We start out with a quick recap of the fight from the debut episode, and an introduction to our combatants for this episode. You can click here and read it, of course, and this week’s episode focuses on the 2nd fight in the house: Elias Theodurou vs. Zein Saliba.
And we’re going on delay this week because it’s Blackhawks vs. Red Wings and well … it’s hockey, yo. Normally I’d split screen both but it’s Red Wings vs. Hawks, the best rivalry in hockey. One downside of not being in the same conference anymore is that it’s only two games a season we get to play the Wings; thus it becomes a bigger deal.
Obviously the big rivalry for both teams has changed, as it’s Hawks/Canucks and Maple Leafs/Detroit instead of Hawks/Wings, but it still means something because it’s pro sports in the Midwest. There’s still tons of history and it’s a rivalry Wednesday game that means something still. And it’s OT … OT hockey games are always great. And Crawford stood on his head in the penalty shootout as well.
Cote brings in BJJ champion Vitor Ribeiro to work with his team and we get a general introduction to Elias during their training session. For a TUF Nations episode that’s a huge name to bring in, at least from the BJJ community. Cote really seems to be enjoying coaching.
First issue of this season: the cleanliness of the house. Sixteen people in one house is going to lead to some messiness, one imagines, and the guys discuss it.
Team Australia discusses Elias, who they refer to as Buzz Lightyear. Apparently he has a huge jaw and talks a lot. That’s interesting trash talk, to say the least. Elias is an actor/model when he isn’t fighting and we get a training session as Team Canada installs their gameplan for the fight.
Weigh ins and both guys are on weight. Saliba comes from a BJJ background, apparently. He’s also a natural welterweight who’s fighting up for the show whereas Elias normally fights at 185. The Aussies all seem to be fighting up a weight class this season.
Cote brings in his nutritionist as the guys have a dinner for their coaches. Cote discusses the nature of nutrition and weight cutting in modern MMA. Considering he’s dropped weight classes every couple years he’s a definite authority; he fought Tito for the LHW belt and Anderson Silva for the middleweight title already and has had a couple of fights at 170. It’s also fortuitous timing as we’re coming off a season where two fighters missed weight during the season, as well.
There’s a birthday with a cake and we’ve got a food fight going on.
Some depth and game planning from Saliba’s side comes in. Watson wants him to take it to the ground and make this a grappling match. Watson doesn’t want him trying to be something he isn’t. Adrian Pang comes in to work with Team Australia to lend his knowledge of the striking game. Izzy Martinez wants to push his team hard and they’re working out hard.
It’s fight day and this looks like it’s going to at least the third since we’re halfway through the episode and we’re gearing up for it. Final thoughts from both guys, who really want it.
Round 1: Bit of a grindy first round as Elias is looking to get this to the ground and Saliba as well, both stuck against the cage. Both guys are fighting for space but Elias looks pretty good so far. Nice slam with 40 seconds left. 10-9 Elias.
Round 2: Elias with a big slam and takedown to start the round. He grinds out the round on top. 10-9 Elias, 20-18
I wondered why the first half hour went so fast … not a lot of commercials. Big breaks between rounds, et al.
Elias wins the fight. Team Cote has the hammer.
Next week’s fight is scheduled: Chad Laprise vs. Chris Indich
Kyle Watson isn’t happy with his team’s 0-2 start. Will they rebound next week?
As always, follow me on Twitter @ScottSawitz to chat all things MMA and TUF.
