The TUF 27 TUFtermath
This week sees episode two of The Ultimate Fighter 27 hit the airwaves! The scheduled bout is Team Miocic jiu jitsu lifer Kyler Phillips taking on my better-looking doppleganger, Brad Katona of Team Cormier. Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic continue their mindgames, and we don’t get a whole lot of shenanigans from the fighters. So, without further ado, let’s get to it.
The Big Three
#1) The Pranks Begin – Honestly, the pranks are one of my least favorite parts of every season of TUF. But they always happen, so they have to be referenced. They started tame this time, with Team Miocic staff covering posters of Daniel Cormier with those of the UFC Heavyweight Champion’s mustachioed mug, as well as a poster of two Team Miocic coaches posing bottomless. Not to be outdone, Cormier made his way to the Team Miocic locker room. He stuck up a conversation and then appeared to flash one of the coaches from aforementioned inappropriate photo. This is bad, even for TUF. The show has finally descended to the level of literal dick-waving.
#2) Jiu Jitsu World Champion? – During his interview, Kyler “The Matrix” Phillips, said he was Jiu Jitsu World Champion. I can’t say this enough: You can win an IBJJF World Jiu Jitsu Championship at white belt. This means that people can use this to pad their resume. UFC featherweight queen Cris Cyborg is actually guilty of this, having won her world championships at purple belt! When you’re at the UFC level, only winning a world championship at black belt should count.
#3) Dissension Quelled! – .Thailand Clark had a blow-up early on, after rumblings started that he was too rough of a training partner. This meant that D.C. had to pull him aside for a little meeting, urging him to relax. Clark appears to be, to put it mildly, an intense and emotional individual who did not take well to his coach’s attempt to settle him down. He would reiterate how he felt insulted that his training partners kept on asking him to slow down, inadvertantly revealing that he’s been something of a Gym Drifter because of this. Clark nearly walked out as Cormier broke out the tough love, but eventually was drawn back in and one over by a relaxed roll with his fun-loving coach.
The Stock Report
Stock up – Daniel Cormier. The man was an excellent corner. His instructions were clear and concise, with no flowery language. It was tremendous.
The Fight
Round One was a bit of a see-saw. While the first portion of the round clearly went to the way of Kyler Phillips thanks to his more active striking and a throw to counter a takedown attempt, Brad Katona took control of the second. Even when Phillips grabbed onto the cage with both hands and pulled forward, with no comment from referee Herb Dean, Katona hung on and was eventually able to score the takedown and end the round landing ground and pound. It was close, and I could see it going either way.
Round Two was clearly in Brad Katona’s favor. He was more active striking, landing more combinations as well as low, outside leg kicks. Kyler Phillips’ aggression and power weren’t enough, as his output slowed and he was controlled in the clinch. Phillips even attempted multiple switches to try and escape Katona, which all failed.
After two stanzas, Brad Katona was awarded the majority decision and will be moving on to the semi-finals.
Next week, Team Cormier takes control, and will pit Luis “Violent Bob Ross” Pena against Jose Martinez in a lightweight battle. Keep it locked to MMASucka.com for the next TUFtermath!
