TUF 11 - Week 2 and First Bout Bewteen Noke and McKinney

TUF 11 last night was somewhat exciting and somewhat disheartening. I would have preferred to see more initial interaction with Dana White and each team; Dana should define expectations early on so each fighter raises their intensity level. Oddly enough a cameraman panned and caught a shot of the wall in the house that has Dana White’s famous quote written on it, “So you want to be a f_*_*_g fighter?” Time will tell who’s there to fight and who wants TV time!

The episode definitely provided some reality TV humor with the three fighters (Jamie Yager, Kris McCray and Brad Travers - the brown guys as they referred to themselves) setting off air horns at 3:00 am in the house. I actually thought the first bout would be outside the octagon with Jamie Yager mouthing off with two fighters who came to the comics rooms to address their antics! Subsequently, the next morning Jamie didn’t have enough heated conversation, so he elected to make fun of Kyacey Uscola and his sleeping apparel in front of the other fighters.

Earl prediction, Jamie Yager becomes the target of all TUF fighters. Even the collective housing arrangements of Tito’s (pass me plenty of tissue) or Chuck “Iceman” team could really ignite the fire between those who really dislike Jamie. At first glance, the other 13 fighters are serious and want this experience to be positive; they really want that UFC contract while Jamie is all about the good time!

I was confused by Dana White’s opinion of Chuck Liddell’s strategic selections; I’m sure Chuck did his homework and knew why each person was selected. I’m pulling for Chuck’s team; I seriously have never seen the flair or likeability of Tito Ortiz. I give Tito his respect, but his mouth makes him vulnerable and his recent article about being a great poker player only detracts from the fact that his focus is now outside the cage! Unofficially, Dana believes Tito’s team looks stronger, is that on paper, physical appearance or has Dana based his decision on the fighters fights to get into the TUF house? The jury is still out on who has the better team…

When Kyle Noke and Clayton McKinney Stepped In to the octagon it was less than exciting; I expected more from both fighters. Come on, it’s the first fight, don’t you want to make a lastly impression so the other fighters have concern when matched against you for the rest of the competition? Prior to the fight there was apprehension by McKinney’s regarding his left shoulder: Tito wasn’t as concerned and made that clear. McKinney’s fight prior to landing a bed in the TUF house had some turbulent results, one being slammed to the mat which caused bruising and soreness. It was obvious from the start of the fight that McKinney wanted the fight to stay upright, some leg kicking and jabs took time off the clock, but then Noke left his back exposed and McKinney and McKinney attempted to capitalize. Shortly there after the fight was on the mat and McKinney showed signs of fear with his injury, Noke was able to stay in guard and after two attempts final secures the Triangle to get a TAP by McKinney.

McKinney storms off pissed at his loss. Tito beckons back the fighter to give him two minutes of instruction on how to break a triangle should he ever be caught in one again. McKinney’s pride is in the way, but he follows Tito’s instructions and so the first bout is behind us with Team Liddell controlling the fight selections. This season will be very interesting, I’ve always craved the Liddell vs Ortiz match ups and I believe the little verb shots that each will take at one another are a key reason to tune in each week!

Your Teams for TUF 11 are below:

Tito Ortiz’s Team / Team Punishment –
1. Nick Ring (Tito says he is very poised and knew what he was doing in his fight).
2. Kyacey Uscola
3. Kris McCray
4. Jamie Yager
5. James Hammortree
6. Clayton McKinney
7. Chris Camozzi

Chuck Liddell’s Team -
1. Kyle Noke (Liddell says his fight record speaks for itself, 10-0, and that he shows great composure)
2. Rich Attonito
3. Charles Blanchard
4. Josh Bryant
5. Brad Tavares
6. Court McGee
7. Joe Henle

Usually I would go on record picking the winner; consequently, I’m convinced TUF 11 will have a sleeper who will emerge around week 5. Nonetheless, I’ve become partial to Kyle Noke as those Australians are tough sons of a b!tches… And he was a body guard for the Crocodile Hunter… Steve Irwin!

There would be nothing better than seeing Kyle Noke wearing a STEP IN t-shirt!!!!

Looking forward to next weeks show on Spike TV at 10:00 pm.

Team Liddell 1-0-0
Team Punishment 0-1-0

And remember…..You Can’t Win, Until You STEP IN.