TUF Nations (Australia vs. Canada) – Episode 5 “Make Some Noise” (Richard Walsh vs. Matthew DesRoches) Review & Commentary

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We open with the results of the war of last week between Tyler and Nordine. It’s interesting to hear about how great Tyler could be, et al, from the members of the cast considering the crap storm he’s had because of something he posted to Instagram nearly two years ago. Zuffa won’t offer him a contract no matter what happens on the show, apparently, so he immediately becomes more interesting to watch on the show.

Patrick Cote isn’t a fan of losing, something he personally hasn’t done outside the UFC as a professional, and now it’s time to see if Canada can rebound. They’re currently up 3-1 but Australia has a good matchup this week.

Time to delve into both of these guys as we get the usual personality profiles on both men. Nothing exciting out of either guy, personality wise, as both guys are solid professionals who are there for the proper reasons. Both guys are pretty young, neither older than 25, and neither guy has anyone of note as an opponent. It’s hard to get a read on these guys on paper alone.

Both guys have records with lots of finishes by strikes. It should be another slugfest if YouTube clips and records are a good indicator. Weigh-ins are complete and both guys are on point. Both look like proper welterweights, too, as both look in great shape. I’m a little excited for the fight but some sort of foreshadowing is at play. Both teams discuss Walsh’s big advantage when it comes to wrestling and that he could lay ‘n’ pray his way to victory.

It’s interesting to hear that both teams discuss it openly, and how Dana White will hate a fight like that.

Nordine Taleb shows up to help out during training despite his broken foot. It’s kind of cool to see him move into a Nate Quarry type of role after losing a fight and breaking a foot.

Time for tonight’s fight


Round 1: Walsh comes out grinding for a takedown, pinning the Canadian against the cage for the first half of the round but not able to do much. He lands some nice knees to the body and eventually DesRoches circles out. Two minutes left and both guys are throwing down, Walsh getting the better of the exchanges (But not by much). DesRoches lands some big shots and Walsh goes back to the takedown, can’t finish a single leg. Circle out and we’re back standing. Final minute and DesRoches is controlling the fight. Could be enough to steal the round when all is said and done. 10-9 Walsh

Round 2: Walsh comes out throwing for the first minute and goes back to trying for takedowns. Good TDD from DesRoches, though, as he can’t get it. He circles out and we’re back to throwing leather. His plan i simple: throw hands until he can get in for a takedown attempt. He’s in deep with 90 seconds left and gets it, then takes back. DesRoches is back up immediately but the Aussie grinds out the rest of the round. 10-9 Walsh, 20-18

Official decision: Walsh


Team Australia retains the hammer and they’ve got some swagger. Dan Kelly vs. Sheldon Westcott is next week’s matchup at 185.