411’s Ultimate Fighter 27: Undefeated Report 6.20.18

The Ultimate Fighter 27: Episode TEN
INTRODUCTION: Season 27 of the Ultimate Fighter is here. This season will feature undefeated featherweights and lightweights, with current UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic against current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier serving as the coaches ahead of their upcoming fight. There will be a lightweight and a featherweight winner. Last week, Mike Trizano (6-0, 1-0 TUF) defeated John Gunther (6-0, 0-1 TUF) via unanimous decision. This week, Brad Katona (6-0, 1-0 TUF) vs. Bryce Mitchell (9-0, 1-0 TUF).

– Cormier brings in former Ultimate Fighter winner Michael Chiesa to talk with the boys, specifically Mitchell & Katona, about preparing for the finals. Chiesa says there will be a ton of pressure on them as they will now become big time fighters if they make the finals, and breaks things down for them, like the schedule and what will be expected of them. Mitchell & Katona train and do so at the same time for cardio and non-fight prep style things.

– The house eats pizza and watches a fight night event. Miocic is having a good time hanging out with the guys. Katona says that he feels like he’s been under estimated and that many favor Mitchell over him. He doesn’t feel the need to talk himself up and will prove himself in the cage. Mitchell gets in some late night sparring/mit work, because he knows he has to put in work to get the win.

– We see Mitchell taking a piss outside and then hand making a flint arrowhead necklace for Cormier.

– WEIGH-INS: Katona (145), Mitchell (146).

– We get the usual pre-fight warm-ups.

FEATHERWEIGHT SEMIFINAL BOUT: Brad Katona (6-0, 1-0 TUF) vs. Bryce Mitchell (9-0, 1-0 TUF) ROUND ONE: Mitchell is more experienced, 4-inches taller, and will enjoy a 5-inch reach. They come out and circle, and start trading with both landing, but Mitchell mixing in some leg kicks as well. Katona answers back, and scores a takedown. He works from half guard and locks on a guillotine, but Mitchell counters and lands in side control. he does nothing as Katona scrambles and gets top control from half guard. Katona starts landing strikes from the top and now takes the back but Mitchell gets to his feet. They separate and trade. Mitchell starts slipping in jabs and connecting better than he had been. Katona stuffs a takedown, but Mitchell slowly drags him down as the round ends. SCORECARD: Very close round, Katona 10-9

ROUND TWO: They come out and Mitchell is throwing and landing strikes and kicks right away. He’s landing well so far, backing Katona off. They clinch and work to the cage. Katona’s nose is busted up and he’s bleeding. Mitchell keeps landing knee strikes and Katona finally separates. Katona starts to circle and starts putting some solid combinations together. Katona starts to land more power strikes and Mitchell is timid all of the sudden, not wanting to move forward. Katona chases, but Mitchell gets a sneaky takedown. He lands body strikes and stacks up Katona, but Katona works up kicks as the round ends. SCORECARD: 10-9 Mitchell, 19-19 overall.

ROUND THREE: They come out aggressively to start off the round, both working with a good sense of urgency and trying to win the fight. Mitchell shoots and takes Katona down, Katona is bleeding a ton from the nose. He lands elbows from the bottom, but Mitchell keeps top position, even if he’s not doing much of anything. Katona sweeps and looks for an arm bar, Mitchell plays defense, but Katona rolls and works into guard. He then takes the back and locks in a choke, and Mitchell taps. OFFICIAL RESULT: Brad Katona via RD3 submission

– Next week: Allan Zuniga (13-0, 1-0 TUF) vs. Joe Giannetti (6-0, 1-0 TUF), plus the coach’s challenge (hockey).

– Where we stand…

TEAM MIOCIC
* LW: Mike Trizano (6-0, 2-0 TUF) – finalist
* LW: Allan Zuniga (13-0, 1-0 TUF)
* FW: Jay Cucciniello (8-0, 0-1 TUF) – on a second chance
* LW: John Gunther (6-0, 0-2 TUF)
* FW: Dulani Perry (4-0, 0-1 TUF)
* FW: Suman Mokhtarian (8-0, 0-1 TUF)
* LW: Jose Martinez Jr. (4-0, 0-1 TUF)
* FW: Kyler Phillips (5-0, 0-1 TUF)

TEAM CORMIER
* FW: Brad Katona (6-0, 2-0 TUF) – finalist
* LW: Joe Giannetti (6-0, 1-0 TUF)
* FW: Tyler Diamond (9-0, 1-0 TUF)
* <1>FW: Bryce Mitchell (9-0, 1-1 TUF)
* LW: Richie Smullen (3-0-1, 0-1 TUF)
* LW: Thailand Clark (7-0, 0-1 TUF)
* FW: Ricky Steele (5-0, 1-0 TUF) – medical DQ
* LW: Luis Pena (4-0, 1-0 TUF) – medical DQ

– LIGHTWEIGHT FINALS: Mike Trizano (6-0, 2-0 TUF) vs. TBA
– FEATHERWEIGHT FINALS: Brad Katona (6-0, 2-0 TUF) vs. TBA

– End Scene.

– Thanks for reading.

“Byyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyye Felicia!”