Brad’s MMA Blog

The Ultimate Fighter Season 5 Episode 6: No BS. Just Fights.

These are my favorite type of episodes; all fights No BS. No crying, no horses, no ice cream cake, no water bottles in the pool, no speedos errr wait there was one but it was blurred. Although drama wise this has been one of the best seasons since the first. We got 2 great fights “Creepy” Joe Lauzon vs Brian Geraghty and Corey Hill vs Rob Emerson. Lets get to it.

Dana says Joe Lauzon looks like a nerd but will kick your ass. One comment on Joe is that him KOing Pulver was unfuckingbelievable. One of the bigger upsets in UFC history. What were they thinking putting Pulver against such a huge underdog. Way to go Joe.

Pulver talks with Brian before his fight with Joe telling him to forget that they ever fought. “Forget the fact that he hit me.” Jens Pulver. Has Pulver watched that fight? I was there it’s hard to forget. BTW I was screaming for Joe b4 and after the fight.

Brian has an impressive record 24-9-2.

Joe tried to stay as calm as possible. Joe’s blank stare looks focused.

No weigh ins.

Fight 1.

Lauzon takes Brian easy. Brian shows no offense as he pulled guard when Joe got an underhook and was slammed down near the cage. From their Lauzon lands some brutal elbows and looks to have Brian hurt. In a scramble Brain gets to his feet but gives Lauzon his back. Lauzon takes no chances and finishes the fight with a rear naked choke with out any hooks in.

Wow that was quick. BJ gets his first win. BJ is fired up. What a great coaching job by BJ eh Chuck?

I’m going to stick to my guns and say no matter who coached who in the first 5 fights the same person would have won. This is more a credit to Pulver thought as he is playing Joe Silva in these fights. +1 Pulver.

Even thought Brian like Pulver left Joe unscathed Joe hit his head pretty good on the takedown.

“Kid’s good… it means I didn’t get knocked out by a bitch.” – Pulver.

Was Pulver secretly rooting for Joe?

Brian feels he left his heart in the dressing room. He has never been so embarrassed in his life.

Dana tells us that the Hill/Emerson fight decides control of the next fight matchup. Look as though BJ’s win is for naught.

Emerson seems grateful for his opportunity hopefully he fights like it. Emerson thinks Corey isn’t as half as good as Nate. I agree.

It seems as though Corey lied about his fight record. His 4-0 record is a farce. He tells Pulver that he has 2 amateur fights one in a cage and one in ring. Do you believe him? I don’t. Wonder what else he is lying about.

6’4 155 is insane. Good move by Dana and crew.

BJ thinks Emerson can walk right thru him. I think so as well. Two amateur fights against the most experienced fighter on the show. If Emerson can land a few good shots early and set the tone of the fight this should be an easy fight to get him into the next round.

Fight 2.

The fight doesn’t go as BJ or I had it planned. In the first Corey comes out early and establishes his reach advantage and gains much needed confidence by breaking away from Emerson clinch and avoiding a take down. Emerson lands a few shots of his own including some great low kicks but Hill now knows he is in the fight.

BJ thinks Coreys punches aren’t doing any damage Rob should just power thru them.

In the second Emerson seems to have figured Hill out landing punches and kicks at will while Corey is able to land his stay away from me jabs. The round ends in exciting fashion with Emerson and Corey tangled up with Emerson cranking on a pretty good Heel Hook.

When the fight goes to the judges it seems we have our first tie.

In round 3 Corey once again does a good job of establishing his reach advantage and keeping Rob at bay. Rob is mentally unable to get past the fact that he is getting hit but does land a few good rights and kicks. The jabs are doing no real damage and once again Rob fights to the level of his opponent. The fight en

The third is close but Dana thinks Emerson won.

Corey hill wins.

Corey admits after the fight that this was his first fight. Dana admits that he knew that as well. Maybe Horn is right about this kid after all. I think he will be an easy out in the next round.

Brad Doerges
_________________
MMA-Fighter.com on MySpace

Thanks to a blog reader Taisei Kickuchi has been Revealed. Answering a question I posted in a previous blog reader Josh C. Let me in on a member of Jen’s Pulvers coaching staff.

He was a wrestler from Port Washington, NY in Long Island. After high school, he went on and wrestled at the University of Buffalo. He was on the team all 5 years at UB and was one of the team’s leaders. He fought through some bad knee injuries and surgeries and thus never qualified for nationals.

It also looks as if he has been competing in the XFO.

http://fcfighter.brinkster.net/fighter.asp?FighterID=256431

Thanks Again Josh for the response.

Brad

From the previews last week it looks as thought this weeks show will be less about Gabe Ruedigers and Corey Hills fight and more about Gabe trying to make weight. Will BJ finally get a win this week? Will Tony DeSouza make another grown man cry? Let’s Find out!

Team Pulver questions why Andy didn’t try to take Brandon Melendez down. I’m still wondering that as well. It’s not like he is a monster on the ground its just that he stands no chance on his feet with a guy that “ has 2 inches of height and 9 inches in reach on Wang”. Quoting myself wasn’t as fulfilling as I initially thought it would be.

Pulver realizes that if he keeps winning then his team keeps picking the fights. Does he say the same exact thing after every fight or is this stock footage?

I think this brings up an interesting situation where it looks like it will Team Pulver vs Team Pulver in the semis.

Team Penn Training Session.

Lobstah is disgusted with Andy for not using his black belt in Brazillian Jiu Jitsu in the fight. 155ers around the world are disgusted that Allen Berube (2-1) got a shot over them… Especially the guy who KOed him in under 20 seconds.

Penn is frustrated. He had two inexperienced guys go down and one heart breaker with Emerson. Wang who wont listen to a word anyone says. “Is this the Bad News Bears or what?” –Penn

We cut to Noah and DeSouza rolling. BJ doesn’t think Noah is taking his training seriously. Noah is getting mauled. “He is missing a chromosome.” Tony doesn’t take Noah’s jokes kindly and makes him pay by putting Noah in every choke and uncomfortable position possible. Noah gets pist and kicks a heavy bag. Noah screams “so a better guy beat me… So what!” I don’t know if he is referring to Manvel or DeSouza. Noah walks off while Tony yells at him to stop talking shit.

“(I’m) all about business when it comes to grappling and fighting.” — Tony DeSouza

Now to the drama; Gabe is at 176 and he feels he should be at 170 so he can easily be ready to fight.

Looks like the producers over at Spike bought the house a cake. How convenient its Gabes favorite. Is this one of the things they ask you in the pre screening process? Gabe is just going to have a small piece. Gabe says he is mad at himself. Sounds like a line from America’s Biggest Loser.

Matt Wiman calls Gabe the weakest link because he is not ready to fight. He is right for once.

TUF Standings. Team Penn is taking a beating. Literally.

Corey Picks Gabe. Gabe says he looked into Corey’s eyes and can see fear. The barking dog is gone.

Team Penn discusses some strategy for the fight. Gabe thinks that he will be fine on the ground if Corey takes him down. BJ says Corey won’t try to take him down but instead will go for Sprawl and Brawl or as I like to Ultimate Boxing.

BJ says Gabe needs to concentrate on making weight. The question is if he does make weight will be able to fight after. I saw Joe Riggs being dragged out of the weigh ins after he struggled to make weight for his fight with Matt Hughes and it clearly showed when they fought.

Team Penn starts discussing strategy for the fight on their way home from the gym. Gabe wants to talk fight strategy while his team mates want to talk about his weight. Gabe’s cutting strategy begins with going home and taking a nap. Gray thinks Gabe should hit the gym, Gabe says Corey doesn’t have the fire.

Gabe thinks the only thing that can stop him is himself. Or a chocolate Ice Cream cake.

Gabe weighs in. 173.5 only 17.5 to go Gabe puts on the sweat suit and gets to work errrrrr I mean he starts walking on the treadmill.

Gabe is at 169.5 with 16 hours till weigh in. At this rate he might make it. I heard that Gabe was about 17lbs over the day before his weigh in at UFC 63 and we all know how well that fight went. Wait it didn’t go well at all.

Gabe loses a bit more over night. He is at 163.5 in the morning so its back to walking on the treadmill. Gabe reweighs in with 2 hours left and has only lost 1.5lbs since the first weigh in. Gray says he hasn’t done anything. I disagree walking on the treadmill got him to lose 4 lbs yesterday why wouldn’t it put him 8lbs lower today?

They take him to the sauna but Gabe is being lazy about it only staying for a minute at a time then wanting to get out. Gray and BJ get in the sauna with him for support. BJ tells Emerson to get geared up and begin cutting weight incase Gabe can’t do it.

BJ thinks Gabe is wimping out. He sits on the bike in the sauna for just a few minutes barely pedaling then keeps wanting to leave. He steps out of the sauna and falls over.

“I’ll make the weight.” – Gabe Ruedigar

Phone Poll: “Will gabe make weight?” 45% think yes.

They drag him back in the sauna. Gabe wants to check his weight. Gabe wants to give up only 3 lbs over. Now they are taping the bags on. Gray is the sauna with him trying to help Gabe. I’m quickly turning into a fan of Gray. Gabe falls off the bike for the last time.

Corey makes 155.5 easy.

Team Pulver is waiting at the gym for the weigh ins. They are told they must go back to the house now. Corey starts to realize what is happening and he is not happy.

Cut to Gabe on the ground. B put me back in…. then he starts breaking down into his death bed voice. “Just grab me and put me in their”. Penn and Gray tell him if he wants back in he will have to get up and get in the sauna himself. Gabe doesn’t budge.

Some one comments that Gabe should be on another show; “Celebrity fit club.” Fucker stole my joke. Some people think he didn’t want to make weight. Manvel wants him out of the house.

We find out that they took Gabe to the hospital and gave him an IV.

Once back at the house Gabe gets more backlash then he expected. Gabe is apologizing to everyone. Corey accepts his apology but Emerson doesn’t want to hear it. Gabe feels like he is getting treated like a pariah. That’s an understatement.

BJ wonders if this was his whole plan to not fight on the show. I wonder what’s wrong with Gabe and how much being away from home is effecting him.

Pulver thinks Corey should get a pass. Pulver calls Gabe Fat boy and Lazy guy and suggest he get sponsored by burger boy or donut world.

Dana calls all the fighters to the gym and he is not happy. Here comes the do you want to be a fighter speech.

Nothing pisses Dana off then not making weight. Looking bad for TUF season 4 winner Travis Lutter. Don’t worry Dana doesn’t hold a grudge ask Josh Barnette. Dana says you shouldn’t be here if you can’t make 155 lbs. He asks Gabe Is this what you really want to do? You’re not staying here! Gabe got kicked out of the house.

Gabe crys to the confessional cam. This so much more than just a sport to Gabe; “Its my life.”

Dana wants everyone to come out like Nate Diaz and Emerson. No one gets a free fucking pass. Emerson is coming back to fight. BJ is happy!

We have our top 4. A new begging for Team Penn. Team Penn is punished for not working together to halp gabe cut weight. Pulver gets to pick the next 2 fights.

At fight picking time Brian wants to fight Wayne Weems but can’t so he chooses Joe Lauzon instead. Corey picks to fight Emerson. Looks like BJ finally got to choose a matchup.

Next show 2 fights one show. Watch it.

Brad Doerges

The Ultimate Fighter Season 5 Episode 4 Review

Nick Diaz totally dismantled and “Out Worked” Emerson in their match. After out witting Emerson in the standup Diaz took Emerson down and ran a Jiu Jitsu clinic before getting the tap out from a rear naked choke.

BJ Penns’s team is down 0 and 3 and Jens Pulver is running out of good fighters will this be the week when BJ’s team finally gets a win? BJ thinks they still have a chance. BJ is right if one of his fighters can get his hands on Wayne Weems.

It seems Wayne has been doggin it in practice and Pulver is sick of it. “Weems is falling behind… I can’t spend all my time with one guy”.

Manvel thinks Wayne needs a lot of work especially in his grappling, striking and conditioning. Wait isn’t this guy 9-2 and lives right down the street from Team Miletechs camp? “I’m not here to wash their butts and put a diaper on them.” - Pulver

Looks like Wayne is the weak injured antelope and Gabe wants to pounce. Gabe talks to BJ and tells him he wants to take out Weens. “Somebody’s gotta do it!” – Ruediger

BJ and I think that’s funny but it seems Rob Emerson doesn’t. Emerson thinks its a “Cowards way out” and that Gabe is going behind the teams back by talking to BJ in private. Guess Emerson would have preferred to fight Weens too. Looks like Team Boredome is falling apart as quickly as it was formed. Damn no more Shield battles and horse Shenanigans.

Back to Team pulver. It looks as though Team Pulver is not as perfect as their record. It seems another member has been doggin it during workouts; Brandon Melendez. Melendez hurt his foot in the first brutal work out that Pulver made the fighters do so that Penn couldn’t tell who was in shape.

“All you ever do is ride the aerodyne” – Pulver

Pulver rips into Melendez telling him he won’t let him fight if he isn’t training 100%. Melendez fires back with “I’m just babying it so I’m springy on my feet.” Pulver isn’t buying it. In the confession room Melendez tells us his foot hurts and that he knows his body…

Manny tells Pulver that he thinks Melendez is upset because he is struggling with his weight. Jens thinks he isn’t training as hard because of all the weight cutting. “If he ain’t within 5 at announcement time he ain’t fighting.” -Pulver

Melendez shows us how he cuts weight. The sauna is brutal “seconds feel like minutes” boy this guy complains a lot. Where is Dana and his “do you want to be an F#@%ing fighter” speech?

Back to the house for some comic relief… It seems Mr. Indestructible aka Marlon Sims loves to tell a tall story. He states that he has been in a couple hundred street fights and has never lost. Rickson Gracie is calling his lawyers. His tales are right out of a “Steven Segal” flick with guys coming out of nowhere and he takes them out one by one.

A 170lb guy can take on several dudes at a bar one at a time and never lose? Sounds phoney to me when barroom brawler Tank Abbott has admitted to getting his teeth kicked in a few times. Gabe and Noah think he is full of shit and Gabe calls public Shenanigans. Can you believe that word is in spell check.

BOOM Chicken Fry Stats.

Team Penn
Gray Maynard
Matt Wiman
Gabe Ruediger
Joe Lauzon
Rob Emerson – Eliminated by Nate Diaz
Andy Wang – Eliminated by Brandon Melendez
Noah Thomas – Eliminated by Manny Gamburyan
Allen Berube – Eliminated by Cole Miller

Team Pulver
Corey Hill
Nate Diaz 1-0
Brandon Melendez 1-0
Marlon Sims
Manny Gamburyan 1-0
Cole Miller 1-0
Brian Geraghty
Wayne Weems

Fight announcement.

Brandon Melendez vs Andy Wang

Here are just a few Andy Wang gems.

“Just like the fortune cookie say. Be careful of what you wish for.” - Andy Wang

“One life you gotta roll the dice” – Andy Wang

Gabe, BJ and Andy go over a game plan for Andys fight and we find out Andy isn’t much of a listener. Gabe talks about a fight where Andy wouldn’t listen to his corner and just brawled with the other guy. No word on if he won that fight. Andy is 5-6.

BJ point blanks asks Andy “If we tell you to take him down will you take him down?” Andy responds confidently “Don’t worry coach”.

Gabe says that Andy is fighting for the team and himself. Gabe thinks this should be a quick win for Andy because and is a Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Gabe is licking his chops at an Andy win and a chance for him to take on the wounded antelope Weens.

Andy talks about fighting for the honor of his family and to show the sprit of the Asian community. While we are listing to his rant we see Wang practicing closing the distance and getting the takedown.

The Toyota Scion Weigh In.

BTW those Scions are great cars. Toyota wanna Sponser the site?

Pulver says he is stunned after Brandons weigh in. Brandon and Andy easily make weight.

Brandon pulls a Luke Cummo and eats everything in the house including my favorite; a hot pocket doused in Tapatio.

Back at Pulvers camp the fighters show up to find Matt Hughes is cleaning the mats. Maybe he spilled some of his country breakfast on them Brian Geraghty seems to be making some cameos with a few comments on Matt Hughes. Wait is this guy on the show?

Extreme Telephone Company asks “Is Marlon Sims full of it?” Enquiring minds want to know! 45% think no. I told you TUF n00bs don’t know shit!

2 guys piss on each other at the commercial break.

Pulver tells the team he brought Matt Hughes in to change things up. “They aren’t tired of looking at you but they are tired of listening to you.” –Hughes. Zing!

Man how great would it have been if Hughes and Penn were the coaches. We could have had more great quotes like this. “If I was a betting fan I would bet BJ Penn didn’t do much in his group.” Matt Hughes.

BTW where are BJ’s surprise guests? No Matt Lindland no Ralph Gracie?

“I don’t want to be remembered as a warrior that got an arrow in the back. I’m here to get my respect on the battlefield.” – Andy Wang

Tale of the taped doesn’t look good once again for team Penn. Melendez has 2 inches of height and 9 inches in reach on Wang… Oh yeah and about 10lbs in weight but don’t worry size doesn’t matter in Jiu Jitsu.

Fight

Early in round 1 Wang gets hit with a left that knocks him down. Wang seems stunned but not hurt and continues to come straight towards his opponent. Melendez circles to his right and begins landing at his right at will. Wang counters with a looping overhand right but it’s off target. The men continue this dance with Wang taking multiple rights to his face and never once going for a takedown. BJ can be heard screaming for the shot the whole time. Wang is definitely not following the game plan.

In there corners our fearless competitors get their usual pep talks.

“All day” - Pulver.

“Lets take him down.” – BJ

Nothing really changes in the second. Andy gracefully blocks a few more rights and a left with his face before he finally gets the clinch. After a skirmish Andy even gets a knock down but just backs off. BJ can still be heard screaming for a takedown. It must sound like waves crashing against the beach to a person who lives by the beach. Melendez listens well putting his hands up when instructed and throwing jabs when instructed. More over hand rights from Andy. Andy gains another clinch but once again doesn’t go for the take down. “He’s tired go now! Andy lets go!” Screams BJ.

Melendez wins a Unanimous Decision over Andy “Pochen” Wang.

After getting hit Andy’s game plan went out the window. “It felt like someone was trying to steal my lunch money.” – Andy Wang

A recurring theme for this season Andy cries after the loss and Gabe comforts him. BJ says there is no reason to be sad. “Andy doesn’t want to listen to word anyone says.” BJ then makes an imitation of Andy’s crying. Don’t cast stones BJ. BJ started tearing up when I got a picture with him after he won the belt from Hughes. That moment made me one of his biggest fans. I finally knew how much it meant for these guys to win that belt.

“Everyone likes a winner nobody likes a loser.” – BJ Penn

“When people see Andy Wang they will say he is a warrior” – Wang

I hope so Andy I hope So… *tries to do BJ’s Impression of Andy*

Brad Doerges
brad@mma-fighter.com

Forum Discussion - http://www.mma-fighter.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20990

The Ultimate Fighter Season 5 Episode 3 Review: Got KY?

This episode starts hopefully like no other episode ever starts… with a fighter lubing up a tube and shoving it into his nether region. Well it seemed like that’s how it started now that I can’t get that image of that KY dripping tube out of my head. It actually started with a recap of the last fight; a dominating display of Judo by Manny Gambaryan. Cole Miller says that Manny put a beating on Noah Thomas and he is right. Manny looks as thought a weight has been taken off of him.

Now back to the Colonic…. Gabe Ruedigar approaches BJ about the colonic and he seems fine with Gabe getting it. Gabe states the benefits as weight loss and he feels a lot better after it. Sounds like a win win situation….

It seems the lack of TV, Family, and friends is finally getting Nate to his breaking point. “I need to fight Immediately!”. He feels that Joe Lauzon is a good match up for him but that since he is getting punked by Emerson he would rather fight him. Whoa whoa whoa Nate… If I was Nate I wouldn’t bite off more than I can chew. Nate wants to take on 2 of BJ’s best fighters. I don’t know what they got in the water up in Stockton possibly some sort of herbal tea but it gives you elephant size balls.

Tony DeSouza thinks Gabe needs to worry less about getting tubes shoved up his ass and more about fighting. Tony questions Gabes reasons for being on the show. I think Gabes reason is becoming quite clear; he is on the show to become a notorious Reality TV star. I haven’t seen a major MMA Forum that doesn’t have an “I hate Gabe” thread going. What ever he is doing it’s working.

Jens brings in UFC Veteran Jeremy Horn as a training partner for his team. Nate is stoked to train with Horn since he and his brother grew up watching his fights. Corey doesn’t know who Horn is but Horn believes that Corey is a lump of clay. Horn feels that he has a ton of potential and wants him to come to his school in Salt Lake City. Horn feels that he can make a superstar out of him. His size and work ethic look to me like his biggest assets but his talent is too raw to think he will be the next Josh Koscheck.

Now off to Healing Waters and the dripping tube. Coleen greets Gabe and tells him “we are gonna have fun.” Gabe says he came to fight but it sounds more he came to fart as more and more gas is forced out by the tube of water. Coleen massages Gabes abdomen as she tells him she is waiting for a “Mudd Slide” with a twinkle in her eye. Wow I have seen enough thank you Dish Network DVR. Wonder if he got her number?

Gray Maynard says he would never skip practice and that he feels Gabe got the colonic in order to get more attention. Sounds like Maynard is talking shit on Gabe to get more attention.

Some of the fighters began prancing around with thongs on. Nate thinks “that gay shit” makes fighters look bad. Lodune “Vanilla Gorilla” Sincaid disagrees. Nate says no one up in Stockton acts gay like that. Maybe they are too busy acting like Cheech and Chong.

After some more Chicken Fry standings we finally get a good fight announced. Two of my early favorites to make it to the finals. Rob Emerson will take on Nate Diaz. “I love this fucking season”. – Dana White

I have seen both of these guys fight and both look to have all the potential in the world. I have seen Nate Diaz mow over Tony Wares at Strikeforce and Gil Rael at WEC winning both by TKO in the first. He fought a technical battle vs Joe Hurley where he won by Triangle Choke in the second. He even gave #1 lightweight contender Hermes Franca a run for his money taking the first round before he was armbarred in the second. If anyone from this show could pull the next Matt Serra this is your guy. His only downside is that he may not have the experience that his fellow TUFers have had but his camp more than makes up for that.

Now let’s not forget about Emerson before we go and give Diaz the phoney UFC belt. Emerson is the guy who early in his career took Jens Pulver to decision (loss). Emerson has taken on more tough opponents then probably all of his class mates combined including UFC veterans Dokonjonosuke Mishima and Melvin Guillard. Emerson is on a 4 fight win streak but unfortunately sometimes fights to the level of his opponent. Emerson can dominate one fight and then look mediocre in the next. Emerson looks to have all the tools of a great fighter but sometimes looks timid. I felt if Emerson could get some good match ups that he could easily be in the final 4.

After all this I lean towards Emerson. He has more experience against tougher foes and I really can’t see him getting KOed.

More training footage.

Nate says his older brother Nick got him into fighting and motivates him. “You better go whoop somebody’s ass or get the fuck outta here.” – Nick Diaz

Emerson says he wants to put on a good show. Emerson considers himself mostly a kickboxer with good takedown and sub defense. Sounds like UFC’s prototype fighter.

“He wants to make it personal I’m gonna make it just as personal. He is gonna bring out a a better fighter in me. Probably shouldn’t have done that.” – Emerson

“I’m going out to Bang” – Nate Diaz

It seems another poll has been taken and tallied 67% of the people taking the poll think that Horn can make Hill a superstar. Once again what does a TUF n00b know?

Tale of the Tape

Nate has a 2 inch reach advantage in reach and height. Didn’t realize how short Emerson’s arms are. My fight prediction goes out the window…

Nate fights eerily similar to his older brother. Stalking his prey until he is able to close the gap with a quick 1 2. From the clench BJ and Pulver can both be heard yelling instructions to their fighters. Ken Shamrock is thinking maybe these guys are on to something.

After they break clinch Nate is doing a modified version of what boxers do by holding out his jab hand and grabbing Emersons hand. BJ screams out “Don’t let him grab your hand.” Apparently up in Stockton it isn’t gay for 2 dudes to hold hands.

Nate is dominating the standup. Nate lands a right hook and is gaining crucial ring control points by maintaining the outside position of the fence from the clinch. Looks as if Nate is going for a standing Kimura. I thought Nate was here to Bang?

Emerson is able to ward off another takedown defense and score some damage of his own ala some knees from the “Thai Clinch”. Emerson lands a nice left but Diaz seems unfazed.

As the round ends Emerson is able to fend off another of Diazs takedowns.

In Robs corner BJ talks to him as if he is winning the fight “Beautiful” he says.

In Nates corner they are acting like he is down a round in the fight. Horn asks him “Why are you here?”

That is an interesting bit of corner strategy that we have yet to see in the show due to the lack of competitive fights. I prefer the latter. In a very very close round MMA-Fighter.com has the fight 10-9 Diaz.

Second Round

Nate is scoring again from the clinch by landing knees to Robs inner thigh and soloplexes. Diaz breaks away from the clinch and lands an over hand right then an uppercut that stuns Emerson. Diaz finally succeeds in getting a takedown. Rob is able to get back up but is put on his back again by Diaz

Nate begins running a Jiu Jitsu clinic on Emerson. After landing several shots from half guard Nate gains mount. Rob takes a few shots and gets to his knees. He almost gets into Diaz’s guard but Diaz’s able to transition smoothly to Emersons back. Nate goes for an armbar on Emerson but it fails and he ends up going for a Kimura. Emerson fights off the Kimura and then finds himself in an armbar attempt. Nate sweeps him and now has the armbar from top. Emerson isn’t tapping so he goes to mount again and Emerson once again gives up his back. This looks to be the last transition as Diaz easily sinks in a deep Rear Naked Choke and he gets the tap.

Dana is excited after the fight and claims it was the best fight they have had in the last five seasons. Apparently he missed Bobby Southworth losing to Stephan Bonner.

Pulver Feels that Diaz just plain out worked Emerson. I agree. Emerson just didn’t have the gas and he looked to be in better shape then anyone on the show.

I feel better about this season after that great fight. Hopefully better fights not colonics lead to better ratings. Looks as though Hughes is back in the next show wonder what he will say to BJ. Wonder what he thinks of Coreys lips? Always saying controversial stuff that guy is good TV. BTW I thought Jens and Hughes hated each other. Why would Pulver invite that guy to his camp? Oh yeah “That guy is good TV.”

The Ultimate Fighter season 5 episode 2 Team Boredom Unites

It must have been really dusty in Vegas this season of The Ultimate Fighter because I have never seen so many tears since Forrest Griffin did a his best Tito Ortiz impression after getting knocked out by “The Dean of Mean”. Unlike Rob Emerson I don’t think Cole Miller is a “pussy” for crying. I think it just shows the tremendous amount of pressure each of these fighters is under. 6 weeks with out friends or family. The biggest opportunity in your career… The crying is just an emotional dump. I feel like Griffin recently stated in an interview; If you haven’t cried about something then that means you have never really cared about something and I feel sorry for you.

After the tears dry up Miller is rewarded with his first win by getting a fictious UFC belt. The winner of the fight from either team gets to wear the belt after they win. Manvel hopes everyone from team Pulver gets to wear the belt.

Pulver talks about how big this win is and brings up and interesting point about strategy, knowing who will fight next means only one fighter has to fight next. Not knowing means all fighters must begin to cut weight. This is the smartest thing Pulver has said so far.

The Lobstah shows back up at the house saying he is healthy and that he will continue training and be a replacement fighter if someone is to get hurt.

Gabe Ruedigar goes from crybaby to bully by constantly bad mouthing Matt Wiman in his face and behind his back. The confrontations looked staged and Gabe seemingly has no real beef with Matt so this makes it look even phonier.

After another Chicken Fry bracket update BJ tries to throw another monkey wrench in Pulvers plans. BJ talks Emerson into calling out Corey Hill and even has a script for him to follow “Corey you F-ing coward pick me.” Don’t hold your breath for a BJ Penn screen play. Emerson totally botches his lines and starts telling Hill he is “all bark and no bite”. Great improv but Pulver doesn’t bite and he sets up Manvel Gambaryan vs Noah Thomas.

Noah has had 40 fights in the last 2.5 years but Manvel seems unfazed. BJ says he respects Noah for being a True Fighter and not getting involved in all the drama back at the house. I don’t; know if that’s a great idea in the long run. Look what drama did for guys like Chris Leben, Bobby Southworth and Josh Koscheck.

Emerson and Gabe become friends and quickly find mischief in the form of two girls on horse back. They ask the girls to come around front and they very kindly oblige. When team Boredom goes around front they find that one of the horses has slipped and fallen on the concrete. Now even I knew that would happen if the horse has shoes on so I find it hard to believe that the two girls and Willie Nelson wouldn’t. TUF fighters to the rescue! They get some rugs from the house and get the horse back to the safety of asphalt. Emerson stays away from horses because they have knarly Thai Kicks.

BJ finally sits Gabe and Matt down to talk about their feud. Matt calls Gabe “fat: and Gabe responds with “Lets go fight right now…” Joe Lauzon thinks the fighting is causing problems for the team. Gabe and Matt shake hands and it seems to be over for now.

The show shifts to give us a long background on Manvel. We find out that he is UFC veteran Karo Parisyan’s cousin and that they train Judo together. I know Manvel is a very accomplished ground fighter and has freakish strength much like Karo. He is as good or possibly better than Karo is on the ground. With the long in-depth intro it looks like the UFC is saying to us that we will be seeing a lot more of Manny in the future.
Now it looks as if the UFC has shown it’s true colors by having a text message survey for who would win if Gabe and Matt fought. After interviewing Gabe several times it seems as though this on camera persona is made up and possibly used to make an otherwise boring house exciting. Hopefully this leads to big things for Gabe and his new Bad Guy role. 88% think Matt would win the fight. Shows what TUFers know….

Noah and Manvel both weigh in and make weight. Noah steps on the scale with a sandwich in hand. Manvel calls him fat.

Team Boredom plays with a shield they take off one of the walls in the house. Emerson takes a rock in the groin.

While team Pulver is training BJ’s Team is bored so they begin writing on the walls. Noah writes support the troops and Emerson writes “Suck it Team Pulver” When Team Pulver returns they see the comment on the wall and go ape shit. Nate Diaz rips off his shirt and jumps up and down. Pulvers camp break up the initial fight and Team Boredom apologizes.

Then we cut to Manvels reaction. I guess he showed up late because he starts going ballistic about how he will take everyone on Team BJ one by one. Manvel wants to know who wrote it so he could punch him in the face. Emerson admits it and there is no punch. Manny states that he is packing his stuff and leaving. Funny how when Nate and Manvel found out who did it they didn’t want to fight no more. Maybe they have Emerson as a favorite like I do. Maybe they were hoping it was someone smaller like Lobstah.

After what seems like an hour of screaming an uncharacteristically calm Miller gets Manny to settle down and not leave the house.

The morning before the fight Mr Jekyl and Hyde Ruedigar gives Noah a pep talk stating that Manny blew his wad the night before with the 2 hours of screaming.

The fight begins Manny comes out strong landing a right hook that stuns the former Marine. Manny bulrushes his wounded opponent and gets a takedown. From there Manny quickly passes the guard moves to north south and gets a Kimura.

Hopefully Manny got 2 years of aggression out during this fight and both teams respect each other more… Meh this is reality TV who wants that? Bring on the DRAMA team boredom…

Brad Doerges

Gabe Ruediger Interviews
http://www.mma-fighter.com/interviews/Gabe_Ruediger_09202006/
http://www.mma-fighter.com/interviews/Gabe_Ruediger/

Forum Comments
http://mma-fighter.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20751

GSP TKOed, Sylvia got rocked early and lost a decision, and MMA’s most feared striker Vanderlei Silva got KOed. All these MMA sprawl and brawlers got hurt or finished by a grappler’s superior stand up. What they lack in form they more than make up in effectiveness but how?

How does a striker like GSP who is faster, stronger and just plain bigger then his opponent get finished early in the first?

I feel that it’s the lack of fear of being taken down that helps these grapplers more than anything in their standup. These grapplers can throw with almost reckless abandon as they never have to fear an opponent’s potential takedown. They can train stand up almost exclusively as their grappling will more than likely be untested. Grapplers are now willing to go toe to toe with a striker feeling that everyone has a punchers chance and it has been paying off with belts as the reward.

We all knew that GSP could more than likely take Serra down but that he never would. Serra’s superior Jiu Jitsu was enough deterrent to keep the fight at it’s feet where GSP felt he more than likely had the advantage. Serra knew that too so he was able to let his hands go while GSP had to wonder “Is this punch being used to set up a takedown or will it be followed up by another strike?”

I believe this to be the case with Tim Sylvia who was rocked early in his fight and was never able to recover. Randy confident in his standup grappling had nothing to fear when he threw that low kick over hand right. Randy never had to worry about being on his back where he was quickly finished by Ricco because Sylvia was content to keep the fight on its feet.

Now will this be a hint to who will win the next UFC Lightweight belt? Quinton Rampage Jackson is a great striker who is also known for his grappling. Quinton used his grappling to stay on his feet against guys like Arona and Randleman. No doubt he will be able to keep it standing versus Chuck who has to worry about takedowns and strikes. Working with Carter Williams and Bas Rutten can’t do anything but help. Will this current trend in MMA be the downfall of one UFC most popular and dominate champions? This article thinks so Quinton by TKO round 4.

Brad Doerges

Forum comments
http://mma-fighter.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20696

The Ultimate Fighter Season 5 Review
Big Fighters Don’t Cry…

This season looks to begin like any other season with fighters looking like kids in a candy shop checking out their new rooms the pool table and the well stocked fridge. But something is different about this season. Besides the fact there is only one weight class some uncharacteristic aggression appears with fighters sizing each other up and other fighters questioning each others sexual preferences.

Cut to the big BJ Penn Jen Pulver hype. These guys just don’t like each other. Pulver doesn’t feel respected by Penn and Penn is mad because he feels that Pulver has been ducking him.

Now to the typical but slightly humorous pre fight hype…

“He ain’t ever touched the 155lb gold…” – Pulver

“When we fight this next time I’m gonna wipe him out… I wouldn’t blame him if he retired…” – Penn

Pulver makes an interesting comment about how he and BJ have found a new way to fight each other. Using their camps fighters as pawns…

Next we come to Dana’s hideous acid wash shirt and the coin flip. Pulver wins the toss and gets to choose between picking the first fighter or the first fight. Pulver choose the latter then all hell breaks loose. Like an elementary school dodge ball game Penn had everyone who likes him more then Pulver raise their hands. Funny thing 60% of them did.

Dana tries to lay down the law with a few F-bombs but can’t as BJ once again makes them raise their hands. Unfortunately we don’t get to see who got picked last because of the Chicken Frys sponsored “Brackets”. It looks as though it might have ended up like this.

It looks as though it might have ended up like this. The teams are.

BJ Penn
1. Gray Maynard
3. Matt Wiman
5. Gabe Ruediger
7. Joe Lauzon
9. Rob Emerson
11. Andy Wang
13. Allen Berube
15. Noah Thomas

Jens Pulver
2. Cory Hill
4. Nate Diaz
6. Brandon Melendez
8. Marlon Sims
10. Manvel Gambaryan
12. Cole Miller
14. Brian Geraghty
16. Wayne Weems

Wonder what will become of guys like Nate Diaz who raised their hand for Penn but got picked by Pulver.

On the Drive home Pulvers team is all fired up. Hill starts mouthing off about how he wants to kick everyone’s ass. Manvel joins in saying he wants to fight “right NOW!” This statement is peculiar to me since the last fight he had was a decision victory over TUF vet Sam Morgan in early 2004.

Back at the house Hill is still fired up and starts barking like a dog at Gabe. Gabe later gets the last laugh over Hill by calling him DMX. I have never seen this type of behavior from a TUF cast before. Maybe this stems from the immature behavior of the two coaches during the team picking session.

BJ Penn has a 6:00 am practice which is 3:00 am Hilo time. Andy Wang complains that he doesn’t usually come home till 6:00 am. Wonder what his day job is… sounds nice.

BJ states his mission goal. To find out what his fighters weaknesses are and make them stronger in that area. This sounds like a great Idea in theory.

BJ on paper looks to have the better staff. Rudy Valentino – BJ’s Kick Boxing coach, UFC fighter Tony DeSouza, and BJJ black belt Reagan Penn. Gabe says that everyone weather they admitted or not wanted to be on BJ’s Team. Gabes comment may be a little swayed by the fact that he used to train with BJ at Ralph Gracies…

Pulver’s Camp is also impressive Matt Pena - Boxing, Taisei Kikuchi – Don’t know who he is? (Any help email me *not the fight finder please.) Kirk White - Wrestling. After the training session it is apperent that everyone on Pulvers camp wants to fight NOW! Miller wants to fight Ruediger because he didn’t like his dog impression and because he is over weight. Manvel wants to fight NOW! because its been 3 years!!!!!! Miller wants to fight now but actually had the best reason. He knew that more people will watch the premier show and he wants to put on a show for them.

The show shifts to one of its more celebrity fighters Gabe Ruediger. Gabe has a weight problem and it’s more then obvious with his barrel gut and becomes even more obvious when he steps on the scale and is 22lbs overweight. BJ says that’s a lot. Fuck even Joe Stevenson says that’s a lot. Wonder what Dana will call Gabe…

All the stress of the show and several training sessions with no weight loss cause Gabe to break down. He begins to cry and BJ tries to consol him and questions weather his teasing may have been the cause of the melt down. Emerson thinks Gabe is a pussy for breaking down and Allen adds insult to injury when he states that Gabe is giving 100% in the gym but maybe “shouldn’t give 100% in the kitchen.” I’m not a doctor but I think all the stress from the show is causing Gabe to produce massive amounts of Cortisol thus the weight retention.

Pulver announces the fights. It will be Allen Berube vs Cole Miller. Guess Pulver thought Miller had the best reason.

Gabe is off the hook. Some fighters put on make up. Pretty brave with several homophobes in the house.

Miller is a huge favorite over the “Crustacean Sensation” with10 more fights and 4.5 inches in reach advantage. After several high kicks by Miller Allen secures the takedown only to find him self in a week guillotine attempt. Allen escapes only to find himself locked into a triangle choke. Allen taps and is kicked out of the house. I guess the promotion for his restaurants is over now. Or is it… Monstah Lobstah! Monstah Lobstah! Monstah Lobstah!

Main Card Bouts:
Rashad Evans (9-0) vs. Sean Salmon (9-1)

Rashad Evans is the Undefeated TUF Season 2 winner and recent dismantler of the Jason Lambert bandwagon. Evans has as more athleticism and speed than anyone right now at 205 in the UFC. In fact the only fighter I have seen with any more raw talent than him at 205 is Mauricio Shogun Rua. My only gripe with the guy was that after he won TUF that he stayed with his unknown camp and now that he is with Jackson’s camp in New Mexico I feel the sky is the limit with him.

I have never seen Salmon fight but his only loss is to an undefeated David Heath who I saw easily take out Cory Walmsley (RNC) at Chuck vs Babalu 2. Salmon has several submission wins including wins by Strikes, keylocks, and an Armbar. Salmon also spent some time at THE Ohio State wrestling but only for his freshman year.

All and all I’m just taking a stab in the dark but by looking at Salmon’s record it seems he likes to win from the top position (mostly by submission). Since I give Salmon no chance of getting on top of a more experienced and more explosive wrestler in Evans I believe Salmon has a very small chance of winning. I see Evans using his unorthodox striking to get Salmon to his back where he will be quickly dismantled by Rashad’s newly found G and P. TKO round 1 (strikes).

Heath Herring vs. Jake O’Brien (9-0)
Now I have seen O’Brien fight (14 seconds vs Team Quest trained Jay White) and Heath Herring on DVD but I’m just going to give you guys the result TKO round 2 (strikes).

Hermes Franca vs. Spencer Fisher
Evan though I heard this fight might be called off (Clavo from the forums said Spencer is hurt.) I feel this could be the fight of the night. Franca will have a tough time dealing with a dangerous striker like Fisher and an even tougher time submitting him.

This will be Spencers first big test and I think he will lose a close one. Franca Unanimous JD (29-

Tomorrow I will go over the other fights.

Nathan “The Great” Marquardt vs. Dean “The Boogeyman Lister

Preliminary Bouts:
Josh Burkman 18-3-0 vs. Chad Reiner 13-1-0
Ed Herman vs. Chris Price
Din Thomas vs. Clay Guida
Rich Clementi vs. Ross Pointon

Brad

http://www.mma-fighter.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19299

1. Nate Diaz
2. Matt Wiman
3. Joe Lauzon
4. Robert Emerson
5. Marlon Sims
6. Gabe Ruediger
7. Jason Reinhardt
8. Alan Berubie
9. Leigh Remedios
10. Noah Thomas
11. Cory Hill
12. Jamie Varner
13. Cole Miller
14. Jason Dent
15. Manvel Gamburyan

The guys I’m looking forward to seeing the most are Manvel, Gabe, and Emerson. (The local Guys)

I have never seen Manvel fight but I heard he tools some top BJJ guys when he trains with them. I also know he has taken out TUF contestant Sam Morgan so he should have no problem dealing with tough strikers.

I know Emerson can hang with any of these guys. He has fought tough tough competition and has the speed and strength to take the whole thing. I just wonder if he is gonna be the guy who I saw dominate Julian Samaniego and Jamie Schmidt or the fighter who dinked around in the ring against Joe Camacho. If he shows up and keeps his fights standing he could win it all.

I’m also excited to see Godzilla fight and to see him in the reality portion of the show as well. I think he has a good personality and it will show. I think he has a good shot of winning it all but he may have troubles with guys that can keep it standing.