The Ultimate Fighter 13 Recap and Finale Preview
My final two cents:
This was probably the fastest two months of my life. It seems like yesterday when I turned on my television to watch the season premier of TUF 13 back in March. I know I’ve been a very strong critic during my time providing recap and analysis of the thirteenth season, but I feel like this season ended on a very positive note despite my personal feelings towards this series. I still believe that this show needs a lot of improvement and changes, but it’s merely subjective. Some people agree with my opinions, some people don’t. I could be wrong, you could be right. Have we witnessed before our very eyes the birth of a new major star in the world of Mixed Martial Arts? Who knows, but I will say this. If you are looking for entertaining television, TUF 14 could be the most fun season yet. Jason “Mayhem” Miller and Michael Bisping being featured as head coaches is a receipe for reality television at it’s finest.
For you hardcore Lowkickers and readers out there thank you for following my diaries regardless of how you felt about my opinions. I’m glad to have helped create discussion and debate amongest our fellow MMA fans. If I helped you get a different persepective and opened your mind to what you were viewing on your TV screen, that means I’ve done my job. With TUF 13 behind us and looking forward to TUF 14, let’s look at the two men who will be facing each other for a UFC contract.
Ramsey Nijem vs. Tony Ferguson:
The road to the finale in the thirteen season of The Ultimate Fighter was a long one filled with both comedy and drama. Ramsey Nijem from Team dos Santos earned himself the nickname “Stripper Ramsey”. The fun loving Ramsey was the show’s clown, a guy who wasn’t afraid to show off his “package” to everyone who stayed at The Ultimate Fighter house. Although he was fun and games through out the series, when it came to training, he earned the respect of his peers and coaches. Head coach Junior dos Santos looked at Ramsey as his team’s ace. During Ramsey’s time on the show he made a reputation as a wrestling specialist with some dangerous submission skills. Ramsey Nijem was able to submit Charlie Rader in his first fight in the 2nd round, made very easy work with a 1st round submission against Clay Harvision, and showed his guts in the semi-final fight against Chris Cope scoring the TKO victory in the 2nd round.
Tony Ferguson during the beginning of the series had a reputation for being Team Lesnar’s quiet guy. He didn’t speak much, mainly did his talking during training and competition, and always wore suits before a fight. Just like Ramsey was for Team dos Stantos, head coach Brock Lesnar looked at Tony as the top fighter in his team. Ferguson’s striking was arguably the best in this season’s cast. He KO’ed Justin Edwards in the first round and TKO’ed Ryan McGillivray in his second fight. As we went further into the show, alcohol was introduced into the mix, and viewers got a glispe of what Tony is like after a night of too much drinking. He became the show’s outcast and bad guy, the one that you love to hate. Tony faced teammate and rival Chuck O’Neil in the semi-final bout. Ferguson dominated him for three rounds and eventually TKO’ed Chuck in the third round.
This year’s TUF final is a classic match-up between grappler and striker. Ramsey Nijem has the edge in the grappling department and has shown a very dangerous ground game. Tony Ferguson during his time on the show has shown crisp MMA striking. Ramsey has yet to be tested by a striker and Tony has yet to be tested by a grappler. Both men show superior skills but who will be the one to have their hand raised in victory? If Ramsey Nijem can put Tony Ferguson on his back or grind him up against the Octagon fence, this could be a long Saturday night for Tony. If Tony can use his leg kicks and accurate striking in a similiar fashion to that against Chuck O’Neil, “Stripper Ramsey” ain’t going to look so pretty anymore.
This should be an exciting bout on a card that also features:
Kyle Kingsbury vs. Fabio Maldonado
Ed Herman vs. Tim Credeur
Chris Cope vs. Chuck O’Neil
Be sure to check out the fights this Saturday! Check your local listings and keep it on lock with Lowkick.com for the latest news and developments!
