The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9: Episode 9 recap and discussion

by Jesse Holland on May 27, 2009 10:01 PM EDT

Episode nine of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 9 gets underway and Coach Dan Henderson breaks the news to Team USA that Jason Pierce went limp and won't be fighting Dave Faulkner from Team UK. Dana gets called in to find a suitable replacement and interviews Mark Miller and Frank Lester.

Dana has to decide which fighter has it worse - Miller and his busted up nose or Lester and his AWOL teeth.

Pierce tells the rest of his team that Dana took one look at his leg and wouldn't let him fight. Pierce also says he told Dana that he wanted to fight but they wouldn't let him. Unfortunately no one is buying it.

Miller doesn't get cleared to fight because of his broken nose so Frank Lester lives again.

Hendo pulls Lester aside and gives him extra attention since he's fighting on short notice. There is a general consensus that Lester might be too banged up to pull this one off.

Pierce hopes Lester gets out of the fight with no pain or injuries. What a guy.

"Hollywood" informs Bisping that Team USA is switching schedules from morning to afternoon training -- which is apparently his right. Bisping smiles and says no. He leaves and Henderson calls him a little bitch.

Bisping returns with his entire team to have a West Side Story type of confrontation. Damarques prefers a "Gangs of New York" reference. He also gets a little mouthy with "The Count" during the fight announcement and gets squirted in the face with some water. He returns fire with a hat flip and Bisping calls Johnson a racist.

They have to be separated and Johnson takes time to cool off before we finally get the announcement of Dave Faulkner vs. Frank Lester.

Team UK gets overruled on the gym training times and now has to wake up bright and early to train. Bisping thinks that a confident Faulkner will blow Lester away. They get a hypnotist (or hypnotherapist if you will) to come in and help him control his gag reflex.

Tangina reprograms him using a robotic voice and scented candles from the clearance rack at Target. Lester could use some reprogramming himself as he doubts himself in his bedroom the night before the fight.

As both fighters prepare, Hendo tells Lester to relax, no worries, while Bisping tells Faulkner to go right through his opponent's head. Interesting dichotomy between the two.

Welterweight elimination fight #4: Dave Faulkner (2-1) vs. Frank Lester (3-2)

Round 1: They dance for a while. Faulkner with a low kick. Then another. Lester returns the favor. "Hands tight!" screams Bisping -- about twenty times in the first minute. Hendo answers with a monotone "jabs...jabs...jabs..." Faulkner rushes and they go to the cage. They work for position and Faulkner changes levels and gets nothing. They break away. Faulkner low kicks. They exchange Thai clinches and Lester eats a huge left before getting taken down. He scrambles to his feet and they break away again. Faulkner clips him but is sucking wind. Faulkner lands a left and follows up with a knee. Faulkner's hands are low and Lester tags him. They go back to the cage and hug until time expires. This one goes to Faulkner.

Round 2: Faulkner is gassed. Mouthpiece pulls the eject button. Action restarts and Lester tags him. And again. They clinch and go to the cage. Knee by Lester. Faulkner backs up and gets blasted in the jaw. Lester smells blood and tees off. Lester lands knees from a long-distance clinch. Faulkner on the run. Lester attacking confidently. They go to the cage and tie up. Good knee to the body by Faulkner who follows up with a huge punch to the jaw. Phantom ball shot sends Faulkner running. Straight left lands for Lester. Faulkner pushes him to the cage. Lester bleeding. They work for position against the cage until time expires. Round 2 goes to Lester. Plan for a third.

Round 3: Very unnerving shot of TapouT sitting ringside -- with Mask. Faulkner quits on his stool. Wanted no part of a third round. Hats off to Lester for his nine lives.

Team USA gets a huge boost in morale while a baffled Team UK tries to figure out what went wrong. A furious Bisping busts through the door to his dressing room. Faulkner seems very happy-go-lucky, talking about enjoying the fight while the rest of his team is sitting there enraged.

In the USA locker room Lester -- who is starting to look like Coach Henderson -- relishes his victory and third chance at TUFdom.

Stay tuned next week as Richie unloads on Pierce for quitting, Dana picks the semifinal matches (and the coaches don't seem to like it) and two welterweights throwdown in perhaps the season's best fight.

See you in seven!

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Comments

I hope Dan whips Bisping like a rented mule! He is nothing but a prick!

by chad black on May 27, 2009 10:09 PM EDT reply actions

Bisping doesnt stand a chance with a guy like Henderson

by BMO on May 28, 2009 3:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Standing ovation for Frank! That boy has some heart like I’ve never seen. Just had his face bashed in and teeth knocked out and he steps it up and out hearts the supposed best UK fighter. Hats off to Frank.

by RedDog on May 28, 2009 5:08 AM EDT up reply actions

I concur, that kid has moxy.

by Sirchokemout on May 28, 2009 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions

No matter what happens in the tournament, Frankie better be on the televised UFN card. If for no other reason than he had the balls to step up. The kid’s got heart…

I hope Dan flogs Michael “Is that even English?” Bisbing.

by Cole on May 28, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions

I knew that kid was scrappy!

by john on May 28, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Franks a refreshing kind of guy! i liked him and his stupidity before this fight but just seeing him go out there is pretty inspiring! guy just wants to hit people! love it.

by Randy for Couture on May 28, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Bisping stands a very good chance against Hendo, assuming he can avoid Hendo’s loaded right hand. He’s a quick, smart, multifaceted fighter who will give any fighter fits.

What’s with all the Bisping hatred on this site? Other than missing his fighter’s fight earlier in the season, I think he’s been an excellent coach. He’s a good motivator and he has a ton of pride. Besides, why would he voluntarily give up the better practice time. His obligation is to his team (team UK), not to team USA

I like Bisping more now than before the show. He’s hilarious – perfect for this medium. That being said, I am a Henderson fan as well. It will be a competitive fight.

by WADZ on May 28, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Does anybody know where i can catch last nights episode online ??? I missed it, cable got cut off =(

by Lestat on May 28, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

http://twitter.com/Rampage4real

by rich on May 28, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions

“and im one step closer to being offical badass” man frankie is awesome

by JG on May 28, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions

lmfao " it leteraly jsut happened, i saw him saw the waterbottle in my hand , sqeezed my hand and it went on his face, theres nothign else i can say about it"

by JG on May 28, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions

That’s funny, there are still teeth in his mouthpiece.

by iagoof22 on May 27, 2009 10:10 PM EDT reply actions

bisping is becoming more of a tool every week, he always contradicts himself, i really hope dan slaps him around! fair play to frank, fought hard, after seeing a performance like that pierce should be even more ashamed of himself!

by jslim on May 27, 2009 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Its weird, I went from Bisping being my favorite on his season of TUF to absolutely hating him now….If Dan loses i might cry…

by JIZZO on May 27, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah, I put cash on Bisping back when the odds were good, but I’m afraid I’ll be pulling for Dan now.

by Punch You in the Ovaries on May 28, 2009 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions

You n’ me both PYITO, I put 400.00 on Bisping at 3/1. But I’ve always been a Hendo Fan.. just had to go with the odds on this one. Ether way I’ll be happy n miserable at the same time!

by DAVE A on May 28, 2009 4:14 AM EDT up reply actions

HA-HA!
I told you Punch!…j/k
Hendo is “Tha Man”!
I’ll say like attakdog…that “Bizzbing is overrated”
He will get back to earth after a nap inflicted by Hendo!

by Alpha Male 360 on May 28, 2009 7:20 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m not putting any stock in the editing for TUF anymore; yea Bisping might look like he’s being a d!ck head but, how much editing was done to make him look that way? Doesn’t 1 , 1 hr episode encompass an entire week?? Thats a lot of time for behind the scenes junk to go on that no one would ever know about. I’m just watching for the fights; the TUF view on the people/coaches is always going to be skewed by the editing department to create the most drama/conflict possible.

by O damn he got caught on May 28, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions

I don’t imagine any amount of editing caused him to squirt a fighter in the face with his water bottle, or be completely un-negotiable about training schedules. To me, it doesn’t really matter if those were the only d!ckhead stunts he pulled all week (and I doubt it), it still puts him well into d!ckhead territory. Maybe even the mayor of d!ickheadsville…shire.

by Chalkbot on May 28, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions

‘Mayor of Dicksville’ LMAO!

by DAVE A on May 28, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope Dan whips Bisping like a rented mule! He is nothing but a classless arrogant prick.

by chad black on May 27, 2009 10:10 PM EDT reply actions

You already said that chad.

by RedDog on May 28, 2009 5:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Im cheering for Frankie “No Teeth” no matter who he fights just cuz he aint got no teeth …hahahahaha

by $Curt$ on May 27, 2009 10:11 PM EDT reply actions

i knew frankie would win, david was a very small welterweight and he injured his leg up pretty bad. frankie just seems like a tough straight up brawler. those were pretty much true as frankie took davids punishment in the first than kicked davids arse in the second. if there was a third round frankie wouldve got the ko. HES MY UNDERDOG PICK TO TAKE THE SHOW :P

by Jared on May 27, 2009 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think Frankie will win, but I must say he gained a ton of respect in my eyes. He had a busted nose, black eyes, and some of his teeth were still in his mouthpiece. With all that against him, he still went in there and won the fight on pure heart, and even made the other guy quit on the stool. Tough guy.

by naturalshadow on May 28, 2009 1:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Smart career move for Frank. Either way, win or lose, he impressed Dana which will earn him an invite back to an undercard fight at some point.

by Big Daddio on May 28, 2009 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Andre Winner / Damarquez will win

by Randy for Couture on May 28, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

agreed

by RedDog on May 28, 2009 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Bisping is the biggest tool in the UFC.

by TOMMY-OUZO on May 27, 2009 10:28 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah these last few weeks have made me slowly dislike Bisping and like Hendo. Especially today, with the training schedule thing. I mean, if USA was doing it for 4 weeks, why cant UK do it for 1? Kind of a douchy thing to/not to do.

They SEVERELY overhyped this episode too. “Most shocking ending to a fight in TUF history” is a guy quitting on his stool. F_ck that man. I was thinking it was going to be a draw, but nope. When Faulkner said he couldn’t continue, I thought Hendo was going to throw in the towel for Frankie. You know, double quit or something shocking like that.

I didn’t like Frankie to begin with, and I didn’t think he deserved to be on the show (since he kinda got on by default), but he has some serious heart. He didn’t do anything that first round, but he hung in there still. I dont think he advances in the Semis though.

I think Nick and Ross will advance, and Damarcus and Dent. Assuming that any of those cats dont fight each other.

by Synyster on May 27, 2009 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I have called Ross Pearson from the first epsode when you where picking Shaun White.;-)

Also Dent is crap and will lose!!This will be the Finale Damarques Johnson vs. Nick Opstzick, Ross Pearson vs. Cameron Dallor(hate the guy,but he is better then Dent and if he fights Andre then he will sub Andre)

Also I hope Hendo whoops Bispings arse!!!

by NM on May 27, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions

sounds solid thats my predictions too as i think those 4 are easily the most skilled but i just want frankie to win personally after the two wars hes been in

by Jared on May 27, 2009 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I dont think Frankie will win his next round. I dont think hes as well rounded as the others. Plus, hes been in three fights already, and got tagged up pretty bad in that 2nd one. He just wont be in good enough shape as the other guys, and their superior technique will get the better of him. He will get finished early.

I still have hope for Dent. I’m going off his 2 prior UFC fights, both UD losses to Huerta and Tibau. He is a bit small though, and would be at a big reach disadvantage vs all but Ross I think.

NM- where ya been?

by Synyster on May 28, 2009 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions

eh Synyster,Ive been really busy with work and all.Well how did you do with 98?

I got my ass handed to me with my picks.

I respect Dent’s resume with his UD loss’s to Huerta and Tibau like you said,but I think Dallor will get the W and I think it will be crazy if they do put teammate against teammate,what do you think?

by NM on May 28, 2009 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah I didn’t do too well at 98 either (as usual).

by Synyster on May 28, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions

I still think that Andre Winner and Demarques are the two best fighters on the show.

Andre has the better, crisper standup; but Demarques is more well rounded.

I don’t like when they have two ‘consecutive’ weight divisions on the same season becuse I always forget which weight division each person fights in because they are all about the same size. If they are going to go back to 2 weight divsions, it should be like season 2, HW’s and WW’s (most of which were LW’s). That season, I always knew which division they were in…..

by ViolentMike on May 28, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions

The Tapout crew is watching this one even Mask(rip)..

by $Curt$ on May 27, 2009 10:38 PM EDT reply actions

Tapout is allover my t.v. screan. Whats up with that?

by iagoof22 on May 27, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW thats it just WOW!!!!!!

by $Curt$ on May 27, 2009 10:55 PM EDT reply actions

LMAO Bisping needs to talk to Forrest about how to kick a door.

by IrishMike on May 27, 2009 10:56 PM EDT reply actions

LMAO!!!!! hahaha. THat cracked me up!!!

by Synyster on May 27, 2009 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Bisping put a ding in the corner and Forrest kicks the door in half lol. I love that part. I am ashamed that he shares my first name.

by IrishMike on May 27, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions

More ashamed that Bisping shares your name than Mike Goldberg?

by Synyster on May 28, 2009 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Goldberg yapping could do more damage to that door than bisping lol.

by IrishMike on May 28, 2009 5:24 AM EDT up reply actions

LOL. Funny guy…

by Synyster on May 28, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Frankie “No Teeth” Lester wins it hahahaha nice

by $Curt$ on May 27, 2009 11:02 PM EDT reply actions

Man I cant wait for Dan to punch a hole in Bisping’s head.Pierce is a hoe!

by SluggerCitySoldier on May 27, 2009 11:02 PM EDT reply actions

I can’t wait for Hendo to knock Bisping silly, he is a lame baby always crying. Frank Lester is the man! He deserves this fight and pierce needs to get off the show!!!

by pcast01 on May 27, 2009 11:10 PM EDT reply actions

I bet Bisping needed a box of tissues for this one. We all know these “contestants” have no reflection on real life MMA. In reality the UK has a small handful of top competitors while Americans have dominated MMA for years. They dont even have wrestling in highschool in the UK! Bisping is gonna get POUNDED by Hendo, and team USA will probably end up winning.

I love my British cousins, but saying they are as good as Americans at fighting is like saying Americans are as good as them at soccer.

We do the fighting, they do the soccer playing.

by RichT on May 27, 2009 11:38 PM EDT reply actions

Im not American …But I love it .hahahahaha

by $Curt$ on May 27, 2009 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Americans do the Kicking faces,Brits do the kicking Balls.

by NM on May 27, 2009 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions

LOL!good one NM!

BTW NM!When is the best time to go to Hawaii?If a want to be SURE…to be able,to dive with white sharks??

by Alpha Male 360 on May 27, 2009 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions

You are f_cking crazy Alpha…. lol

by Synyster on May 28, 2009 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Why?I did it before when i was in San Diego!
I went to Guadalupe island in Mexico…Awesome experience!You should try it!
You wont believe how small you,will feel next to a 18 footer!

by Alpha Male 360 on May 28, 2009 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions

You are crazy Alpha,but if you are asking the best time to go diving would be summer but the sharks come out during winter time when the whales come so I would say October/November and In Maui/Oahu.

If you got a facebook man give me your email and I can get you a whole bunch of info.

by NM on May 28, 2009 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Thanks NM!I,would really,really appreciate it!
I don’t have a facebook account yet.Plus i never check my emails(that did put me in trouble when i was at school).I would like to give you my email but to tell you the truth i don’t even remember my password and i’m to lazy to call my internet server to know it…But i will!!I’m not a chat type person “usually”.I,dont text either.Posting on Mania is a new thing for me.If my entourage would know that i,would get a LOTS of shit for it
A few chicks ask me to make me one though.So i guess that i’ll be doing that this week-end!
As soon that i’ll get one,i’ll let you know!

by Alpha Male 360 on May 28, 2009 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions

The answer to your question is right now. Tomorrow. We need your tourism dollars. Mahalo.

by MauiPimpin on May 28, 2009 4:04 AM EDT up reply actions

NM where you at in Hawaii? I’m sure you can guess where I am. Probably.

Maui… just in case. lol

by MauiPimpin on May 28, 2009 4:03 AM EDT up reply actions

Glad to see Lester come out on top! Massive heart!! Cannot wait to see Hendo make Bisping his bitch.

by blackBEERd on May 28, 2009 1:14 AM EDT reply actions

damm tv went out tonight i missed the episode

by bryant on May 28, 2009 1:16 AM EDT reply actions

I think its safe to say win or loose lester will defenately fight for the UFC and that Pierce will most likely not!!!!

by phlicutioner on May 28, 2009 2:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Lester still sucks. WTF about Faulker? HORROR MOVIES AND PRO WRESTLING?!?!?? PFFFT!

by Reeves on May 28, 2009 2:21 AM EDT reply actions

I enjoyed it though. I enjoyed it though.

by Big Daddio on May 28, 2009 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions

Props Mania on a funny write up!

by ToeLock on May 28, 2009 2:53 AM EDT reply actions

Just can’t see Bisbing beating Hendo…the level of competition they have both faced in the past are at polar opposites. Rashad is probably the best guy Bisbing has faced, and not when Rashad became the fighter he is now.

by ToeLock on May 28, 2009 2:54 AM EDT reply actions

Bisping will beat hendo, with strikes. and how did frankies teeth get back in his mouth piece??? he had to take them out to continue his last fight. typical american edited bullshit

by vinrex7 on May 28, 2009 7:46 AM EDT reply actions

hahahahahahahahahahaha! Sorry son but Bisping is a bitch azz half stepping moist azz bitch!Bisping will be lucky to leave the cage alive

by SluggerCitySoldier on May 28, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Right, cause Simon Cowell and the rest of that buch would never heavily edit ANYTHING.

Are you guys (on either side)really that caught up in the country VS country thing. I mean it’s not like we are in there fighting with them.

by Jrandolph on May 28, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Hah, love the comments about Americans fighting, Brits playing “Soccer” (Football that is, just because the US decided to call a sport where the ball is played 90% of the time from the hand “Football” it’s not our fault ;))… You do know that Boxing is British right (Marquis of Queensbury rules and all that…)?

Bear in mind that MMA-style fighting originated in the US as little as 15-20 years ago, that’s probably why most of the top fighters are from there (well, Brazil/Canada if you want to be picky ;))! The rest of the World is playing catch-up for now, but we’ll get there. Remember as well as Wrestling at High School giving US guys an initial advantage (as if we really want more “Matt Hughes”-style lay-n-pray fighting) there is also the matter of a population pool of 5x the UK, hence you should have 5x more representation in any sport where both nations compete.

Bisping can be a dick sometimes but I think people forget he’s looked leagues better at 185 than 205 and Hendo has not really impressed in the UFC – probably going the same route as Chuck/Coleman, there comes a time when things just catch up with you! I think it makes for an interesting fight and one that might not be as clear-cut as many are making out.

by Jimrod on May 28, 2009 7:48 AM EDT reply actions

great post Jimrod… I agree!

by neeko on May 28, 2009 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions

I think you should replace the J in name with a N.

by SluggerCitySoldier on May 28, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Your comment about Matt Hughes is laughable.. Why do you think EVERY fighter trains wrestling. Wrestling is one of the most important aspects of MMA. Just like, BJJ and Kickboxing. Thats one thing the British will have to come to terms with if you ever want to have a champion from the UK.

Like I say, we Americans love our British cousins, and we know you have it in you to be good fighters, but right now you are playing catch up.. Just like America is TRYING to do with soccer.

British might have invented Boxing, but like many other things, us Americans took it and made it better. Just look at the champs we’ve put out.

Americans are born fighters.

by RichT on May 28, 2009 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Was it me or was this one long a$$ episode. Yeah Frank has heart but he is so one dimensional. None of his wins were impressive (both were from the other guys messing up; one knocked himself out, the other quit). Heart is one thing & most of the UK cats have that, but they lack the technical skills that the US has… I hope next episode is better.

Bisping, I used to respect you man, but you are looking like a chump. Go HENDO!!!

by neeko on May 28, 2009 8:43 AM EDT reply actions

I thought the Frankie vs Faulkner fight was crap, they looked like a couple of amateurs. Faulkner gassing in the middle of the 2nd round, what’s with that? I was totally bored with the fight. On a separate note, Bisping looks like a LHW standing next to Hendo, he must have 5-6 inches on him!

by mma_dad on May 28, 2009 8:47 AM EDT reply actions

I do think one of the biggest gap between guys on TUF and actual UFC fighters, is the conditioning. We see all these preview higlights of thier skills, but it seems like almost all of them come into the show with a bad cardio regiment.

by Jrandolph on May 28, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions

I think it’s stupid that people see this as 2 teams.. it’s for every cat on his own… A team will not get you the 6-figure contract.

by neeko on May 28, 2009 8:51 AM EDT reply actions

maybe/maybe not. The better your team is in training the better you tend to be as a fighter; I think the guys that fight first really don’t get much out of the “team” thing, but the guys that step up last probably do see some benefit from the training.

by O damn he got caught on May 28, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah you are right. What I like about MMA is that you respect fighters for their skills & heart, not the country they come from. Yeah I am from Canada & I am a GSP nuthugger… but out of my top 5 fighters, only 1 comes from Canada. Love this sport!!!

by neeko on May 28, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions

I cant believe the brit sucked so much.
I thought he was the bomb and had tons of potential then I hear him say “PRO WRESTLING” ok. LOSER

JUST LIKE PIERCE…

by SHAMWOW on May 28, 2009 10:05 AM EDT reply actions

sigh*** pierce should be strung up and have the bitch beat outta him…yes frank has big heart to step up..someone should draw him a circle so he could understand what hendo was yelling to him the whole second round..dave was soooo pooched he could have fallen over with out a punch..all frank needed was to get his damn back off the cage..and he hesitated to finish dave when he was clearly done in!!
and when is 9 am an early start?? geez..i could see bitching about 7:30 am, but has the man never had a day job or what..

by sarah on May 28, 2009 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

Smart move on Henderson’s part to change the training schedule after both teams had settled into the existing one. Wasn’t Faulkner supposed to be the Brits best fighter? He gassed like Mark Coleman out there….pretty disappointing for their team. In his post fight interview, he mentions a different career path which had me wonder was he ever really into MMA or was just realized it wasn’t for him?

Way to suck it up, Frank Lester. Showed a lot of heart after the pounding he took in his first fight. Way to go, man!!

by sudnvictory on May 28, 2009 11:17 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah, gotta hate lack of heart in a fighter – surely something you learn you might lack fairly early on in your career?? Anyway, Pierce and Faulkner should just go home, I didn’t get the gameplan for Faulkner, in the first episode his ground game and heelhooks were mentioned to be devastating – yet he failed to go to the ground, or even have many attempts to for the whole fight! One thing Bisping said in the first episode about him though was that he lacked self belief, that really did prove to be true, no guts no glory.

I still think Andre Winner looks the UK’s sharpest fighter though not seen his ground game yet, Ross Pearson looks well rounded and has potential as a UFC fighter – Ozipzak (or however it’s spelled) I’m still not sure about, doesn’t have “power”, and almost seems a little too tight (that’s Martial Arts training for you), hopefully will loosen up! James has an iffy chin and a little old but could be an average fighter, not champion material really.

Henderson/Bisping is still open to me, Henderson is one-dimensional, you know what you’re going to get – Bisping doesn’t have huge KO power but fairly irrelevant as Henderson never gets KO’d. Overall I see it being similar to the Bisping/Leben fight as Henderson’s wrestling could be nullified by Bispings good ground defence quite easily if he brings his A-game, where his striking ability should win out over Henderson’s as long as he avoids the bombs. Bisping by decision or ref stoppage for me.

The fight I want to see is Bisping vs Demarcus Johnson, I hate that dude as much as you US guys hate Bisping ;) I don’t think a lot of you get the cocky arrogance Bisping has is a good fighter trait, he has proved humble and intelligent in some interviews too, but that is forgotten – much of what he does is to get a rise from the opposition.

by Jimrod on May 28, 2009 11:50 AM EDT reply actions

I agree 100%.

Pierce and Faulkner should quit fighting and get proper jobs. I have zero respect for either as a fighter.

Same as for Hendo Bisping fight. Bisping by TKO or UD.

Johnson is an absolute cock. Whining all the time, then gets upset when he gets it back. Confidence is needed in the fight game, and the strong mind wins the day. Bisping might be arrogant, but he is a good guy inside, and is man enough to apologise when he is a dick off his own back.

This s a competition people!

by UK_Chris on May 31, 2009 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions

“Jab…jab…jab…jab!..jab jab….jab…ok… jab…jab?” -Hendo, great at ringside

by Cali Rick on May 28, 2009 7:24 PM EDT reply actions

hahaha I laughed at that too.

by UK_Chris on May 31, 2009 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions

As a fan, an English fan, and a kickboxer myself, I am SO p1ssed off at Dave for quitting. It made me so f-ing angry. “I enjoyed it though”…what the hell is that? Id rather get KO than quit, even in my own lil amature tourneys.
He should quit fighting and get a proper job just like the rest of us. I hope he never forgets the arse up of an opportunity he passed up. Jeez…!

by UK_Chris on May 31, 2009 7:07 PM EDT reply actions