Unfortunately, the suspense for the final bout was ruined, since the results were posted all over the internet for a week. Regardless, we were treated to a fun fight.
Hendo heads over to the house for BBQed ribs and to enjoy some down time with his team since the end is nigh. He also gives some subtle support to Frank Lester who is scheduled to fight James Wilks. Team US stand out DaMarques Johnson also takes some time out when he and Frank Lester are alone and gives him a pep talk. Lester seems to be well liked and respected by all. Some of the guys call him “Frankie 4 teeth”.
The respect for Lester comes from the fact that this will be his 4th fight (according to him, 3rd on the show) in a little more than a month. The guy is walking around busted up, with cuts, a black eye, bruises, etc. Yet he is still motivated and passionate. His primary motivation is his 19 month old daughter, whose pictures are taped up on a wall near his bed as a reminder. Lester is a hard guy not to like.
After a similar dinner with team UK and coach Bisping, some shenanigans are unleashed at the table, when Andre Winner goes from spitting food out to throwing a handful of the curry Dean Amasinger made across his neck and face. Winner takes off out of the house with Dean following. Dean tosses him into the pool and as he comes out Faulkner dumps a pound of flour on him and everyone has a good laugh. This entire event defines why Team UK has done so well: they understand what it means to be a team, how to relax, and develop camaraderie.
Wilks and Lester share a sauna together and their friendship is apparent. Lester tells Wilks that he expects to perform better since he has no anger for his opponent, therefore he will be more relaxed.
Welterweight Semi-Final: Frank Lester vs. James Wilks II
The rematch is similar to the first bout in many ways. Lester’s power is apparent as he has Wilks hurt a few times. Wilks demonstrates that he has the will, desire and certainly the skillset as he transitions from striking to the clinch effortlessly. He has no success with his many takedowns, as Lester’s takedown defense is up to snuff. As the rounds pass on, Lester fatigues (over-training and over-competing?) and Wilks’ confidence increases to the point of showboating.
In the 3rd round, Wilks eventually catches Lester in a good Thai Clinc/Pramb and unleashes some vicious knees. Lester goes down hurt, but as expected springs back up to keep going, but Wilks seizes the moment and batters Lester back down for good before the heferee jumps in and stops it.
James Wilks def. Frank Lester by TKO (strikes) 2:21 of RD3!
Lester is apologetic in the locker room, but everyone shoots it down as he has no reason to apologize. Wilks is elated that he is going to Vegas, and deservedly so as he has proven he has what it takes. Unfortunate for him, is DaMarques has taken a serious dislike to Wilks and it has put a fire under Johnson. Wilks will have a monster across the ring from him come Saturday night.
All in all a decent season of TUF, and one I am glad was drama free. Mainly thanks to Julie Browning’s little sister getting booted off early on. The Brits demonstrated that they are more than capable as a nation of MMAists, and have loudly announced their presence.
For those interested, there is already a discussion of the TUF 10 cast on out forum. Hop on and join the discussion!
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