to try his best, otherwise what’s the point?

ROUND 1: Some dancing, and Dollar takes the first shots. He keeps working the jabs, but Winner returns them. Both are swinging hard, fast and wild. Winner takes a sharp punch to the jaw. They clinch and Dollar gets some knees in. A good knee from Winner and Dollar shoots. Winner lands some good shots that rattle Dollar and keep him down a bit. Winner tries to back up, but Dollar grabs his legs and pulls him down. They scramble back up and clinch. Dollar is working for some kind of takedown, but Winner is landing several shots to the head and ribs. They separate a bit and exchange. Dollar shoots and takes Winner down, but Winner lands on top and mounts Dollar. He rolls over and sets Dollar up in a triangle, but can’t seem to get it tightly at first. Dollar works hard to pull himself out, but Winner manages to really sink his legs in and Dollar taps.

Winner: Andre Winner via Submission (triangle)

Post-fight, Winner is happy to win, and to not have embarrassed himself on the show (as compared to previous seasons, this is something to be happy about!). The Brits are happy to have their first guy in the finals.

Rightfully so, Cameron is disappointed to have come so far, and not made it. Ever the proud coach, Hendo sees a lot of potential in Cameron and sees a future for him in the UFC.

Now in the finals we have one American at 170, and one Brit at 155. What’s next?

The following day at Team UK training, Pearson discusses his fight with a well-rounded Dent, who he is excited to fight. During some grappling training with Bisping, Pearson’s shoulder gets dislocated, which he says happens from time to time. Pearson is clearly in pain, and everyone looks concerned. Bisping simply pops it back in, and he’s back to training. Wow. That’s nuts.

Later, at Team US training, Dana reveals that he was NOT impressed by Dent’s fights so far. In his eyes, Dent was playing it safe, just trying to squeak out a win. Dent takes this personally, and is going to turn it up for the next fight to show everyone. Hendo somewhat agrees, and says that he hasn’t shown what he’s capable of yet. Dent wants to finish this fight big and promises to let it all hang out. He better!

FIGHT DAY

At the house, the tension is clear. Both are just kind of hanging around waiting for the fight. Pearson promises to make the fight messy and give it everything he’s got. He intends to keep the pace fast and is looking to knock Dent out. He wants the fame and glory and money – and Dent is keeping it from him. In an almost echo, Dent says he is going to destroy Pearson, who is in his way of a big contract, and thinks he could either TKO or submit him. He is at least willing to acknowledge that Pearson is dangerous, but he’s not the toughest he’s ever fought. We shall see…

ROUND 1: Dent starts off with a missed leg kick, followed by a blocked head kick. Pearson opens up with a jab and they clinch. A few weak knees from Dent. Pearson attempts head kicks but falls. Dent is against the fence and Pearson works some body shots and head shots. They separate and Pearson lands a good head shot, followed by a body kick. Then he lands a good uppercut-jab combo. Dent manages a knee. Backing up a bit, Dent lands a jab to Pearson’s face. Pearson counters with a GREAT head kick and Dent is back up against the cage. In the clinch, they exchange some knees and body shots. Good uppercut from Dent and they’re apart. A blocked head kick from Pearson. Dent goes in for some knees, but they’re blocked. A good knee-uppercut combo from Pearson and they’re exchanging repeated jabs. Clinching again, Dent swings wildly but lands nothing. Back in the center, a spinning kick from Dent misses. Solid shots from Pearson keep Dent against the cage. In the clinch, Dent lands a few shots, but none do any damage. On their feet, they exchange several jabs as the round ends.

ROUND 2: Dent is the first to swing…and miss. Dent lands a good leg kick, which Pearson counters. Good body kick from Dent is followed by a great head kick from Pearson. A good exchange in the center nets Dent a nice shot to the Pearson’s head. Now Dent lands a good leg kick. Pearson lands a series of body shots, pushing Dent back to the cage. In the clinch, Dent works some knees. He weakly attempts to get Pearson down, but nothing happens. They move back to the middle and Dent lands a nice jab. Good hook from Pearson. More exchanges in the center and this time Dent puts Pearson against the cage. Pearson reverses and takes Dent down. In his guard, Pearson works some shots to his head. Dent tries to get out and Pearson mounts him, but he loses it. Back on their feet, Dent does a lot of swinging. The two exchange a lot and keep the pace fast. Dent shoots and latches on to Pearson’s leg but can’t get him down. Dent is on his back and Pearson pounces. In Dent’s guard, he rains down punch after punch. The round ends as Dent looks for a possible arm.

ROUND 3: Dent starts offensively with some jabs, but Pearson backs up. Dent continues and lands a good body kick. Pearson finally lands a jab and solid straight arm to Dent’s face. With Dent backing up, Pearson follows up with more jabs and then takes Dent down. Dent goes for a guillotine, but Pearson gets out and is in Dent’s guard. Pearson alternates punches and elbows, and then he throws in some hammer-fists. Pearson backs off a bit and Dent changes position giving up his back in side-control. Pearson pounds on Dent’s head and body, and then he starts looking for an arm. Pearson continues the head shots while Dent turtles up, covering his head. Dent rolls over and Pearson is back in his guard. Pearson continues the punishment with elbows and the occasional straight arm. Pearson backs up a bit and Dent rolls again giving up his back. Now Pearson can throw in knees. Crouching and covering his head, Dent just takes more abuse. Though the two keep flipping between full guard and Pearson controlling Dent’s back, the round ends with Dent just being punished.

Winner: Pearson via Unanimous Decision

Dana was much more impressed by Dent this time around, and now respects him. Can’t say I disagree. Even Pearson gives him props for his toughness. But somehow I end the show confused, as Dent claims the house got to him??? Is that his excuse for the loss?

All in all, tonight’s fights were interesting, but weren’t much of a surprise. As much as I disliked Dollar in the beginning, he sorta started to grow on me and I really had hopes that he’d win tonight. It seemed like he had a chance against Winner and I was seriously disappointed to see him lose. As for Dent, I really didn’t expect him to win, but the fast pace and real tenacity of both he and Pearson was truly impressive. Both guys can really take a punch, and neither of them gassed. Were they the most technical fight? No, but they were really entertaining.

Now, at least one of the final fights has been decided. The lightweight finals will showcase Brits Winner vs. Pearson. I couldn’t even fathom a guess as to who’s going to take it, but if it comes down to going the distance, my money’s on Pearson.

Next week: One fight remains to see who will take on Damarques in the final. Lester must once again take on the man who destroyed his smile. Will history repeat itself or will Lester get his vengeance? War Lester!

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The Ultimate Fighter Season 9: Episode 10

June 3, 2009 By

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“Smiling and Punching”

Previously, Pierce’s heart was questioned causing Dana to pull him from the fights, giving Frank Lester a shot at redemption. Tensions between the teams rise, as seen by the Bisping/Demarques drama. In the final prelim fight, UK favorite Faulkner fails to perform and gives Lester the most shocking upset. Tonight, the semifinal matches are decided.

As soon as the final prelim fight is finished, Dana calls in Hendo and Bisping to choose the semifinal fights. The coaches ideally would like to see Dollar/Pearson and Dent/Winner at 170, and Demarques/Wilkes and Osipczak/Lester at 185. However, they are still going to call each guy in one by one and see what they want to do.

So, they call in the guys and for the most part, they ask for what the coaches want, with one real exception – Dollar wants Dent (which Dana gets a kick out of)! Dana throws the idea of teammate vs. teammate out at the coaches and Bisping is adamantly against it. Hendo is less passionate, but agrees. Dana’s major concern though, is that the finale might not end up UK vs. US if they don’t do it this way. I don’t know where Dana’s going with this, but they call out the guys and announce the fights to the surprise of all:

Osipczak vs. Demarques
Winner vs. Dollar
Pearson vs. Dent
Wilkes vs. Lester

Once the initial shock wears off, Dana informs Frank that he’s the first guy who’s ever been brought back that’s actually won – wow, that is kinda huge.

Back at the house, the guys enjoy dinner together and discuss their opinions of the picks. No surprise, the guy doing the most talking is Pierce – talking to a couple attentive Brits about how the Americans were too busy drinking, and had no pride or motivation. Whitson (Shaun White) overhears this and calls him out on his behavior – reminding him how Frank fought all beat up, while Pierce wussed out. Pierce STILL claims he would have fought, but that it wasn’t his decision. Tempers calm, but Pierce is still all buddy-buddy with Faulkner, discussing techniques and whatnot. The next morning over breakfast, Whitson tells the others how he overheard Pierce telling Faulkner how Damarques trains (which Faulkner then tells Nick). Very shady.

The next day, at Team USA training Hendo is confident and thinks his guys have a good shot at doing well. In the previous few days, Damarques was sick, but seems better now. The ever-humble Damarques thinks he’s the best in the house – that he’s scary at the clinch, scary at the ground n pound…yada yada yada. Hendo apparently agrees and thinks Damarques will win the show. Ugh.

Rumors abound, and Hendo comes out and talks to Pierce (who said he’s looking forward to going home) to confront him about what he heard. He asks Pierce if he’s been telling the Brits guys about their training, which Pierce adamantly denies, and Hendo believes him! What a….eh, I can’t even say.

If only Hendo could see this, but later at Team UK training Nick talks about all the info he got from Faulkner about Damarques’ training. Of course, he will use it to his advantage. Bisping admits that Damarques is the US’s strongest guy and really needs to work on Nick. His intent is to work on his feet and his takedown defense. Nick will do whatever it takes to win.

FIGHT DAY

Nick realizes this is going to be his toughest fight to date, but thinks Damarques isn’t mentally as tough. Damarques (he’s praying again!) just wants to take his will to fight away from him. We shall see…

Round 1: Johnson takes the first shot, but Osipczak lands a good leg kick followed by another painful one. A great jab lands from Johnson. Osipczak goes in and takes another shot from Johnson. Johnson swings and misses, and they clinch. Johnson throws Osipczak down and is in full guard. They scramble a bit and are back up with a good exchange. Solid leg kick, followed by a missed head kick from Osipczak. More good exchanges and a nice rib shot from Johnson. Nice jab to the chin from Johnson. Osipczak goes in for a missed right and Johnson takes him down. Johnson is in full guard and Osipczak tries to keep his feet on his hips and goes for a triangle. Now Johnson is in half guard trying to pass for side control. Repeated unsuccessfull attempts to pass and Osipczak lands several elbows. Back in full guard, then half again. Johnson lands a few good shots and Osipczak tries to reverse. In full guard, Osipczak lands solid elbows, which Johnson returns. More elbows from Osipczak. Johnson backs off and lands a couple shots. He stands up and Osipczak is able to get up. They clinch and Osipczak lands a good uppercut that knocks Johnson back. Osipczak lands several more shots with Johnson against the cage, and it almost looks over. But Johnson regains himself and retaliates with good shots as the round ends.

Round 2: Both come out aggressive. A nice missed overhand gives Johnson a shot at a takedown. Johnson gets him down and has side control. Here he lands a couple knees and elbows. Osipczak rolls and Johnson is in his guard. Osipczak pulls his leg up and tries to get a triangle, meanwhile landing a couple elbows. Johnson passes into side control and tries to trap Osipczak’s arm for an armbar. Now he’s in half guard and lands some good elbows and jabs. Johnson tries to mount, but ends up back in his guard. They exchange some elbows, but neither is doing a whole lot. Osipczak tries to kick Johnson off, but no luck. A solid rib shot from Johnson. Osipczak tries to go for another triangle, but Johnson manages to mount him. He lands some good head shots and Osipczak rolls. With his legs wrapped tightly around Osipczak, Johnson rains down several shots (Bisping shut up about the back of the head!). Osipczak is protecting himself, but not doing anything to change the situation. The round ends with Johnson landing shot after shot to his head and ribs.

Round 3: Johnson takes the first shot and lands a few good jabs. Both look tired. Nice overhand from Osipczak, followed by a body kick. Now a good combo from Osipczak. A nice uppercut from Johnson misses. Johnson lands a BIG left, but Osipczak takes it. They clinch and Johnson lands a flying knee to Osipczak’s covered head. Osipczak is backing up and covering up a lot. A weak spinning backfist from Osipczak doesn’t land. Johnson is throwing a lot more shots, but Osipczak is blocking most. Osipczak kicks, but Johnson catches it and takes Osipczak down. In half guard, he tries to mount him. Johnson pretty much just lays on top of Osipczak and gets in some good elbows. He’s got one arm trapped and tries to pass. He finally mounts Osipczak, who rolls over. Osipczak reverses it and is in Johnson’s guard. Osipczak lands some good body and head shots, but nothing damaging. Johnson lands several head shots, as does Osipczak and the round ends.

Both coaches and Dana pretty much agree that Damarques was solid to start and got the takedown, but Nick was able to rock him toward the end of the round. Thankfully Damarques snapped out of it and gave it right back to Nick. A worn out Nick was controlled by Damarques in both the remaining rounds.

Winner: Damarques Johnson (unanimous decision)

Team USA is thrilled, and Dana compliments a very beat-up looking Damarques on his performance. Nick is disappointed, as this was the first fight he lost in his last 10. But it looks like the Americans have the first fighter to go into the finale!

Next time: the 4 remaining lightweights square off and we will be treated to two semifinal fights in one episode – who will move on to the finale?

Personally, as much as I don’t like Damarques as a person, I’m glad to see the Americans take the first win into the finals. It wasn’t the most technical, nor the prettiest fight, but a win is a win. How funny would it be to see a Damarques vs. Lester finale?

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