Anyone watching the Ultimate Fighter

[moriarty]

Just curious to see if anyone else is watching this on Spike TV. It's yet another reality show where the fighters are up and coming (mostly) mixed martial arts dudes. The winner ultimately wins a contract to fight in the UFC.

It's not great television, but I'm a pretty big fan of MMA so I enjoy it. The best part is that two guys have to fight it out at the end of every show to see who gets kicked off. So you get to see at least one fight every week.

[sachmo71]

yes...

[Suicane75]

I missed the first couple of weeks but was able to catch up on them over the weekend, saw most of last nights right up until fight time but missed the end. It's lookin like a real quality "reality" show in that the competitors are actually skilled at their objective and the objective fits the players, It's on my must see list.

[dubb93]

Its much better than the fox boxing show in that they show the entire fight. On the fox boxing show they just clipped it.

[moriarty]

For the five people watching ... did you catch this week's episode? I won't ruin it w/ a spoiler here, but all I can say is that I can't wait for next week's show. Hope it lives up to the hype.

Good stuff - too bad this is buried away late night on Spike.

[Havok]

im trying to watch when i can (i want tivo!!!)

and i also can't wait to see next weeks show, thats gonna be an awsome fight.

[sachmo71]

For the five people watching ... did you catch this week's episode? I won't ruin it w/ a spoiler here, but all I can say is that I can't wait for next week's show. Hope it lives up to the hype.

Good stuff - too bad this is buried away late night on Spike.
I wasn't even sure what night it comes on. :(

[SirFozzie]

the good news is, Spike LOVES the show, it appeals to key demographics, and it does what no other show has in its timeslot, keeps a good percentage of the show proceeding it.. (WWE)

[moriarty]

I wasn't even sure what night it comes on. :(

11:05pm Mondays. Although they replay it Friday (Sat?) night.

One word: Tivo! :D

[Suicane75]

Did anyone see the show on Monday? Easily the best "reality" show i have ever seen, theres a ton of money to be made on this angle.

[moriarty]

Did anyone see the show on Monday? Easily the best "reality" show i have ever seen, theres a ton of money to be made on this angle.

If you're talking about the leadup to the Josh/Leben brawl then oh yeah! Looking forward to this more than alot of professional boxing/mma/etc.. bouts.

My money's on Leben.

[Suicane75]

If you're talking about the leadup to the Josh/Leben brawl then oh yeah! Looking forward to this more than alot of professional boxing/mma/etc.. bouts.

My money's on Leben.


Me too. I waited till last night to watch it and after hearing all the buildup on various sites, etc. I was blown away by how in 1 hour they totaly built to a match that I would be willing to pay money to see, simply amazing.

***SPOILERS***
I think it really says something about Chris when he's able to hold himself back for so long and even when he did snap he didn't try to hurt anyone.

And Josh, to me at least, was a total face coming into Mondays show, but man, he was a total dickhead and really lost alot of respect, but I can still see him turning face again.

[moriarty]

***SPOILERS***



I think it really says something about Chris when he's able to hold himself back for so long and even when he did snap he didn't try to hurt anyone.

And Josh, to me at least, was a total face coming into Mondays show, but man, he was a total dickhead and really lost alot of respect, but I can still see him turning face again.

I'd have to watch it again to be sure, but I swear when they told Josh he'd have to fight Chris, he had this scared look on his face like 'oh-crap'. That tells me right there he's in trouble. After the first show or two I couldn't stand Chris, but I'm actually in his corner on this one.

[Suicane75]

I'd have to watch it again to be sure, but I swear when they told Josh he'd have to fight Chris, he had this scared look on his face like 'oh-crap'. That tells me right there he's in trouble. After the first show or two I couldn't stand Chris, but I'm actually in his corner on this one.

It's not quite an "oh crap" look but it's a "hmm, have i bit off more than I can handle?" look.

I don't think he's afraid to fight Chris, but i do think he's hesitant to fight an angry Chris.

[Suicane75]

Anyone still watching this? Very entertaining show last, with a really close fight.

[rafini]

The Leban-Koscheck fight was one of those where in 2 or 3 rounds, Koscheck would win because he would just wrestle and control the match for that long. If it went any longer than that Leban would win - you'd expect him to land a punch or two eventually, and you could tell Koscheck was really shying away from getting into any type of a punch-out.

I haven't watched the Feb. 28 episode yet ... will probably watch it tonight.

[JeffNights]

Just goes to show that Chris relies way too much on his hands and needs more defensive work.

You cant let a grappler flat out take you down that many times and expect a decision win when you are on your back 80 percent of the fight.

[moriarty]

Just goes to show that Chris relies way too much on his hands and needs more defensive work.

You cant let a grappler flat out take you down that many times and expect a decision win when you are on your back 80 percent of the fight.

Looked like Chris was way to timid in throwing punches ... like he was loading up for the one big blow when he should have been throwing stuff just to keep Josh from shooting in. Definitely let down by his lack of agressiveness. Still he almost got him w/ a couple of knees.

But I definitely don't like the judging in the UFC. Just b/c you take down a guy and lay on him I don't think you should be able to score many points. Not that Chris did much either.

And on to this week's episode .... Spoiler Alert if you haven't seen it .....


Decent fight, but why not let these things go 3 rounds? Surely you could cut out some fluff and show another 5 minutes of fighting. I could understand if someone was totally outmatched and getting killed, but when there's a split decision ... why not automatically go to the 3rd round.

Perhaps the most interesting part was the previews for next week. They showed Southworth arguing with the UFC president (WTF's he thinking, basically he's losing any chance he ever has to make the big show); and more intriguingly they tease about bringing someone back to the show (possibly to replace the injured dude). Could it be the return of Chris? It'd make things exciting, but it would also sorta cheapen the whole competition. Should be interesting.

[rafini]

I watched the new episode yesterday and that fight was waaaayyyyy better than the Josh-Chris fight, which they built up for about 2-3 weeks. But since those are the two who've been the most vocal about not liking each other, I can see them bringing Chris back for a rematch - controversy and drama make for better TV, and I doubt they'd let a little thing like a competition get in the way of that.

I actually thought Bobby won this week's fight - I thought he definitely won the first round and the second round was probably split. But I guess it was close enough that it could've gone either way. They definitely should've went to a third round, though. I think there may have been a knockout with other round, because both guys were getting pretty tired and it would've been easier to land one big shot. It was easily the best fight so far, though.

[moriarty]

But since those are the two who've been the most vocal about not liking each other, I can see them bringing Chris back for a rematch - controversy and drama make for better TV, and I doubt they'd let a little thing like a competition get in the way of that.


The more I think about this, the less likely I think the chances are that they'll bring Chris back. Most likely they'll bring back some other guy to replace the injured dude.

I'm basing this on two things from the previews:
1) if they were bringing Chris back, they probably would have said so in the previews. Let's face it he drives ratings, so why not announce his return.

2) Josh K makes the comment like "this place is getting weirder and weirder" or something to that effect. I got to belief if they brough Chris back, his comments would have been alot harsher like "this place is total BS" or something.

[Suicane75]

As much as I trying to figure out a reason not to give it to Bobby, I couldn't.
I think he won each round, by slim margins, but he won them nonetheless.

And I doubt the guy coming back is gonna be anywhere near as interesting as they wanna lead us to believe.

[moriarty]

Anyone catch the lastest episode yet? Not the best of episodes, but at least they removed another dead weight so we can start focusing on the talented folks.

Spoiler Alert .........
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Ok, so I was wrong about bringing back Leben. I still think this cheapens the show somewhat, but hey it should at least make for one more good fight. The guy was a total tool for picking Diego last night. I think he thought Diego would just tap him so he wouldn't get hurt ... but it was rather funny to see Diego pound on him instead. They need to get rid of the one dimensional boxers who don't have a clue what to do once they get taken down.

By the way, I read that for the finale, they are throwing in a bunch of free UFC fights on Spike. Ken Shamrock vs. Rich Franklin is the headliner. For those that don't follow the UFC Ken is an older 'legend', and Rich Franklin is a well rounded up and comer. Should be a nice fight to watch on top of the TUF finals.

[Schmidty]

This show kicks ass.

[SirFozzie]

Apparently the Finals will be an 8 fight card.

Nice to see the team captains/trainers in TUF... Couture vs Liddell is UFC's next PPV :D

[rafini]

Just watched the last episode ... that fight sucked.

I think what we're coming down to will be a great 3-way battle for the middleweights between Diego, Josh and Chris - my pick will be Diego, he seems to have the most overall skills between any of the fighters.

[moriarty]

Just caught Monday's night episode. Interesting to see they turned the teammates against each other for the semi-finals. I think the whole structure of this show needs some reworking as you have the potential for some folks to get into the finals having only fought once.

Spoiler Alert -----------------
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Poor, poor Leben. He was totally dominating the fight against kenny, until he caught a bad break with the cut. Still, I suppose it's poetic justice as Leben had already been defeated once.

I thought Kenny was a great jiu-jistu guy, but he only once tried to take it to the ground ... not sure why, or if he was just being man handled. Anways, I think the Josh / Digeo fight will determine the eventual winner as I can't see Kenny beating either one.

[Havok]

The Josh/Deieo fight should be excellent. Im pulling for Digeo since Josh is a dick.

[SirFozzie]

Kenny was fighting a decent fight (except that one turn and run, that's a good way to get your lights turned out in the octagon)

He was measuring distance well, hit Josh with some sick shots..

be interesting to see if Forrest can still fight after that huge cut.

[moriarty]

The Josh/Deieo fight should be excellent. Im pulling for Digeo since Josh is a dick.

I just don't see Josh with the skills to defeat Diego. He may take him down (and based on the previews it appears he does) but based on the Leben fight I don't think he can do anything once he has him on the ground. Diego on the other hand has the ability to submit Josh from either the top or bottom position.

[moriarty]

be interesting to see if Forrest can still fight after that huge cut.

Man, I hope he can fight. He's the type of character and aggressive fighter that I like to watch. Plus I really don't want Southworth to have a chance at making the finals.

[Havok]

I just don't see Josh with the skills to defeat Diego. He may take him down (and based on the previews it appears he does) but based on the Leben fight I don't think he can do anything once he has him on the ground. Diego on the other hand has the ability to submit Josh from either the top or bottom position.


i agree, Diego is alittle slow and alittle wierd sometimes, but he's the most 'skilled' fighter there i think. A guy like him can win any fight at any time. Now the only thing i think Josh has going for him is raw power.

I also agree about Forrest, but you gotta give the guy he fought last week credit(i forgot his name), he was whipping Forrest's ass when they were standing up and boxing :)

[hukarez]

I also agree about Forrest, but you gotta give the guy he fought last week credit(i forgot his name), he was whipping Forrest's ass when they were standing up and boxing :) Alex Schoenauer! That guy impressed me with his 'balls to the wall' outburst. A pity it ended the way it did, but he gets nothing but praise from me.

EDIT: On a side note, I haven't been ritualistically following the show (sometimes catch it on Friday nights), what's the deal with that Nathan Quarry dude on the green team? Is he out? http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif

[moriarty]

Alex had a lot of heart. I just wished they picked some guys who weren't so one dimensional. Once Alex got taken down he had no idea what to do ... other than absorb punches.

Nathan Quarry is out. He tore ligaments or something in his ankle I think. It was sort of a stupid deal. They had like six guys training in the ring at once, and Randy (the coach) tried to take a dude down and the dude rolled over right on Nathan's ankle. Not sure why they would be doing takedowns in a crowded ring.

But they decided to make him an honorary coach of the green team b/c he's such a good guy ... or something to that effect.

[moriarty]

Very good fight this week - definitely check it out if you haven't seen it. Best fight yet IMO.

Still some questionable scoring by a judge or two (what's up with the judges in these things?).

[Schmidty]

This show keeps getting better.

[moriarty]

Anyone watching the ultimate fighter finale tonight?

Starts at 9pm eastern time on Spike.

[maximus]

Yup, watching right now. :)

I didn't catch the names of the two guys who fought first but what a butt whoppin' that one guy took..... :eek:

[Chubby]

a GREAT fight so far, go Stephan!

[Chubby]

BULLSHIT!

What a load of crap

[Suicane75]

BULLSHIT!

What a load of crap


Actually I was thinkin thats how it would turn out, I split the first 2 rounds and noticed Bonner backtracking alot in round 3, i'm not entirely surprised by the decisions. Great fight and great decision to give them both contracts though.
I do really think they shot themselves in the foot however by having the dumbass team rules which lead to, in reality, the 3rd or 4th best middleweight being in the finals. Sanchez vs Koscheck should of been put into position to meet in the finals.

And they also did a horrible job of the scheduling tonight. They should of left time for airing of at least 1 or 2 of the undercard fights. Southworth vs Hogar is something I really would of liked to see.

And man, is Bruce Buffer no Micheal Buffer.

[SirFozzie]

Here are spoilers for the dark matches from tonight, from Meltzer:

SPOILER

Alex Karalexis b Josh Raffery via knockout
Mike Swick b Alex Schoenauer via ref stoppage
Josh Koscheck b Chris Sanford via knockout (yes, Josh has learned to throw a punch)
Nate Quarry b Lodune Sincaid via ref stoppage
Chris Leben b Jason Thacker as well. I just hope he got one good punch in before going down as this was less than 2:00
Sam Hoger b Bobby Southworth via unanimous decision


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[Suicane75]

Fuckin ridiculous that they couldn't fit in 1 or 2 of those fights seeing as how they all went less than 1 round except for Southworth/Hogar, and they should have made room for that fight to be on the main show from the get go. Still a promotion making night for UFC but there were some big flaws form a presentation standpoint.

[SirFozzie]

The problem is, a fight could go 15 seconds, or 15 minutes.

I'm sure if all the fights had gone quickly, they would have aired some of it.

[Suicane75]

The problem is, a fight could go 15 seconds, or 15 minutes.

I'm sure if all the fights had gone quickly, they would have aired some of it.

They had over 70 minutes of stuff before Sanchez & Fiorian even entered the cage, they could of shown alot of stuff in that time.

[Calis]

I never watched the show itself, but happened to head over to a friend's house where a buncha folks were watching the finals.

That second fight was one of the best MMA fights I've ever seen. I agreed with the judging also, I think they were even at one round a piece going to the third and the guy who won was clearly the aggressor and doing more work in the third.

Both did awesome though, man they took some shots.

The Shamrock thing was painful also, what the hell happened that first time he went to the ground? Was seriously odd, like his legs gave out or something? Didn't look like he was going for a takedown or anything, and if so it was the most awkward attempt ever.

It was ugly though.

[FF]

that shamrock fight was a work, i believe that 100%.

[Anthony]

that light heavy weight fight was awesome. so much more entertaining than boxing.

[Ragone]

I wonder if they will release a dvd of all the episodes.. i think i wanna get that :)

[dubb93]

looks like the ultimate fighter 2 will be heavyweights and welterweights. The UFC heavyweight division could use all the help it could get, I hope they 2 or 3 good heavyweights in the next show. I wonder if kenny florian will try and come back at 170 in the next show, they kept saying he was a true 170lb fighter.

[moriarty]

I wonder if they will release a dvd of all the episodes.. i think i wanna get that :)

They will definitely release a DVD of all the fights from the finale (including the ones they didn't show)... and my guess all the episodes as well.

Random thoughts:

Swick apparently knocked out his opponent in 20 seconds in one of the prelims. :eek:

Florian was definitely outmatched by Diego (Florian is clearly a different weight class) and for a supposed Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt I never in all the episodes saw him use any Jiu-Jitsu moves.

Bonner vs. Forrest. Wow! Clearly made the night, and most likely will be the fight of the year. Not a thing of technical beauty, but great fun. And it's extremely nice to see guys actually throw for all 3 rounds. Sure they were gassed, but half the time in the UFC after one round of punching the fighters start huggging to catch their breaths. No breaks here. I did think Bonner beat him though.

Ken vs. Franklin - dang Ken looked pretty dang uncoordinated. I think it's his age ... time to hang them up. I don't think it was a fixed fight ... just that Ken couldn't get his legs/reactions to go as quick as he'd like - still some awkward falls. Thought Ken had him for a second though in that heel hook. But alas, I think Ken was almost relieved to have the fight stopped when he slipped and turtled up. Hopefully he retires from here.

Bonner & Forrest clearly saved the night for the UFC. Still i nearly fell asleep between bouts as they clearly used the event as a 2 hour commercial. Oh well, looking forward to TUF2 ... hopefully they improve the format somewhat.

[Anthony]

it was horrible how many commericals and fluff pieces they used instead of actual fighting.

if they really wanted to entertain me they could have replayed the previous match and analyzed what was going on. i don't really care about seeing these guys talk about their hopes and dreams for 30 minutes before an actual fight happens.

[moriarty]

it was horrible how many commericals and fluff pieces they used instead of actual fighting.

if they really wanted to entertain me they could have replayed the previous match and analyzed what was going on. i don't really care about seeing these guys talk about their hopes and dreams for 30 minutes before an actual fight happens.

I agree - seemed like there was very little to no replays / analysis of the fight. They could have spent 15-20 minutes breaking down the Bonner/Forrest fight instead of promotions.

Plus if the goal was to play to casual fans watching MMA for the first time they should have at least incorporated some highlights of previous fights or tried to explain some of the moves (for example the heel hook that Ken was trying to apply).

[Ragone]

I think Uf2 is gonna have to start forcing people to fight at least twice.... someone could fight early in week 1 and destroy another guy.. and nobody would want any part of him from that point on.. (Sound strategy, but kinda weak)

[FF]

it was horrible how many commericals and fluff pieces they used instead of actual fighting.

if they really wanted to entertain me they could have replayed the previous match and analyzed what was going on. i don't really care about seeing these guys talk about their hopes and dreams for 30 minutes before an actual fight happens.


most ufc PPVs are like this. its still not as bad as their anniversary show where they inducted shamrock in the hall of fame, they spent 75% of the show doing closeups of d-list celebs.

[moriarty]

most ufc PPVs are like this. its still not as bad as their anniversary show where they inducted shamrock in the hall of fame, they spent 75% of the show doing closeups of d-list celebs.

Har,

Who was that HBO guy they kept showing last night. I was like if that's the best dude they can come up with ... they're better off not showing the crowd.

[FF]

he was on a show called entourage which had its first season last fall. the show wasnt good or bad, but theres no reason they should have been bragging that this dude was in their crowd. he has shit credentials.

[Anthony]

is that show still on? haven't heard about it in a while. i watched one episode of it and decided i could live without it. i couldn't stand that guy's goofy smile.

[moriarty]

Bumping ....

Anyone catch the premier of Season 2 of TUF?

I think the fighters are much better this time around. I've seen Brad Imes (ames?) fight a couple of times (he's the 6'7" dude) and he's got some skills albeit a bit raw. The first show pretty much sucked though <spoiler alert>.
How the hell can two guys quit before the first fight even? At least from the previews it looks like they have a replacement HW ready to join the show.

[rafini]

I only hope that they don't start going MTV with this show - focusing even more on the "house drama" than the actual fighting. I watch the show to see guys fight, not argue over who's tougher.

Other than that, yeah, the first episode sucked.

[moriarty]

Anyone still following the Ultimate Fighter 2?

Pretty weak this year IMO, but the last fight (while suprising) was good.

Anways, tonight is a sweet mixed martial arts lineup on SpikeTV:
- 7:00 (EST) is Unleashed showing some past Andrei Arlovski fight
- 8:00 is Greatest Hits (or something),
9-11:00 is Ultimate Fight Night 2 showing several live matches including TUF1 alumini Josh Koshceck and Chris Leben.
and at 11:05 is the newest episode of TUF2.

Man, may have to skip the Monday night football.

[SirFozzie]

8:00 is Greatest Knockouts I believe.

If I remember it, it's some KTFO matches.

They are counter programming the USA Raw Return

[DaddyTorgo]

damnit! and me without a TV tonight!

[SirFozzie]

(pats his Tivo and grins at DT)

gonna record both of em. Ain't Technology great? :D

[DaddyTorgo]

aaaah. yes. one of these days i'll have to invest in a TIVO. actually I will likely find a way to watch them if i really care, although I'm sure Spike will replay them several times, like it did with Fight Night 1, and like it does with UF. Actually UF i might get to watch.

[moriarty]

WOW! First fight of Ultimate Fight Night was excellent, what a finish.

Hopefully the rest of the fights go as well.

[Schmidty]

I love the UFC, but it takes a toll on my teeth. I grit a lot and feel a lot of hate while watching.

[DaddyTorgo]

hate for who?? dana white?

[moriarty]

Good show so far ... one of the prelims (one they didn't show) must have been pretty bloody b/c one side of the Octagon is covered in mopped up blood.

[DaddyTorgo]

so here's my question: is UFC/Spike trying to position UFC as a counter to RAW on USA? I know Spike now has TNA, but are they trying to get UFC to the point where they can show it on Mondays to counter RAW?? Obviously this would be a long-term goal, as the UFC talent pool isn't big enough right now to support that many fights, but with Spike $$ I would think that could at least be partially taken care of.

Thoughts? Opinions?

[dubb93]

so here's my question: is UFC/Spike trying to position UFC as a counter to RAW on USA? I know Spike now has TNA, but are they trying to get UFC to the point where they can show it on Mondays to counter RAW?? Obviously this would be a long-term goal, as the UFC talent pool isn't big enough right now to support that many fights, but with Spike $$ I would think that could at least be partially taken care of.

Thoughts? Opinions?

I could see it. There are alot of fighters out there...I think they could pull it off if they went to a schedule where they rotated PPV's being simply Title fights, and #1 contendership fights, with the occasional big time grudge match thrown in. That would let them put some big names on the monday night show. I would watch it over wrestling, just like I am tonight.

[Schmidty]

hate for who?? dana white?

Human-kind.

[moriarty]

so here's my question: is UFC/Spike trying to position UFC as a counter to RAW on USA? I know Spike now has TNA, but are they trying to get UFC to the point where they can show it on Mondays to counter RAW?? Obviously this would be a long-term goal, as the UFC talent pool isn't big enough right now to support that many fights, but with Spike $$ I would think that could at least be partially taken care of.

Thoughts? Opinions?

Supposedly Spike lost the wrestling show (Raw? I don't know I don't follow wrestling) b/c they didn't want to pony up the bucks and they felt that they could compete with UFC for a cheaper price. So yes, Spike is hyping the UFC to go head to head with WWE. Even Vince McMahon (or whatever his name is) is getting testy complaining about the UFC commercials which say wrestling isn't real.

As for the UFC, this clearly gets them some exposure so that more people buy the PPV's (where they're real money is). But they're also woefully short in the talent pool as you mentioned (especially compared to Pride) so this gives them a way to try out fighters before the big show. Sort of like a minor league feeding system.

BTW - good show last night, all the fights were entertaining.

EDIT - I don't entirely buy into Spike's strategy FWIW, going head to head with not only RAW but Monday Night Football just seems to be bad scheduling to me.

[hukarez]

Anyone watching the finale tonight?

That 'Luke' guy reminds me of that one dude in that movie 'Slackers', going up against Jose Canseco.

[DaddyTorgo]

luke's gonna die. joe's gonna eat him alive

[hukarez]

luke's gonna die. joe's gonna eat him alive
Luke seemingly put up a pretty decent fight, surprisingly enough... http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif

[SirFozzie]

Apparently, none of the fights were up to Bonnar/Griffin level, but there wasn't a bad fight in the bunch,.

[dubb93]

Apparently, none of the fights were up to Bonnar/Griffin level, but there wasn't a bad fight in the bunch,.

I would argue that. It all depends on what you like. If you like sloppy blood baths with no real technique or defense, then Bonnar/Griffin was one of the best fights ever.(and really, it was entertaining)

But saying that Diego and Nick didn't go out there and have one of the best fights of the year is an insult to both of them. And for my money was the better fight, non-stop action(even if it was on the ground) and neither guy was as completely gassed at the end as Bonnar and Griffin were. It's all a matter of taste I guess.

And I would say that the Heavyweight brawl was just slightly below Bonnar/Griffin in the unskilled sloppy brawl category.

[dubb93]

And if anyone wants a good write up of Diaz/Sanchez here it is, although it does spoiler the fights decision. So if you haven't seen the fight yet and don't want to know who won, don't scroll down........






















































LAS VEGAS, Nov. 5 — If Hispanic fight fans needed a reason to embrace mixed martial arts, they may have found it Saturday night. Diego Sanchez (Pictures), of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Nick Diaz (Pictures), of Stockton, Calif., proved to be every bit the Chicano warrior in the main event of Saturday’s card at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Punctuating the close of SpikeTV’s successful second season of the “Ultimate Fighter,” Diaz and Sanchez fought tantamount to a grappling version of Barrera-Morales. (And like Barrera and Morales, who met three times in the ring, it would be a shame if Sanchez and Diaz did not fight again.)

Headlining a card featuring TUF II heavyweight finalists Rashad Evans (Pictures) and Brad Imes (Pictures) and welterweights Joe Stevenson (Pictures) and Luke Cummo, it was Diaz and Sanchez who not only showed the stamina, spirit and tenacity to tussle for three rounds, but the skills worthy of world-class welterweights.

The 23-year-old Sanchez, who just eight months ago was in the same position as tonight’s TUF competitors, moved his record to 14-0-0 with an enthralling performance against the one of the division’s most dangerous combatants.

A furious pace accompanied the start of the fight. Sanchez and Diaz (11-4-0) used the ample real estate of the Octagon, which this reporter viewed from standing-room-only seats on the balcony of the host hotel’s “The Joint,” to grapple and scrap their way through the first round. The positions and reversals were too fast to keep track, each folding into the next with the precision of an origami sculpture.

Heading into the middle period, the fighters’ output and intake was even —Sanchez, though, earned the first on the strength of his positioning, not an insignificant thing considering how the remainder of the bout played out.

Reversals, submission attempts and awkward positions continued to permeate round two, yet it was Sanchez who widened his edge by out-positioning Diaz and landing numerous elbows from the top.

Diaz spent much of the five-minute round working from his back, and despite several attempts at armbar or Kimura he couldn’t come close to catching the submission-savvy welterweight.

(After the fight Diaz would say that it felt as if Sanchez was “greased up.” Sanchez, who spent an hour at the hospital to close up several wounds incurred during the 15-minutes against Diaz, could not be reached for comment.)

Down two rounds on each judge’s scorecard, Diaz had to find a way to stifle the burgeoning star’s takedowns. He found some success early in the third, scrambling and working free several times. But soon enough Sanchez planted Diaz back on the canvas, where soon the technical scrap turned into a crimson mess.

By fight’s end the combination of a gash on the right side of Diaz’ hairline and an ugly cut above Sanchez’ right eye left the floor looking like a defective Rorschach Test.

The addition of blood hardly slowed either man during the final third of a fight so action-packed that referee John McCarthy never once had to intervene.

Though the judges’ tallies of 30-27 makes it appear like a less-than competitive contest, Sanchez-Diaz, in reality, could not have much closer.

As with his only other loss in the Octagon, a decision against Karo Parisyan (Pictures), Diaz’ inability to fight more often from the top and stop takedowns led to his demise.

Sanchez, however, has clearly established himself as more than just a reality show sideshow — not a surprise to those who followed his ascent in King of the Cage, where his combination of wrestling and submission acumen, as well as a deep cardio reservoir, make for a dangerous fighter.

--credit sherdog.com

[FF]

did anyone else think diaz looked sloppy in that fight? his subs didnt look that great and he had a chance to sink a triangle at the end of the fight and... he just didnt.

this is nothing against sanchez. in fact, im pretty impressed with what he was able to do. he kept his weight on diaz all night.

[JeffNights]

Dana White is pushing Diego Sanchez hard right now to try and get more seasons of TUF renewed.....Diego is at best a average fighter, put him in against a top ten guy in the divison and watch him get his ass handed to him. I'm not saying he wont EVENTUALLY get to that level, just pointing out that I hate these "made" opponets for him.

[dubb93]

Nick Diaz isn't top 10 in the weight class? Name the 10 ahead of him in the UFC.

[moriarty]

Dana White is pushing Diego Sanchez hard right now to try and get more seasons of TUF renewed.....Diego is at best a average fighter, put him in against a top ten guy in the divison and watch him get his ass handed to him. I'm not saying he wont EVENTUALLY get to that level, just pointing out that I hate these "made" opponets for him.

I don't like Diego, but I think he showed definite talent Saturday. Nick Diaz is no slouch. Diego is easily top 10 in his division now in the UFC at least. I don't think he can hold a candle to Karo/GSP/Hughes but beyond that I'm not sure who can beat him. And it really pains me to say that.

Overall it was a great show IMO. The Florian fight was a bit weak, but you gotta love Luke and Joe is the real deal. Imes/Rashad was basically a talentless brawl, but both showed great heart and made it exciting. And the final was a grappling / BJJ exhibition. I think Diego was just too strong for Diaz (looked like everytime Diaz went for a sub Diego just powered out of it), and Diaz just could not keep it on their feet.

Thumbs up from me. If you haven't seen it I'd definitely catch the replay. Just be sure to tape it first so you can fast forward through all the commercials/crap and get to the action.

[moriarty]

Dola -
In Diego's weight class - in the world, I think he would lose to: Matt Hughes, BJ Penn (assuming Penn returns to this weight), Georges St. Pierre, Sean Sherk, Karo Parisyan, and Renato Verissimo.

I think he would beat the next level of fighters including:
Akira Kikuchi, Frank Trigg, Diaz, Jake Shields, Drew Fickett, Chris Lytle etc...

Not sure whom I'm missing, but that would place him 7-8th in the world in his weight class IMO.

[marshall881]

I agree, very enjoyable fights to watch. For various different reasons. Diego is the real deal. Also you have to admire Brad Imes heart and guts.

[FF]

id take sherk and verissimo out of that list and stick henderson and bustamante in there instead.

but diaz is definitely good talent for that division and should not be undervalued. especially from what i remember his fight with karo last year was REALLY good.

[moriarty]

id take sherk and verissimo out of that list and stick henderson and bustamante in there instead.

but diaz is definitely good talent for that division and should not be undervalued. especially from what i remember his fight with karo last year was REALLY good.

I was thinking Hendo and Butamante were middleweights ... but Hendo did fight at the lighter Pride weight recently IIRC. But I agree on both accounts if they are/were in the same weight class. I still like Sherk, but based on the Hughes fight Verissimo would probably get overpowered by Diaz.

[FF]

anyone getting the PPV tomorrow? depending on whether im home or not i might end up waiting to get it next week.

i dont consider this to be a very good card but i do want to see GSP fight sherk. i think this will be a good test for gsp and a chance for him to prove that he is legit.

as far as the franklin/quarry, hughes/riggs i couldnt care less.

[FF]

did anyone else catch the PPV? big things are happening at 170 in the ufc...

[moriarty]

did anyone else catch the PPV? big things are happening at 170 in the ufc...

Didnt' catch the PPV, but GSP is the man ... and now we have BJ too? WOW!

Could be an interesting season for the Ultimate Fighter 3 as well with Ken Shamrock and Tito Ortiz as the coaches. I hate their whole WWE type propoganda, but I really think these two don't like each other. Should be an interesting season with the coaches not getting along.

[marshall881]

Ortiz and Shamrock should be interesting. I agree that they truly don't like each other.