Team UK even series score with Norman Parke defeating Richie Vas
http://aus.tuf.tv/news/tuf-smashes-ep4-recap
The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK – The Smashes continued Wednesday evening on FX with episode 4 - Pick Me! – which saw Team UK score its second lightweight win of the series over Team Australia. The result squares the competition level at two wins a piece, with each of the team’s wins coming from the same weight division.
A dominant ground game helped “Stormin’” Norman Parke (16-2) secure a unanimous points victory over a valiant Richie Vas (9-1), who battled through to the final siren. The Irishman made full use of his size advantage, taking Vas to the mat on several occasions after the Australian looked aggressive on his feet in the early moments of the first round.
Full of confidence at the fight announcement with his ‘pick me!’ chants, Parke, 25, almost got more than he bargained for as he was reduced to one knee early in the first round, clipped by a Vas overhand right hook. Parke recovered quickly to control the remainder of the fight.
Twenty-nine-year-old renowned Maroubra local and former big wave surfer, Vas, was “gutted” with the result saying: “It was a tough fight, it was the first time I represented my country and I wanted to come out with the win, but it’s pretty disappointing.”
Parke lives to fight another day and is confident of similar results, saying “This is what I came for, this is what it’s all about...I believe I can go the whole way, no matter what.”
Also on The Smashes this week, training was taken to a new level with both teams enduring punishing sessions, pushing their bodies beyond their limits. Outside of the gym, conflict over a messy TUF house saw pranks in the team’s respective changerooms quickly escalate in a bid to out-do each other.
The series resumes next Wednesday, October 17, at 7.30p.m. AEST on FX (FOXTEL channel 123), with episode 5 ‘Fight for your family’. Over-excited by Norman’s win, Team UK unleash in the TUF house with a night of wild antics, leaving the Aussies less than impressed. UK coach Ross Pearson is stunned after hearing one of his fighters wants to return home on the eve of the next welterweight showdown.
For more information, bios, videos and photos, visit au.TUF.tv and follow us on Twitter @UFC_Australia and @FXtvau or on www.facebook.com/UFCAustralia.
The Ultimate Fighter 'The Smashes' - Discussion & Results
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keithlewis
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keithlewis
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Re: The Ultimate Fighter 'The Smashes' - Discussion & Result
Manny Rodriguez chalks up third win for Team Australia
http://aus.tuf.tv/news/tuf-smashes-ep5-recap
Cronulla welterweight, Manny Rodriguez, has snatched Team Australia’s third win of The Smashes, defeating Team UK’s Bola Omoyele with an inspiring come-from-behind submission.
Dominant early, Bola forced Manny to the mat with a cracking outside-leg kick but he failed to capitalize with his ground game. Manny defended well off his back and eventually took an opportunity to burst to his feet and reverse control with a powerful takedown. Bola’s tap was forced soon after, with Manny locking in a ‘north south choke’ in the last minute of round one.
The victorious twenty-seven year old, Manny Rodriguez, was reflective post-fight, saying: “I’ve given up a lot of things, a lot of sacrifices. Time away from family, time away from my kids - that’s definitely the hardest part. I obviously miss them a lot, but the desire to succeed is a lot stronger at the moment so I want to keep that in my head and good things will happen.”
Team UK’s Bola Omoyele was disappointed at his lapse in concentration, which in his opinion cost him the fight: “You blink and you miss - I let him off the hook for a split second and he capitalized... I didn’t do what I had to do.”
The result sees the Aussie welterweights continue to dominate the division and Team UK yet to pick a winning fight.
Pre-fight, Team UK welterweight Luke Newman shocked his coach and teammates with the news he was hoping to leave the competition and return home, with a medical suspension keeping him sidelined for the remainder of the series. Ross Pearson, coach of Team UK, sympathized with Luke but encouraged him to stay on the show and make the most of this opportunity with the UFC.
Tension between the teams intensified inside the TUF house, as Team UK tried to elevate boredom with a fiery food fight, leaving the Aussies less than impressed.
The series resumes next Wednesday, October 24, at 7.30p.m. AEST on FX (FOXTEL channel 123). In episode six – True Warrior – Team Australia coach George Sotiropoulos must choose between his two remaining lightweight competitors, and one fighter’s future is left shattered with UFC President, Dana White, brought in to decide his fate. In the TUF house, Colin ‘The Freak Show’ Fletcher entertains everyone when he becomes an honorary Aussie.
http://aus.tuf.tv/news/tuf-smashes-ep5-recap
Cronulla welterweight, Manny Rodriguez, has snatched Team Australia’s third win of The Smashes, defeating Team UK’s Bola Omoyele with an inspiring come-from-behind submission.
Dominant early, Bola forced Manny to the mat with a cracking outside-leg kick but he failed to capitalize with his ground game. Manny defended well off his back and eventually took an opportunity to burst to his feet and reverse control with a powerful takedown. Bola’s tap was forced soon after, with Manny locking in a ‘north south choke’ in the last minute of round one.
The victorious twenty-seven year old, Manny Rodriguez, was reflective post-fight, saying: “I’ve given up a lot of things, a lot of sacrifices. Time away from family, time away from my kids - that’s definitely the hardest part. I obviously miss them a lot, but the desire to succeed is a lot stronger at the moment so I want to keep that in my head and good things will happen.”
Team UK’s Bola Omoyele was disappointed at his lapse in concentration, which in his opinion cost him the fight: “You blink and you miss - I let him off the hook for a split second and he capitalized... I didn’t do what I had to do.”
The result sees the Aussie welterweights continue to dominate the division and Team UK yet to pick a winning fight.
Pre-fight, Team UK welterweight Luke Newman shocked his coach and teammates with the news he was hoping to leave the competition and return home, with a medical suspension keeping him sidelined for the remainder of the series. Ross Pearson, coach of Team UK, sympathized with Luke but encouraged him to stay on the show and make the most of this opportunity with the UFC.
Tension between the teams intensified inside the TUF house, as Team UK tried to elevate boredom with a fiery food fight, leaving the Aussies less than impressed.
The series resumes next Wednesday, October 24, at 7.30p.m. AEST on FX (FOXTEL channel 123). In episode six – True Warrior – Team Australia coach George Sotiropoulos must choose between his two remaining lightweight competitors, and one fighter’s future is left shattered with UFC President, Dana White, brought in to decide his fate. In the TUF house, Colin ‘The Freak Show’ Fletcher entertains everyone when he becomes an honorary Aussie.
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Re: The Ultimate Fighter 'The Smashes' - Discussion & Result
Manny Rodriguez forced to withdraw competition due to broken leg; Team UK’s Brendan Loughnane evens the score with a hard-fought victory over Patrick Iodice
http://aus.tuf.tv/news/tuf-smashes-ep6-recap
A broken leg has forced Australian welterweight Manny Rodriguez to prematurely exit the competition despite last week’s first-round victory over Team UK’s Bola Omoyele.
Ultimate Fighting Championship President, Dana White, was brought in to deliver the crushing news to Rodriguez via video-call saying: “Your leg is fractured, so unfortunately you’re going to have the leave the competition and we have to bring in an alternate. But don’t worry, you’ll get an opportunity down the line here in the future.”
It was an emotional departure as Rodriguez said farewell to his Team Australia teammates, who showed mateship to their fallen fighter. He also said good-bye to Team UK, who were equally moved by his untimely departure, showing respect and great sportsmanship.
Penrith’s James Vainikolo has entered The Ultimate Fighter® house as Rodriguez’s replacement.
Team UK’s own replacement fighter, Brendan Loughnane (who replaced injured Michael Pastou in episode two) grinded out a close decision victory over Team Australia’s Patrick Iodice, TUF’s® youngest-ever competitor and undefeated Gold Coast youngster, in the penultimate preliminary lightweight bout.
The pairing was picked by Australian coach, George Sotiropoulos, who was in search of Team Australia’s first lightweight win.
It was the Aussie who took control early in the first round, scoring a perfectly timed double leg take-down and taking advantage of his top position on the mat. Loughnane defended well off his back and after several attempts, eventually found himself back on his feet and scoring a takedown of his own, finishing round one on top.
Submission attempts were traded early in round two, but none with enough potency to finish the fight. It was Loughnane who eventually found top-position on the ground and finished the second round as he did the first.
Despite a close contest, a third round wasn’t required with the judges awarding victory to Loughnane by unanimous decision. Ecstatic with his performance, Loughnane is now confident of posing a serious threat to the competition, saying post-fight: “I’m the guy who came in, short notice and took the first win by storm. Now, I’m going all the way.”
The series resumes next Wednesday, October 31, at 7.30p.m. AEDT on FX (FOXTEL channel 123). In episode seven – Unwise Words – Penrith’s James Vainikolo settles into the TUF™ house and is told to ready himself to fight at short notice, while Team UK takes mischief to a whole new level, unleashing with an all-out food-fight – escalating last week’s efforts. Team Australia is payed a surprise visit by light heavyweight rising star James Te Huna.
http://aus.tuf.tv/news/tuf-smashes-ep6-recap
A broken leg has forced Australian welterweight Manny Rodriguez to prematurely exit the competition despite last week’s first-round victory over Team UK’s Bola Omoyele.
Ultimate Fighting Championship President, Dana White, was brought in to deliver the crushing news to Rodriguez via video-call saying: “Your leg is fractured, so unfortunately you’re going to have the leave the competition and we have to bring in an alternate. But don’t worry, you’ll get an opportunity down the line here in the future.”
It was an emotional departure as Rodriguez said farewell to his Team Australia teammates, who showed mateship to their fallen fighter. He also said good-bye to Team UK, who were equally moved by his untimely departure, showing respect and great sportsmanship.
Penrith’s James Vainikolo has entered The Ultimate Fighter® house as Rodriguez’s replacement.
Team UK’s own replacement fighter, Brendan Loughnane (who replaced injured Michael Pastou in episode two) grinded out a close decision victory over Team Australia’s Patrick Iodice, TUF’s® youngest-ever competitor and undefeated Gold Coast youngster, in the penultimate preliminary lightweight bout.
The pairing was picked by Australian coach, George Sotiropoulos, who was in search of Team Australia’s first lightweight win.
It was the Aussie who took control early in the first round, scoring a perfectly timed double leg take-down and taking advantage of his top position on the mat. Loughnane defended well off his back and after several attempts, eventually found himself back on his feet and scoring a takedown of his own, finishing round one on top.
Submission attempts were traded early in round two, but none with enough potency to finish the fight. It was Loughnane who eventually found top-position on the ground and finished the second round as he did the first.
Despite a close contest, a third round wasn’t required with the judges awarding victory to Loughnane by unanimous decision. Ecstatic with his performance, Loughnane is now confident of posing a serious threat to the competition, saying post-fight: “I’m the guy who came in, short notice and took the first win by storm. Now, I’m going all the way.”
The series resumes next Wednesday, October 31, at 7.30p.m. AEDT on FX (FOXTEL channel 123). In episode seven – Unwise Words – Penrith’s James Vainikolo settles into the TUF™ house and is told to ready himself to fight at short notice, while Team UK takes mischief to a whole new level, unleashing with an all-out food-fight – escalating last week’s efforts. Team Australia is payed a surprise visit by light heavyweight rising star James Te Huna.
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keithlewis
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Re: The Ultimate Fighter 'The Smashes' - Discussion & Result
THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER: AUSTRALIA vs. UK – THE SMASHES EPISODE 7 RECAP AND RESULTS
Bradley Scott delivers Team UK’s first welterweight victory, defeating Team Australia’s Xavier ‘The X-Man’ Lucas.
During episode seven of The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK, The Smashes™ - Team UK scored its first welterweight win of the series, when Bradley Scott defeated Australia’s Xavier ‘The X-Man’ Lucas. The result delivered back-to-back victories for the UK, which now leads the competition with four wins to Australia’s three.
In the lead up to the fight, Scott’s teammates found his personal diary which contained inflammatory notes about them. The discovery of the diary prompted a heated confrontation between teammates on the eve of Scott’s fight, initiated by fellow welterweight Valentino Petrescu, who was visibly most hurt by Scott’s written remarks. When he stepped into the Octagon™, Scott secured a unanimous decision win over Perth’s Xavier ‘The X-Man’ Lucas, outclassing his opponent for the majority of the two-round battle. The win helped Scott redeem himself and galvanised his fractured team following the diary incident.
Earlier in the episode, fighters from both teams gathered for a surprise announcement. It was revealed that Team Australia newcomer, James Vainikolo, will have to earn his spot within the competition’s quarter finals, rather than directly replacing the injured Manny Rodriguez. The decision presents a golden opportunity to an eligible UK welterweight, who will gain a second chance in the competition if chosen to fight Vainikolo in the coming weeks.
The news was a shock to Vainikolo, who now faces the challenge of shedding 9 kilograms (20 pounds) in a matter of days ahead of the additional welterweight bout. He is comforted knowing that his opponent will be chosen by Team Australia coach George Sotiropoulos.
The series resumes next Wednesday, November 1, at 7.30p.m. AEDT on FX (FOXTEL channel 123). In episode eight – Phone Home – a scandal shocks UFC President Dana White, forcing him to summon all of the fighters via satellite to rectify the matter. Tensions escalate between coaches Sotiropoulos and Pearson when Team UK loses its training diary ahead of the last preliminary lightweight bout between Team Australia’s Grant Blackler and the UK’s Mike Wilkinson.
http://aus.tuf.tv/news/tuf-smashes-ep7-recap
Bradley Scott delivers Team UK’s first welterweight victory, defeating Team Australia’s Xavier ‘The X-Man’ Lucas.
During episode seven of The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK, The Smashes™ - Team UK scored its first welterweight win of the series, when Bradley Scott defeated Australia’s Xavier ‘The X-Man’ Lucas. The result delivered back-to-back victories for the UK, which now leads the competition with four wins to Australia’s three.
In the lead up to the fight, Scott’s teammates found his personal diary which contained inflammatory notes about them. The discovery of the diary prompted a heated confrontation between teammates on the eve of Scott’s fight, initiated by fellow welterweight Valentino Petrescu, who was visibly most hurt by Scott’s written remarks. When he stepped into the Octagon™, Scott secured a unanimous decision win over Perth’s Xavier ‘The X-Man’ Lucas, outclassing his opponent for the majority of the two-round battle. The win helped Scott redeem himself and galvanised his fractured team following the diary incident.
Earlier in the episode, fighters from both teams gathered for a surprise announcement. It was revealed that Team Australia newcomer, James Vainikolo, will have to earn his spot within the competition’s quarter finals, rather than directly replacing the injured Manny Rodriguez. The decision presents a golden opportunity to an eligible UK welterweight, who will gain a second chance in the competition if chosen to fight Vainikolo in the coming weeks.
The news was a shock to Vainikolo, who now faces the challenge of shedding 9 kilograms (20 pounds) in a matter of days ahead of the additional welterweight bout. He is comforted knowing that his opponent will be chosen by Team Australia coach George Sotiropoulos.
The series resumes next Wednesday, November 1, at 7.30p.m. AEDT on FX (FOXTEL channel 123). In episode eight – Phone Home – a scandal shocks UFC President Dana White, forcing him to summon all of the fighters via satellite to rectify the matter. Tensions escalate between coaches Sotiropoulos and Pearson when Team UK loses its training diary ahead of the last preliminary lightweight bout between Team Australia’s Grant Blackler and the UK’s Mike Wilkinson.
http://aus.tuf.tv/news/tuf-smashes-ep7-recap
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Re: The Ultimate Fighter 'The Smashes' - Discussion & Result
THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER: AUSTRALIA vs. UK – THE SMASHES EPISODE 8 RECAP AND RESULTS
http://aus.tuf.tv/news/tuf-smashes-ep8-recap
Mike ‘The Warrior’ Wilkinson’s victory sees Team UK dominate lightweight division; Team Australia’s Xavier ‘The X-Man’ Lucas progresses to finals
During episode eight of The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK – The Smashes - Team UK secured a clean sweep of the lightweight division, when Mike ‘The Warrior’ Wilkinson defeated Australia’s Grant ‘Bull Ant’ Blackler. The result gives Team UK a comfortable lead, with five wins to Australia’s three as the series heads into the finals.
Wilkinson defended well in the early moments of his fight against Blackler, taking the fight to the mat after being pinned against the Octagon. Wilkinson worked well on the ground, eventually finding the opportunity to lock in a rear-naked choke to end the fight in the first round.
Also progressing to the finals in episode eight was Xavier ‘The X-Man’ Lucas, who was gifted a second chance in the competition when selected to take on teammate James ‘The Volcano’ Vainikolo. The fight never made it to the Octagon, with Vainikolo disqualified for not making weight after struggling with a significant weight drop since entering the competition as a replacement for Manny Rodriguez.
Lucas, of Perth, Western Australia, was chosen by the Ultimate Fighting Championship to take on the competition newcomer, reversing an earlier announced decision that would’ve seen a Team UK welterweight recalled and presented with a second chance. Hit hardest by the news was London’s Valentino Petrescu, who expressed his disgust during the fight announcement.
Petrescu’s discontent was quickly silenced, when it was revealed he, along with several teammates, was involved in a scandal that forced UFC’s President Dana White to address all competitors via satellite.
White started by saying: “It has been brought to my attention that the worst thing that could possibly happen on The Ultimate Fighter has happened.” It was Team UK’s Bola Omoyele, Luke Newman, Valentino Petrescu, Norman Parke and Brendan Loughnane who all eventually confessed to White that they had obtained a mobile phone from a neighbour and had used it to call home while naively leaking competition results. No sanction had been imposed, with the four lucky to remain in the competition.
Emotions boiled over ahead of the last preliminary bout when Team UK’s coaching staff returned to the TUF gym to retrieve their misplaced training diary, disturbing Team Australia’s training session. The diary, which had been found and claimed by Australian coach George Sotiropoulos, was eventually returned after a heated exchange between the coaches.
Semi-finalists of The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK – The Smashes have been confirmed:
Lightweight:
Colin Fletcher – Team UK
Norman Parke – Team UK
Brendan Loughnane – Team UK
Mike Wilkinson – Team UK
Welterweight:
Benny Alloway – Team Australia
Robert Whittaker – Team Australia
Xavier Lucas – Team Australia
Bradley Scott – Team UK
The series resumes next Wednesday, November 14, at 7.30p.m. AEDT on FX (FOXTEL channel 123). In episode nine, UFC President Dana White talks to the fighters to determine finals match-ups, with one fighter’s dream left in tatters.
http://aus.tuf.tv/news/tuf-smashes-ep8-recap
Mike ‘The Warrior’ Wilkinson’s victory sees Team UK dominate lightweight division; Team Australia’s Xavier ‘The X-Man’ Lucas progresses to finals
During episode eight of The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK – The Smashes - Team UK secured a clean sweep of the lightweight division, when Mike ‘The Warrior’ Wilkinson defeated Australia’s Grant ‘Bull Ant’ Blackler. The result gives Team UK a comfortable lead, with five wins to Australia’s three as the series heads into the finals.
Wilkinson defended well in the early moments of his fight against Blackler, taking the fight to the mat after being pinned against the Octagon. Wilkinson worked well on the ground, eventually finding the opportunity to lock in a rear-naked choke to end the fight in the first round.
Also progressing to the finals in episode eight was Xavier ‘The X-Man’ Lucas, who was gifted a second chance in the competition when selected to take on teammate James ‘The Volcano’ Vainikolo. The fight never made it to the Octagon, with Vainikolo disqualified for not making weight after struggling with a significant weight drop since entering the competition as a replacement for Manny Rodriguez.
Lucas, of Perth, Western Australia, was chosen by the Ultimate Fighting Championship to take on the competition newcomer, reversing an earlier announced decision that would’ve seen a Team UK welterweight recalled and presented with a second chance. Hit hardest by the news was London’s Valentino Petrescu, who expressed his disgust during the fight announcement.
Petrescu’s discontent was quickly silenced, when it was revealed he, along with several teammates, was involved in a scandal that forced UFC’s President Dana White to address all competitors via satellite.
White started by saying: “It has been brought to my attention that the worst thing that could possibly happen on The Ultimate Fighter has happened.” It was Team UK’s Bola Omoyele, Luke Newman, Valentino Petrescu, Norman Parke and Brendan Loughnane who all eventually confessed to White that they had obtained a mobile phone from a neighbour and had used it to call home while naively leaking competition results. No sanction had been imposed, with the four lucky to remain in the competition.
Emotions boiled over ahead of the last preliminary bout when Team UK’s coaching staff returned to the TUF gym to retrieve their misplaced training diary, disturbing Team Australia’s training session. The diary, which had been found and claimed by Australian coach George Sotiropoulos, was eventually returned after a heated exchange between the coaches.
Semi-finalists of The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK – The Smashes have been confirmed:
Lightweight:
Colin Fletcher – Team UK
Norman Parke – Team UK
Brendan Loughnane – Team UK
Mike Wilkinson – Team UK
Welterweight:
Benny Alloway – Team Australia
Robert Whittaker – Team Australia
Xavier Lucas – Team Australia
Bradley Scott – Team UK
The series resumes next Wednesday, November 14, at 7.30p.m. AEDT on FX (FOXTEL channel 123). In episode nine, UFC President Dana White talks to the fighters to determine finals match-ups, with one fighter’s dream left in tatters.
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keithlewis
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Re: The Ultimate Fighter 'The Smashes' - Discussion & Result
Bradley Scott claims first spot on the Finale; Team Australia’s Richie Vas back in the competition
Team UK’s Bradley Scott is the first to secure a place on the UFC on FX: SOTIROPOULOS vs. PEARSON fight card, taking victory in a three round war against Australia’s Benny Alloway during episode nine of The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK – The Smashes™.
After three intense rounds in the Octagon, Alloway came agonisingly close to glory over the Britt, losing a split decision. The result devastated the Aussie from the Gold Coast, who said in defeat “it hurts like hell to lose, but that’s the way it goes in this game. You’ve just got to try and come back better.”
Prior to the fight, Team UK’s Mike Wilkinson was ruled out of finals contention following an injury sustained during training. An accidental poke in the eye left Wilkinson with a torn retina, requiring surgery. His withdrawal paved the way for renowned Maroubra local Richie Vas to take his place in the semi-finals – a decision that disappointed Team UK coach, Ross Pearson.
Wilkinson’s replacement was announced by Ultimate Fighting Championship® President Dana White, who revealed all semi-final match-ups after interviewing each of the finalists:
Welterweights
Bradley Scott (UK) vs Benny Alloway (AUS)
Robert Whittaker (AUS) vs Xavier Lucas (AUS)
Lightweights
Norman Parke (UK) vs Brendan Loughnane (UK)
Colin Fletcher (UK) vs Richie Vas (AUS)
The series resumes next Wednesday, November 21, at 7.30 p.m. AEDT on FX (FOXTEL channel 123). In episode 10, George Sotiropoulos and Ross Pearson go head-to-head outside of the Octagon in the Coaches Challenge. Team UK’s Norman Parke and Brendan Loughnane fight out the ‘Battle of the Brits’ in the first lightweight semi-final.
Team UK’s Bradley Scott is the first to secure a place on the UFC on FX: SOTIROPOULOS vs. PEARSON fight card, taking victory in a three round war against Australia’s Benny Alloway during episode nine of The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK – The Smashes™.
After three intense rounds in the Octagon, Alloway came agonisingly close to glory over the Britt, losing a split decision. The result devastated the Aussie from the Gold Coast, who said in defeat “it hurts like hell to lose, but that’s the way it goes in this game. You’ve just got to try and come back better.”
Prior to the fight, Team UK’s Mike Wilkinson was ruled out of finals contention following an injury sustained during training. An accidental poke in the eye left Wilkinson with a torn retina, requiring surgery. His withdrawal paved the way for renowned Maroubra local Richie Vas to take his place in the semi-finals – a decision that disappointed Team UK coach, Ross Pearson.
Wilkinson’s replacement was announced by Ultimate Fighting Championship® President Dana White, who revealed all semi-final match-ups after interviewing each of the finalists:
Welterweights
Bradley Scott (UK) vs Benny Alloway (AUS)
Robert Whittaker (AUS) vs Xavier Lucas (AUS)
Lightweights
Norman Parke (UK) vs Brendan Loughnane (UK)
Colin Fletcher (UK) vs Richie Vas (AUS)
The series resumes next Wednesday, November 21, at 7.30 p.m. AEDT on FX (FOXTEL channel 123). In episode 10, George Sotiropoulos and Ross Pearson go head-to-head outside of the Octagon in the Coaches Challenge. Team UK’s Norman Parke and Brendan Loughnane fight out the ‘Battle of the Brits’ in the first lightweight semi-final.
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Re: The Ultimate Fighter 'The Smashes' - Discussion & Result
THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER: AUSTRALIA vs. UK – THE SMASHES EPISODE 10 RECAP AND RESULTS
Norman Parke through to lightweight final; Ross Pearson wins the Coaches Challenge
Norman Parke defeated teammate Brendan Loughnane in the first lightweight semi-final during episode 10 of The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK – The Smashes. He will go onto represent Team UK in the lightweight finale on the UFC on FX: SOTIROPOULOS vs. PEARSON fight card on December 15.
Parke was able to score multiple takedowns and control much of the fight to nullify the dangerous striking of his opponent. The tight back-and-forth three round battle went the distance, with the judges awarding Parke the victory by unanimous decision.
Team UK coach Ross Pearson, unwilling to choose between his two protégées, was merely an observer at Octagonside, as he his assistant coaches took the roles of cornermen. The result see Team UK represented in each weight division in the series Finale, which takes place on the UFC on FX: SOTIROPOULOS vs. PEARSON fight card.
Earlier in the episode, coaches George Sotiropoulos and Ross Pearson swopped fists for engines as they battled out the Coaches Challenge in a demolition derby at Sydney Speedway. A $10,000 prize added fuel to the fire after weeks of heated rivalry between the two.
With the aim of smashing each other’s car to destruction, the coaches went bonnet-to-bonnet as their teams watched on. After multiple collisions, Pearson eventually cornered Sotiropoulos and finished him off.
The series resumes next Wednesday, November 28, at 7.30 p.m. AEDT on FX (FOXTEL channel 123) (midnight Wednesday in the UK). In episode 11, former Australian rugby star Quade Cooper visits Team UK during training, which confuses the Australians. Team Australia teammates Robert Whittaker and Xavier Lucas square off in the second welterweight semi-final.
Norman Parke through to lightweight final; Ross Pearson wins the Coaches Challenge
Norman Parke defeated teammate Brendan Loughnane in the first lightweight semi-final during episode 10 of The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK – The Smashes. He will go onto represent Team UK in the lightweight finale on the UFC on FX: SOTIROPOULOS vs. PEARSON fight card on December 15.
Parke was able to score multiple takedowns and control much of the fight to nullify the dangerous striking of his opponent. The tight back-and-forth three round battle went the distance, with the judges awarding Parke the victory by unanimous decision.
Team UK coach Ross Pearson, unwilling to choose between his two protégées, was merely an observer at Octagonside, as he his assistant coaches took the roles of cornermen. The result see Team UK represented in each weight division in the series Finale, which takes place on the UFC on FX: SOTIROPOULOS vs. PEARSON fight card.
Earlier in the episode, coaches George Sotiropoulos and Ross Pearson swopped fists for engines as they battled out the Coaches Challenge in a demolition derby at Sydney Speedway. A $10,000 prize added fuel to the fire after weeks of heated rivalry between the two.
With the aim of smashing each other’s car to destruction, the coaches went bonnet-to-bonnet as their teams watched on. After multiple collisions, Pearson eventually cornered Sotiropoulos and finished him off.
The series resumes next Wednesday, November 28, at 7.30 p.m. AEDT on FX (FOXTEL channel 123) (midnight Wednesday in the UK). In episode 11, former Australian rugby star Quade Cooper visits Team UK during training, which confuses the Australians. Team Australia teammates Robert Whittaker and Xavier Lucas square off in the second welterweight semi-final.
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Re: The Ultimate Fighter 'The Smashes' - Discussion & Result
THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER: AUSTRALIA vs. UK – THE SMASHES EPISODE 11 RECAP AND RESULTS
Australia's Robert Whittaker defeats teammate Xavier Lucas and takes a step closer to securing UFC contract
In tonight’s welterweight final of The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs UK – The Smashes, Australia’s Robert Whittaker defeated teammate Xavier ‘X-Man’ Lucas and secured his place at UFC on FX: SOTIROPOULOS vs. PEARSON fight card on December 15.
Whittaker will fly the green and gold in the Octagon® when he fights UK’s Bradley Scott for national glory and a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Leading up to the bout, Whittaker visualizes knocking out Lucas, saying that he doesn’t want to hurt him for three rounds. Whittaker’s visualization comes to fruition in the first round when a hard straight right glances over the top of his opponent’s head, dropping Lucas to the ground. Whittaker takes the opportunity to pounce on Lucas and knocks him out with powerful ground and pound.
Stealing the victory from his teammate, Whittaker’s celebration is subdued and his focus is quickly diverted to consoling Lucas.
Before the bout, Lucas shared stories about his time serving with the South African Special Forces, demonstrating moves and recounting experiences that included hostage releases.
During Team UK training, the Brits are joined by three Australian rugby players, Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane and Kurtley Beale. The players joined the fighters at the gym, participating in some pad work, with Cooper showing promising skills for his impending boxing career.
The series resumes next Wednesday, December 5, at 7.30 p.m. AEDT on FX (FOXTEL channel 123). In episode 12, the final lightweight semi-final is held between Australia’s Richie Vas and UK’s Colin ‘Freakshow’ Fletcher to decide who will have a shot at a UFC contract in the series finale.
Australia's Robert Whittaker defeats teammate Xavier Lucas and takes a step closer to securing UFC contract
In tonight’s welterweight final of The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs UK – The Smashes, Australia’s Robert Whittaker defeated teammate Xavier ‘X-Man’ Lucas and secured his place at UFC on FX: SOTIROPOULOS vs. PEARSON fight card on December 15.
Whittaker will fly the green and gold in the Octagon® when he fights UK’s Bradley Scott for national glory and a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Leading up to the bout, Whittaker visualizes knocking out Lucas, saying that he doesn’t want to hurt him for three rounds. Whittaker’s visualization comes to fruition in the first round when a hard straight right glances over the top of his opponent’s head, dropping Lucas to the ground. Whittaker takes the opportunity to pounce on Lucas and knocks him out with powerful ground and pound.
Stealing the victory from his teammate, Whittaker’s celebration is subdued and his focus is quickly diverted to consoling Lucas.
Before the bout, Lucas shared stories about his time serving with the South African Special Forces, demonstrating moves and recounting experiences that included hostage releases.
During Team UK training, the Brits are joined by three Australian rugby players, Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane and Kurtley Beale. The players joined the fighters at the gym, participating in some pad work, with Cooper showing promising skills for his impending boxing career.
The series resumes next Wednesday, December 5, at 7.30 p.m. AEDT on FX (FOXTEL channel 123). In episode 12, the final lightweight semi-final is held between Australia’s Richie Vas and UK’s Colin ‘Freakshow’ Fletcher to decide who will have a shot at a UFC contract in the series finale.
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