Preface: Any episode with two fights is a good episode.
Choot! Choot! All aboard the TUF Recap Express – which is another way of saying that it’s holiday time and I’ll be moving at a brisk pace in this week’s recap. So without further ado:
Our flashback of Mac Danzig vs. John Kolosci reveals something we haven’t seen in about six weeks: Matt Hughes with a smile. Unfortunately Kolosci doesn’t share his giddy outlook on the quarterfinals and decides to throw a drinking party to celebrate his defeat.
As any man will tell you, it doesn’t matter what the occasion is, all that matters is getting invited. So naturally anyone within earshot was onboard for a good ol’ fashioned drowning of sorrows.
If past seasons are any indication, I have an uneasy feeling that the house is about to get redecorated.
And whaddaya know, right on cue. The pool becomes a dumping ground for whatever Kolosci can get his hands on. He ends the segment with a cute little warning about the pitfalls of being drunk – which is about as sincere as Urkel knocking up Laura Winslow and asking sarcastically “Did I do that?”
Team Serra is all doom and gloom at the prospect of having two of their own face off. Coach Serra refuses to corner against one of his guys and leaves Troy Mandaloniz high and dry against Matt Arroyo. Hughes and his cronies call it unprofessional.
During a van ride Mac decides that last week’s epiphany about good karma was nothing more than a mood swing and proceeds to imitate Richie (complete with misshapen hat). The guys all have a good laugh but I wonder who among them felt dirty inside.
BOWLING FOR DOLLARS!
The Coach’s Challenge for this season is bowling and the purse is $10,000 for the winning coach and $1500 per fighter for the winning team. Dana offers to double the fighter’s purse if the bowling-impaired Hughes can throw a strike right at that moment.
Call it hustling, call it divine intervention, or just call it dumb luck, Hughes nails it and the fighters go bananas. Serra looks a little deflated.
Serra responds by starting off with a gutterball and it probably has something to do with the fact that he’s approaching the lane like a newborn calf. Hughes on the other hand is launching the ball like Captain Caveman. Dana is busy yucking it up over how awful they are – and how much fun it is to be dangling that financial carrot in front of them.
Matt Serra gets a little advice from Matt Arroyo and starts knocking over pins. It comes down to the last frame and Serra, cool as a cucumber, gets a spare and secures the win. Would you be surprised if I told you that Hughes and his minions stormed out in a huff? Of course you wouldn’t.
Serra also gets quote of the night: “I’m a happy little man.”
After some more awkwardness about who’s cornering who, we get right to the first fight. Troy walks out with a T-shirt that says “I Can” written on the front. Well at least he’s got the right attitude.
A brief exchange of kicks and punches from both sides opens round one. Matt shoots and takes Troy to the ground. Matt has side control and quickly works for an armbar. He locks it in and forces Troy to tap immediately.
Hughes takes the opportunity to slam Serra for abandoning his fighter. Dana can’t believe any friend of BJ Penn can be so clueless on the ground. Either way it’s hard times for Troy.
We get right back to training and Richie doesn’t like the idea that he’s chum for George but thinks a win for the Aussie is not a foregone conclusion. Richie shaved his head for the fight and could actually pass for a fighter with his new look.
The second fight begins with a few swings and misses and a quick tie-up. George muscles him to the fence and eats a few shots before letting go. A low kick by Richie initiates another tie-up and both sides land a few. Another Richie low kick but George grabs it and takes him down. He loses position for a second but gets it back and looks for side control.
George is working for an arm but Richie won’t give in. George finally gets a kimura and taps him out. George looked flat. Richie is humble in defeat and looks forward to pursuing a career in the UFC.
Stay tuned next week as Team Serra plays a nasty prank, Jon and Jared duke it out and Ben vs. Tommy wraps up the quarterfinals.
See you then and Happy Thanksgiving!
42 Comments »
My wife and I just moved into our new apt…what sucks is..I have to wait till next week to get my cable.. =(
So I for sure will be here to read up on the recap..Im getting a dvr…so when there is a marathon i will see the episodes i missed.
hello
Cool episode. I think Matt might be a sleeper on Serra’s team.
Matt wasn’t really a sleeper. I think he’s been considered as one the top guys for Team Serra for a while, along with George and Ben. A true sleeper would be a guy like Blake, Hightower, or Rude Boy doing what Luke Cummo did in the second season.
George by KO.
Matt by Submission.
actually George by submission as well
George is very good…he didnt look great tonight, u can really tell though, just his work ethic and skills…he will be a very good UFC fighter.
Matt as well, they both look to have a good future in mma and hopefully the UFC.
That first fight was some weak schizzle.
The second fight was better Richie actually fought well for that first half of the round then you could hear him breathing heavy and then taps to the kimora.
i hope the War Machine vs. Akon/black guy with wimpy voice fight is good.
I was more impressed with Richie then Goerge,Richie could have ended that fight if it stayed up. But after watching this season two people I really cant stand , Danzig and Huhges their both dicks.
You only fight as good as your opponent…
Matt didnt have a great showing because troy never pushed him.
That will change the next fight he has.
Troy works out with BJ PENN? What the hell has he been doing that he couldnt work on the ground alittle better?
After next week there will be only one Hughs fighter cause ben is gonna school the farm boy. I have a good feeling about bens chances…
I have a feeling Matt is cannon fodder for Danzig just to make sure he makes it to finals… Then the best of Serras bunch will meet up with him (Ben or George) The top 4 doesnt actually look too bad this year.
I think next season should have 4 coaches and have em play texas hold’em…
Cote vs Mcfedries for UFN 12.
Why do they use subtitles when Serra speaks? He has a NY accent, but it’s clear english.
Richie Hightower earned my respect last night not only did he give george a run for his money but he also was very classy in defeat
I can’t remember if it was in the newest episode or not, but I, for one, was shocked and appalled and the lack of respect these kids have for Matt Hughes, arguably the most dominant champion in UFC history. His record speaks for himself. They’re pissed they’re FORCED to train with Hughes? Are you shitting me? Serra’s had one good fight his whole career and they act like he’s a god and Hughes is some bum. Unbelievable.
Also- Mac is a head and shoulders above everyone in the house. This seasons been anticlimactic from the beginning.
Good fights I was most impressed with high tower and thought if it stayed standing he might have got the win he’s pretty good on him feet but george owned him on the ground. I wasn’t so impressed with george in this fight and feel if he fought mac like that he’d probably lose.
I thought Hughes was hustling the guys once we hit that strike, but I guess he got lucky. I wish they showed a little bit more of the bowling with score updates, but I know it doesn’t matter.
Arroyo looked great. That fight was a breeze for him. I can see him in the finals. George looked good also. Richie (who looks ike an ass with his head shaved) did a good job not getting submitted right away but eventually got his arm practically torn off. I’d Like to see George and Arroyo fight in the Semi’s it would be a great fight since the both have slick bjj.
Well there goes one of my original picks for the finale(troy Mandoloniz),
Oh well. I like Matt arroyo too, the final 4 should be real good.Also I think this was one of the better groups of 16 guys they’ve had overall. I think there will be as many successful fighters to come out of this season as the first season.
Well there goes one of my picks for the finale(troy Mandoloniz),
oh well. I like Arroyo too. The final 4 guys/2 fights should be great.
Also I think overall this is ONE OF the better groups of guys the show has ever had. I think there will be as many successful fighters out of this season as season one.
these fights are all pretty lame, you see ground guys with wide open guards and wrestlers who do a terrible job at controling their opponent, and strikers who lack a jab and arsenal of combos; none of these guys are very promising
[quote post="3982"]Well there goes one of my picks for the finale(troy Mandoloniz),
oh well. I like Arroyo too. The final 4 guys/2 fights should be great.
Also I think overall this is ONE OF the better groups of guys the show has ever had. I think there will be as many successful fighters out of this season as season one. [/quote]
I HOPE YOU’RE KIDDING. THIS SEASON DOESNT EVEN COMPARE TO SEASON ONE OR TWO IN TERMS OF GUYS WHO WILL ACTUALLY FIGHT IN THE UFC. GEORGE, MAC, MATT AND BEN ARE THE ONLY GUYS WHO HAVE A SHOT AT BEING IN THE UFC. 170 IS ARGUABLY THE BEST DIVISION IN THE UFC THESE GUYS WOULD GET SMASHED ON BY KOS, FITCH, KARO, GSP, MARCUS DAVIS, CHONAN, MIKE SWICK AND DIEGO PLUS NOT TOO MENTION THEIR COACHES. I THINK OVERALL THIS SEASON IS PRETTY WEAK WITH A FEW STANDOUTS. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW YOU PICKED RUDE BOY FOR THE FINALS, EVEN IN HIS FIRST FIGHT HE DIDNT LOOK GOOD.
[quote comment="215814"]I can’t remember if it was in the newest episode or not, but I, for one, was shocked and appalled and the lack of respect these kids have for Matt Hughes, arguably the most dominant champion in UFC history. His record speaks for himself. They’re pissed they’re FORCED to train with Hughes? Are you shitting me? Serra’s had one good fight his whole career and they act like he’s a god and Hughes is some bum. Unbelievable.
Also- Mac is a head and shoulders above everyone in the house. This seasons been anticlimactic from the beginning.[/quote]
Yeah I just thought that was wierd… but I also know these guys have seen Hughes on previous TUF’s and they just don’t like him. Not only that, but Serra’s got their ear and has earned and built respect, a little brainwashing there. I can agree with Hughes though I think it’s unprofessional of those guys, they should try to embrace it, if they don’t learn anything from hughes they might learn something from Mac. lol
ben will make it past tommy.
mac will be in the finals, against either george or ben.
Hughes may be considered the best WW champ ever..but not the best coach…I personnaly feel he is ahole..
[quote comment="215814"]I can’t remember if it was in the newest episode or not, but I, for one, was shocked and appalled and the lack of respect these kids have for Matt Hughes, arguably the most dominant champion in UFC history. His record speaks for himself. They’re pissed they’re FORCED to train with Hughes? Are you shitting me? Serra’s had one good fight his whole career and they act like he’s a god and Hughes is some bum. Unbelievable.
Also- Mac is a head and shoulders above everyone in the house. This seasons been anticlimactic from the beginning.[/quote]
I’m sure that they don’t give a rat’s ass what kind of career the guy has had. He’s clearly a complete penis and lives in a delusional world, fostered probably by a bunch of close-knit dimwitted country boys. It’s not about the coaches, it’s about the fighters and their experience.
Also, having a good record doesn’t necessarily translate into being a good coach (as Hughes aptly demonstrates). Hughes is all about himself.
Plus, what if they’re fighting for Hughes and they suddenly start forgetting to breathe? Whose going to tell them to breathe if Serra isn’t there shouting it at them?
[quote comment="215742"]Why do they use subtitles when Serra speaks? He has a NY accent, but it’s clear english.[/quote]
The reason for the subtitle is plain to see. The show was clarifying Serra’s downplay on one of his own fighters. It was pretty obvious that Serra is playing favorites now that its getting to the semi’s. Maybe he is looking for new friends for after the show instead of coaching all his guys till the end.
Well I guess if you was to coach somebody, it is to an extent matter of pride, but you would spend more time and try to infuse more knowledge into the fighter with greater potential. The techniques that you taught might then be used and passed on such that they may pull the rest of the group forward. In doing so you create another shining beacon which will motivate & stregnthen your group. Everybody’s level of understanding and learning are different and it takes a great level of skill, patience & effort to lead effectively. This is totally my own theory so it makes sense to me but may be b/s to others.
I’d like to see a cage match between the Hughes twins and the Serra brothers, throw in some fold up chairs and put a little spring into the cage barriers.
The problem with both sets of fighters being teammates was that both fights felt like sparring practice. That first fight was defiantly a mulligan and George looked like he was holding back. Probably out of guilt of asking for Hightower.
It’s a shame. I really want to like Mac, but he is just a dick. I can’t even remember why he hates Hightower so much. Someone with so much more skill acting like that is weak as hell.
[quote comment="215814"]I can’t remember if it was in the newest episode or not, but I, for one, was shocked and appalled and the lack of respect these kids have for Matt Hughes, arguably the most dominant champion in UFC history. His record speaks for himself. They’re pissed they’re FORCED to train with Hughes? Are you shitting me? Serra’s had one good fight his whole career and they act like he’s a god and Hughes is some bum. Unbelievable.
Also- Mac is a head and shoulders above everyone in the house. This seasons been anticlimactic from the beginning.[/quote]
I can’t believe that you and I are watching the same shows. YOU WOULD PREFER TO BE COACHED BY A BIBLE QUOTER WHO HURTS ONE FIGHTER’S MOUTH TILL IT BLEEDS, SMASHES ANOTHER’S HAND (to teach him not to get too tough with his team mates), HITS ANOTHER I THE RIBS, ETC., ETC. AND THEN CALLS THE OTHER COACH UNPROFESSIONAL? I must be missing something here. . . .
Serra may be coaching his guys a little unorthodox but the 6-2 record in the pre-lims speaks for his coaching and his ability to see the potential that Hughes did not see in the new TUF 6 fighters. Serra, keep up what your doing so George will be TUF & please hammer fist Hughes till his entire face looks like his cauliflowered little troll ears….. Hoorah Serra!!!!
[quote comment="215968"][quote comment="215742"]Why do they use subtitles when Serra speaks? He has a NY accent, but it’s clear english.[/quote]
The reason for the subtitle is plain to see. The show was clarifying Serra’s downplay on one of his own fighters. It was pretty obvious that Serra is playing favorites now that its getting to the semi’s. Maybe he is looking for new friends for after the show instead of coaching all his guys till the end.[/quote]
Exactly! If anyone thinks Serra’s choice not to corner was a valiant show of support for both fighters, they’re on crack. Here’s a shocker, Serra wants the guys he thinks are the best to get in the finals… because he is just as obsessed with beating hughes’. Not as interested in teaching all of his guys. It’s scary how easily eveybody is manipulated with television production these days.
Bring on Dec 29th and get it over with.
Serra got injured, hes scartched from the 79 card.. Herniated Disc
[quote comment="215921"][quote comment="215814"]I can’t remember if it was in the newest episode or not, but I, for one, was shocked and appalled and the lack of respect these kids have for Matt Hughes, arguably the most dominant champion in UFC history. His record speaks for himself. They’re pissed they’re FORCED to train with Hughes? Are you shitting me? Serra’s had one good fight his whole career and they act like he’s a god and Hughes is some bum. Unbelievable.
Also- Mac is a head and shoulders above everyone in the house. This seasons been anticlimactic from the beginning.[/quote]
Yeah I just thought that was wierd… but I also know these guys have seen Hughes on previous TUF’s and they just don’t like him. Not only that, but Serra’s got their ear and has earned and built respect, a little brainwashing there. I can agree with Hughes though I think it’s unprofessional of those guys, they should try to embrace it, if they don’t learn anything from hughes they might learn something from Mac. lol[/quote]
Hughes really is not a coach. Serra has been training guys for years. Hughes has no personaly skills what so ever. He craps on the downed fighters and is not really a pleasent person to be around. You want a coach that relates to you on more then just a fight level.
[quote comment="216118"][quote comment="215968"][quote comment="215742"]Why do they use subtitles when Serra speaks? He has a NY accent, but it’s clear english.[/quote]
The reason for the subtitle is plain to see. The show was clarifying Serra’s downplay on one of his own fighters. It was pretty obvious that Serra is playing favorites now that its getting to the semi’s. Maybe he is looking for new friends for after the show instead of coaching all his guys till the end.[/quote]
Exactly! If anyone thinks Serra’s choice not to corner was a valiant show of support for both fighters, they’re on crack. Here’s a shocker, Serra wants the guys he thinks are the best to get in the finals… because he is just as obsessed with beating hughes’. Not as interested in teaching all of his guys. It’s scary how easily eveybody is manipulated with television production these days.
Bring on Dec 29th and get it over with.[/quote]
It makes sense to coach the guys according to their ability. Thats being fair, as you can’t please all the people, all the time. If you infuse knowledge into the person most capable, not only are you looking after your rep, but also creating another beacon for which others may use.
[quote comment="215919]I HOPE YOU’RE KIDDING. THIS SEASON DOESNT EVEN COMPARE TO SEASON ONE OR TWO IN TERMS OF GUYS WHO WILL ACTUALLY FIGHT IN THE UFC.[/quote]
Perhaps, but I think it’s too early to make that determination…after all during season one nobody had any idea how those guys would do – including the UFC.
After Jardine lost to Rashad on season two, would anyone have believed that the “Dean of Mean” would have gone on to defeat Chuck Liddell? Me neither.
Only time will tell…
Doesn’t Hightower look like a Beastie Boy/ Kid Rock wannabe reject? Who in the hell wears a ballcap like that anymore?
[quote comment="215764"]Richie Hightower earned my respect last night not only did he give george a run for his money but he also was very classy in defeat[/quote]
I don’t know but I kinda don’t like Hightower after he and Matt pulled Hughes aside and had his little private talk… I know it’s just a little thing.. but for some reason that kid bugs me and I actually like Danzg…[quote comment="216311"][quote comment="215921"][quote comment="215814"]I can’t remember if it was in the newest episode or not, but I, for one, was shocked and appalled and the lack of respect these kids have for Matt Hughes, arguably the most dominant champion in UFC history. His record speaks for himself. They’re pissed they’re FORCED to train with Hughes? Are you shitting me? Serra’s had one good fight his whole career and they act like he’s a god and Hughes is some bum. Unbelievable.
Also- Mac is a head and shoulders above everyone in the house. This seasons been anticlimactic from the beginning.[/quote]
Yeah I just thought that was wierd… but I also know these guys have seen Hughes on previous TUF’s and they just don’t like him. Not only that, but Serra’s got their ear and has earned and built respect, a little brainwashing there. I can agree with Hughes though I think it’s unprofessional of those guys, they should try to embrace it, if they don’t learn anything from hughes they might learn something from Mac. lol[/quote]
Hughes really is not a coach. Serra has been training guys for years. Hughes has no personaly skills what so ever. He craps on the downed fighters and is not really a pleasent person to be around. You want a coach that relates to you on more then just a fight level.[/quote]
I do agree I’ve said throughout these posts, Serra is a superior coach and relates really well with his fighters as individuals, he’s what you would want in a modern day coach… but you lost the coin flip, go over there give it a shot you might learn something.
As a coach you also need to have some personal skills, be able to empathise, encourage, and relay your thoughts accross in a way that others understand. Hughesus arrogance and impatience, obstructs this. I used to think Hughesus was a great champ, as I’m sure Rashad, Penn, GSP & many others did before getting to know him. Now I just can’t wait to see him get his a** kicked.
[quote comment="215742"]Why do they use subtitles when Serra speaks? He has a NY accent, but it’s clear english.[/quote]
Yeh if you’re from New York…and have Uncle’s that would pass for characters from Soprano’s…
What’s with Pete Sell’s large ass head????
[quote post="3982"]I can’t remember if it was in the newest episode or not, but I, for one, was shocked and appalled and the lack of respect these kids have for Matt Hughes, arguably the most dominant champion in UFC history. His record speaks for himself. They’re pissed they’re FORCED to train with Hughes? Are you shitting me? Serra’s had one good fight his whole career and they act like he’s a god and Hughes is some bum. Unbelievable.
Also- Mac is a head and shoulders above everyone in the house. This seasons been anticlimactic from the beginning.
I can’t believe that you and I are watching the same shows. YOU WOULD PREFER TO BE COACHED BY A BIBLE QUOTER WHO HURTS ONE FIGHTER’S MOUTH TILL IT BLEEDS, SMASHES ANOTHER’S HAND (to teach him not to get too tough with his team mates), HITS ANOTHER I THE RIBS, ETC., ETC. AND THEN CALLS THE OTHER COACH UNPROFESSIONAL? I must be missing something here. . . . [/quote]
Totally agree, Hughes is a bully who covers up the fact that he doesn’t give a sh*t about his fighters by saying “I’m just here to coach”.
No your just here for a paycheck and a title shot. Serra is a team leader and more to the point a team-mate. He reminds me of Tito on TUF3.
Of course Hughes is the better fighter but as a coach Serra wins it hands down.