The Ultimate Fighter 11: Episode 8 Recap

WEIGH-IN: COURT MCGEE (186) vs. JAMES HAMMORTREE (185)

Court acknowledges that facing Hammortree instead of Nick drastically changes his game plan, but he’s ready to fight.

COURT MCGEE VS. JAMES HAMMORTREE

Round 1: Feeling out process to begin. Hammortree wants to swing wildly but that desire is tempered by Court’s quick left jab. Hammortree rushes him, but Court ends up clinching him from behind, then drags him to the ground. Hammortree is back up and frees himself from the clinch. Court throws the slowest leg kick in the history of leg kicks, but somehow it still lands. Nice exchange of wild punches between both guys. Hammortree lands a nice right, but Court clinches, pushes him against the cage and then gets a big takedown. Hammortree works his way back to his feet and frees himself from the clinch again. Court misses with a head kick. Court gets stuffed on a takedown attempt. Court lands a nice combo, but Hammortree fires back with his own, then gets a takedown. Court scrambles to get up and then starts working a takedown of his own. He drags Hammortree away from the cage for a takedown, then rides out the rest of the round. Heavy.com scores the round 10-9 for Court McGee.

Round 2: Hammortree lands a right, then shoots for the takedown. It’s stuffed, however, and Court locks in an Overeem-riffic standing guillotine for the submission. Old “Hammertime” is gonna want that one back for sure. Court McGee d. James Hammortree via submission, round 2

Hammortree is frustrated. Tito says he’s still young and inexperienced, and he’ll learn from the mistake. Dana says Court looks better every time he fights — he has good hands, great power and can submit you. Dana says he’s now the dark horse to win the competition. Court does the “Courtpanzee” to close out the show.

NEXT WEEK: The moment everyone has been waiting for takes place — something happens with Tito Ortiz that jeopardizes his fight with Chuck. Actually, it did more than just jeopardize it, since we know that Rich Franklin will take on Chuck at UFC 115 in June. Regardless, the moment that will likely serve as the most significant one of Ultimate Fighter 11 is finally here.