Tag: TUF 33

Welcome, everyone, to the 12th and final edition of The TUF Stuff!

Each week, I’ll be guiding you through a recap of this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, providing updates on what happens in each episode — from the drama and storylines out of the Octagon, to the looks into who the competing fighters are, to what goes down inside the cage.

This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of TUF. That inaugural season from 2005 helped to influence many future MMA fans, media members, and fighters (yours truly included). And now, two more fighters this summer will get the opportunity to call themselves TUF champions when it’s all said and done.

Last week saw the second flyweight semifinal, with Team Sonnen’s Joseph Morales scoring a highly controversial decision over Team Cormier’s Imanol Rodriguez. Morales will face Alibi Idiris in the flyweight finale during the UFC 319 prelims this Saturday.

Recap of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 – Episode 12

Now, Team Cormier’s Daniil Donchenko faces Team Sonnen’s Matt Dixon for the right to face Team Cormier’s Rodrigo Sezinando in the welterweight finale at UFC 319!

Let’s get into episode 12 of The Ultimate Fighter!

Out In Las Vegas

As a thank you to the fighters for partaking in the celebration of TUF’s 20th anniversary, Dana White, Daniel Cormier, and Chael Sonnen took the fighters out to Las Vegas. A Vegas Hilton billboard spotlights TUF artwork. Sonnen says while it’s hard for them to call themselves one, considering it’s a competition, tonight is a night they could celebrate their accomplishments. Cormier tells the TUF cast they are all special kids with bright futures ahead of them.

The fighters take time out at Fuhu Restaurant at Resorts World.

Cormier says the attitudes of the teams are telling, with Cormier and his team being wild, while Sonnen and his team acting professional.

TUF House

Members of Team Sonnen sat around a fire, reflecting on how they got to partake in such an experience. Andreaas Binder reflects that he will miss everyone in the TUF House.

Team Sonnen Training Session – Rashad Evans Joins

Assistant Coach Jamie Huey brings in a UFC Hall of Famer to join them with Chael Sonnen unable to join afternoon practice — TUF season two winner and season 10 coach, and former UFC light heavyweight champion, Rashad Evans.

Evans tells the guys that this is a “savage sport” despite the comradery. “You have to tap into that savagery when you’re out there,” Evans said. “Because guess what? That’s what you’re up against.”

Dixon says Evans is deep and wise from his experience.

Evans works with the team on transitions, saying the best fighters fight in transition. He adds that fighters have to bring the violence and be willing to sacrifice to get to the top.

Matt Dixon Call Home

Dixon receives a call from his family, looking in awe especially at his daughter, whose first two teeth have grown in.

Dixon says this call from his family re-motivated him, reminding him why he’s here and why he does what he does.

Dixon says he’s super grateful he got to do this opportunity, and his family are proud of what he’s doing.

Daniil Donchenko Fight Prep

Cormier says that Donchenko needs to fight smart and creatively, and he needs to out-pressure Dixon.

Donchenko says he saw holes in Dixon’s game and feels he has the ability to knock Dixon out.

Cormier says Dixon will put on pressure and try to brawl with Donchenko — a kind of fight that falls into Donchenko’s hands.

Cormier says the fight will be a war, and that while Dixon likes to bring the fight, Donchenko takes that kind of fight in.

Donchenko says his knees and elbows will go into Dixon’s face and body and promises to do damage. Donchenko compares he and Dixon’s fighting styles to fire and water.

Team Cormier Training Session & TUF House

Michael Chiesa presents Donchenko with a fish, named Papito, Donchenko’s “Fighting Fish.” Donchenko says the gift means a lot to him because of his connection to his late father, whom he spent time fishing with, who passed away following a drug overdose.

An emotional Donchenko says it was that experience that reminded him to enjoy life and take nothing for granted — and to do everything you can to make it yours.

Matt Dixon Fight Prep

Sonnen says Dixon is both the strongest and most conditioned fighter on the team, calling him an animal.

Sonnen says Dixon has the power to knock Donchenko out, and he’s not sure about the other way around.

Dixon says his plan is to pressure and close the distance, implementing dirty boxing. When asked about taking Donchenko down, Dixon says he’s planning to mix that in.

Dixon says he’s prepared to go to a gritty place to take Donchenko out, calling himself both the better grappler and striker in this fight.

Dixon says we’ll find out if Donchenko is tough enough to take his shots, adding that if the fight is a three-round brawl, he’ll be happy with that.

Sonnen says this will be the fight of the season.

Daniil Donchenko Call Home

Donchenko has a conversation with his girlfriend. Donchenko says it feels strange being away for so long and now seeing her on television screen.

Donchenko’s girlfriend says the family is all supporting him and plenty of people are asking about him. Donchenko says he really misses her and will see her soon.

The Fight: Danill Donchenko vs. Matt Dixon

—–IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE AND DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TURN AWAY NOW.———

Both fighters weigh in at 171. The fight is on!

Roybert Echeverria says the two have different kinds of striking styles. He wants to see how Donchenko reacts to Dixon’s pressure. Tumelo Manyamala says Donchenko says he’s good at countering the kind of pressure Dixon brings, with kicks included.

Dana White says this is perhaps the best of the semifinal matchups. He says both are explosive strikers who look for knockouts.

Danill Donchenko vs. Matt Dixon

Round 1

The two move to the center. Dixon pressures Donchenko to the fence and lands an elbow. Donchenko tries to come in and Dixon clinches him against the fence. Donchenko pressure. Dixon lands a knee. Clinch battle and both men score. Knee to the body by Donchenko. Left hand by Dixon. Low kicks by Donchenko. Body shot by Donchenko. Dixon presses Donchenko to the fence again. Donchenko lands a strong elbow. Series of punches! But they’re landing on the back of the head! Referee Marc Smith calls time out!

The doctor clears Dixon, who is bloodied. Smith gives Donchenko a hard warning. Low kick by Donchenko. Donchenko tries to pressure. Right hand by Dixon. Donchenko lands a small flurry, but Donchenko is briefly dropped by a right hand! The two trading! One-two by Dixon, but Donchenko lands a power shot. More power shots! Donchenko pressures Dixon to the fence! Dixon goes down! Ground-and-pound! That’s it!

Danill Donchenko wins an explosive battle to reach the final!

Winner: Donchenko via first-round KO

Conclusion

Cormier says this was a fight that they all expected. White says Donchenko came to knock Dixon out, but Dixon fought back. Dixon ended up rocking Donchenko, but Cormier told Donchenko to take his time and search for opportunities. That came with an elbow that busted Dixon open.

Sonnen and Cormier says Dixon could have taken a DQ win, but Sonnen says that’s not the way the game is played — and Dixon followed that. Cormier says Dixon “got up and fought like a man.” White, however, says he doesn’t think Dixon was recovered fully when he chose to continue. Sonnen said he knew at that point Donchenko had won.

Cormier says Donchenko was the better fighter. White, however, gives credit to both men.

Dixon says he wanted a fight like this and called Donchenko a warrior.

Donchenko is hyped to be in the finale. He says he’ll be proud of himself today, but the next day it’s back to work as he chases the TUF title.

Face-offs are then held for the finale fights: Team Sonnen’s Joseph Morales vs. Team Cormier’s Alibi Idiris at flyweight and Rodrigo Sezinando vs. Danill Donchenko (both of Team Cormier) at welterweight.

Thanks for joining me on this ride for season 33 of TUF and for the final edition of The TUF Stuff!

Welcome, everyone, to the 11th edition of The TUF Stuff!

Each week, I’ll be guiding you through a recap of this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, providing updates on what happens in each episode — from the drama and storylines out of the Octagon, to the looks into who the competing fighters are, to what goes down inside the cage.

This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of TUF. That inaugural season from 2005 helped to influence many future MMA fans, media members, and fighters (yours truly included). And now, two more fighters this summer will get the opportunity to call themselves TUF champions when it’s all said and done.

Last week saw the first welterweight semifinal, with Team Cormier’s Rodrigo Sezinando defeating teammate Jeff Creighton to secure his spot in the finale fight, which will take place during the prelims of UFC 319.

Recap of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 – Episode 11

Now, Team Cormier’s Imanol Rodriguez will take on Team Sonnen top pick Joseph Morales to see who faces Team Cormier’s Alibi Idiris in the flyweight finale!

Let’s get into episode 11 of The Ultimate Fighter!

TUF House

The guys are playing chess in the house when they are surprised by Mairon Santos, one of the winners of last year’s TUF season.

Santos is stopping by because he’s preparing for an upcoming match. Dana White reflects on how Santos went from being one of the last Team Grasso picks and went on to become a TUF champion.

Santos tells the TUF contestants that the show taught him about believing in himself. Santos says while others were drinking and goofing off, he was training and staying true to himself.

“You have to believe in yourself. Nobody’s gonna do that for you,” Santos said.

Rodrigo Sezinando says as a fellow Brazilian, Santos’ success is influential on him.

Joseph Morales Fight Prep

Morales says he feels good about the matchup. He says he feels Rodriguez will be speedy. Sonnen tells him when he feels Rodriguez’s power, it won’t be what Morales is used to.

Morales says he’s going to make Rodriguez commit to his shots and work exchanges to score a takedown and submit him.

Sonnen tells Morales to mix things up with his striking, even putting an example of the different kinds of striking Urijah Faber has (Morales is a member of Team Alpha Male).

Sonnen tells Morales to be “Bopo,” which Sonnen describes as an “alter-ego” who’s “another animal” that he would be scared of. Sonnen discusses the timing of “flipping the switch” and turning things up.

Imanol Rodriguez Call Home

Rodriguez’s girlfriend calls him and, in Rodriguez’s words, his inner child came out.

Rodriguez is filled with tears and admits he could not speak. Rodriguez emotionally says he is sorry for leaving his girlfriend and his family. His girlfriend assures Rodriguez that she and his family are all proud of him and support him. More of Rodriguez’s family is shown in the background, and Rodriguez becomes emotional again.

Rodriguez swears he won’t be away from them for so long again. His family assures him, however, that they have his back.

Rodriguez says this call has motivated him to a point that he’s more dangerous than ever before.

Imanol Rodriguez Fight Prep

Rodriguez recognizes Morales’ previous UFC experience, and that means he has to approach Morales differently and be smarter.

Cormier says Rodriguez is one of his favorites and has so much potential for his age. Cormier, however, says Morales is a tough guy with a lot of skills.

Cormier says because Morales is so well-rounded, Rodriguez needs to use his powerful hands and needs to be wrestling offensively.

Cormier says he worked with Rodriguez on entries because he thinks with enough pressure, Rodriguez can take Morales down and de-moralize the Team Sonnen fighter.

“If you put [a wrestler] on his back, you start to realize what kind of mixed martial artist he is,” Cormier said, adding that he feels Rodriguez is a better fighter than Morales.

Rodriguez says no matter how experienced and talented Morales is, anyone can fall, and he swears he will prove he is ready for the UFC.

Joseph Morales Call Home

Morales talks with his family and is very emotional seeing them. His wife admits one of their children broke their 75-inch TV, which Morales earned with his first UFC performance bonus.

She says all of the parents and kids are asking about him and are excited to see him back soon. Despite the sacrifice, his family told Morales to pursue the once-in-a-lifetime dream.

Morales says while he misses his family, and their love filled his heart again, he needs to stay extra focused and do whatever to win.

The Fight: Imanol Rodriguez vs. Joseph Morales

—–IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE AND DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TURN AWAY NOW.———

Morales weighs in at 126. Rodriguez weighs in at 125.5. The fight is on!

Roybery Echeverria says he gives the edge to his teammate, Morales, because of how well-rounded Morales is. He, however, won’t count Rodriguez out because of his power.

Tumelo Manyamala says Rodriguez’s boxing will play a role in the fight, and his wrestling and pressure will help take Morales down.

White says both guys are well-rounded and he’s excited to see who has what it takes to reach the finale.

Imanol Rodriguez vs. Joseph Morales

Round 1

Rodriguez on the outside. Morales throws a jab. Right hand by Rodriguez. Cormier tells him not to reach. Rodriguez flashes the left and then lands a one-two. Morales with a left hand. Morales’ head kick is blocked. Combination to the body by Rodriguez. One-two by Morales. Right hand by Rodriguez. Morales grabs a hold and takes Rodriguez down! Morales quickly gets on Rodriguez’s back, next to the fence. Rodriguez is back up, but Morales returns him to the mat. Morales locks up a body triangle and is looking for the choke! Rodriguez is trying to fight the hands and work out of the body triangle. Cormier yelling directions, telling Rodriguez to wrestle.

Rodriguez still fighting the hands, though Morales is perfectly in control here. Morales works his way into mount! He lands a couple of punches before taking the back again. Rodriguez continues to fight, and he eventually grabs a wrist and starts to turn himself. Morales still has the body triangle, however. Rodriguez keeps turning with wrist control and he ends up on top. Morales threatens a triangle choke! He’s still controlling Rodriguez. Rodriguez gets free and back to the feet with 20 seconds left. One-two by Rodriguez. Left hand by Morales.

Round 2

Left hand by Rodriguez. Left hand from Morales as Rodriguez throws a one-two. Rodriguez lands a one-two after Cormier tells him to pressure. Right hand by Rodriguez. Morales lands a punch now. One-two by Rodriguez. Cormier suggests it’s a pressure battle — and Rodriguez comes forward with a big flurry! Morales scores a takedown, but Rodriguez quickly gets back to the feet. Rodriguez attacks again, with Cormier telling his fighter that Morales is desperate. Left hand from each man. One-two by Rodriguez, and he prevents a takedown. Cormier says if he keeps going, he’ll finish Morales. Morales with a right hand. Rodriguez misses a body shot. Morales shoots in, but Rodriguez prevents it. Morales misses the one-two and misses the right hand.

Rodriguez tries to get inside. One-two again by Rodriguez. Rodriguez slips up Morales with a right hand. Uppercut by Rodriguez. Cormier tells Rodriguez to take Morales down. He tries, but Morales prevents it. Cormier tells Rodriguez to use it with his strikes. “Be first!” Morales lands a right. Morales with two shots. Morales aims for the body. Hook by Morales. Left hand by Rodriguez. Morales shoots in and scores the takedown. Morales survives the scrambles and gets to the back. Rodriguez scrambles and gets on top. Rodriguez escapes a triangle attack and returns to the feet. Morales coming forward now and he lands to the body. Left hand by Rodriguez. Morales returns. Morales with a one-two. Left hand by Morales. Right hand by Rodriguez. Right hand by Morales. And again. And again. Morales fakes a level change and lands again. Left hand by Morales. A couple of more jabs by Morales. Rodriguez finally throws, but Morales responds. Failed spinning attack by Rodriguez before the bell.

Rodriguez’s coach asks if he really wants this fight and, if so, then to throw everything he’s got.

Round 3

One-two by Morales. Left hand from Rodriguez. Morales landing the left jab. Right hand by Morales. Combination to the body by Rodriguez. Rodriguez catches a kick. Left hand by Rodriguez. Right hand by Morales. Rodriguez shoots in and brings Morales to the fence. Rodriguez scores the takedown. Sonnen tells Morales to create space. Morales giving up his back. Rodriguez is on him. Morales grabs the fence briefly. Rodriguez presses Morales forward. Rodriguez gets a body triangle on Morales. Morales’ corner tells him to turn and to use his elbows.

Rodriguez’s corner tells him to win wrist control. Rodriguez hunts for the choke. He’s on the neck! He’s under it now. Morales fights and avoids it. Rodriguez back under it briefly. Cormier tells Rodriguez to attack the left wrist. Morales sitting up, but Rodriguez is still on his back. Morales still unable to escape. Rodriguez holds the position for most of the round. Morales finally escapes with mere seconds left, but it’s way too late for him to do any offense.

Winner: Morales via split decision

Conclusion

Sonnen says Morales was trading with Rodriguez and was working combinations in the first round. He adds Morales picked Rodriguez up with ease. White said it was complete control; however, Rodriguez avoided significant damage.

Cormier says Rodriguez fought exactly how he was supposed to in round two, emphasizing the need for Rodriguez to be first in this matchup. Morales started to come back late in the second round, however, with White admitting Morales’ shots late in the round made it a toss-up.

Then, Cormier said, as they trained, Rodriguez took Morales down and controlled him the entire round. Sonnen said he wasn’t nervous and felt they just needed to grind down the clock — though you can’t think like that.

Morales says it felt great holding his picture of his family, victorious and gives respect to Rodriguez.

Morales and Rodriguez hug in the Octagon.

Morales is emotional in the locker room, saying he couldn’t do it without his coaches and teammates. Now, he’s ready to prep for Idiris.

Rodriguez says he’s left speechless in disappointment, feeling that he won. Rodriguez is emotionally in pain in the locker room, while his coach tries to console him and tell him it’s not over till it’s over.

Next week, it’s the last fight of the semifinals, as Team Cormier’s Daniil Donchenko faces Team Sonnen’s Matt Dixon!

Also, UFC Hall of Famer and TUF season two winner Rashad Evans visits to help Team Sonnen in their training session!

What will happen next week? Join alongside us then for the final TUF episode of the season!

Thanks for joining me for another edition of The TUF Stuff!

Welcome, everyone, to the 10th edition of The TUF Stuff!

Each week, I’ll be guiding you through a recap of this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, providing updates on what happens in each episode — from the drama and storylines out of the Octagon, to the looks into who the competing fighters are, to what goes down inside the cage.

This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of TUF. That inaugural season from 2005 helped to influence many future MMA fans, media members, and fighters (yours truly included). And now, two more fighters this summer will get the opportunity to call themselves TUF champions when it’s all said and done.

Last week saw semifinal action begin, as Alibi Idiris of Team Cormier secured the first flyweight final spot at UFC 319 by defeating Team Sonnen’s Roybert Echeverria.

Recap of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 – Episode 10

Now, Team Cormier will have two of its own go at it for the first welterweight final spot as Jeff Creighton and Rodrigo Sezinando do battle.

Let’s get into episode 10 of The Ultimate Fighter!

Team Sonnen Out On The Town

With some extra time due to an all-Team Cormier showdown, Team Sonnen gets to go out on the town in Las Vegas. They attend a Criss Angel show and get to meet the magician himself, as Angel is apparently good friends with Colby Covington, according to UFC CEO and President Dana White.

Sonnen says the experience was a good one for the team because it’s a break from all the training and their spirits get lifted.

Criss Angel even invited Sonnen and Covington on stage during the evening.

Team Cormier Training Session & Fight Preps

Team Cormier explains it’ll be a sparring session, trying to balance out times so no one feels isolated since the team has two fighters competing. Sezinando says he wants to specifically spar with Alex Sanchez. Crieghton feels Sezinando wants to focus on training with the smaller welterweights to “protect his ego.”

Cormier says he is not going to coach the two to maintain neutrality, and the others are going to support Sezinando and Creighton’s training.

Cormier says Sezinando should maintain space and distance to use his striking to his full potential — something he didn’t execute fully in his first-round matchup.

Sezinando says Creighton is scared to grapple with him and plans to put a lot of pressure on Creighton. “He’s going to see a complete MMA fighter in there.”

Cormier says Creighton should use his wrestling. He adds that Sezinando hasn’t been seen on his back, and that Creighton should force that. Creighton says he sees the fight starting off hot, and if Sezinando “is smart,” he’ll try to get Creighton out in the first five minutes.

Creighton guarantees Sezinando won’t be able to finish him and he’ll put a beating on him — whether Sezinando puts his foot on the gas from the start of the fight on or not.

Cormier says he sees both guys having a solid shot at winning the competition and hopes for a good fight.

Rodrigo Sezinando Call Home

We see a phone call between Sezinando and his mother, who he hasn’t seen in a year-and-a-half. Sezinando says his mom is his motivation and why he works hard every day.

You can see the emotion on Sezinando’s face as he promises they’ll be reunited soon. His mother expresses gratitude to God that he’s okay.

Sezinando says the world knows their story, and that’s why he continues to push, and he thanks his mom for everything in his life. His mom says that she knows how big of a heart he has and how beautiful of a person he is.

Sezinando says his mom didn’t eat many days, sacrificing for him and his brother. He explains how hard it is, and we see how emotional Sezinando still is after the phone call. He admits he feels the pressure to do well in order to benefit his mom’s life and pay back for everything she has sacrificed.

Jeff Creighton Phone Call Home

Creighton receives a phone call from his wife. Creighton says he’s been missing home; however, the time away has made him truly realize — and more appreciative of — the sacrifices his loved ones have made. “I want their sacrifices to be worth something.”

Creighton’s wife, Hailey, says even though she knows he hasn’t had his phone, she has still texted him.

Creighton says his wife has made sacrifices and he couldn’t be more thankful of her support.

We then see all of Creighton’s family, and Creighton says that their sight brought him additional motivation. “I’m doing this for the right reason. I’m doing this for them.”

The Fight: Jeff Creighton vs. Rodrigo Sezinando

—–IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE AND DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TURN AWAY NOW.———

Creighton and Sezinando both weigh in at 170.5. The fight is on!

Andreaas Binder feels Creighton might have the better skillset, but Sezinando has the strength and jiu-jitsu edges. Joseph Morales says Sezinando hasn’t been impressive, at least compared to Creighton’s skillset, and that he’ll need a takedown to secure an edge.

Dana White says he’s expecting a technical fight between two expert-level grapplers.

Cormier says the two have been very respectful of each other, but he can’t imagine the guys being comfortable in the same locker room. Cormier puts the two in different locker rooms.

Cormier says both have worked very hard and closely with the team, and he reminds the two that they’re here because they’ve worked together to support each other to get there. Cormier tells them to have a good fight and may the best man win.

Both guys seem to have the realization that this is just business, but they’re each a roadblock for the other.

“It’s not wrong that you share the same goal,” Cormier said. “It’s only wrong if you don’t do everything in your power to accomplish it.

Cormier says the coaches are divided up in terms of who is cornering which fighter.

Jeff Creighton vs. Rodrigo Sezinando

Round 1

Creighton and Sezinando hug it out and Sezinando asks for some noise. Low kick from Creighton. Creighton with a body kick, and his corner tells him to get his space back. Sezinando with a big right hand and left hook. Sezinando goes in and presses Creighton against the fence. Sezinando gets Creighton up, but Creighton goes back to his feet, preventing the takedown. Creighton appears to have an arm around Sezinando’s neck. More pummeling. Right hand by Creighton. Sezinando continues to search for the takedown. Elbow by Creighton. Cormier is concerned that Sezinando is wasting energy on this takedown attempt. Referee Marc Smith calls for more activity.

More pummeling from Sezinando, while Creighton looks to pressure his way off the fence. A few short left hands from Creighton. And another. And another. Sezinando gets Creighton up again, but he again can’t get it. Finally, he’s able to get the takedown with about 1:45 left. Or, rather, Creighton got the takedown and Sezinando reversed it. Sezinando’s corner tells him to get control first. Sezinando is able to get into side control, then a transition into half-guard. Creighton’s corner encourages him to work his way to the cage. Sezinando works his way up, trying to threaten an arm-triangle choke. Creighton turns the wrong way and Sezinando gets his back, trying to threaten a choke in the closing seconds of the round. Sezinando can’t get it, and Creighton reverses to end the round on top.

Round 2

Creighton with a body shot early. A couple of kicks to add on. Creighton with a right hand, but Sezinando throws a knee. Now it’s Creighton pressuring Sezinando into the fence. Creighton gets the takedown, and Sezinando puts up his guard. Creighton’s corner says to look for elbows. They’re against the cage now, with Creighton pressuring. Creighton tries to get to Sezinando’s back, but Sezinando rolls and threatens a leg lock. Creighton gets out of it, but Sezinando now has Creighton seated back against the fence. We get a switch. Sezinando gets Creighton up again and slams him down, getting right into full mount.

Sezinando makes his way into full mount. Creighton tries to escape, but Sezinando gets to his back. Creighton gets to his feet and the two exchange heavy on the break. Front kick by Creighton. Right hand by Sezinando. Body shot by Creighton. Right hand by Creighton backs Sezinando up. Strong knee from Creighton on a brief clinch. Sezinando scores a takedown, however. Creighton with a right hand, as his corner yells for him to get up with urgency. Sezinando keeps Creighton down, however. Palm strikes from Creighton as the ref tells Sezinando to work. A couple of strong elbows from Sezinando, though he’s warned to watch the back of the head. A series of consecutive right hands from Sezinando to the head. Sezinando ends the round on top just as Creighton is returning to the feet.

Round 3

We’ve got a third round! Is this the first one of the season? Right hand and a round kick from Creighton. Creighton goes for pressure into the fence, but Sezinando reverses and pins Creighton to the fence. A couple of elbows land for Creighton. Creighton continuing to defend the takedown attempts from Sezinando. Sezinando lands a spinning elbow on Creighton. Left hand by Creighton. Another left hand from Creighton. Creighton again tries to rush in, and Sezinando presses and scores a takedown.

Halfway through the round and Marc Smith asks Sezinando to work again. Sezinando works his way to Creighton’s back and rolls through. Sezinando tries to get a body lock as he hunts for the choke. Creighton trying to get free, but Sezinando keeps the pressure. Sezinando transitions to top position and hunts for an arm-triangle but can’t get it. Creighton uses the cage and elbows to get back to his feet with a minute left. Sezinando presses for a takedown again. More punching from Creighton. He escapes Sezinando’s pressure with 45 seconds to go. Creighton’s corner calling for him to bite down on his mouth piece and pressure, but he’s not bringing it. Creighton then clinches briefly for some reason. The two exchanging, where Creighton lands a strong knee to the body. It’s not enough.

Winner: Rodrigo Sezinando via unanimous decision after three rounds

Conclusion

Cormier says Sezinando accomplished what he’s needed — to score takedowns and nullify Creighton’s offense. Cormier says Creighton had moments where he tried to build momentum, but Sezinando was able to cap off any of that.

Dana White says Creighton finally let his hands go in the third round, looking for a knockout, knowing he was down 2-0. Cormier adds, however, that every time he overextended, Sezinando caught him. Cormier says he appreciated not keeping his distance to try and get a finish, but White says Sezinando’s takedowns tired him out too much.

Creighton says it’s a tough pill to swallow, but Sezinando was the better man tonight. Creighton says it’s hard knowing he’s not in the family and feels he let his family down. But Creighton says he will make the Octagon one day.

Sezinando is emotional, in tears, realizing he’s going to be competing at UFC 319. “The whole world is going to know me, and I’m proud of myself,” Sezinando says. He promises to take care of his mom soon. “Thank you so much for the man you made.”

Next week, Team Cormier’s Imanol Rodriguez faces Team Sonnen’s top pick, Joseph Morales, to see who faces Alibi Idiris in the flyweight finale!

Also, season 32 winner Mairon Santos visits the TUF House!

What will happen next week? Join alongside us then!

Thanks for joining me for another edition of The TUF Stuff!

Welcome, everyone, to the ninth edition of The TUF Stuff!

Each week, I’ll be guiding you through a recap of this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, providing updates on what happens in each episode — from the drama and storylines out of the Octagon, to the looks into who the competing fighters are, to what goes down inside the cage.

This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of TUF. That inaugural season from 2005 helped to influence many future MMA fans, media members, and fighters (yours truly included). And now, two more fighters this summer will get the opportunity to call themselves TUF champions when it’s all said and done.

Last week saw the final first-round matchup of the season, a highly-anticipated grudge match between Team Cormier’s Rodrigo Sezinando and Team Sonnen’s Diego Bianchini. Sezinando scored a strong victory from a dominant second round to secure the final welterweight semifinal spot.

Recap of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 – Episode 9

The semifinals begin tonight with a flyweight clash between Alibi Idiris of Team Cormier and Roybert Echerverria of Team Sonnen. One of these two will secure the first spot in the TUF Finale fights, held during the prelims for UFC 319 next month!

Also, Cormier and Sonnen play pickleball tonight in this season’s Coaches’ Challenge!

Let’s get into episode nine of The Ultimate Fighter!

Coaches Challenge

$10,000 on the line for the coaches and $1,500 for the fighters as Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen play pickleball. And after a suggestion from Joseph Morales on Team Sonnen to make it $20,000 for the coaches (in recognition for 20 years of TUF), White decides the fighters will earn $2,500 each.

It’s the best-of-3 match with the first to 11 points winning a game.

Game 1 is all about learning the rules, including Cormier calling himself “The John McEnroe of Pickleball,” getting into it with the refs as he commits foot fouls. Cormier wins the game 11-6.

Game 2 sees Cormier commit foot foul after foot foul…but Sonnen just doesn’t have it, even despite a late rally. Cormier wins again 11-6, and he takes the match.

Alibi Idiris Fight Prep

Cormier feels Idiris is a favorite on Team Cormier and that his style will be perfect to beat Echerverria. Idiris says he respects Echerverria but feels he knows Echerverria’s style of big blows. Idiris says he needs to create pressure and strike more, making use of his elbows, knees, and general offensive production.

Cormier agrees that Idiris has to pressure and cannot let Echerverria get comfortable. Cormier adds praise for Idiris’ cardio.

Team Sonnen Training Session

Colby Covington says he sees members of the team not taking training seriously, comparing to the sprints he saws during Team Cormier’s practice. Covington tries to fire up the guys — “We’re not here to dress. We’re here to win championships!” and to get them “comfortable with the uncomfortable.”

Sonnen praises Covington’s leadership, especially as he sees a newfound energy from the team the rest of practice.

Roybert Echerverria Call Home

Just like previous seasons, semifinalists are allowed to call home.

Echerverria says he knew he needed the phone call but didn’t know how much it did. “It gave me extra strength, extra everything.”

Echerverria admits that he feels like he is going to come out of TUF a different person than he was entering the season.

Alibi Idiris Phone Call Home (…Or does he?)

Idiris discusses his big family, who Idiris says he misses very much, but he has declined White’s offer to the TUF semifinalists.

“I don’t want to be impacted by my emotions,” Idiris says. “I understand that I need to work harder; they’re counting on my victory.”

Team Sonnen Training Session – Julianna Pena Joins

Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion, and winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 18 — as well as a TUF 30 coach — Julianna Pena, joins Team Sonnen for a training session.

Pena says winning TUF and going on to win a UFC title changed her life. Pena says the guys will never get another opportunity to just focus on themselves as a fighter, so they should make the most of it.

Matt Dixon describes Julianna Pena as a “woman of confidence.” Pena tells Echerverria he needs to focus and make this moment, adding that she wants another Venezuelan TUF champion to go onto UFC success.

Roybert Echerverria Fight Prep

Sonnen says Echerverria has done everything right, with the perfect attitude.

Echerverria says he’s going to walk Idiris down and Idiris will try to shoot just to neutralize him. Sonnen, who says he has a fear of Idiris, tells Echerverria to stay disciplined and stick with his gameplan.

Sonnen says Echerverria’s keys to victory will be his conditioning and his high-level grappling.

“He’s got the mental toughness, he’s got a drive, and he’s got a reason to fight,” Sonnen said.

Echerverria says he will look to pressure Idiris and make him gas out.

The Fight: Alibi Idiris vs. Roybert Echerverria

—–IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE AND DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TURN AWAY NOW.———

Idiris weighs in at 125.5. Echerverria weighs in at 126. The fight is on!

Tumelo Manyamala says Idiris has the cardio and is “next level” as a fighter. He feels Idiris will be able to pressure Echerverria.

Joseph Morales says Echerverria is a well-rounded fighter with great grappling, who will probably pressure and submit Idiris.

Alibi Idiris vs. Roybert Echerverria

Round 1

Low kick from Idiris. Round kick to the body by Echerverria. Idiris with a right hand. Idiris misses on a combination, and Cormier tells him to settle. Cormier tells him to be patient. Front kick by Echerverria is blocked. Echerverria with some solid side-stepping. Echerverria avoids the pressure and lands a combination. Round kick from Idiris. Idiris with a right hand as Cormier tells him to keep the pressure.

Body punch by Echerverria. Right hand from Idiris. Idiris pressures Echerverria to the fence, but Echerverria lands a combination. Idiris looks for a takedown, but Echerverria gets away. It happens a second time. Idiris misses a jumping punch attack. Round kick by Idiris. Idiris with some spinning attacks. Idiris with a right hand again.

Strong body punch by Echerverria. Idiris goes for another takedown, but Echerverria avoids it. Cormier tells him to pressure again and to use his kicks. Echerverria lands to the body, and Sonnen tells him to continue. Right hand by Echerverria as Idiris starts pressuring again. Body kick by Idiris. Echerverria goes in, but Idiris prevents it. Idiris pressures Echerverria into the fence, and after some struggle, he’s able to get Echerverria down.

Echerverria goes for a sudden triangle choke, but Idiris escapes it quickly! Idiris lands a flying knee to Echerverria! A couple of follow-up shots, and despite some protest from Echerverria, the fight ends in the closing seconds of the first round!

Winner: Alibi Idiris via first-round TKO

Conclusion

Cormier says Echerverria is better than he thought, thanks to his strong strikes and takedown defense. Sonnen says Echerverria didn’t live up to the gameplan, not changing elevation when Idiris came after him. Cormier adds that Idiris used punches to eventually secure the takedown.

White says that when Echerverria scrambled to his feet, he left himself open, allowing for the knee to land.

Idiris is so happy and gives thanks to Echerverria. Idiris tells White that he’s the next flyweight star, and that his name will be remembered. Echerverria’s coaches tell him he did everything great; he just got unlucky thanks to Idiris’ perfect timing.

Next week’s welterweight semifinal will see Team Cormier’s Jeff Creighton and Rodrigo Sezinando square off in a teammate battle.

Also next week, Sonnen takes his team out in Las Vegas to see Criss Angel.

What will happen next week? Join alongside us then!

Thanks for joining me for another edition of The TUF Stuff!

Welcome, everyone, to the eighth edition of The TUF Stuff!

Each week, I’ll be guiding you through a recap of this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, providing updates on what happens in each episode — from the drama and storylines out of the Octagon, to the looks into who the competing fighters are, to what goes down inside the cage.

This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of TUF. That inaugural season from 2005 helped to influence many future MMA fans, media members, and fighters (yours truly included). And now, two more fighters this summer will get the opportunity to call themselves TUF champions when it’s all said and done.

Last week saw the final flyweight matchup of the season, with Team Cormier’s frustrations continuing and Team Sonnen seeming to have turned the tide with Roybert Echeverria defeating Tumelo Manyamala.

Recap of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 – Episode 8

The first round concludes with the last welterweight semifinal spot on the line tonight in a grudge match! Two men who haven’t gotten along well during their time in the TUF House — Team Cormier’s Rodrigo Sezinando and Team Sonnen’s Diego Bianchini — will finally throw down!

Let’s get into episode eight of The Ultimate Fighter!

Team Cormier Training Session — Yair Rodriguez Joins

Michael Chiesa is back. Daniel Cormier is absent from the session, and Chiesa introduces former UFC interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez, A previous TUF: Latin America winner, to join for the team’s training session.

Rodriguez tells the cast to remember to enjoy the moment — and that while TUF is a competition, it’s also a brotherhood. He then leads the team through some clinch techniques.

Jeff Creighton said Rodriguez has “layers to his game” and Rodriguez gave a “masterclass elbows seminar” in the sport.

Diego Bianchini Backstory

Bianchini grew up, and still lives, in Sao Paulo, Brazil and currently lives with his parents. He describes himself as spoiled to have his family and pets, as well as living in a quiet environment.

Bianchini says growing up in Brazil, you either play soccer or fight, and he knew that he was always going to be in the UFC.

Bianchini, who is 9-1, trains at the Fighting Nerds alongside Caio Borralho and Jean Silva. Borralho describes Bianchini as a good guy to train with and praises his talent, claiming “The Brazilian Bad Boy” (Bianchini’s self-proclaimed alter-ego) will be in the TUF Finale.

Rodrigo Sezinando Backstory

We see some of Sezinando’s homesickness on display, looking at a photo of his mom and feeling awful for not being able to afford to see her. Sezinando went as far as to say his mom “doesn’t know if he’s alive or not” but promises to make her proud of him.

Sezinando was born in Rio De Janeiro, raised by his mom. His mom talks on camera, saying how he fights for her. She says, “His battle is ours, too. I love my son very much and that’s how it is.”

Sezinando says he grew up in a simple life in a place that isn’t the safest — and so he joined a gym for self-defense.

Sezinando is in Vancouver now after competing for Battlefield Fight League. He moved to Canada with just $200 to his name, and he hopes to use his family’s support to fuel his dream.

Diego Bianchini Fight Prep

Bianchini gives Sonnen praise for his guidance. Bianchini says he recognizes Sezinando’s jiu-jitsu but promises to dominate him in the cage. He then works with Sonnen on takedown techniques and with other coaches on striking.

Bianchini wants to strike without taking damage. “Nobody can read me,” he says.

Sonnen feels Sezinando can’t keep up with Bainchini, who he says will weaponize pace. Sonnen feels Sezinando might come out with fury and will be dangerous in the first but won’t win a second or third round.

Bianchini says Sezinando has been talking crap and promises to show what “The Brazilian Bad Boy” can do.

Rodrigo Sezinando Fight Prep

Sezinando says he is going to use his striking to tire Bianchini out. Sezinando wants to knock Bianchini out given their history.

“My ego has to stay outside,” he says, promising if jiu-jitsu opens up, that’s what he’ll do to get the win.

Cormier says he isn’t sure how Bianchini will be able to take Sezinando down. Cormier says Bianchini is sloppy with takedowns; however, he’s fearful that Sezinando will go wild and sloppy when he spots openings. Cormier, however, tells the camera that he thinks Sezinando can put Bianchini away with his striking.

Sezinando says his heart and his fight IQ are his biggest positives as a fighter.

Cormier adds to the fire by saying to think about his motivations – “This is fun to him, this is life to you.”

TUF House

Tumelo Manyamala says this is a fight everyone in the house has wanted to happened.

Bianchini claims Sezinando knows he loves him, seemingly trying to get under Sezinando’s skin. Sezinando says “Don’t worry. I will take care of you.”

Bianchini says Sezinando is a farce of an individual. Sezinando says Bianchini doesn’t understand how hard it is to move away from his family and sacrifice everything.

Bianchini says Sezinando doesn’t like successful people, but he himself “doesn’t like haters.”

The Fight: Rodrigo Sezinando vs. Diego Bianchini

—–IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE AND DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TURN AWAY NOW.———

Both men weigh in at 170.5. The fight is on! And, of course, we get an intense staredown!

Roybert Echeverria says this will be the fight of the season. Jeff Creighton says he told Sezinando to control his emotions to be the better fighter and winner.

Rodrigo Sezinando vs. Diego Bianchini

Round 1

Bianchini comes right out the gate with a round kick. Another spinning kick but it misses! Low kicks from both men. Round kick by Bianchini. He misses another spin kick, and Sezinando takes him down! Cormier telling Sezinando to flatten him. Bianchini tries for a leg lock, but Sezinando gets the fight back to the feet. Sezinando misses a spin kick now! Flying knee from Bianchini! Low kick from Bianchini. It’s a leg kick battle here. Another one from Bianchini. Sezinando stops the takedown attempt and adds a low kick. Round kick from Bianchini lands. Sezinando goes for a clinch, but Bianchini tries to control it until a quick separation. Kick lands low and we get a timeout.

Fight resumes, and Bianchini doesn’t get all of a spin kick. Sezinando goes big on his strikes and gets clinched to the wall briefly. Bianchini can’t get a takedown, and Sezinando tosses him down, adding a couple of strikes for good measures before he lets Bianchini up. Low kick from Sezinando. One-two from Bianchini. Sezinando lands a combination that HURTS Bianchini! Bianchini is able to get Sezinando to the fence. Bianchini continues to hold. The ref calls for activity with about 85 seconds left in the round, and Sezinando is able to reverse the position. Sezinando lands a knee. He adds a left hand on the separation.

Knee from Bianchini. Overhand right catches Sezinando now! Sezinando pressures and throws a high kick! Spin kick lands to the back of the head of Sezinando. Strong left hand from Sezinando. Sezinando clinches Bianchini against the fence for the last 10 seconds.

Round 2

Bianchini with a front kick and a right hand. Low kick from Bianchini, followed by a blocked high kick. Sezinando responds with kicks of his own. Bianchini lands a jab but his high kick is blocked. Bianchini goes for a takedown, but Sezinando stuffs it and gets him down! A couple of elbows from Sezinando. And another. Bianchini tries to get his legs up, but Sezinando works around them, staying on top of Bianchini. Sezinando covering Bianchini’s mouth. Activity slows. Sonnen trying to get Bianchini to work. Cormier telling Sezinando to stay on him.

Sezinando with more punches. Bianchini tries for another leg lock, but Sezinando gets away from it. He returns to the ground, working in Bianchini’s guard. Sezinando lands another couple of shots. Sonnen questions if Bianchini really wants the win, urging him to get up. Sezinando lands a couple of elbows, with his coaches urging to continue to beat him up. Another elbow from Sezinando. And another. This is a complete smothering as compared to the first round. Left hand lands. Another couple of elbows. More ground-and-pound from Sezinando.

No third round needed! Sezinando wins the rivalry!

Winner: Sezinando via unanimous decision after two rounds

Conclusion

Cormier says Bianchini came out crazy, but Sezinando mostly “stayed true to who he was.” Sonnen says he felt bad for Bianchini because he had pressure in being “the baddest dude” — as did Sezinando. Dana White says when a fight hype like this happens, the fight usually doesn’t live up to the hype.

Cormier says Sezinando fought a “beautiful” first round and then in the second, got a takedown and “beat the crap out of” Bianchini. White says Sezinando didn’t want to take a risk and dominated — alas, not a fun way to close out the quarterfinals.

Sezinando expresses excitement for the win, but the two hugged it out in the cage, seemingly putting the bad blood behind them. Bianchini says Sezinando earned his respect and that he was the better fighter tonight. “It is what it is,” Sezinando says. “The Brazilian Bad Boy” will be back.”

Semi-Finals Decisions

White will not join Cormier and Sonnen this season. The two coaches will hear from the fighters and they alone will make this season’s TUF semis.

Here were the fighters’ remarks:

• Joseph Morales of Team Sonnen says he wants to fight Imanol Rodriguez.
• Imanol Rodriguez of Team Cormier wants Roybert Echerverria.
• Echerverria of Team Sonnen wants Alibi Idiris.
• Idiris of Team Cormier says he also wants Echerverria.
• Creighton of Team Cormier says if put in the position where he’d have to fight a teammate, he’d want to fight Sezinando.
• Morales adds in the idea of him fighting Sezinando as well.
• Sezinando says he’s interested in facing Matt Dixon.
• Daniil Donchenko of Team Cormier says he puts his trust in the coaches.

Ultimately, the following semi-finals are announced:

Flyweight: Alibi Idiris (Team Cormier) vs. Roybert Echerverria (Team Sonnen)

Flyweight: Imanol Rodriguez (Team Cormier) vs. Joseph Morales (Team Sonnen)

Welterweight: Matt Dixon (Team Sonnen) vs. Daniil Donchenko (Team Cormier)

Welterweight: Jeff Creighton (Team Cormier) vs. Rodrigo Sezinando (Team Cormier)

Cormier says he feels Idiris is ready for the UFC right now, and Echerverria is better than what he showed in the quarterfinals.

Sonnen feels Morales, based on his previous UFC experience, is the best fighter in the competition. Morales and Rodriguez share some intense words.

Sonnen says Dixon could knock everyone out in the competition, but the fight with Donchenko will be “brutal.”

Cormier feels Sezinando was the best fighter entering the competition; however, Creighton has showed the biggest improvements of anyone. The two fighters face off, with Sezinando affirming Creighton’s claim “You knew this would happen.” Sezinando says the two can share food after the fight.

Cormier and Sonnen play pickleball for this season’s Coaches’ Challenge next week!

Idiris vs. Echerverria is the first semi to go down!

What will happen next week? Join alongside us then!

Thanks for joining me for another edition of The TUF Stuff!

Welcome, everyone, to the seventh edition of The TUF Stuff!

Each week, I’ll be guiding you through a recap of this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, providing updates on what happens in each episode — from the drama and storylines out of the Octagon, to the looks into who the competing fighters are, to what goes down inside the cage.

This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of TUF. That inaugural season from 2005 helped to influence many future MMA fans, media members, and fighters (yours truly included). And now, two more fighters this summer will get the opportunity to call themselves TUF champions when it’s all said and done.

Last week saw the third welterweight matchup of the season, as Matt Dixon continued newfound success for Team Sonnen with a finish of Team Cormier’s Alex Sanchez — a performance that left Cormier VERY unhappy.

Recap of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 – Episode 7

The last flyweight semifinal spot is on the line tonight, as Team Cormier’s Tumelo Manyamala take on Team Sonnen’s Roybert Echerverria.

Let’s get into episode seven of The Ultimate Fighter!

UFC Fight Pass Invitational

Dana White mentions ho good this season has been, but how the stresses of the competition and being away from home for so long is weighing on the fighters. To give them a break, White allows the fighters to check out the UFC Fight Pass Invitational. White mentions that it’s a precursor to UFC BJJ — so this is basically just a UFC BJJ ad in a way? Either way, the pressure is off the fighters and they get to bond while watching Brazilian jiu-jitsu action.

Cormier comes from behind the fighters and buys his team Cajun food, saying he wanted to see his fighters’ reactions to eating it. Cormier added that it was a lighthearted and fun-filled experience. Sonnen adds he felt the event was a “home run.”

TUF House

Roybert Echeverria tells a story of how he fought against the government when he was a young student in Venezuela in 2014, getting shot at while protesting. Echeverria remembered how he and other student protesters were fighting for their dreams and rights, as well as others. The experiences from that are why his nickname is “Unbroken.”

Roybert Echerverria Backstory

Echeverria says the government is still corrupt and was following his family. Echeverria lives with his wife and one-year-old son in Miami. We see Echeverria’s parents, and his father describes him as a devoted fighter with an unbreakable heart and mentality.

Echeverria trains under Asim Zaidi, who calls Echeverria the most technical fighter in the gym.

Tumelo Manyamala Fight Prep

Cormier says they’re going to give Echeverria plenty up the middle in case he chooses to go back to his wrestling. He says that Echeverria is a “tough fight” for Manyamala. He feels Manyamala is a strong striker who can win, needing to fight at his range. Cormier says he needs to “go through the fire” and not get pressured and taken down.

He adds Manyamala feels like a reserved guy, but he needs to let that personality take a back seat.

Manyamala says people think he’s too calm to be a fighter, but he says he doesn’t need to act tough and get more than aggressive. “I don’t need to put on a persona,” he says.

Team Sonnen Training Session – Robert Whittaker Joins

Former UFC welterweight champion, TUF: The Smashes winner, and TUF season 28 coach Robert Whittaker joins Team Sonnen this week.

Whittaker says TUF was a really hard experience but was “the beginning of my life.” He says TUF brought him from being an electrician to being a UFC champion. The show allowed him to start believing in himself and his abilities.

Whittaker focuses his instruction on spacing and fighting with range. Sonnen says Whittaker is unique with his stance, calling him a “modern-day Bruce Lee.”

“If you’ll be willing to die more than your opponent is, you will win,” Whittaker told Team Sonnen during the session. “That wins fights.”

Tumelo Manyamala Backstory

Manyamala shows a photo of his wife, noting she’s now a few months’ pregnant, and that he found out about the pregnancy around the time of his first TUF interview.

He lives with his fiancee, Rachel, a yoga teacher, in Cape Town, South Africa, training out of the Pride Fighting Academy. He discusses his upbringing in the country, and how he parents instilled in him a hard-work attitude. He played sports throughout his youth, picking up karate at 8 and going on to win national martial arts championships.

Roybert Echerverria Fight Prep

Echerverria and Sonnen discuss the fight, with Echerverria feeling

Sonnen wants Echerverria to pressure and throw down. He feels Manyamala is a counter fighter — a sloppy one — and Echerverria can be dangerous in that regard, especially when the fight goes to the ground.

Echerverria says he’s a violent fighter but a smart fighter.

“Make them remember me forever, that’s why I go for the highlights,” he said.

Echerverria reflects on his loss against Jafel Filho, saying he took lessons from the tough loss but moved on and learned. Sonnen adds that every time he thinks Echerverria is slowing down, he answers right back. He feels Echerverria is a true contender for the finale.

The Fight: Tumelo Manyamala vs. Roybert Echerverria

Both fighters weigh in at 125.5. The fight is on!

—–IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE AND DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TURN AWAY NOW.———

Joseph Morales feels Echerverria will smash Manyamala, taking him down and running through him. Jeff Creighton feels Manyamala uses distance well, and that will be key for this fight.

White calls Manyamala a striker who loves to press the pace. White feels Echerverria is more well-rounded and is a dangerous striker but will probably use his wrestling here.

Tumelo Manyamala vs. Roybert Echerverria

Round 1

Low kicks from Manyamala, who is moving slowly along the outside. Right hand from Manyamala. Front kick from Manyamala. Right hand from Manyamala misses. Echerverria lands to the body. One-two from Manyamala. Echerverria flashes the left hand. Manyamala with a couple of left hands. Low kick from Echerverria. Now a low kick from Manyamala. Manyamala connects with a pair of left hands. Echerverria throws a front kick and then lands a punch to the body. Round kick from Manyamala. Brief exchange between the two. Body shot by Echerverria. Echerverria narrowly misses a high kick.

Low kick from Manyamala. Body shot from Echerverria. Right hand from Manyamala. Spinning back kick misses for Echerverria. Strong right hand from Manyamala. Low kick from Echerverria. Left hands from Manyamala. Strong right hand from Echerverria leads to a brief clinch. Jabs from both men and another exchange. Echerverria comes in. Manyamala pressures with a pair of left hands. Another exchange. Manyamala misses a front kick. Both men show the left hand. Strong right hand from Manyamala drops Echerverria! He’s back up, but Manyamala is pressuring. The two exchange by the fence. Echerverria might have his legs back under him. Side kick by Echerverria. Manyamala misses a head kick. A pair of left hands from Manyamala. Side kick by Echerverria.

Round 2

Low kicks from Manyamala to start. Right hand and more low kicks from Manyamala. Echerverria goes in for a clinch and presses Manyamala into the fence. Manyamala gets him off but is still near the fence. Low kick from Manyamala. Jab from Echerverria, and Manyamala throws a combination to answer. Low kick from Echerverria. Coaches tell Manyamala to go forward. Uppercut to the body by Manyamala. Body shot by Echerverria and a round kick from Manyamala. Left hand by Manyamala. Echerverria shoots in again, but Manyamala shakes him off. Manyamala keeping Echerverria at range now with the jabs. Echerverria shows the right hand. Manyamala lands inside. Manyamala shows the one-two. Jumping knee by Echerverria doesn’t land.

Echerverria shoots in, and this time he scores the takedown. Right hands from Echerverria as Manyamala tries to get to his feet. He does so, but Echerverria quickly takes out his leg. Echerverria gets to his back. Strong left hand from Echerverria lands. Echerverria is searching for the choke. He gets it!

Manyamalaputs on a hell of a showing, but Echerverria manages to get him down and get the submission.

Cormier is PISSED. “That’s trash…was such an easy fight.”

Winner: Echerverria via second-round submission

Conclusion

Cormier says when Manyamala didn’t load up and let things flow, he was able to hurt Echerverria. Cormier even noted during the first round that he could have finished the fight. Cormier added that Echerverria had no way in on Manyamala.

Cormier, in what he calls “the part of coaching that drives me crazy,” says Manyamala didn’t listen to being first and not going to the Octagon side — and that’s why he got taken down. Sonnen adds that, for whatever reason, Echerverria’s sixth time going with the combination and takedown plan they made worked.

White says that Manyamala showed good stuff, but Echerverria’s commitment to his gameplan brought him the win. Team Sonnen’s back in the game!

Echerverria says he is so grateful for the opportunity, and that he knows “The Unbroken” will be on top again. Manyamala says Cormier told him he has a lot to learn in his young career, and he says that it’s a small bump in the road he will bounce back from. Cormier adds that Manyamala has to know to fight smart when he’s ahead in the fight.

Cormier says it was a winnable fight and he’s made for him, not at him, because it’s going to produce a feeling of regret. He doesn’t want Manyamala to waste opportunities.

With all other welterweight fighters having competed in their matchups already, the next fight will see Team Cormier’s Rodrigo Sezinando take on Team Sonnen’s Diego Bianchini to conclude the first round.

These two — the first welterweight picks from each team — have not liked each other from the beginning. And now, things will boil over to end the first round with a bang!

What will happen next week? Join alongside us then!

Thanks for joining me for another edition of The TUF Stuff!

Welcome, everyone, to the fifth edition of The TUF Stuff!

Each week, I’ll be guiding you through a recap of this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, providing updates on what happens in each episode — from the drama and storylines out of the Octagon, to the looks into who the competing fighters are, to what goes down inside the cage.

This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of TUF. That inaugural season from 2005 helped to influence many future MMA fans, media members, and fighters (yours truly included). And now, two more fighters this summer will get the opportunity to call themselves TUF champions when it’s all said and done.

Last week saw the second welterweight matchup of the season, as Team Cormier’s Jeff Creighton defeated Team Sonnen’s Andreaas Binder, even after a weight disadvantage with Andreaas significantly missing weight.

Recap of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 – Episode 5

Tonight’s matchup at flyweight will see Team Cormier’s Alibi Idiris will take on Team Sonnen’s Furkatbek Yokubov.

Let’s get into episode five of The Ultimate Fighter!

TUF House

Yokubov explains how his Islamnic faith ensures that he remains humble and stays driven, as well as the five times he and other Muslim combatants pray. He adds that while he dislikes having to fight someone he respect like Idiris, things change once the cage door closes.

Team Cormier Training Session – Brandon Moreno Joins

Brandon Moreno, an alumnus of season 24 of TUF, joins Team Cormier for their training. Moreno was the 16th ranked fighter of the season — featuring a collection of regional flyweight champions — losing to Alexandre Pantoja. Of course, Moreno would go past his projections and ended up becoming UFC flyweight champion on two occasions.

Moreno tells the team that it doesn’t matter if they don’t come out on top in the end — it’s all about what they do in training in and after the competition.

“If you lose, don’t stop working hard,” Moreno tells them. “It’s going to build you as a person and as a human being.”

Moreno goes into the secrets of his boxing and footwork, as well as how he uses it to set up his wrestling.

Alibi Idiris Backstory

Idiris shows Danill a photo of his brother and his children. Idiris explains how hard it is to be away from them as he competes on the show, and how they’ve changed his life.

Idiris grew up in Kazakhstan, in a small town called Aktobe. He lives with his parents, wife, and children. Idiris says when things get tough in camp or cutting weight, his children give him the motivation to keep going. Idiris explains he is a family-first individual and that they serve as his motivation.

When not in training, Idiris likes to ride horses.

Idiris explains that he joined an MMA gym one day and now has been fighting professionally for five years. We see footage of him training at Erkin Kush. Idiris hopes to show that even those who come from a small footage have the opportunities and abilities to do big things.

Furkatbek Yokubov Fight Prep

Uzbekistan’s Yokubov is a 15-4 fighter, who fights out of Dubai, who has good power and likes to use it to finish fights.

We see footage of his quick fight from LFA 196, where he calls himself a high-level striker.

Sonnen says this fight is interesting because the two have worked out before. Yokubov told him that while Idiris is the better grappler, he is the better striker. Yokubov adds that he’s watched Idiris fight before and knows the mistake he makes in the fight.

Furkatbek Yokubov Backstory

We see a photo of Yokubov’s father and daughter. He mentions how hard it is to be without methods to contact them and his wife.

Yokubov was a kickboxing champion in 2013 before turning to MMA in 2016. Training out of TKMMA Fit, Yokubov says he is on a mission to become TUF champion, and then UFC champion.

We see photos of his late mother, and Yokubov becomes emotional discussing her and her telling him on her deathbed to continue on and become a champion. Yokubov says he is going to win this fight for his family.

Alibi Idiris Fight Prep

Idiris gives a gift of a robe to Cormier, looking to represent himself and his country. Idiris calls him a “Kazakh gangster.” Cormier praises his personality and humility.

Idiris is a striker who says he “loves knockouts” and is a former Naiza FC champion.

Cormier tells Idiris that he has great cardio and will be his best weapon in this fight. Cormier calls him “the hardest working fighter” he’s ever coached in his two seasons of TUF.

“You get a guy like that, with that effort, you’re drawn to him,” Cormier said.

Idiris says he needs to look to pressure for 10 minutes and will find opportunities where he has “tricks up his sleeve.”

“I’m going ahead with my dream,” he said.

The Fight: Alibi Idiris vs. Furkatbek Yokubov

—–IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE AND DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TURN AWAY NOW.———

Yokubov and Idiris both weigh in at 126. The fight is on!

Dana White calls Yokubov a tough striker with a lot of experience and praises Idiris’ striking and wrestling.

Yokubov smiles and tries to exchange a bit of talk with Idiris, who remains stoic. Idiris attributes Yokubov’s actions and words to nerves.

Ryan Clark, a former Super Bowl champion and current ESPN commentator, comes in to the Team Cormier locker room to give a pep talk to the team.

Clark says that moments like the fighters are experiencing only come around so often.

“When you’re standing across from somebody whose goals directly impact yours, you got to make sure you say, ‘Only one of us can live this dream,’” Clark said.

Alibi Idiris vs. Furkatbek Yokubov

Round 1

Low kick from Idiris to start. Idiris working short kicks early. Yokubov flashes a right. Low kick from Idiris. Combination from Yokubov. Idiris tries to come forward. Spinning kick misses by Idiris. Left hand from Yokubov. Idiris comes forward, urged by Cormier to bring pressure. Body kick by Idiris. Yokubov lands the right hand. Idiris comes forward, but Yokubov grabs a hold of him. He nearly gets Idiris to the fence before Idiris gets away. Left hook from Yokubov. A right hand gets Idiris to stumble back.

Another body lock battle for control. A left hand sends Idiris down briefly. Right hand from Yokubov. Low kick from Yokubov. Right hand from Yokubov. Right hand from Idiris, but Yokubov lands a knee. Idiris encourages more pressure. Another body lock. Knee from Yokubov lands low. Brief break in the action before time resumes. Idiris scores a takedown. Yokubov quickly gets to his feet, but he’s still pinned against the fence. Knee to the body by Idiris, followed by a trip. Yokubov is harshly warned for grabbing the fence.

Yokubov gets up but is warned again for grabbing the fence. Idiris trying for a takedown. Idiris gets to the back and starts to land ground-and-pound! Idiris looks for a choke before resuming his punches. Idiris continues to punch and look for a finish. Despite his chase, he doesn’t get the finish.

Round 2

Each man lands a job. Yokubov with a one-two. Left hand from Yokubov. Low kick from Yokubov. Idiris with a co,bination. Uppercut from Idiris. Idiris misses a spinning backfist. Right hand from Yokubov. One-two from Idiris. Left hand from Idiris. Knee to the body by Idiris. Right hand from Idiris. Elbow by Idiris. The referee calls a timeout for an eye poke.

Cormier tells Idiris that Yokubov is breaking. The referee deducts one point for the eye poke.

Front kick from Idiris. Combination from Yokubov. Knee from Idiris. Cormier yells at Idiris to focus on just winning the round. Yokubov warned for grabbing the cage. Idiris takes Yokubov down anyway and looks for a choke. He searches for an arm-triangle choke. Idiris looks like he’s squeezing. Yokubov says he’s okay. Idiris lets go of the choke and gets into mount again. Punches from Idiris, and the ref warns for back of the head punches. Cormier yells for a choke. Yokubov gets back to his feet but is returned to the mat by Idiris.

A couple of shots from Idiris before Yokubov gets back to the feet. Idiris misses a high kick. Idiris misses a spinning attack. Combinations from Yokubov. Another body lock, and another takedown scored for Idiris. Idiris hunts for the choke again. Idiris is told by Cormier to go back to top control, and he does so, landing punches in bunches until the horn.

Dominant performance from Idiris, who tells Dana White “Remember my name!” (Belal Muhammad might want to take action for gimmick infringement).

Winner: Alibi Idiris via unanimous decision after two rounds

Conclusion

Cormier notes that Idiris started with struggling taking Yokubov down, which gave Yokubov confidence. White knew Idiris was hurt at one point and Idiris knew he had to get the fight to the ground.

That’s when Idiris looks to dominate on the ground, and he does, with Sonnen noting something in the ground exchanges drained Yokubov.

Cormier feels Idiris will be a tough competitor to beat in the competition. Team Cormier, meanwhile, appears to be unbeatable ever since dropping the first fight of the season.

Idiris feels the victory justifies his hard work and praises his opponent, looking to win for himself, his family, and his county.

Yokubov says he feels a lot of emotion losing but doesn’t make excuses. He says he will wait for the next opportunity.

The next fight, at welterweight, will see Team Cormier’s Alex Sanchez taking on Team Sonnen’s Matt Dixon.

Can Team Sonnen finally break the losing skid?

Rose Namajunas and Raquel Pennington join Team Cormier for training next week.

What will happen next week? Join alongside us then!

Thanks for joining me for another edition of The TUF Stuff!

Welcome, everyone, to the fourth edition of The TUF Stuff!

Each week, I’ll be guiding you through a recap of this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, providing updates on what happens in each episode — from the drama and storylines out of the Octagon, to the looks into who the competing fighters are, to what goes down inside the cage.

This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of TUF. That inaugural season from 2005 helped to influence many future MMA fans, media members, and fighters (yours truly included). And now, two more fighters this summer will get the opportunity to call themselves TUF champions when it’s all said and done.

Last week saw the second flyweight matchup of the season, as Team Cormier’s Imanol Rodriguez defeated Team Sonnen’s Arshiyan Memon in a highly entertaining encounter.

Recap of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 – Episode 4

Tonight, it’s back to the 170-pound weight division, as Team Cormier’s Jeff Creighton takes on Team Sonnen’s Andreeas Binder…or will it? (based on the preview shown)

Let’s get into episode four of The Ultimate Fighter!

Team Sonnen Training Session – Matt Serra Joins

This week’s TUF alumnus guest is Matt Serra, who won the fourth season of the show (The Comeback) — and used that TUF win to get momentum and upset Georges St-Pierre at UFC 69 to capture the UFC welterweight championship.

Serra says even today, he still considers the championship victory “surreal,” albeit something he’s very proud of.

Serra tells the team to seize the opportunity — and to forget about home life for a while. Serra then leads the team through drills, namely with Serra’s grappling ability, while Sonnen praises Serra for his ability to communicate effectively as a coach.

Matt Dixon adds his own praise, saying he makes the tips and techniques easy to retain.

TUF House

Jeff Creighton, while getting his hair cut, reflects on how he met his wife at a bonfire and how much he misses her — and her own sacrifices.

Creighton adds he hopes to be able to take care of his parents one day for all that they did for him.

Jeff Creighton Backstory

We go to Valley Center, California, where Creighton lives with his wife in a trailer on her parents’ property. Creighton’s wife, Halley, says you would not expect Creighton to be a fighter based on his personality outside of the cage.

Creighton trains at The Arena in San Diego under the tutelage of Vince Salvador.

Creighton says he is aggressive in his fighting style, putting pressure on his opponents — regardless of striking or grappling.

Andreeas Binder Fight Prep

Sonnen tells Binder that there is nothing that breaks a wrestler more than when his opponent gets up from the bottom. Sonnen reflects on Creighton being the best wrestler — and that Binder is the least effective with his wrestling. Sonnen notes that Ireland, where Binder is from, “sucks” at wrestling and hasn’t made a real attempt at an Olympic medal in a while.

Sonnen, however, says that Binder is a “dog” and a scrappy fighter. Binder, in a video package, promotes his judo ability — as well as his knockout power.

Colby Covington helps lead Binder through wrestling training. Binder says he doesn’t focus on anything about Creighton; he’s focused on himself improving.

Sonnen says Binder told him that he’s not putting his energy in the training, but in the weight cut. Sonnen says he trusts Binder will do things right and get things done…

Jeff Creighton Fight Prep

Cormier says that Binder has made a statement about winning the competition, but Cormier has been impressed with what he sees from Creighton.

Creighton says he typically works on his boxing, and he wants to get his hands on Binder and make it a “dirty” fight.

Creighton says his nickname is “Jazzy Jeff” because his coach saw pep in his step. Creighton says he’ll do what he has to do to win.

Cormier adds he wants Creighton to pressure Binder and score takedowns where he gets the chances and grind out a win.

Andreeas Binder Backstory

We find out about Binder’s own relationship. Binder’s wife, who he proposed to in 2018, changed jobs to help accommodate Binder pursuing his fighting dreams, according to Binder.

Binder describes himself as an overweight kid who was bullied a lot. At the encouragement of his coach,

Binder trains at SBG Charlestown under NAME. Binder says he is doing this for himself and to make a living and provide for his family. “It’s time to show the world…no one works as hard as me.”

Binder also shows off a WWE championship with his name on it, desiring gold of his own one day.

Weight Cut — And The Issues

Binder says that cutting weight is the hardest part of the sport, but “every fighter” has to do it.

About 18 hours till weigh-in, Binder was at 184.5. We see Binder do some exercises, be in the sauna, and wrap himself in “the burrito” as he tries to sweat off the weight.

With 14 hours till weigh-in, he is eight pounds away from making the limit. Binder says he’s looking forward to the fight.

Two hours into cutting weight in the morning, however, and it appears Binder has stopped sweating.

Binder is at 176 pounds with only a couple of hours to go until the weigh-in. Matt Dixon reflects that something seemed wrong, with Binder uneasy on the stairs. His teammates tell him to stop cutting weight, and that he needs to prioritize his health.

Sonnen comes by the TUF House to check on the situation. Sonnen reflects on how Dana White doesn’t forgive fighters who miss weight on TUF.

Sonnen offers $1,000 for every pound Binder is over ($5,000). Creighton asks for $2,500 per pound because of the opportunity that’s at stake and Binder’s irresponsibility.

Sonnen accepts the request, with Creighton adding “I’m going to kick his a** anyway.” Sonnen says he’s willing to go to the bank and ensure Creighton receives the money. Binder feels upset and wants to pay Sonnen back.

Cormier seems like he wished Creighton just took the forfeit.

The Fight: Jeff Creighton vs. Andreeas Binder

—–IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE AND DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TURN AWAY NOW.———

Creighton weighs in at 171. Binder weighs in at 175.5. Fight is on despite the weight miss!

Dana White says while he’s sent people home in the past for missing weight, Sonnen’s actions — a first in TUF history — permits him to let the fight go on. And it seems White has taken up a soft spot for Creighton based on his actions.

Cormier receives the envelope for Sonnen. Cormier tells Creighton to “look into the eyes of a desperate man” during the staredown. Creighton tells Binder “You gave up on yourself. Now you’re going to give up tomorrow.”

Creighton says he feels confident about the fight after the weight miss, feeling Binder doesn’t want it and will come out sluggish. Binder, however, says he wants it more than Creighton.

Jeff Creighton vs. Andreeas Binder

Round 1

Creighton goes for a high kick early. Round kick to the body by Creighton. Creighton comes forward. Jab from Binder. Low kick by Binder. Combination from Creighton. Creighton rushes forward, but Binder gets away from the grappling attempt. Binder grabs a leg and lands a right hand. Creighton attacks the body again as Cormier yells “Attack that belly!” Binder blocks another low kick. Right hand from Creighton. Round kick by Creighton as Binder throws a left.

Cracking one-two from Binder! Creighton recovers and ends up grabbing a leg. Binder escapes, and Cormier tells Creighton to get back on it. Binder blocks a kick and lands a hook. Binder dumps Creighton, and he looks to land from up top. Binder drops into Creighton’s guard. Creighton goes for a leg — and then an armbar attempt! But Binder escapes!

Creighton throws upkicks at a standing Binder. Binder with a round kick to Creighton’s legs. Another upkick and another round kick to the legs before Creighton gets up. Binder immediately presses him into the fence. Creighton makes his way off with a minute left in the round. Creighton presses now, but Binder gets out of his grasp with some ease. Small combination from Creighton. Binder misses a big right hand but lands a low kick. Jab lands for Creighton as he presses Binder into the fence and lands a cross. Another body kick from Creighton. Binder pins Creighton against the fence before the horn.

Cormier notes that Creighton busted Binder open badly around his elbow.

Round 2

One-two from Creighton. Left hand from each man. Creighton throws the left jab. Body kick from Creighton, followed by a knee. Low kick from Creighton. Left hand from Binder, who is bleeding above his right eyebrow. Creighton presses Binder into the fence. Binder gives up his back. Creighton lands a series of right hands before taking Binder down. Creighton flattens Binder out and goes into ground-and-pound mode. Creighton looks for a choke but settles for taking Binder’s back, locking in a body triangle.

Creighton continues to do damage, bloodying up Binder (and the canvas) even more. Creighton continues to search for the choke with his ground pressure. Creighton lands a strong elbow. Creighton gets an arm around the neck for the choke. Binder tries to fight and works out of it. Creighton continues to hold the position as Binder continues to fight off the choke attempt. Creighton fires off some more ground strikes. Binder tries to land elbows to Creighton’s leg. The blood is POURING. It is SPEWING out of Binder. Creighton continues to land ground strikes. Creighton lands again and focuses on landing solid elbows to the head as the round ends.

One of the bloodiest rounds in TUF history — maybe even one of the bloodiest fights in TUF history.

To the surprise of the coaches, and Binder, the fight is called after two rounds — the judges have seen enough to render a decision after 10 minutes.

Winner: Jeff Creighton via unanimous decision after two rounds

Conclusion

Sonnen felt that Binder won the first round, noting Creighton’s reaction at the end of the round and the fact Binder was standing and trading a lot of the time. But all was needed was Creighton to take Binder down in the second round, where Creighton dominated, bloodying up Binder BADLY. Sonnen said he was okay with Binder defending and conceding the round because he was confident Binder won the first. Sonnen speculates the judges awarded Creighton a 10-8 round two. Sonnen blames himself for that miscalculation.

Creighton says he wanted a nasty, bloody fight, and he got that. Creighton says he is one of the best welterweights in the world and will continue to prove that.

The coaches tell Binder he stayed in the fight and they do feel jipped. Binder says Creighton was who he expected and that the loss is just “part of the game.”

Halfway through the first round now, Cormier announces that Team Cormier’s Alibi Idiris will take on Team Sonnen’s Furkatbek Yokubov in the next flyweight matchup — a fight Cormier says might be the most evenly-matched pairing in round one.

Season 24 competitor and former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno will join Team Cormier next week. Ryan Clark, former NFL player and current ESPN personality, will also be present to hype up Idiris before his fight.

What will happen next week? Join alongside us then!

Thanks for joining me for another edition of The TUF Stuff!

Welcome, everyone, to the third edition of The TUF Stuff!

Each week, I’ll be guiding you through a recap of this season’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, providing updates on what happens in each episode — from the drama and storylines out of the Octagon, to the looks into who the competing fighters are, to what goes down inside the cage.

This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of TUF. That inaugural season from 2005 helped to influence many future MMA fans, media members, and fighters (yours truly included). And now, two more fighters this summer will get the opportunity to call themselves TUF champions when it’s all said and done.

Last week saw the first welterweight matchup of the season, as Team Cormier’s Danill Donchenko put on a dominant performance against Team Sonnen’s Richard Martins, not allowing Martins into the fight much. Team Cormier drew first blood at 170 after Team Sonnen took the first flyweight bout in the first episode.

Recap of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 – Episode 3

Tonight, it’s back to the 125-pound weight division, as Team Cormier’s Imanol Rodriguez takes on Team Sonnen’s Arshiyan Memon.

Let’s get into episode three of The Ultimate Fighter!

Team Sonnen Training Session

Colby Covington talks with Diego Bianchini about fighting in Brazil, praising the Brazilian fans and fighters like Demian Maia. Of course, that fight brought a lot of controversy and notoriety for Covington. Covington says he’s using the opportunity to talk to fighters like Bianchini — a training partner of Maia’s — about the importance of marketing oneself as a fighter. Bianchini was very receptive to Covington’s advice.

TUF House

Danill Donchenko says that Bianchini is trying to live up to his name of “The Brazilian Bad Boy” in the house, but he’s not buying it. Bianchini, a member of the Fighting Nerds, says he’s not here to make friends. More bad blood brews between Bianchini and Brazilian rival Rodrigo Sezinado. Sezinado insinuates Bianchini is all hype. Mehman says Bianchini is trying to intimidate all of the Team Cormier fighters, but he’s not here for it.

Team Cormier Training Session

Cormier mixes in fight-based exercises with working the bike, trying to simulate the pace of a fight.

“A fight is not 25 minutes of a burst,” Cormier explains. “Burst, peel back some. Burst, peel back some.

Cormier’s fighters say this kind of training is difficult, but they are reaping the benefits. Team Cormier’s coaches yell right in front of the fighters on the bikes, and Cormier laughs, saying it looks like something out of a movie.

Team Sonnen Training Session 2 – Carla Esparza joins

Sonnen brings in former TUF winner and strawweight champion Carla Esparza as this week’s guest trainer. Esparza ran through the competition on season 20 of the show to become the inaugural UFC women’s strawweight champion — defeating Rose Namajunas in the final.

Esparza tells the fighters they’re in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and to put in all the hard work in both training and their fights.

Esparza explains to the team how she fakes out fighters to put throw up a knee before changing her angles to utilize her expert-level wrestling.

Esparza reflects on all of the highs and lows of her career and says at the end of the day, she wants to be able to look back on her time on TUF and in the UFC — and appreciate everything that they were.

Imanol Rodriguez Backstory

Rodriguez looks at a photo of him from when he was little and gets emotional, not wanting to waste the opportunity in front of him. Rodriguez says he wasn’t sure he’d get to this point when he was little — and says the younger version of him would be proud of him.

Rodriguez reflects on growing up in Mexico, showing his family, which runs a taqueria. Rodriguez began in judo when he was younger and currently trains at the Blackxicans and the Brazilian Warriors, the latter of which is led by UFC fighter Diego Lopes.

Arshiyan Memon Fight Prep

Back at the TUF House, everyone seems to be very amused by Memon and his antics, from how he remembers fighters names, and calling one fighter Mr. Bean, to purposely talking loud to spoil plans.

Memon mentions his kickboxing experience that gives him a striking edge — then adds that he’s improved his ground game through picking up wrestling moves to help with takedown defense.

Sonnen tells Memon to not waste time on the ground if on the bottom and try to stand up right away. If on top, however, Sonnen tells Memon to do damage there, as Rodriguez is not a submission threat.

Sonnen says his words and advice appeared to light more of a fire under him: “He strikes me as a guy as someone who hasn’t had anyone believe in him.”

Sonnen highlights Memon’s striking speed and says that boxing speed and working his combinations will be the key to success against Rodriguez.

“This guy is a powerhouse at 125,” Sonnen said. “He has the physical strength, I’ve seen him in bad positions…and I’ve seen him power out of the spots. I think it’s going to make a big difference.

“This is going to be a long, drawn-out battle, but Arshion will win this.”

Arshiyan Memon Backstory

Memon, the first Indian fighter in TUF history, explains the financial struggles of most of the common people who lives in Mumbai. Memon explains the ups and downs of living in such a heavily populated area with his small family. Memon helps his dad with his small grocery shop.

Memon always loved sports and took up kickboxing at the end of his schooling before his kickboxing coach pushed him to MMA. Memon now runs his own academy.

“Because of me, MMA is growing in my hometown,” he said. “In India, everyone now wants to become a professional MMA fighter.”

Memon discussed his strong sense of faith and how it keeps him humble. Memon promises to take his country proud in the competition.

Imanol Rodriguez Fight Prep

Cprmier tells Rodriguez to keep pressure and to keep his head moving. Cormier tells Rodriguez he’s the better fighter — making note of how Memon’s stance often leaves his head exposed.

Cormier adds that Rodriguez’s training is “crazy” and like a “psychopath.”

“He can wrestle, he’s got that great striking, and he can grapple. He can do it all.”

Cormier adds that Rodriguez should focus on body strikes, noting that’s where Rodriguez can do heavy damage to Memon.

We then get a bit of a montage of Rodriguez’s time on the regional circuit.

Rodriguez re-affirms he will focus on head movement and look to make Memon crumble with body blows.

The Fight: Imanol Rodriguez vs. Arshiyan Memon

—–IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE EPISODE AND DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TURN AWAY NOW.———

Rodriguez weighs in at 125. Memon weighs in at 126. Fight is on!

Jeff Creighton calls Rodriguez a “savage” and “one of the most explosive flyweights I’ve ever seen.” Andreeas Binder compares Memon to a bull, focusing on his strength, calling him the “Mumbai Monster.” UFC CEO Dana White says he’s been really looking forward to this fight between undefeated fighters on the biggest stage the pair has ever had.

Rodriguez tells Memon he doesn’t understand how much of a dog he is. The two trade some words before being led off by their coaches.

Memon says it’s a dream to get on a major world stage like this and will use this to gain confidence in future fights. He says he wants to fly the Indian flag high on this stage. Rodriguez, meanwhile, notes the importance of strategy in this first fight and that this is the first step toward becoming a UFC champion.

Imanol Rodriguez vs. Arshiyan Memon

Round 1

Memon on the front foot to start. He throws a low kick. Another low kick. Rodriguez tries to come forward. Round kick gets blocked by Rodriguez and he connects on a few punches. Another round kick from Memon. Memon misses a couple of left hooks. A hard kick lands low on Rodriguez, hitting him right in the cup.

The fight soon resumes. One-two from Rodriguez. A couple of more kicks from Memon. Rodriguez pressing the action. Rodriguez rushes in, and Memon goes for a clinch, but Rodriguez fets away. A low kick is caught by Roidriguez. Rodriguez lands on the body and Memon is hurt. Rodriguez brings them to the ground and starts to throw ground-and-pound. Memon warned multiple times for grabbing the cage. Rodriguez goes into side control. Memon gets away.

Memon is soon forced back to the feet. Memon works a combination on Rodriguez now. A right hand by Memon. Memon clinches up. Rodriguez presses him into the fence before separating. Memon goes for a takedown but Rodriguez stuffs in. Rodriguez then gets to Memon’s back on the ground. Rodriguez searches for the neck. Rodriguez flattens him and lands a couple of punches. He goes back to searching for the choke. Memon turns over and is mounted right away. Cormier yells for ground-and-pound, but Rodriguez doesn’t deliver.

Memon gets back to his feet and presses. Low kick from each man. Memon blocks a kick and comes forward with his attacks. Rodriguez stuns Memon with a combination. He’s flurrying him! Memon is against the fence and eating those shots! The ref steps in!

Imanol Rodriguez gets the win in a fight that Dana White calls “one of the best fights I’ve seen in a minute.”

Conclusion

Sonnen says Rodriguez “fought like he was Nate Diaz.” He notes that Memon tried to fire back and left his chin open in the process — and Rodriguez took advantage of that.

Cormier says Rodriguez initially struggled with range, but once he found it, he poured on the shots.

White gives credit to Memon for his chin and his inability to quit. White says Rodriguez “is the kind of fighter we want in the flyweight division.”

Rodriguez takes in White’s words and is humbled by them but isn’t done.

White gives credit to an emotional Memon and assures him he’ll be fight. Memon said he appreciated White’s motivation but feels disappointed. Cormier comforts Memon backstage as well, complimenting him and telling him to keep his head up. Memon promises to improve from the loss.

With Team Cormier’s victory, he names the next welterweight fight: Team Cormier’s Jeff Creighton vs. Team Sonnen’s Andreeas Binder. The two seem to promise each other the fight of the season.

Matt Serra will be next week’s guest, sharing his experience and strategies with Team Sonnen.

But, uh oh! Looks like Binder has had weight cutting issues in the past — and they’re going to come back to haunt him?!?

What will happen next week? Join alongside us then!

Thanks for joining me for another edition of The TUF Stuff!