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The Ultimate Fighter: Season 13 Episode 4: “A Bad Dream”

April 20, 2011 By

Previously on The Ultimate Fighter, Team Lesnar questioned Chris Cope’s loyalty. Brock Lesnar’s number one pick fell to Ryan McGillivray in a close decision. Now Team Dos Santos regains control of the fight picks.

Tonight, as Team Dos Santos arrives for training, Junior is still riding high from Ryan’s win and the fact that they managed to get control back. Coach Lew criticizes Team Lesnar’s training and their lack of heart, claiming that they are not working hard and that Brock doesn’t really care about the outcome of all this. Is it just me or is Coach Lew awfully critical in EVERY episode?

A still disappointed Len shows up at the gym, because even though he lost he still needs to fulfill his obligation to help out his teammates. However, seeing as Lesnar was an absentee-coach for the fight, he is really not looking forward to telling Lesnar that he lost the team’s control. Brock even admits that the when he got the post-fight text message, the news took the wind out of his sails. But, he’s not giving up yet, “We lost the battle, but we can still win the war.” Unfortunately, during training, Brock is all over his guys, noticing that their heads just aren’t in it. This could spell problems.

Back at the house, Hurricane Chuck is wreaking havoc, trying to toss a mattress from the balcony (and then trying to throw Charlie). Apparently, Chuck and Charlie were friends before the house, and now they’re being very buddy-buddy again. Hmmm…could this mean future house drama?

And then comes the next fight pick. Junior chooses Ramsey Nijem to fight Team Lesnar’s Charlie Rader. Wrestler vs. Wrestler. This better be good!

Ramsey’s painted toenails seem to attract a bit of attention in the house, but apparently that’s not the only place where he’s the butt of jokes. He watches Glee, proposes playing strip pool…and apparently the stripping is an all-the-time thing. Whatever line there was for decorum, Ramsey passed it a long time ago. His poor roommate, Shamar, grows more uncomfortable by the day with his jokes and awkward sense of humor. But Ramsey says he has to have some fun or else he’d miserable. He gets punched for a living, so laughing is necessary! However, this seems to be part of his master plan, as Team Lesnar seems to seriously underestimate him, implying that he’s only there for TV. Let them think that…his fight will tell the truth.

A treat for Team Lesnar is the arrival of Matt Hughes to help out with their wrestling. He gathers the “4 Horsemen” (Team Lesnar’s remaining fighters) for a bit of mat practice. Charlie spends a lot of time rolling with him and in the end, Matt is particularly impressed with both his attitude and his skills on the ground.

The gameplan in place for Ramsey is to throw some punches and then look for takedowns. If he’s going to win, it’s going to be on the ground. He has to keep the pressure on and keep working it down to the mat. In Ramsey’s head, he’s the best and what everyone else means nothing. For his sake, I sure hope he’s right!

As for Charlie, he plans to stuff Ramsey’s takedowns (being that he is known to be a good wrestler), but he warns that Ramsey should not underestimate his wrestling either. In the end, though, he’s calling for a 2nd round KO. Lesnar’s bottom-line advice is fight smart and not to force anything. In talking to Chuck, he talks about his last loss and how he underestimated his opponent’s wrestling, asserting that his own would be good enough to stop it. As a result, he lost after 3 rounds. He does not want a repeat of that. After the weigh-ins, Brock tells Charlie that if he loses, it’ll be a disgrace. “Did you know he paints his toenails?” Hmmm, what are you implying Brock?!?

FIGHT DAY

ROUND 1
(You’d think that after 3 years of doing this, I’d learn to stop looking at how much time is left in the show to judge how long the fight is going to go!! Knowing there’s only 17 minutes left in the show sucks some of the fun out of it!)

Rader starts with a leg kick but Nijem immediately charges at him looking for the take down. Nijem has Rader pinned against the cage where they exchange knees. Nijem is in control but can’t make much of it. He shifts his weight continually in hopes of a takedown but Rader is defending well. The both get in a few good knees. As Rader is fending off a takedown, Nijem accidentally knees him in the groin. They restart in the center, but they quickly get back to where they were. For every knee Nijem lands, Rader lands a hammerfist to his head. FINALLY Nijem is able to pick Rader up and slam him. But his time on top of Rader is short-lived as Rader scrambles back to his feet. Nijem continues to control the clinch and is able to slam Rader again. In his guard, he lands a few solid punches to the body and head. He slides around to side control as the round ends. (I’d give it to Nijem, if only for the control and for the takedowns, but that was far from impressive.)

ROUND 2
Rader starts with a swing and a miss, giving Nijem the opportunity to counter with a combo. Getting Rader backpedaling, Nijem looks for and momentarily gets the takedown. But Rader gets back up. Nijem stumbles and somehow Rader ends up on top, but it doesn’t last. Nijem gets Rader down and gets hits his back. He gets the legs hooked around and after a few moments of pounding, gets his forearms down and in to look for the choke. And in the blink of an eye, Rader is tapping.

Winner: Ramsey Nijem via Submission (Rear Naked Choke)

After the fight, Brock says the he knew before the fight even started that Ramsey was going to win. He saw a fire in his eyes that he didn’t see in Charlie’s. And he says that even Charlie saw that fire and knew that Ramsey was going to come at him to kill him. Brock’s and Dana’s assessments of the fight are dead-on: Charlie allowed Ramsey to control the fight and in the end knew he couldn’t win, so he quit. He didn’t even try to defend the choke. He gave up as soon as he could.

Rightfully so, Brock is pissed. He throws a stool saying that these guys don’t even want to be here – Dana points out that Brock is doing this on his own time; he doesn’t need the money, he doesn’t need the fame. He just wants these guys to win. He yells at them all in the team room, calling them chicken shit, once again. For all their hometown pride and their bravado, they’re not bringing anything into the ring. Len can’t stand the bashing anymore and walks out of the room claiming he fought with all his heart. No one stops him.

Next week: Len vents his frustration over the team bashing. Team Lesnar is convinced that Chris Cope is a spy. And Junior looks to maintain his domination with their fight pick, but an injury could sideline their hopes.

Filed Under: News, Opinion, The Ultimate Fighter, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Ultimate Fighter: Season 13 Episode 3: “Chicken Salad”

April 13, 2011 By

Previously on TUF, Keon Caldwell called it quits, leaving an open spot on Team Dos Santos. Underdog Chris Cope fought his way to a 3rd round decision over Javier Torres, giving Team Lesnar a needed win and now, fight control. Who will Lesnar pick for fight #3?

Team Lesnar gets right to training, but apparently some of the guys took Lesnar’s previous “Chicken Shit” comments to heart. They swear that none of them are chicken shit! Brock tries to clear the air and explain that he meant that prior to the show they were no one fighters. But now, under the tutelage of Brock, they are becoming real fighters. Gee, the guys don’t seem to be appeased by Lesnar’s explanation.

Later, Team Dos Santos welcomes their newest member, Justin Edwards, who bears a striking resemblance to Randy Couture. He is taken in warmly and they get right to work. Coach Lew discusses how he feels as a coach and wonders if they are doing all they can to really prepare these guys. He pushes them hard in training (with some curious looks from JDS in the process) which results in Shamar getting cut while rolling. JDS now expresses his concern with Lew’s training style – being mean is not just not his thing.

Moving on to the fight announcement, Team Lesnar chooses his own Len Bentley (sensing that Len has been on edge and anxious lately) to fight Ryan McGillivray. Not really sure I understand Lesnar’s strategy here…his #1 vs. JDS’s #2?

Back at the house, we finally see the guys coming together and bonding. Len and the rest of Team Lesnar have noticed that teammate Chris Cope has been spending an awful lot of time with the opposition. Chuck tries to alert Chris of their observations, but Chris laughs it off and seemingly ignores it.

At training, Len pulls Brock aside and expresses his concern that Chris has been watching him practice and is afraid that he will spill the beans to the other side. Brock tries to allay his fears, but he still doesn’t want his gameplan discussed in front of Chris…just in case. He claims to not be afraid, but obviously if he’s mentioning it to Brock, he is.

Again, Dos Santos is concerned about how hard Coach Lew is pushing the guys. JDS feels like he has taken it too far, so he pulls him aside to remind him who’s boss. He emphasizes that it’s a team effort and that the coaches need to work together to make decisions. A win is a win for the team, not Coach Lew. Thankfully Lew takes it well and agrees to back off.

Unfortunately, at this point, Ryan is weighing in a 180 with weigh-ins looming at 4:00. And so the weight dropping process begins. Coach Lew rattles off a massive list of the tools needed to shed the 10 pounds – Epsom salts? Blankets? A bath? Wow, whatever works. When the moment of truth arrives, Len weighs in no problem, as does Ryan. Big bullet dodged there.

In a moment of déjà vu, Lesnar explains that something has come up in his personal life and that he won’t be there for the fight. He feels the need to add that his personal life comes first; and everybody knows that. Ummm…ok? Didn’t like it when Rampage did it; don’t like it now.

Both guys seem anxious, but determined to win it for their team. This could be interesting.

FIGHT DAY

ROUND 1
Both come out swinging with combos and Bentley is the first to connect. He comes at McGillivray hard with a body kick. He continues to charge and gets McGillivray on his back. He pounces and looks to maintain control. He briefly ends up in his guard, all the while alternating between fists and elbows. This continues in an awkward version of side control until Bentley allows McGillivray up. On their feet, Bentley is more aggressive and is swinging for the fences. McGillivray starts swinging big too and finally lands a shot that drops Bentley. McGillivray ends up in his guard and Bentley immediately wraps his legs around and reaches up to pull his neck down. McGillivray pushes Bentley up against the cage for leverage, but Bentley uses it to his advantage instead, trying to trap one of McGillivray’s arms. McGillivray tries to turn out but Bentley is not letting go of the arm. Just as it seems McGillivray is going to tap, he gets out of it and turns the tables on Bentley. He reverses and gets Bentley in a neck crank. McGillivray holds onto the choke but Bentley is turning red as the round ends.

That round totally made up for the last 2 (crap) fights. Shogun, sitting next to Dana, asks, “Who even won that round?” Good question, indeed.

ROUND 2
Huge left from McGillivray connects to start, but Bentley eats it. Same pace from the last round in the exchange. Neither seems gased. Nice body kick from Bentley is checked. Several combos from both and both are taking the shots like they’re nothing. Now McGillivray takes a shot to the chin. Spinning backfist from Bentley, but it lands sloppily to McGillivray’s back. McGillivray charges at Bentley and peppers him until he pins Bentley against the cage. McGillivray looks for a takedown but Bentley is doing well at defending. They clinch with Bentley landing some serious knees to McGillivray’s kidneys. Back to the center, they continue to throw bombs (and another unsuccessful spinning backfist for Bentley). Bentley throws in some leg kicks for good measure. The pace starts to slow and the round ends with the two just duking out in slow mo.

Winner: Ryan McGillivray (Majority Decision)

Now that was a brawl. Both guys came to fight and they brought it hard. One judge even scored it 19-19 and I completely see how. Of course Len is bummed out, but Dana comes to him and tells him he has nothing to be embarrassed about. That’s how you fight and he should be proud. Besides, anything can happen on this show…the wildcard is still a factor that could be in his favor.

A very proud Ryan kisses his daughter’s picture and is overcome by tears of joy. Having missed his daughter’s birthday, this meant more to him than just a fight. I always love to see a fighter with a soft spot.

Next week: Team Lesnar wonders if Ramsey realizes he’s there to fight (naked antics, oh boy). MMA legend Matt Hughes makes a visit to the gym for some training time. And Team Dos Santos makes their pick for fight #4. Good luck topping that last fight, boys.

Filed Under: News, Opinion, The Ultimate Fighter, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

The Ultimate Fighter: Season 13 – Episode 1: “Something to Prove”

March 30, 2011 By

The 13th season of The Ultimate Fighter pits former UFC heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar versus top-ranked contender Junior Dos Santos, who is riding high on a 3-year win streak. Faced with 14 welterweights who have given up their lives to be here, who will the coaches pick to become the next Ultimate Fighter?

As the newest class of hopefuls stride into the gym, they are pumped and become even more so when it is announced that they will not have to fight their way into the house. Also back into the mix will be the wildcard spot. But…Dana has to give his usual lecture about not screwing up this once in a lifetime opportunity. Fight for life, or get out.

The coaches are brought in and given their introductions…totally pumps up Lesnar’s credentials (prior to MMA), but completely fails to talk about Dos Santos pre-UFC (how can you not mention his amazing kickboxing career where he went 18-0?). Gee, who’s your golden-boy, Dana?

Onto the fighters’ evaluations. They are put through a cardio/conditioning test, a bit of wrestling, rolling, sparring, etc. Lesnar even gives them a sort of Miss USA style interview, asking them why they want to be there. And while Dos Santos admits his limited English, he knows they can all speak the language of the fight, even if he can’t “interview” them.

After the evaluations are complete, the coaches meet with Dana to discuss the prospects. Both coaches seem hopeful. Dana flips a coin to see who gets first fighter or first fight. Brock wins the toss and opts to pick the first fighter. It’ll be interesting to see who he chooses.

The choices were made in advance, so Dana is left to toss the guys their jerseys (in the order in which they were chosen):


Team Lesnar
Len Bentley
Charlie Rader
Anthony Ferguson
Clay Harvison
Myles Jury – - replaced by Chuck O’Neill
Chris Cope
Nordin Asrih


Team Dos Santos
Shamar Bailey
Ryan McGillivray
Javier Torres
Ramsey Nijem
Zachary Davis
Mick Bowman
Keon Caldwell

They waste no time getting to training the next morning. Team Dos Santos’ first training session is used to figure out who is the best condition for the first fight. Team Lesnar’s training is much of the same, but as Dos Santos has the first fight pick, he’s concerned about the possibility of Myles being the first pick. It’s discovered, after an MRI, is that Myles’ ACL and his meniscus are torn. Doctor’s orders? He can’t fight. Both Brock and Myles take it surprisingly well and want to just let it heal. That is until Dana breaks the news that because he can’t fight, he can’t stay. But he vows to be back in the UFC. Taking his place will be Chuck O’Neill.

Team Dos Santos makes the first fight picks and opts to put Shamar Bailey (Dos Santos’ #1 pick) up against Nordin Asrih (Lesnar’s last pick). It’s definitely an interesting fight choice. Is JDS trying to pick off Lesnar’s boys from the bottom up? Creative strategy? Or just a bad idea?

Nordin’s strength is striking and his gameplan is to keep it standing for 10 minutes. Lesnar knows that he has his work cut out for him. Shamar is said to be violent, aggressive and a fast, strong wrestler. His goal is to control the fight and to finish it wherever he can.

FIGHT DAY

(My thoughts – Shamar already looks like he has the better skillset to win this fight, but I do not like his cockiness. Unfortunately I don’t think Nordin has a shot in hell)

ROUND 1:
Bailey attacks first and quickly gets and keeps Asrih down. He manages to get Asrih away from the cage, but even with side-control Asrih is able to look for a crank. So far Bailey is not able to do much with his side-control. Finally he lands a few punches. As he spins around, he allows Asrih to get up. But it’s not long before Bailey gets Asrih down on his back again. This time in half guard, he does a little more damage with some elbows and hammer-fists. A continues to work hard to look for the advantage. Bailey backs up and drops down a couple big fists. Bailey ends up back in half guard and continues to do a lot of nothing but shifting his weight. A few punches here and there, but Asrih is defending himself well. The round ends with Bailey struggling to get back into Asrih’s guard.

Ho hum round. Where was the great wrestling??

ROUND 2:
Asrih comes out with a big kick but misses and slips. Bailey pounces and keeps Asrih on his back. In half guard again, more of the same continues, with a few more punches. Asrih spins and gives up his back to Bailey, but it’s quickly reversed and Asrih looks to choke Bailey. The excitement is short-lived as Bailey turns it around to get side control on Asrih. He alternates a few knees and elbows and Asrih looks to work out of it – and this continues for a solid 2 minutes. Finally Bailey manages to get the full mount and it looks to mean nothing until Asrih turns and gives up his back. Bailey does nothing with it and allows Asrih to return to his back. In a final push, Bailey rains down some huge punches with 30 seconds left. The round ends in the same boring fashion.

Winner: Shamar Bailey via Decision

According to Lesnar, Asrih’s lack of wrestling is what lost him the fight. But Dana really put it best – Bailey literally laid on Asrih for 10 minutes. Yes, it’s a win, but it wasn’t exactly spectacular. It came down to wrestling, but I hope for Bailey’s sake that wasn’t all he had in him.

This season on TUF:
Drama, drama, drama. A lot of one-liners from Lesnar. Some injuries. And possibly some great fights. One of the most anticipated seasons yet (mostly because of Lesnar and Dos Santos, for sure), I am interested in seeing how much talent comes out of this season. I think they should’ve had to fight their way into the house, so being that they were just given a pass, they’d better be good.

Filed Under: News, Opinion, The Ultimate Fighter, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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