Bader, Escudero shine on “Ultimate Fighter” finale

The UFC concluded the 8th season of their reality show “The Ultimate Fighter” with the “Ultimate Fighter Finale” at the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  With a six figure UFC contract on the line for the light heavyweight and lightweight victor in the co-main events, and an opportunity for other contestants from this and prior seasons of “TUF” to fight before a nationwide TV audience there was a lot of up-and-coming talent on display—and no shortage of surprises.

In the light heavyweight final, collegiate wrestling standout Ryan Bader used his striking power to knock out three time World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champ Vinny Magahales.  Bader had obvious respect for his opponent’s groundfighting skills and from the outset it was apparent that he wanted to keep the fight standing.  He avoided a couple of clinch attempts early before landing a looping right hand that sent Magahales crashing to the canvas.  Bader followed up with some hammer fists on the ground, but referee Herb Dean jumped in to stop the contest at the 2:18 mark of the first round to give the former Arizona State University wrestler an upset TKO victory and the UFC contract.

Another upset occurred in the lightweight final, where Efrain Escudero used his superior strength and wrestling ability to dominate BJJ black belt Philippe Nover over three rounds.  Nover had no answer for Escudero’s takedowns during the first two rounds, and the Mexican-American fighter repeatedly took him down and mauled him on the ground.  Nover’s only counter was an occasional submission attempt, which Escudero never failed to pick up on and retreat.  Nover was able to win the final round on all three judges’ scorecards when he controlled the tempo of the battle and spent much of the round working an omoplata attempt that would eventually prove fruitless.  The scores read 29-28 all across the board giving Escudero the unanimous decision victory and fight contract.

Perhaps the biggest storyline of the night, however, occurred in the opening bout of the live telecast.  Much reviled TUF cast member Junie Browning—known to many as “Goonie Junie”—showed both vastly improved fighting skills and greater maturity in a dominating submission victory over Dave Kaplan.  Browning has been training at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas since the end of the series and the influence of that environment could be seen immediately, as he demonstrated better footwork and more precise punching skills to dominate the first round.  In the second round, Browning quickly scored a takedown on Kaplan and almost effortlessly passed guard to set up an armbar for the tapout victory.  After the fight, Browning took the opportunity of his Joe Rogan interview time to apologize to Frank Mir and his teammates for his antics on “The Ultimate Fighter”. 

The coaches of the season 8 teams—Frank Mir and Interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria—will meet in the co-main event of UFC 92 in Las Vegas on December 27.  The winner of that matchup will receive a title shot against UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar in early 2009.