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Coaches clash: Rashad and Rampage

FIVE USA are showing episodes 11 + 12 back to back in the usual Saturday night time slot, giving us a double of whammy of The Ultimate Fighter. The finale show is being aired the following Thursday or ESPN subscribers can see the finale live at 2am in the early hours of Sunday morning. Before then let’s take a look back at episode 10 recapping on what took place.

Is Mitrione in or not? Matt Mitrione informs his coach Rashad Evans that he has swelling of the brain but should be OK to fight. Mean while Brit James McSweeney does not trust Matt’s motives.  Street brawler turned mixed martial arts competitor Kimbo Slice prepares for kick boxer McSweeney eager to replace Mitrione.

The confirmed match-up for this episode was Brendan Schaub battling it out with John Madsen. McSweeney does a fantastic job preparing Schaub, while Rashad leaves them to it, remaining impartial.

This episode was the week of the coaches challenge, the challenge was 2 on 2 volley ball – Rashad and Mike vs Rampage and Tiki. Amazingly these sets of tough dudes did well. The win went to Rashad, gaining $10,000 for Team Rashad. As you can imagine Evans was quick to rub it in Quinton’s face.

To the amusement of the rest of the house Kimbo endures an ice bath, to help work through knee pain. There is no doubt Slice is serious about being an Ultimate Fighter.

John Madsen is fortunate to train with fellow wrestler and former UFC light-heavyweight champion Rashad. So he changed his mind about being impartial after all.

Coaches Rashad and Mike have it out with Mitrione about whether he will continue to compete or not. Following this chat Dana White addresses the remaining TUF 10 entrants about the Mitrione situation, explaining how huge an opportunity the ultimate fighter is.

Comparing Madsen and Schaub it’s NFL veteran Schaub going into the fight having more experience but Madsen comes from Matt Hughes’ camp and is a serious threat in the octagon with pure wrestling strength.

Fight time. McSweeney hypes up Brendan by slapping his face.

Round 1)

Madsen utilises his strength advantage slamming down Schaub to the deck. Madsen however doesn’t do enough on top, the referee calls for a restart back upright. Madsen wastes no time once again slamming NFL veteran Brendan but again he lays and prays, simply not doing enough despite his dominant position.

Round 2)

Corner-man McSweeney encourages Schaub at the end of round interval. Brendan defends much better come round 2. The pace of action slows down due to the energy exerted in the previous round. Out of nowhere Brendan knocks out Madsen smashing the wrestler with 2 punches. Schaub is one to look out for, he has heavy hands.

Winner Brendan Schaub advances to the semi finals. McSweeney’s seconding was of a great help in keeping the ex American football player focussed.

That leaves us with Marcus Jones vs. Darrill Schoonover and Matt Mitrione vs. James McSweeney followed by the semi finals.

The Finale show will feature Matt Hamill vs Jon Jones and 2 heavy hitters - Kimbo Slice vs Houston Alexander. Plus of course TUF 10 winner will be crowned.

Don’t forget you can watch all the Aftemath videos at UFC.com

Watch The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Saturdays 11pm on FIVE USA,

in the UK on Freeview 31, Sky 174, Virgin Media 150 and Tiscali 30. Also shown on subscription channel ESPN and ESPN HD.

Wednesdays on Spike TV in the US.

UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com

The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights

Following the live action of UFC 105, it is time to catchup on episode 9 of The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights.

This week Roy ‘Kimbo Slayer’ Nelson squares off against Justin Wren. Aside of from the experience factor these guys appear pretty evenly matched when it comes to style and physicality, although Roy seems to carrying some extra timber.

Following the hard hits Matt Mitrione  received from Scott Junk, Matt seems to be still reeling from the effects. Suffering with a bad headache and dizziness, followed by throwing up, seems the Team Rashad member has concussion. Could this be another opportunity for a Kimbo Slice comeback? Whether Slice will be given another opportunity is unclear but the producers love to tease us don’t they?

In another entertaining moment from the show Rampage and Tiki prank Rashad, planting some chickens in his car. A chance for Rampage to get his own back since all the ribbing at his poor coaching ability and only one win for Team Rampage. Mike and Rashad saw the funny side though, the joke backfires and they are treated to  spanking new rental cars.

Mitrione returns from hospital, he wants to fight but is yet to receive medical clearance.

Pre-fight it is clear Nelson and Wren are well matched in grappling, the difference is the experience factor versus youth.

Round 1)

The first round is a tough fought brawl. Nelson defends well against Wren the aggressor, negating his attack. Neither combatant utilise their ground grapple skills. Throughout Brit and fellow member of Team Rashad – James McSweeney does a first rate job cornering Wren.

Round 2)

Come round round 2 Wren appears tired after the exertion in the first. The action continues upright through the majority of the bout. Overall it appeared even, giving good reason for a third round to decide the winner but it wasn’t to be. IFL veteran was announced the winner via a majority decision on the score cards.

Young hopeful Justin Wren was disappointed as you could imagine  but he gave it his all, Nelson had the better defence being the more experienced MMA fighter.

Dana White once again wasn’t impressed Roy Nelson’s performance despite the win, he does not seem to like the guy. Perhaps the fact Nelson is the ‘Kimbo Slayer’ plays a part in his low affinity for the heavyweight contestant? It’s clear Dana sees Kimbo as a good investment and displays respect for the street-fighter earning his dues joining the cast of TUF 10.

Episode 10 will feature Brendan battling it out with John for a place in the next round of the competition, plus it will be the week of the coaches challenge.

Don’t forget you can watch all the Aftemath videos at UFC.com

Watch The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Saturdays 11pm on FIVE USA, in the UK on Freeview 31, Sky 174, Virgin Media 150 and Tiscali 30. Also shown on subscription channel ESPN and ESPN HD. Wednesdays on Spike TV in the US.

UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr

duane@bluraymma.com