CAUTION: SPOILERS INCLUDED – 14 lightweight prospects have fought their way into the house on The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck. Two have made it to the quarterfinals. Who will be the third?
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“If every fight is going to be like that, back and forth, you guys are going to give me a heart attack,” said Team GSP coach Georges St-Pierre after Michael Johnson’s win over Aaron Wilkinson on last week’s episode. But Johnson is still basking in the glory of the victory since it took place in front of boxing legend Mike Tyson, and “Iron Mike” is more than willing to share some of his knowledge with Team GSP after the bout.
Meanwhile, after an 0-2 start, Koscheck is ready to lay down the law on his team in the gym during their next training session.
“If that’s not enough to motivate you,” said Kos of his team’s winless record, “then you’re in the wrong sport.”
And Team Koscheck is motivated, ready to work and ready to get on the scoreboard.
Things are getting heated up even back in the house, as Sevak Magakian and Jeff Lentz don’t take too kindly to some of the statements made by Alex Caceres during Johnson’s fight, calling it unprofessional. Things get particularly heated between Magakian and Caceres, with Nam Phan being forced to break things up as Magakian goes at his rival.
“I think these guys love to hate me,” said Caceres.
After some light-hearted banter between the coaches, St-Pierre picks this week’s fight: Team GSP’s Kyle Watson vs. Team Koscheck’s Andrew Main. It’s a battle between the oldest (Watson, 30) and youngest (Main, 21) fighters in the competition, and both come from solid camps, Watson from Matt Hughes’ H.I.T. Squad and Main from New Jersey’s AMA Fight Club. But all that matters to Koscheck is getting the win for his team.
“This is the most important fight of this competition for us,” said Koscheck. “It’s all about attitude. You’ve got ten minutes to win a fight. You can do anything for ten minutes.”
Early on, the two trade strikes, with both fighters having their moments. Soon after, they lock up, with Main taking Watson’s back as they stand against the fence. Main is the busier fighter, using his punches to force Watson to the mat. Watson remains patient and gets free with two minutes left. He lands a few ground strikes before the bell, ending the round strong.
Watson looks winded between rounds, and Koscheck notices it. In response, Main goes after Watson with his striking attack at the bell for round two, but Watson turns the tables with a takedown. Midway through the round, Main gives up his back, and eventually Watson is able to sink in the rear naked choke that produces a tap out and the victory.
Koscheck is inconsolable after the loss.
“I’m heartbroken. We’ve had three fights that have been close and I’m real disappointed right now.”
With the win, Team GSP takes a 3-0 lead in the competition and retains control. Here’s how the teams look:
Team GSP
Michael Johnson 1-0
Jonathan Brookins
Spencer Paige
Alex Caceres 1-0
Kyle Watson 1-0
Cody McKenzie
Dane Sayers
Team Koscheck
Marc Stevens
Sevak Magakian
Sako Chivitchian
Andrew Main – Eliminated on episode four by Kyle Watson
Nam Phan
Aaron Wilkinson – Eliminated on episode three by Michael Johnson
Jeffrey Lentz – Eliminated on episode two by Alex Caceres
For weekly recaps of The Ultimate Fighter, as well as fighter profiles, stay tuned to UFC.com.