Comments on: The Ultimate Fighter 8 Finale: Recap & Results http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/ Your Destination for Insider MMA News and Opinion Sat, 26 May 2012 18:11:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: Nancy http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60362 Nancy Tue, 16 Dec 2008 06:19:34 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60362 Nah... I am just expressing my views and thoughts. But I'm just sick and tired of people talking about Phillipe being "overhype" because it's just not true. Clearly, we all saw what he can do during the elimination fights while he was in the show and even in the house he never acted like an idiot... unlike the other guys. I just think that his fights are far more exciting than Efrain's and I hope we will see more of him fighting in the octagon soon. Nah… I am just expressing my views and thoughts. But I’m just sick and tired of people talking about Phillipe being “overhype” because it’s just not true. Clearly, we all saw what he can do during the elimination fights while he was in the show and even in the house he never acted like an idiot… unlike the other guys. I just think that his fights are far more exciting than Efrain’s and I hope we will see more of him fighting in the octagon soon.

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]]> By: ACK! http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60227 ACK! Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:58:21 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60227 Asking whether Escuerdo is UFC or WWF material is absolutely ridiculous. I mean, what are you even talking about? I guess someone's got a little butt hurt from seeing their favorite TUF fighter exposed... Asking whether Escuerdo is UFC or WWF material is absolutely ridiculous. I mean, what are you even talking about?

I guess someone’s got a little butt hurt from seeing their favorite TUF fighter exposed…

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]]> By: Grappo http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60205 Grappo Mon, 15 Dec 2008 07:46:53 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60205 "I know that Efrain’s strength comes from his wrestling background and he likes to tackle and bodyslam most of the time, what about other skills? Is he UFC material or WWF???" Takedowns are a huge part of MMA. If you don't like them, I suggest watching boxing or kickboxing instead. He showed he has some striking skills in the match with Junie on TUF, and they were on display to a lesser degree in the Nover match. Nover is obviously the superior striker, so he did the smart thing and used his base to nullify that advantage. A smart gameplan executed perfectly. I was and still am on the Nover train, but I think this loss will ultimately be more important than a TUF win would have been. He'll still get a UFC contract, some of the pressure (hype) of living up to expectations will be alleviated, and he will know what he has to do to make himself a more complete well-rounded fighter. He'll be back, and he'll be better, and i cant wait to see it. “I know that Efrain’s strength comes from his wrestling background and he likes to tackle and bodyslam most of the time, what about other skills? Is he UFC material or WWF???”

Takedowns are a huge part of MMA. If you don’t like them, I suggest watching boxing or kickboxing instead. He showed he has some striking skills in the match with Junie on TUF, and they were on display to a lesser degree in the Nover match. Nover is obviously the superior striker, so he did the smart thing and used his base to nullify that advantage. A smart gameplan executed perfectly. I was and still am on the Nover train, but I think this loss will ultimately be more important than a TUF win would have been. He’ll still get a UFC contract, some of the pressure (hype) of living up to expectations will be alleviated, and he will know what he has to do to make himself a more complete well-rounded fighter. He’ll be back, and he’ll be better, and i cant wait to see it.

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]]> By: Nancy http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60196 Nancy Mon, 15 Dec 2008 04:26:56 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60196 Efrain might have beaten Phillipe with his grappling prowess but Phillipe was able to get away from being pinned down and I as far as the latter two (Nelson and Browning) beating the former two ( Kaplan and Roop) I feel that it's just a matter of the fighters mental and physical conditioning at that given time. When Junie and Nelson were in their destructive and worst shape while in the house, do you think they might be able to beat Roop or Kaplan? I don't think so. What about Phillipe beating Duarte? Was'nt Duarte the favored fighter to go in the house? His path to the finals were not as easy as people think. With regards to his quick and powerful finishes, it just makes the show more exciting to look at. Just like watching Tyson, Ali, Lewis, DelaHoya or Pacquiao beat the crap out of their opponents , it keeps you on the edge. I know that Efrain's strength comes from his wrestling background and he likes to tackle and bodyslam most of the time, what about other skills? Is he UFC material or WWF??? Efrain might have beaten Phillipe with his grappling prowess but Phillipe was able to get away from being pinned down and I as far as the latter two (Nelson and Browning) beating the former two ( Kaplan and Roop) I feel that it’s just a matter of the fighters mental and physical conditioning at that given time. When Junie and Nelson were in their destructive and worst shape while in the house, do you think they might be able to beat Roop or Kaplan? I don’t think so. What about Phillipe beating Duarte? Was’nt Duarte the favored fighter to go in the house? His path to the finals were not as easy as people think. With regards to his quick and powerful finishes, it just makes the show more exciting to look at. Just like watching Tyson, Ali, Lewis, DelaHoya or Pacquiao beat the crap out of their opponents , it keeps you on the edge. I know that Efrain’s strength comes from his wrestling background and he likes to tackle and bodyslam most of the time, what about other skills? Is he UFC material or WWF???

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]]> By: ACK! http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60193 ACK! Mon, 15 Dec 2008 03:10:40 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60193 No one ever said Nover didn't have skills, but he was definitely over-hyped. When you really examine it, did Nover really be considered to be the favorite against Escuerdo? Nover beat Kaplan and Roop to make it to the finals, while Escuerdo beat Nelson and Browning. If you look at the finale, the latter two beat the former two fairly convincingly in their fights. Thus, Escuerdo clearly had tougher competition en route to the finale. It seems to me that many people who overwhelmed by Nover's flashy finishes while not giving enough credit to Escuerdo's abilty to control quality fighters. I'm not trying to take anything away from Nover at all, as he certainly has the potential to be an elite fighter. But it's clear that he needs to work on his wrestling before realizing that potential. And, at this point, Escuerdo's wrestling obviously compares quite favorably to Nover's "raw power" as he used it to dominate the fight just last night. No one ever said Nover didn’t have skills, but he was definitely over-hyped.

When you really examine it, did Nover really be considered to be the favorite against Escuerdo? Nover beat Kaplan and Roop to make it to the finals, while Escuerdo beat Nelson and Browning. If you look at the finale, the latter two beat the former two fairly convincingly in their fights. Thus, Escuerdo clearly had tougher competition en route to the finale.

It seems to me that many people who overwhelmed by Nover’s flashy finishes while not giving enough credit to Escuerdo’s abilty to control quality fighters. I’m not trying to take anything away from Nover at all, as he certainly has the potential to be an elite fighter. But it’s clear that he needs to work on his wrestling before realizing that potential.

And, at this point, Escuerdo’s wrestling obviously compares quite favorably to Nover’s “raw power” as he used it to dominate the fight just last night.

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]]> By: Nancy http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60189 Nancy Mon, 15 Dec 2008 02:38:59 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60189 Just like what Phillipe said in the post fight interview, " I am not GSP or Anderson Silva...I am fighting as Phillipe Nover". He was compared to great fighters by Nog and Dana White because they were so impressed by the way he fights... ARE'NT WE ALL IMPRESSED TOO?? There's no HYPE at all co'z he definitely has talent, no doubt. Efrain could fight anybody and may lose too...anything can happen..... Just like what Phillipe said in the post fight interview, ” I am not GSP or Anderson Silva…I am fighting as Phillipe Nover”. He was compared to great fighters by Nog and Dana White because they were so impressed by the way he fights… ARE’NT WE ALL IMPRESSED TOO?? There’s no HYPE at all co’z he definitely has talent, no doubt. Efrain could fight anybody and may lose too…anything can happen…..

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]]> By: Nancy http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60183 Nancy Mon, 15 Dec 2008 02:16:03 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60183 Awesome fights! Bravo to all the UFC fighters, all of them deserve the best! I know for sure Phillipe has a great future in this sport because he is very down to earth and has his heart, mind and soul into it and even if he did'nt win, it sure was a VERY EXCITING fight and it really kept me on the edge of my seat. I feel that Dana White would be a fool if he did'nt sponsor Phillipe fights and or a contract too(in my opinion) because he is an excellent fighter, a crowd drawer and the TOUGHEST NURSE IN THE PLANET! He already proved that in the show that he's a force to be reckoned with. It would be a shame to ignore a very TALENTED fighter like Phillipe. Efrain's wrestling was good but he's nothing compared to Phillipe's raw power and it's just that he got timed out before the submission. THIS CALLS FOR A RE-MATCH!!! How many times did Dana White give Junie Browning chances??! Awesome fights! Bravo to all the UFC fighters, all of them deserve the best! I know for sure Phillipe has a great future in this sport because he is very down to earth and has his heart, mind and soul into it and even if he did’nt win, it sure was a VERY EXCITING fight and it really kept me on the edge of my seat. I feel that Dana White would be a fool if he did’nt sponsor Phillipe fights and or a contract too(in my opinion) because he is an excellent fighter, a crowd drawer and the TOUGHEST NURSE IN THE PLANET! He already proved that in the show that he’s a force to be reckoned with. It would be a shame to ignore a very TALENTED fighter like Phillipe. Efrain’s wrestling was good but he’s nothing compared to Phillipe’s raw power and it’s just that he got timed out before the submission. THIS CALLS FOR A RE-MATCH!!! How many times did Dana White give Junie Browning chances??!

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]]> By: biz http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60169 biz Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:01:59 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60169 eliot marshall appeared to be possessed, he looke like he was in amazing shape. bader really needs to work on his jab, he lunges and really leaves his chin exposed. overall a great card. eliot marshall appeared to be possessed, he looke like he was in amazing shape. bader really needs to work on his jab, he lunges and really leaves his chin exposed. overall a great card.

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]]> By: Rich S. http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60159 Rich S. Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:14:51 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60159 well, on the main card, i only missed one pick [Bader].. but as for the under card, i got freakin' beasted.. i had polakowski, roop, and kingsbury all picked to win.. they all lost.. which shocked the crap out of me.. i thought for sure roop would win.. well, on the main card, i only missed one pick [Bader].. but as for the under card, i got freakin’ beasted.. i had polakowski, roop, and kingsbury all picked to win.. they all lost.. which shocked the crap out of me.. i thought for sure roop would win..

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]]> By: mike wolfe http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60135 mike wolfe Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:50:56 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60135 Not surprised by Junie's win or Bader's win, but a little surprised by Efrain. Maybe I got caught up in the hype. Not surprised by Junie’s win or Bader’s win, but a little surprised by Efrain. Maybe I got caught up in the hype.

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]]> By: CMT http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60126 CMT Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:57:01 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60126 Wow. I screwed up my picks. I got one right (Johnson). Junie looked awesome and showed some maturity. I hope he keeps it that way. It looked like Vinny rolled over and gave up. It looked to me like Bader grazed him but it was more of the follow through with the forearm that pushed him to the ground. I don't know. Efrain, great job. I thought Nover would win, not because of his skills, but because I bought into the hype. Elliot looked good, I hope to see him in the future. That was a good TUF 8 finale. Wow. I screwed up my picks. I got one right (Johnson). Junie looked awesome and showed some maturity. I hope he keeps it that way. It looked like Vinny rolled over and gave up. It looked to me like Bader grazed him but it was more of the follow through with the forearm that pushed him to the ground. I don’t know. Efrain, great job. I thought Nover would win, not because of his skills, but because I bought into the hype. Elliot looked good, I hope to see him in the future. That was a good TUF 8 finale.

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]]> By: Grappo http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60120 Grappo Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:25:12 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60120 Of the main event fights, only 2 of my picks were correct (6 overall)... I think that's an all-time low for me. Junie looked good, though he did look a bit gassed at the end of the 1st round after all the ground work. It'll be interesting to see how he fares against better competition. His striking was much improved, as was his attitude, but the attitude change could be an act, or just a byproduct of the circumstances. Time will tell. My picking Vinny was based on the thought that he would get it to the ground, but I guess he didn't really have much of a chance to do that. I still think he could have if he'd pressed Bader from the onset, but he didn't, and that's that. Escudero manhandled Nover and that was really shocking to me. I wasn't overly impressed with Efrain on the show... I thought he was good, but thought Nover was great. Now I think they're both great, but Nover obviously has a big hole in his game that he needs to patch up. I was on the edge of my seat at the end of the 3rd round when he was trying to pull off that sub... so close! I really underestimated Efrain's wrestling and overall strength, and that won't happen again. Didn't know Delgado vs. Polakowski was on the main card... weird that they didn't air it, but aired the Marshall and Soszynski prelims. Of the main event fights, only 2 of my picks were correct (6 overall)… I think that’s an all-time low for me.

Junie looked good, though he did look a bit gassed at the end of the 1st round after all the ground work. It’ll be interesting to see how he fares against better competition. His striking was much improved, as was his attitude, but the attitude change could be an act, or just a byproduct of the circumstances. Time will tell.

My picking Vinny was based on the thought that he would get it to the ground, but I guess he didn’t really have much of a chance to do that. I still think he could have if he’d pressed Bader from the onset, but he didn’t, and that’s that.

Escudero manhandled Nover and that was really shocking to me. I wasn’t overly impressed with Efrain on the show… I thought he was good, but thought Nover was great. Now I think they’re both great, but Nover obviously has a big hole in his game that he needs to patch up. I was on the edge of my seat at the end of the 3rd round when he was trying to pull off that sub… so close! I really underestimated Efrain’s wrestling and overall strength, and that won’t happen again.

Didn’t know Delgado vs. Polakowski was on the main card… weird that they didn’t air it, but aired the Marshall and Soszynski prelims.

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]]> By: screwface http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60101 screwface Sun, 14 Dec 2008 08:59:58 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60101 Dam was i wrong on all fight picks, only 1 i got right was anthony johnson ftw :) i call that fight 'the big payback'. junie shocked me by fighting impressively, and efrain , wow i didnt think he had it in him. bader surprised me as well, i just knew vinnie would win with a 1st round sub. thats the thing i love about mma. anything can happen, and nice to see fighters who previously didnt impress me take their careers and chance at stardom more seriously. every1 took their game to the next level. awesome night of fights. i enjoyed every minute of the card. Dam was i wrong on all fight picks, only 1 i got right was anthony johnson ftw :) i call that fight ‘the big payback’. junie shocked me by fighting impressively, and efrain , wow i didnt think he had it in him. bader surprised me as well, i just knew vinnie would win with a 1st round sub. thats the thing i love about mma. anything can happen, and nice to see fighters who previously didnt impress me take their careers and chance at stardom more seriously. every1 took their game to the next level. awesome night of fights. i enjoyed every minute of the card.

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]]> By: PeruVNcktie http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60100 PeruVNcktie Sun, 14 Dec 2008 08:46:44 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60100 Great finale, hope both fighters go far, Junie looked good and I was all over the Browning bandwagon from the start, stay with XC n u will go far Junie Great finale, hope both fighters go far, Junie looked good and I was all over the Browning bandwagon from the start, stay with XC n u will go far Junie

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]]> By: dpk http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60094 dpk Sun, 14 Dec 2008 08:03:21 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60094 Too bad Gouveia didn't make weight, It is a quality win, but it isn't going to move him up as much as it should because he came in heavy. I'm interested to see how they handle Bader now. I think Bader v Cantwell/Stann/Munoz (the WEC guys) would be very interesting fights right off the bat. Efrain will be interesting too, just because there is so much talent at 155, but I'm sure he will be handled just like Nate Diaz, as he develops into a headlining star. Too bad Gouveia didn’t make weight, It is a quality win, but it isn’t going to move him up as much as it should because he came in heavy.

I’m interested to see how they handle Bader now. I think Bader v Cantwell/Stann/Munoz (the WEC guys) would be very interesting fights right off the bat.

Efrain will be interesting too, just because there is so much talent at 155, but I’m sure he will be handled just like Nate Diaz, as he develops into a headlining star.

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]]> By: Rich S. http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60088 Rich S. Sun, 14 Dec 2008 07:29:56 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60088 i just didn't quite understand why the hype was on Nover, when he and Efrain really had the same success during the show.. i.e. - a bunch of quick finishes just didn't understand why Efrain got no love.. really glad he grabbed the contract.. i just didn’t quite understand why the hype was on Nover, when he and Efrain really had the same success during the show.. i.e. – a bunch of quick finishes

just didn’t understand why Efrain got no love..

really glad he grabbed the contract..

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]]> By: ACK! http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60087 ACK! Sun, 14 Dec 2008 07:19:08 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60087 Vinny had to stand because he knew the only way he was taking Bader down was by pulling guard, and to do that he had to put himself in harm's way... I think it's interesting how everyone was so high on Nover and never really considered that he could have a gaping weakness. As I see it, Efrain exposed Nover and he's going to have to work long and hard at his wrestling and takedown defense before he's ever mentioned in such lofty terms again. Vinny had to stand because he knew the only way he was taking Bader down was by pulling guard, and to do that he had to put himself in harm’s way…

I think it’s interesting how everyone was so high on Nover and never really considered that he could have a gaping weakness. As I see it, Efrain exposed Nover and he’s going to have to work long and hard at his wrestling and takedown defense before he’s ever mentioned in such lofty terms again.

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]]> By: Rich S. http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/12/14/the-ultimate-fighter-8-recap-results/comment-page-1/#comment-60080 Rich S. Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:44:58 +0000 http://fiveouncesofpain.com/?p=10007#comment-60080 Had he taken Bader down, Vinny would've won.. almost immediately.. Don't know why he had to stand.. but he did.. and he payed for it.. Really nice to see Johnson find justice.. he was simply cheated in the last outing and it was nice to see him reign supreme in this one.. Stop trying to slug it out with Wilson Gouveia.. he will hit you.. and you will hit the ground.. if you want to beat him you better have a technical striking game [i.e. Reljic] or a tight wrestling game that doesn't allow submissions.. man i love that guy.. Great job to Efrain.. nice to see him defeat the hype.. beautiful fight.. loved ever second of it.. and i'm sure he'll do great things in the LW division.. also, grats to Junie.. seems like he's really come a long way since the show.. mentally, and fight-wise.. can't wait to see more of him in the future.. also, it'll be nice to see more from Bader and Marshall in the LHW division.. Had he taken Bader down, Vinny would’ve won.. almost immediately..
Don’t know why he had to stand.. but he did.. and he payed for it..

Really nice to see Johnson find justice.. he was simply cheated in the last outing and it was nice to see him reign supreme in this one..

Stop trying to slug it out with Wilson Gouveia.. he will hit you.. and you will hit the ground.. if you want to beat him you better have a technical striking game [i.e. Reljic] or a tight wrestling game that doesn’t allow submissions..
man i love that guy..

Great job to Efrain..
nice to see him defeat the hype..
beautiful fight.. loved ever second of it..
and i’m sure he’ll do great things in the LW division..

also,
grats to Junie..
seems like he’s really come a long way since the show.. mentally, and fight-wise..
can’t wait to see more of him in the future..

also,
it’ll be nice to see more from Bader and Marshall in the LHW division..

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