As with previous episodes, the show starts with a recap of the previous fight, coupled with comments from the other fighters. Marlon Sims offers his evaluation of the Noah/Manny fight.
Who the hell is Marlon Sims?
At the training centre, BJ talks about being worried about Gabe Rutabaga. BJ knows that Pulver is taking down the weak links on BJ's team, and since Gabe is overweight, he is one of those weak links. Gabe suggests getting a colonic to help him drop some weight.
Manny gets the ugly belt thing. Actually, I mock the ugly belt, but I actually think there is something to be said for the symbolic value it holds. It helps to unite the fighters, and provides a physical manifestation for their goals on the show. It's ugly, but it's useful. Besides, at 2 am, even something ugly is good enough.
At the house, Nick Diaz is getting psyched for a fight. He was thinking about challenging Joe Lauzon, but as a result of the...unpleasantness with the Sharpie, he is focusing on Rob Emerson.
At the gym, BJ Penn and coach Tony DeSouza call out Gabe and his perceived lack of dedication. It is suggested that Gabe isn't taking the whole training aspect of the show very seriously.
While Team Pulver trains, Corey Hill transforms into "Bad Corey." "Bad Corey" is the shouting, hyperactive Corey. "Bad Corey" wants to fight Gabe.
Jens Pulver then introduces the special guest coach, Jeremy Horn, who is there to help the team with their grappling. Corey doesn't know who Horn is. Horn takes a shine to Corey, and suggests that Corey should come to train with him. Horn sees Corey as a lump of clay to be moulded. I think Jeremy is on to something.
Gabe goes for his colonic. Before you go getting all freaked out about the deal, I suggest you check this out. While Gabe is doing this, the rest of the team is actually training. Team Penn is getting a little sick of Gabe's schtick, and some believe that all of this is just Gabe's way of putting the attention on himself.
Back at the house, Nick Diaz grows tired of Noah and Rob, who have taken to running around in banana hammocks. Nick makes it clear that he has no problem with guys who are gay, but that Noah and Rob aren't gay, they're just acting gay. For more on this interesting distinction, check out this article.
It's challenge time, and Nick Diaz calls out Rob Emerson. Dana knows we have a good fight coming, because it's a good staredown. Well, Dirty Sanchez and KOS had a pretty good staredown at the weighin, but I don't think anybody is calling that a Fight of the Year candidate.
After the requisite video packages and trash talk, the fight starts around 10:40. My roommate and I decide that the fight either goes two rounds, or they've been reading this blog and have decided to swerve us. I opt for the former.
The first round is standuptastic. Not as good as Bonnar/Griffin I, but still pretty good for an exhibition fight where the guys know they'll have to fight again in a week or two. Diaz is more aggressive, but Emerson has some great takedown defense.
Secound round starts out much the same, with the guys standing and clinching. Diaz finally scores a takedown, but Emerson gets back up, but this time Diaz takes him down quickly. The look of Emerson's face is one of exhaustion and exasperation. Diaz is in total control on the ground. Emerson manages to avoid a few submission attempts, but Diaz finally gets the rear naked choke, and Emerson taps with 15 seconds left.
Dana calls the fight the best in the history of the show, and tells Emerson he has nothing to be ashamed of.
The Good
- The fight was very good. Not a match of the year candidate or anything, but certainly the best of the recorded fights from the five TUF seasons. (My roommate questioned whether Bonnar/Griffin I is considered part of the TUF canon of fights. My guess is no, simply because all the TUF fights are two round exhibitions, while Bonnar/Griffin I was a 'real' fight.)
- I like the fact that everyone is sick of Gabe Rutabaga. I particularly like the fact that Tony DeSouza called him out in front of his whole team. Not only does Tony have the best beard in the UFC, but he's now cool too.
- Rob Emerson earned himself a place on Dana's cool list with that fight. If anyone goes down with an injury, Rob is going to get the first call. Particularly given Dana's announcement this week that he wants exciting fights first and foremost.
- I like the thought of Jeremy Horn training Corey Hill. I was also impressed with the fact that Corey seemed genuinely interested in what Horn had to tell him.
- The fight started around 10:40. It went almost two full rounds. For the love of all that's good and holy, swerve us! I'm not talking Russo swerving, but just keep us guessing.
- Dear Spike TV, get some new commercials. I have seen that damn "Sponge Bob No Pants" ad too many times. And I love both Sponge Bob and Burger King.
- Gabe Rutabaga is the new Johnny Fairplay. Which means that he's using the show to promote himself, and six months after the show ends, no one will know where he is. Nor will they care.
- That flatscreen TV/eliminated fighter deal that Dana does before every fight announcement is really sad. It doesn't add anything to the show, and just makes the UFC look bush league.
- Also bad is the Burger King contest. It wants you to pick the fighters for the next fight, and who will win. It's really sad, and if that's the best contest that they can tie in with TUF, then UFC is NOT the major player they are supposed to be.
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