jakkups
04-09-2009, 06:41 AM
Episode No. 2 recap: "The Ultimate Fighter: U.S. vs. U.K." (http://mmajunkie.com/news/14514/episode-no-2-recap-the-ultimate-fighter-u-s-vs-u-k-.mma)
After a quick review of last week's U.K.-based events, UFC President Dana White opens the episode by welcoming the show back to Las Vegas.
White admits he was impressed with the effort of Team U.K., and explains how Dan Henderson, by virtue of defeating Rich Franklin at UFC 93, has become the Team U.S. coach.
White also said he hopes for the best from the U.S. fighters - something we know will not be the case based on the previews from the previous episode.
The fighters have already gathered at the UFC Training Center, and Henderson gathers as much enthusiasm as humanly possible to express his excitement at the opportunity to once again represent his country. As a former Olympian, Henderson said his goals for the season are simple: "Beat the hell out of the U.K. guys."
As the fighters line up in the gym to receive their instructions, welterweight Jason Pierce's eyes roll back in his head as he drops to the floor.
Aware of now becoming "that guy," Pierce tries to explain what transpired - sort of. "I just got hot and light-headed," Pierce said. "I've never had that happen.
Aware that cutting weight probably contributed to Pierce's fall, White immediately questions where the welterweight stood in regards to the 170-pound class. Pierce insisted he was 169 pounds, and that he was cutting down from "like [180]."
White doesn't buy the statistics.
"I really couldn't tell you what happened. I just kind of fell asleep," Pierce says.
The next Team U.S. setback comes in the medical evaluation process, as John-David Shackelford is sporting a sizable lesion on his forehead.
White is forced to deliver the bad news in his best Dr. Johnny Benjamin moment.
"You have a Herpes legion on your forehead that's contagious," White said. "You can not be here in the house with these other guys. So I'm sorry, but thanks for trying."
It's a disappointing moment for Shackelford, but for a guy that's fought Dustin Hazelett, Edson Berto and Bart Palaszewski in a four-fight career, you have to believe he's used to bad luck.
It's a rough start for Team U.S., but White lets us know there's more to come. Welterweight Christian Fulgium, who has shown up the the taping well overweight, is outside the training center, pedaling away on a stationary bike while wearing a sweatsuit.
Fulgium explains what he thought would be another "routine weight cut" has turned into dizziness and back pains. Fulgium is told that he has 40 minutes to cut two additional pounds or be released, but the welterweight explains he has ceased to sweat.
Henderson tries to assist in the cutting process, putting Fulgium on the treadmill. After asking for a bucket in which to vomit, Fulgium collapses on the treadmill. White can't believe how the events are playing out.
"It's so [expletive] ridiculous that these guys don't show up on weight," White says. "It's season nine, mother[expletive]. Season nine. If you don't know what the [expletive] goes on on this show by now, I don't even know what to tell you.
"You come to this show, you fight your way into the house, you fight throughout the season to see if you make it to the finale to become the next ultimate fighter. What do you not [expletive] understand about that?"
White close the speech with a wide-eyed inquisitive look that is sure to find its way to internet parodies for years to come.
White makes no attempt to hide his displeasure, and we learn that Fulgium was indeed unable to make weight. White lets him know it's a moment he's going to regret for the rest of his life before letting him know that a car is waiting outside to take him back home.
With Fulgium and Shackelford already gone, the episode will carry on with just six elimination bouts. White warns the two fighters left without opponents not to be comfortable - new foes will be on the way.
White also offers an early evaluation of the U.S. chances: "From what I've seen, the Brits might kick the [expletive] out of these guys."
With the early drama over, we're finally down to in-cage action.
Kevin Knabjian vs. Mark Miller
The first U.S. welterweight elimination bout featured training partners Kevin Knabjian and Mark Miller squaring off. Neither fighter seems very keen on the idea of fighting teach other his early in the competition, though each understand it's a necessary evil.
A few knowing glances are exchanged before the start of the contest, and the two touch gloves and get underway.
Knabjian looks a bit stiff and defensive to open. Miller takes the role of aggressor, mixing impressive combinations of punches with a few kicks for good measure. Several of the punches connect, and Knabjian responds in kind, though only in minimal spurts.
The fight is never close to ending in the opening round, but it's clear that Miller has earned the frame. As Knabjian walks dejectedly to his corner, Henderson comments, "He still doesn't look like he's excited to fight his friend."
Knabjian is coached between rounds to let his hands go, something either the pressure of fighting for a UFC contract or the uneasiness of facing a friend has prevented him from doing.
Knabjian opens far more aggressive in the second, and a three punch combo drops Miller. Knabjian follows to the ground, initially dropping punches, but then elected to drop for a heel hook. Miller rolls with the move and escapes, returning to his feet.
Miller returns to his first-round form, popping jabs and scoring up the middle with an ominous uppercut. Knabjian's hand positioning seems to invite the blow, and Miller obliges. A second, stunning uppercut connects squarely, echoes in the training center, and puts Knabjian on the run.
Miller chases him down, delivering several unanswered blows from the feet. Knabjian is taking quite a bit of damage, though remains standing. A left hand that seems more of a push than a strike puts Knabjian on the ground, but referee Steve Mazzagatti rushes in to halt the contest.
Knabjian immediately offers his objections, but the strikes were landing flush. A dejected Knabjian brushes Miller's condolences away, much to White's amusement.
Miller admits it's difficult to face a friend in such an important situation.
"It really sucks because me and Kevin are training partners and good friends," Miller says. "It's hard to even be happy for the victory.
"I pictured me and him going through it together, keeping each other sane and hanging out. It just sucks to have to see him go.
With eyes full of tears, Knabjian delivers a devastating right hand to Chuck Liddell's liver – well, a picture of Liddell in the locker room. But it does put a hole in the wall.
After a quick review of last week's U.K.-based events, UFC President Dana White opens the episode by welcoming the show back to Las Vegas.
White admits he was impressed with the effort of Team U.K., and explains how Dan Henderson, by virtue of defeating Rich Franklin at UFC 93, has become the Team U.S. coach.
White also said he hopes for the best from the U.S. fighters - something we know will not be the case based on the previews from the previous episode.
The fighters have already gathered at the UFC Training Center, and Henderson gathers as much enthusiasm as humanly possible to express his excitement at the opportunity to once again represent his country. As a former Olympian, Henderson said his goals for the season are simple: "Beat the hell out of the U.K. guys."
As the fighters line up in the gym to receive their instructions, welterweight Jason Pierce's eyes roll back in his head as he drops to the floor.
Aware of now becoming "that guy," Pierce tries to explain what transpired - sort of. "I just got hot and light-headed," Pierce said. "I've never had that happen.
Aware that cutting weight probably contributed to Pierce's fall, White immediately questions where the welterweight stood in regards to the 170-pound class. Pierce insisted he was 169 pounds, and that he was cutting down from "like [180]."
White doesn't buy the statistics.
"I really couldn't tell you what happened. I just kind of fell asleep," Pierce says.
The next Team U.S. setback comes in the medical evaluation process, as John-David Shackelford is sporting a sizable lesion on his forehead.
White is forced to deliver the bad news in his best Dr. Johnny Benjamin moment.
"You have a Herpes legion on your forehead that's contagious," White said. "You can not be here in the house with these other guys. So I'm sorry, but thanks for trying."
It's a disappointing moment for Shackelford, but for a guy that's fought Dustin Hazelett, Edson Berto and Bart Palaszewski in a four-fight career, you have to believe he's used to bad luck.
It's a rough start for Team U.S., but White lets us know there's more to come. Welterweight Christian Fulgium, who has shown up the the taping well overweight, is outside the training center, pedaling away on a stationary bike while wearing a sweatsuit.
Fulgium explains what he thought would be another "routine weight cut" has turned into dizziness and back pains. Fulgium is told that he has 40 minutes to cut two additional pounds or be released, but the welterweight explains he has ceased to sweat.
Henderson tries to assist in the cutting process, putting Fulgium on the treadmill. After asking for a bucket in which to vomit, Fulgium collapses on the treadmill. White can't believe how the events are playing out.
"It's so [expletive] ridiculous that these guys don't show up on weight," White says. "It's season nine, mother[expletive]. Season nine. If you don't know what the [expletive] goes on on this show by now, I don't even know what to tell you.
"You come to this show, you fight your way into the house, you fight throughout the season to see if you make it to the finale to become the next ultimate fighter. What do you not [expletive] understand about that?"
White close the speech with a wide-eyed inquisitive look that is sure to find its way to internet parodies for years to come.
White makes no attempt to hide his displeasure, and we learn that Fulgium was indeed unable to make weight. White lets him know it's a moment he's going to regret for the rest of his life before letting him know that a car is waiting outside to take him back home.
With Fulgium and Shackelford already gone, the episode will carry on with just six elimination bouts. White warns the two fighters left without opponents not to be comfortable - new foes will be on the way.
White also offers an early evaluation of the U.S. chances: "From what I've seen, the Brits might kick the [expletive] out of these guys."
With the early drama over, we're finally down to in-cage action.
Kevin Knabjian vs. Mark Miller
The first U.S. welterweight elimination bout featured training partners Kevin Knabjian and Mark Miller squaring off. Neither fighter seems very keen on the idea of fighting teach other his early in the competition, though each understand it's a necessary evil.
A few knowing glances are exchanged before the start of the contest, and the two touch gloves and get underway.
Knabjian looks a bit stiff and defensive to open. Miller takes the role of aggressor, mixing impressive combinations of punches with a few kicks for good measure. Several of the punches connect, and Knabjian responds in kind, though only in minimal spurts.
The fight is never close to ending in the opening round, but it's clear that Miller has earned the frame. As Knabjian walks dejectedly to his corner, Henderson comments, "He still doesn't look like he's excited to fight his friend."
Knabjian is coached between rounds to let his hands go, something either the pressure of fighting for a UFC contract or the uneasiness of facing a friend has prevented him from doing.
Knabjian opens far more aggressive in the second, and a three punch combo drops Miller. Knabjian follows to the ground, initially dropping punches, but then elected to drop for a heel hook. Miller rolls with the move and escapes, returning to his feet.
Miller returns to his first-round form, popping jabs and scoring up the middle with an ominous uppercut. Knabjian's hand positioning seems to invite the blow, and Miller obliges. A second, stunning uppercut connects squarely, echoes in the training center, and puts Knabjian on the run.
Miller chases him down, delivering several unanswered blows from the feet. Knabjian is taking quite a bit of damage, though remains standing. A left hand that seems more of a push than a strike puts Knabjian on the ground, but referee Steve Mazzagatti rushes in to halt the contest.
Knabjian immediately offers his objections, but the strikes were landing flush. A dejected Knabjian brushes Miller's condolences away, much to White's amusement.
Miller admits it's difficult to face a friend in such an important situation.
"It really sucks because me and Kevin are training partners and good friends," Miller says. "It's hard to even be happy for the victory.
"I pictured me and him going through it together, keeping each other sane and hanging out. It just sucks to have to see him go.
With eyes full of tears, Knabjian delivers a devastating right hand to Chuck Liddell's liver – well, a picture of Liddell in the locker room. But it does put a hole in the wall.