Ultimate Fighter Season 15 LIVE Discussion, Rumors & Results

[keithlewis]

FX’s Premiere of The Ultimate Fighter Live Gets Off to a Strong Start


This Week the Series Moves to its Regularly Scheduled Time Period Fridays Live at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT (Tape Delay at 10 p.m. PT/11 p.m. MT)

Coaches Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber Pick Their Teams Friday With the First Live Fight Between Team Cruz and Team Faber



The series debut of The Ultimate Fighter® Live on FX got off to a strong start Friday night (3/9/12, 9:00-11:38 PM) delivering 1.28 Million Total Viewers, 953,000 Adults 18-49 and 538,000 Adults 18-34, and ranking among the top five cable programs on Friday in Men 18-34 (#2), Adults 18-34 (#3), Men 18-49 (#4), and Adults 18-49 (#5).

The combination of The Ultimate Fighter® Live and its lead-in movie, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, propelled FX to cable’s #1 rank in primetime Friday (8-11PM) in delivery of Adults 18-49 (933,000), Adults 18-34 (532,000), and Men 18-34 (352,000). In addition, The Ultimate Fighter® Live (9-11:38 PM ET) was up +58% in Adults 18-49, +96% in Men 18-49 and +124% in Men 18-34 vs. year ago time period.

“We’ve been anticipating this day since FOX acquired the rights to UFC last summer and we knew it would be a special night for our network,” said Chuck Saftler, Executive Vice President of FX Networks. “The Ultimate Fighter® Live makes Friday nights on FX the ultimate destination for MMA fans. We’re thrilled with the performance of the premiere telecast and we look forward to an exciting season ahead.”

Compared to other MMA telecasts on Friday evening, The Ultimate Fighter® Live Season 1 debut significantly outperformed Spike’s repeat counter-programming of The Ultimate Fighter® Season 10 by +189% in delivery of Adults 18-34, +162% among Adults 18-49, +208% with Men 18-34, and +167% in Men 18-49, and it also battered live MMA bouts on MTV2 by +703% in delivery of Adults 18-34, +947% among Adults 18-49, +568% with Men 18-34, and +842% in Men 18-49.

In the premiere telecast, which was televised live, 16 of the best unsigned fighters in the world took their first step towards glory as they won their first round tournament fights. The result was some of the most intense, emotional and action-packed bouts in TUF history, including a startling eight-second KO. In addition, fighters were offered a bonus of $5,000 if they succeeded in scoring a submission or knockout in their fight. A total of $40,000 was handed out. With the win, the victors now move into The Ultimate Fighter® Live House for the next 12 weeks as they continue to compete for a lucrative six-figure contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®).

The UFC has transformed The Ultimate Fighter® Live and it no longer is just a competition reality series; it is a LIVE sporting event.

The first season of The Ultimate Fighter® Live on FX features fighters from the lightweight division (155 pounds). The fighters will train together under the supervision of their team’s respective coach. One fighter from each team will be selected by their coach to fight at the end of each episode and the right to advance in the competition. At the end of the season, one man will be crowned The Ultimate Fighter® Live Champion.

The coaches selected for the two teams this season are current UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and former champion and current top contender Urijah Faber. In addition to their coaching duties, Cruz and Faber will be training for their rubber match this summer. The first time they met, Faber successfully defended his title against the rising contender, but Cruz was able to unseat Faber in their second match to capture the title.

FX’s coverage of the UFC this year includes two seasons (26 weeks) of The Ultimate Fighter® Live, six major two-hour fight cards televised live nationally, and 14 live telecasts of preliminary fights preceding UFC pay-per-view telecasts

[keithlewis]

Sixteen lightweight hopefuls have earned their spots in the house, and now the competition begins to see which one of them will be crowned the new Ultimate Fighter! See the first preliminary fight live tonight at 10pm ET/PT on FX!

[keithlewis]

EPISODE 2 Results & Notes:


- This week's show starts off with the coaches picking their teams:


Team Cruz

1. Justin Lawrence
2. Sam Sicilia
3. Myles Jury
4. Mike Rio
5. James Vick
6. Vinc Pichel
7. Chris Tickle
8. Jeremy Larsen

Team Faber

1. Al Iaquinta
2. Cristiano Marcello
3. Daron Cruickshank
4. Joe Proctor
5. Mike Chiesa
6. John Cofer
7. Andy Ogle
8. Chris Saunders


- The fighters move into the TUF house and begin their training sessions with their new teams.

- Team Faber fighter Mike Chiesa is informed that his father has died after a long bout with some type of cancer and he leaves the house for a day to be with his family.

- Since Dominick Cruz got the first fighter pick, Urijah Faber gets to pick the first match-up and he chooses Cruickshank versus Vick.


TUF 15 Live Fight of the Week:

James Vick (Team Cruz) def. Daron Cruickshank (Team Faber) via KO (Knee) Round 1 (2:16)


Team Cruz - 1

Team Faber - 0


- The show ends with next week's fight announcement: Justin Lawrence (Team Cruz) vs. Cristiano Marcello (Team Faber).

[keithlewis]

EIGHT-MAN TEAMS SELECTED FOR THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER LIVE ON FX

Brave Chiesa decides to pursue TUF Live dream in wake of father’s passing; Vick KO’s Cruickshank in night’s lone fight!


The Ultimate Fighter Live coaches and bitter rivals Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber picked their teams this past week from the field of 16 finalists who won their elimination bouts to enter The Ultimate Fighter Live House. Missouri native Justin Lawrence was the first overall selection by Team Cruz, while his teammate James Vick (5-0), of Fort Worth, Texas and Team Faber’s Daron Cruickshank (10-2), of Wayne, Mich., were slated to face off in the first fight of the night.

Episode 2 – "Embrace the War" – saw 16 victorious lightweights move into the House and begin their quest for a six-figure UFC contract. After coaches Faber and Cruz selected their teams, training began. Fighter Michael Chiesa then received sad news from home, and was faced with a very hard decision.

This episode was the most emotionally impactful episode, not just in TUF history, but perhaps the history of reality television, as Team Faber member Chiesa received a telephone call from his mother informing him of his father’s passing. Mark Chiesa had been unwell for some time but had insisted his son pursue his dream of becoming the next Ultimate Fighter. The younger Chiesa has decided to honor his father’s wishes and will remain on the show.

“I told you it was the most emotional episode ever!” said Dana White, UFC President. “It doesn’t get more real than this. These guys aren’t actors, they’re guys who are working their asses off to become UFC fighters. They know what’s on the line and they want it bad.”

In this season’s format, the first half of the show will feature reality footage taped in the previous few days followed by a LIVE fight between a member of Team Cruz and Team Faber.

By winning the coin toss, Faber got the option of choosing the first fight or making the first fighter selection. He chose the former, leaving Cruz with the initial fighter pick.

Cruz’s choices (in order): Justin Lawrence (4-0), Villa Ridge, Mo.; Sam Sicilia (11-0), Spokane Valley, Wash.; Myles Jury (10-0), San Diego, Calif.; Mike Rio (9-1), Miami, Fla., Vick; Vinc Pichel (8-0), Sherman Oaks, Calif.; Chris Tickle (8-4), Bloomington, Ill.; and Jeremy Larsen (9-2), Phoenix, Ariz.

Faber’s choices (in order): Al Iaquinta (6-1-1), Wantagh, N.Y.; Cristiano Marcello (13-3), Curitiba, Brazil; Cruickshank; Joe Proctor (8-1), Pembroke, Mass.; Michael Chiesa (8-0), Spokane Valley, Wash., John Cofer (8-1), Hull, Ga.; Andy Ogle (9-1), Tynemouth, England; and Chris Saunders (10-2), Long Beach, Calif.

Friday night’s episode saw Vick knockout Cruickshank with an impressive knee to the head at 2:16 of the 1st round at the famed TUF Training Center in Las Vegas.

“I’m just so happy and feel so satisfied,” said Vick. “Team Cruz had a great game plan for me. It was the exact combination that we worked on all week and I landed it. To all my friends and family I love you all so much and thanks for all your support since the beginning of my fighting career.”

With the win, Team Cruz selected the next fight, which will pit Justin Lawrence against Cristiano Marcello on Episode 3, Friday, March 23.

“It’s my time,” said Lawrence. “Time for me to step up to the plate and come up with another victory for Team Cruz and keep the ball rolling. I’m going to go out there and execute my game plan.”

Marcello will be ready. “I think its going to be a great fight. He’s a tough kid and he’s going to have the chance to prove himself. So, let’s do it!”

The eventual winner of the inaugural 13-week Live season will receive a six-figure contract from the UFC and a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The Series continues next Friday on FX at its regular time of 10 p.m. ET/PT

[keithlewis]

The Ultimate Fighter Live on FX; Justin Lawrence talks about fighting Cristiano Marcello LIVE this Friday!



On Friday, March 23, in the third episode of The Ultimate Fighter Live reality show on FX, Villa Ridge, Missouri native Justin Lawrence (4-0 in his pro mixed martial arts career) will take on Brazilian veteran Cristiano Marcello (13-3) of Curitiba, as they continue their quest to be the next Ultimate Fighter and receive a six-figure contract from the UFC and a Harley Davidson motorcycle.



Lawrence on training for the big fight:

“I’m definitely training hard for my upcoming fight again Marcello. It’s exciting, nerve-racking. He’s a very good grappler so I really want to try and stay on my feet and make him feel uncomfortable as much as possible. I don’t want this to turn this into a Jiu Jitsu match cause I know that’s his strength. Dom’s crew (Team Cruz) has been doing a phenomenal job in training and preparing me and I’m pumped. I just have to fight my fight.”



Lawrence on being chosen No.1 overall:

“Being chosen first, in a way, kind of made me feel confident but then again, I kind of felt a target being placed on my back. It’s definitely more pressure. A lot of people expect a lot more from me now. All I can do is go in there and fight. I’ve been fighting since I was six-years-old.”



Lawrence on life in the House:

“Life hasn’t been too bad (chuckle). I miss the girls and I miss the radio! Other than that it hasn’t been that bad, better than I expected. I’m sure this week may get a little rough towards the end of the week, when I’m trying to sleep and the rest of the guys are staying up late and hanging out. We’ll see how it goes. It’s all part of it.”



Lawrence on missing St. Louis and his family:

“I’m definitely missing my mom, my dad, my sister and my brother, and all my family and friends back home. I didn’t really realize how much my support team meant to me until they weren’t here. I know they’re supporting me and cheering me on but it’s weird not having them here.

My dad is the only guy that has ever wrapped my hands and been in my corner, so it’s definitely weird having someone else do it. I know this is the best for my career and I know he thinks so too, so that helps.

I know they’re (his family) going to be watching on TV and I wish I could get on the phone and ask him (dad) what he thinks cause I’m sure he’s thrilled and I know my mom’s a really proud mom. I miss them a lot.”



The Series continues Friday on FX at 10 p.m. ET/PT. For more show information, bios, videos and photos, visit ultimatefighter.com.

[keithlewis]

Team Cruz struck first and earned the first victory of the season last week - tonight, Team Faber's Cristiano Marcello looks to even the score as he takes on Justin Lawrence! The Ultimate Fighter Live, tonight at 10pm ET/PT on FX

[keithlewis]

EPISODE 3 Results & Notes:


- Dana White questions Urijah Faber's inability to pick his fighter last week for this week's fight when Dominick Cruz gave him the unprecedented opportunity. Team Cruz also gets in on the action led by Chris Tickle as they try stirring up some shit-talking at the TUF house.

- Tickle isn't done there though as he proceeds to break Faber's 'Faber Parks Here' parking sign outside the gym. Which leads to a near declaration of WAR by Faber.

- This be "Tickle Week" because now he is the concern of his coach. Cruz says he is a difficult case so far "taping his feet, wearing an earring and claiming diarrhea!".

- What do you know? more Tickle! Team Faber starts giving him a hard time at the gym and he basically challenges John Cofer from Team Faber.



TUF 15 Live Fight of the Week:


Justin Lawrence (Team Cruz) def. Cristiano Marcello (Team Faber) via KO (Strikes) Round 2 (3:16)


Team Cruz - 2

Team Faber - 0



- The show ends with next week's fight announcement: Myles Jury (Team Cruz) vs. Al Iaquinta (Team Faber).

[keithlewis]

EPISODE 3 "OLD SCHOOL vs. NEW SCHOOL”








The Ultimate Fighter® Live episode 3 – "Old School vs New School" – aired Friday evening and saw Team Cruz take a 2-0 lead as number one overall pick - Justin Lawrence - knocked out Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu veteran Cristiano Marcello with a solid left hook at 3:16 of the second round.

With the win, Team Cruz selected the next fight, which will pit Myles Jury against Al Iaquinta on Episode 4, Friday, March 30 at 10 p.m. ET / PT on FX.


Here’s what everyone had to say about the evening’s live fight:


UFC President Dana White:

“Cruz’s first pick didn’t disappoint tonight. Lawrence fought a cautious but solid fight. Picked Marcello apart from the outside and landed big shots. Marcello literally had no offense whatsoever tonight and Lawrence put him away halfway through the second round. Lawrence came out with a knockout victory, no injuries and very much one of the top contenders for the TUF Live Finale.”



Justin Lawrence:

“First and foremost, I want to thank the man upstairs. With that said, Dominick, Eric, Phil, Shannon, Lloyd, Doug, Wilson and the entire team, I just want to say thank you for the game planning that you came up with for me. I want to thank my mom and dad back home in Missouri, and all my family and friends, thank you so much.”



Lawrence’s Coach Dominick Cruz:

“I think again Faber underestimated the way we coach and the way that we fight. Regardless of what he says or thinks about himself, he’s a cocky dude. It’s worked out so far for our team. It’s about confidence in my team, about how good they are, and about how good they listen. I’ve got a good team. Lawrence fought a perfect fight; he listened to the game plan perfectly, there’s nothing I can say, everything was perfect.”



Cristiano Marcello:

“I want to say sorry to my family, and everybody who supports me. This is just one more step for something big.”



Marcello’s Coach Urijah Faber:

“First off, it was a great fight. I’m really proud of Marcello. It’s only two weeks we’ve been able to be part of these guys’ lives & implement what we can. But one thing you can’t teach with Marcello is his heart. Maybe Lawrence and Vick can teach Dominick how to finish a fight.”



Next week’s fighter Al Iaquinta:

“Got called out tonight; not the first time, probably won’t be the last - and I got my ass kicked early that time, then won the fight. Jury’s never been in a war like I have.”



Next week’s fighter Myles Jury:

“I feel great, I’ve been waiting for this opportunity my whole life. Al’s a tough opponent, and it will be the toughest fight of my career.”



Don’t miss the opportunity to catch behind the scenes action by following the fighters on Facebook and Twitter. Find all these links andmore on www.ultimatefighter.com.