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Round One: The Right Man Won
There has not been that many seasons of the UFC Ultimate Fighter that have gone by where I can say I was truly rooting for a specific fighter to win. However, when this season culminated, I was 100% behind one fighter to get the contract, that fighter was Court McGee. Court McGee showed that his skill was far beyond what opponent Kris McCray brought to the octagon, which was enough to force a tap out in the second round. Following the battle, an emotional Court McGee dedicated the fight to Chuck Liddell, who was his coach throughout the season. After the fight had ended, the fights loser, Kris McCray stated that he will make his return to the UFC in the future.
Next Round For Court McGee: Jake Ellenberger, Patrick Cote or Joe Doerkson should be tests.
Next Round For Kris McCray: Drew McFedries, Alessio Sakara or Nate Quarry.
Round Two: The Hammer Was Dropped On The Dean Of Mean
Following an odd win over Jon Jones at the UFC Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale, Matt Hamill returned to form with a victory over Keith Jardine. Matt Hamill overcame an errant eye gouging in the opening round to bloody and damage Keith Jardine on route to a decision win. The real issue following this fight resides in Keith Jardine’s camp, as it is unknown at this time if he will return to the UFC. Matt Hamill also fought that fight while dealing with a staph infection, which could be seen on his back throughout the fight. Matt Hamill now holds a three fight winning streak, with victories coming over Mark Munoz, Jon Jones and Keith Jardine.
Next Round For Matt Hamill: A rematch with Jon Jones seems necessary.
Next Round For Keith Jardine: Some time outside of the UFC.
Round Three: The A-Train Becomes Derailed
Five years have lapsed since the first season of the UFC Ultimate Fighter and Chris Leben is still a striking wizard inside the octagon. Most MMA insiders, myself included, believed that Aaron Simpson would remain undefeated and defeat to UFC veteran. We were all proven incorrect as Chris Leben withstood a few takedown attempts to knockout the “A-Train†in the second round. Chris Leben assaulted Aaron Simpson with a series of punches that sent the formerly undefeated fighter stumbling across the octagon before the referee stopped the action. Chris Leben, with a few victories, could potentially find himself in front on Anderson Silva once again.
Next Round For Chris Leben: Joe Doerkson, Damien Maia and Mark Munoz could be fun.
Next Round For Aaron Simpson: A rematch with Tom Lawlor, who he defeated via controversial decision months back.
Round Four: The Proof Is In The Cut
Prior to the UFC Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale going live on Spike TV, there were five preliminary fights that took place in front of the live crowd. The first of those preliminary fights featured UFC Ultimate Fighter alumni James McSweeney taking on UFC newcomer Travis Browne. Travis Browne wound up winning the fight after slaughtering James McSweeney with ground and pound. The camp of James McSweeney is currently attempting to have the NSAC overturn the decision because they feel that Travis Browne hit James McSweeney with illegal strikes. Recently, I have seen an unedited picture of the cut on James McSweeney’s head, which shows that James McSweeney may have an argument.
Next Round For James McSweeney: Being cut from the UFC
Next Round For Travis Browne: Joey Beltran, Tim Hague or Rolles Gracie would be fun.
Round Five: Tito Ortiz, Where Are You?
A week before the UFC Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale, Chuck Liddell was badly knocked out by Rich Franklin in the UFC 115 main event, but he attended the finale. A week before the UFC Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale, Rich Franklin got his arm broken in a victorious effort over Chuck Liddell in the UFC 115 main event, but he attended the finale. However, one person who was prominent throughout the UFC Ultimate Fighter 11, Tito Ortiz, was not present at the event. If I were a member of Team Ortiz throughout the season, I would find it insulting, simply because even though Tito Ortiz was unceremoniously dumped at the end of the season, he was still your coach for the majority of the competition.
Next Round For Tito Ortiz: Chuck Liddell if he doesn’t retire, but a rubber match with Forrest Griffin would be interesting.
You can contact David Tees at bigtees360@yahoo.com
