Source: MMAJunkie.com BestofMMA.com
Welcome to the 10th and final taped episode of “The Ultimate Fighter 14: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller.”
With the remaining two tournament finalists ready to be determined, we’ll get the finale matchups set following tonight’s episode.
So let’s jump into the action.
Storylines
With Team Miller teammates Johnny Bedford and John Dodson set to square off in the semifinals of the bantamweight tournament, John can’t help but note the uncomfortable nature of training side-by-side with an opponent. Johnny has less trouble with the contest, especially since he wants to make John pay for being a “snitch” throughout the season.
Head coach Jason “Mayhem” Miller is a bit conflicted and ultimately decides to go the Greg Jackson route and not coach either fighter. Instead, he allows Johnny and John to pick the assistant coaches that suit them best. Neither fighter seems overly concerned, and both (unsurprisingly) feel the matchup favors them.
Pre-fight (No. 1)
Keith Kizer oversees the uneventful weigh-ins. Dustin Pague says he believes Johnny has the win “in the bag,” as he’s the better wrestler, better striker and has the reach advantage, to boot. Johnny tips the scales at 136 pounds.
Meanwhile, John, yawning in the moments before it’s time weigh-in, gives a little Ramsey Nijem dance before hopping on the scales and registering 135 pounds. As Johnny and John square off, Michael Bisping asks “Mayhem” which one of his guy will prove the winner. Miller’s answer? The always generic, “The fans win.”
UFC president Dana White seems to lean toward Johnny, citing the massive size difference in the two as a real challenge for John. Johnny spends his time preparing the night before the fight by shadowboxing in the pool. John spends time with Team Bisping, admitting his Napoleon complex is the force that will drive him to victory.
The fight (No. 1)
In the night’s first fight, we have a bantamweight semifinal matchup between Team Miller products Johnny Bedford (17-9-1) and John Dodson (11-5). Dana opens the fight with his traditional introduction, and Herb Dean oversees the action.
Johnny looks to strike from distance early, but John does a good job of moving in and out while landing several of his own crisp punches. Johnny looks several times to secure a clinch, but John remains light on his feet and pulls away each time. Johnny finally secures a takedown with less than two minutes remaining, but John pops immediately back up to his feet. Johnny’s corner implores him to push forward in the latter stages of the frame, but his bloodied face is a clear indication of who won the opening round.
John starts quickly in the second but does find himself in a bit of early danger when Johnny nearly drags him to the floor. It’s only temporary, as John then lands a vicious left to the chin that sends Johnny crashing to the floor. John follows with a few massive hammerfists that Louis Gaudinot describes as “a monkey trying to open up a coconut.” It’s a brutal finish, and when doctors ask a prone Johnny where he’s lying, he responds, “I’m in Ohio.”
And with that John Dodson books his finale fight with Team Bisping’s T.J. Dillashaw (4-0).
Pre-fight (No. 2)
Back at the house, Team Miller featherweight semifinalist Bryan Caraway is suggesting his Team Bisping opponent, Diego Brandao, may be powerful but certainly can’t keep up that intensity over three rounds. However, with Diego menacingly sharpening a butcher knife just a few feet away, we’re not so sure.
At the gym, Bisping begs to differ and says there’s a reason Diego was the team’s No. 1 draft pick. Meanwhile, Bryan is telling his team that the grind of MMA is beginning to take its toll on him, and he claims a love-hate relationship with the sport. Miller does his best to re-affirm Bryan he’s doing the right thing. In the end, the talk seems to work, and Caraway appears to be mentally prepared for the matchup.
At the weigh-ins Team Bisping’s Josh Ferguson can’t help but notice that Bryan may be a little nervous. Of course, he doesn’t blame him, calling Diego a “killer.” Meanwhile, Johnny Bedford doesn’t buy the hype. Both fighters tip the scales at 145 pounds. As the two stare each other down, Bisping proposes a $10,000 side bet. Miller doesn’t look exactly anxious but eventually settles a more modest $100 wager.
Back at the house, the fighters are ready to have a few cocktails end enjoy their last night of isolation. Miller raises the partying stakes by stripping down to his undies and riding a bicycle first through the house and then into the pool. A ramp is then constructed for the fighters to follow suit, and a beer pong game breaks out shortly after.
Inside the house, Diego is not happy about the partying. This is a shot to improve his family’s life, and he wants to stay focused on the prize. Caraway is also a little uncertain what the night will bring, knowing he needs to relax and focus on the task at hand.
When fight day finally rolls around, both fighters look ready to scrap, and Brandao punctuates his entrance by taking a shot on already broken gym door.
The fight (No. 1)
In the season’s final taped fight, Team Bisping’s Diego Brandao (13-7) meets Team Miller’s Bryan Caraway (15-5) with a featherweight final berth on the line.
Diego moves forward at the opening bell, but it’s Bryan who moves in for a quick takedown. Diego is ready and pulls away, remaining upright. A few more sprawls seem to instill confidence in Diego, and he starts to pick up the pace in the striking department.
As the round unfolds, Bryan’s corner implores him to move forward, telling their fighter that Diego is tiring. Whether he is or not, Diego is still comfortable defending Bryan’s shot and keeps everything on the feet, where he’s firing massive overhand rights. It’s a left hook, though, that lands flush, and Diego follows with a flying knee right after. Caraway hits the deck and looks to defend, but Diego hammers away with punches from the too. Referee Josh Rosenthal watches closely as Bryan rolls and tries to defend. Eventually, Diego retreats to the feet and lands a high kick when Bryan does the same.
More punches send Bryan to the canvas, and Rosenthal tells him the end is nearing. Diego continues to unload heavy leather. Bryan shows incredible heart in climbing back to his feet yet again, but he’s certainly not recovered. Bryan wobbles as he presses in, and he eventually falls to the canvas, where Diego scores with a thundering right hand that seals the result. Rosenthal steps in, and Diego has booked his finals date with Dennis Bermudez (7-2).
Not satisfied with just celebrating his win, Diego finds Dennis sitting on the outside of the cage and lets him know his talk in the house is not appreciated. Dennis insists he never talked any trash but declines to try and make any peace between them.
White squares off the four season finalists and calls them the “most-talented” finalists in the history of the series. And with the full season in the books, it’s time for the fans to make their voices known. As was announced in the first episode of the season, online voting determines $25,000 winners for the “Best Fight,” “Best Knockout” and “Best Submission” of the year.
Additionally, White brings in both Bisping and Miller for a quick face-off. Bisping immediately moves forehead-to-forehead, and White has to separate them. Neither quits talking, but the fireworks are saved for the finale.
Don’t forget to watch the live Finale this weekend live on Spike TV.
