The Ultimate Fighter 11: Episode 10 Recap

WEIGH-INS

Brad Tavares (185) vs. Court McGee (185.5)

The popular consensus among the fighters is that Tavares is the favorite heading into this fight. Dana says it’s tough to pick a winner, but that he’s never actually picked a winner and wants to do it, so he picks Court McGee. Landmark moment right there.

FIGHT DAY

It’s a little weird seeing Tavares and McGee sitting side by side backstage while getting taped up for the fight. Court says he’s scared of overdosing on heroin but not fighting.

BRAD TAVARES vs. COURT MCGEE

Round 1: Dana says the fight is three five minute rounds. Have the semifinal bouts been changed from two rounds to three? I guess we’ll find out. McGee lands a soft leg kick during a feeling out process. Both guys throw half-hearted punches that miss during the first minute with some leg kicks thrown in for good measure, but they certainly aren’t Jose Aldo leg kicks. Court misses a head kick. They finally get into a serious exchange about 90 seconds into the fight, with Court ending up with a clinch. He’s trying to take Brad down from the side, but Brad isn’t going down. Tavares tries to change his position, though, and Court gets him to the ground and lands in half guard. Brad tries to sit up, Court makes a grab for a guillotine but Tavares gets out. Court’s in full guard now. Tavares gets both feet on McGee’s stomach and pushes him away, leaving himself enough time to get back to his feet. Tavares connects with a right while Court tries to get inside for a clinch. Court leads with a punch to get inside and grabs a clinch, pushing Tavares against the cage. Court lands a solid left and goes back to the clinch. Brad separates. Court whiffs on a right and Brad counters. Court tries for a takedown but Brad gets away cleanly. Court leads with the left to set up the clinch again and gets it. I’m sensing a game plan here, because Court has done the exact same thing three times and it’s worked every time. Court picks Brad up and slams him hard, but Brad gets back to his feet immediately. Court lands a right and works for another takedown as the round ends. Heavy.com scores the round 10-9 for Court McGee.

Round 2: Tavares starts using his jab to keep McGee at bay, hoping to prevent the clinch and takedown. He’s pretty effective with it, too. Court misses a head kick but then lands a jab that snaps Brad’s head back. Court catches a Tavares leg kick and nails him with a clean right hand. Court shoots for a takedown and gets the clinch against the cage. Brad is able to push back to the center of the cage and then break free. Brad misses with three punches, but connects on counters after misses by McGee. Leg kick from Court followed by another solid jab from Brad. Court lands a big right hook. Dana marvels at Brad’s chin. Brad with another right hook, and this one opens a cut on Court’s nose. They clinch, but Brad gets the better and nails Court again as they separate. Tavares is getting comfortable on his feet now. Court catches a body kick and clinches Brad against the cage looking for a takedown, but Brad is able to stay on his feet as the round comes to a close. Heavy.com scores the round 10-9 for Brad Tavares.

Round 3: Looks like we’re getting a regular three round fight, because nobody mentions sudden death. Both guys exchange quickly, but Brad kicks Court in the junk. Court opts to take a breather while Tavares apologizes. They start again after a touching hug. Furious exchange of punches with both guys connecting. Brad lands a left hook that startles Court. McGee tries a takedown but Brad lands a solid uppercut. Tavares has a striking game that is just a level above McGee here. He’s countering everything McGee throws with much crisper and accurate strikes. Court finally gets a clinch against the cage, then lands an uppercut and hook before they separate. Tavares with a good body kick, but Court lands a strong right. Tavares slips on the mat but is able to stay on his feet. Court presses Brad against the cage, where Brad lands a glancing knee. They separate, but Brad apparently gets punched in the groin and needs a quick breather. They start again and both guys land shots. Court lands a leg kick that hurts Tavares, then follows with a solid left. Both fighters land some decent shots, but McGee kicks Tavares in the groin again with about 45 seconds left. This one hurt Tavares pretty bad, and he goes to his hands and knees. Josh Rosenthal tells Court that he’s going to take a point away if it happens again. Brad says he’s ready to go after a few moments. They exchange in the middle of the cage, and Court drops Brad with a left hook that landed flush on the chin. Tavares gets back up, but Brad rocks him again with a right and then slams him to the ground. Tavares rolls to his knees and Court jumps on his back and sinks a deep rear naked choke from the side. Tavares goes to sleep rather than tap out. Court McGee d. Brad Tavares by submission.

Court McGee advances to the finals.