Last week’s episode ended with Team Lesnar losing to Team dos Santos, prompting both coaches to push their teams harder this week. Team dos Santos controlled the draw and picked Javier Torres (2-0-0) to represent their team against Team Lesnar’s Chris Cope (4-1-0). Both teams experienced intense training and coaching coupled with pep talks; neither side wanted to lose with alpha dogs as coaches.
Meanwhile, Team dos Santos fighter Keon Caldwell (8-1-0) let his feelings for his daughter and home dominate his mind, hindering his training, and undermining his desire to remain on the show. Caldwell approached JDS with his feelings of discontent with being there, and JDS reiterated the importance of the competition and team camaraderie, advising Caldwell to think hard about his decision before making it permanent. Team JDS coach Lew Polley noted that Keon was “mentally struggling,” and that this was reflected in his training and lack of will. This led to Dana White making an appearance to talk to Keon about his motivation to leave the show. Dana explained the importance of this once in a lifetime opportunity and how this would impact his life and family. Keon seemed genuine and wanted to stay, but his heart was singing another song.
On the Team Lesnar side, the team doesn’t have it any easier, as Brock’s patience is tested, and his irritation from the previous loss is displayed. Charlie Rader (15-4-0) expressed the team’s sentiments best when he said, “Man, if we don’t win this next fight, Brock’s probably going to kill us.” The team feels the disappointment, and the training becomes more intense.
This week’s competitors, Torres (from Mexico) and Cope (from San Diego), were feeling the pressure for victory. But meanwhile, Keon departs the show, and Dana wants to get a quick replacement with heart, who won’t quit early in the season. Not much drama here; Keon decided to leave cut and dry…all about priorities.
The fight begins in Round 1 with Torres getting Cope against the cage where most of the entire fight was fought. Cope brought some knees up, but Torres controlled the positioning, and threw in a few knees as well. Torres executed a nice judo hip toss on Cope and ended up on Cope’s back. Once again, Torres gained control with Cope against the cage. Both fighters scrambled against the cage. Cope got a bloody scratch under his eye when they were standing, but nothing dangerous. Round 2 included more time spent against the cage with both fighters throwing knees than striking in the center, leading to the judges ruling the fight a draw, and deciding that a third round was necessary.
By the third round, Torres looked like his energy level was dropping, as Cope was able to land punches and kicks with more momentum. This round featured more against the cage action before Herb Dean finally broke it up. Torres takes a knee to the groin, earning a few moments of pain relief. But overall Cope looked better, despite the round being held up by backs against the cage. Chris Cope won 10-9 by decision, and Team Lesnar gained control. Brock seemed a little happy…it was all about perseverance.
We will have to see what happens next week on Spike, Wednesday night at 9pm, for more intense training, and to determine who has the most heart and desire to remain on the show, and become the next Ultimate Fighter.
