The funny thing about this season: Chael Sonnen is making it difficult to hate him. His pep talks to his team feel sincere and inspiring. He does a twist of the Hoosiers scene measuring the height of each basket, telling…
Tag Archive for the ultimate fighter
The Ultimate Fighter 16: The final recap
by Beau Dure • • 0 Comments
The final episode of TUF Smashes, the UK-vs.-Australia season, also concluded a few days ago. The last episode featured good-natured toasts between two teams who have come to respect each other, then a stellar submission by Colin Fletcher. Maybe Fletcher’s…
The Ultimate Fighter 16, Episode 11: Blame Canada!
by Beau Dure • • 0 Comments
Time for the showdown of friends and teammates — Jon Manley and Joey Rivera. They praise each other and hug. And Team Carwin thinks Team Nelson hasn’t bonded … Colton Smith is cornering Manley. Cameron Diffley is cornering Rivera. Dana…
The Ultimate Fighter 16, Episode 10: Team Jacob vs. Team Carwin
by Beau Dure • • 0 Comments
So the ratings are down again. That’s surprising. Isn’t a Twilight movie the perfect lead-in to a men’s-only show about people fighting without vampire teeth and sparkles? Going from Team Jacob vs. Team Edward to Team Nelson vs. Team Carwin doesn’t do…
The Ultimate Fighter 16, Episode 9: Friends and fighting
by Beau Dure • • 0 Comments
In life and The Ultimate Fighter, stepping up and apologizing is a Good Thing. From a utilitarian perspective, apologies add much to the greater good. They free society of the need to do excessive policing, allowing that society to focus…
MMA: Where have all the hardcores gone?
by Beau Dure • • 1 Comment
In mixed martial arts, the fanbase is divided into two camps — “hardcores” and “casuals.” “Casuals” are fans who were late to jump on the MMA bandwagon and are most prone to respond to big names. They know Brock Lesnar,…
UFC gives Chael Sonnen a title shot he simply does not deserve
by Beau Dure • • 1 Comment
Updated below with more comments … Boxing and MMA promoters have to walk a fine line between hucksterism and sports. The UFC has long walked it better than most. Dana White didn’t build up Kimbo Slice as one of the…
The Ultimate Fighter, Season 16, Episode 4: Fix the scales!
by Beau Dure • • 0 Comments
Previously on The Ultimate Fighter: Bleeep … Bleeeeppp! …. Bleeeeeeepppp! And Joey Rivera shocked No. 1 pick Alvey. Several seasons ago, Forrest Griffin flipped a coin to set up the matchups. Now, Roy Nelson has his team drawing straws. Final…