K*Lovely's TUF 12 Recap episode 4

The show opens up with highlights from the previous episode where we saw Michael Johnson become victorious and kept Team GSP in control. During the highlights we see that members from Koscheck’s team are a bit upset at Caceres for yelling things like “beat the shit out of him” during the match. They felt as if that was disrespectful and unprofessional. I suppose he could have used a better choice of words but in the heat of the moment people can say just about anything.


They head back to the dressing room and Tyson is giving a pep talk to the team on confidence and telling them to never be “scurred” All of the guys are listening closely, including the coaches. Having someone of that caliber come in and talk with the team is certainly exciting and the gleam in all of their eyes proved it.

Moving on to training, it’s Koscheck’s team up first. He is reminding the team they are down 2-0 and that is unacceptable. Koscheck is kicking up the notch in training and is really pushing the team. This time around the team has no complaints. They are angry and seem very motivated. I agree with Koscheck, hard work does pay off.

Back at the house Sevak is still upset over Bruce Leroy’s actions at the fight. What I find funny is pretty much all of the guys are outside, including Bruce Leroy, and Sevak and Lentz are talking loud enough for everyone to hear. It never occurred to them to have a man to man conversation with Alex and explain their frustrations. I think Alex reacted the way anyone would who heard crap being talked about them. He defended himself. As he continued to do so Sevak gets more and more irate. He finds the closest thing to him, which as a napkin and throws it at Alex and then gets up to rush him. Alex doesn’t flinch, but Nam Phan is there to hold Sevak back. It’s pretty funny to me how this kid can easily get into their heads. Smarten up fellows; don’t let him ruin your chance to play with the big boys. After it’s all said and done, Sevak goes back in the house to calm down and Alex finds it funny.

After the heated night the show moves on back to the gym. GSP is pulling up and to avoid confrontation he parks his car in a completely different area. Inside Koscheck asks him about the new parking spot and GSP says “I don’t want you prank me.” How can you not love GSP?

Now it’s time for GSP to make the fight announcement. He chooses Kyle Watson to fight Andy Main. Koscheck is happy with this match up and feels this is the fight where he will gain control. He feels Main is better than “old man Watson.”

Koscheck comes up with another attempt to get into GSP’s head. This time he is walking around in a Speedo telling his team that’s how they will train from now on. He says that must be the secret and GSP says it works. Koscheck asks GSP why he trains and fights in those, meanwhile he is standing there scratching his ass like some kind of hillbilly. You can tell GSP is not letting any of this get to him. Remember Koscheck, this is not GSP’s first rodeo.

Before the fights we hear Koscheck give his team their own pep talk. He is frustrated that they are losing close fights and he can’t stand “losing to a French guy.” He tells the team they need to start competeing the way they train in the gym. Koscheck has a one on one pep talk with Main and tells to believe in himself and the game plan for this fight is for him to be on top and to use his power against Watson. Main believes this is exactly the kind of motivation he needs to go into this fight.

I have to say I like when Danaher gives his analysis of the fights. He talks as if he is giving you some top secret spy information. It’s awesome! He explains the pressures both fighters have going into this fight. He say Watson is the “unofficial team captain” and the older of the group, the other team members look up to him and to keep the momentum. Main on the other hand has the pressure of coming up with his team’s first win. Danaher says that kind of anxiety can play with a fighter will and endurance. We see Team GSP do a little role play for Watson to help shake his nerves and it’s time for the fight.

KYLE WATSON VS. ANDY MAIN

Round 1

The fighter touch gloves and the striking begin. Each fighter gets some kicks in and Watson pushes Main against the fence. Main is able to get Watson’s back standing. Main is trying to sink in a rear naked choke and Watson has the tough job of supporting Main’s eight on his back and fight off the choke. Watson is trying to control his arm but Main is sneaking in some punches and elbows to Watson’s face. Main is slipping and Watson goes to the ground. As they scramble for position Main is now looking for an arm bar but Watson escapes that as well. Watson is able to get side control and lands a few good elbows, but Main is also active throwing punches of his own. The round ends with Watson on top.

Round 2

Main comes out with punches and kicks to start the round off. Watson moves in closer and Main hits him with a nice kick to the body that backs Watson up bit. Main then comes after him with a flying knee and the fighters stand and exchange. Watson gets the takedown and gets side control and starts dropping some elbows. Main is trying to get back to his feet but gives up his back. Main tries to fight him off but Watson sinks in a rear naked choke and Main taps. Team GSP is now 3 -0.

We see Koscheck throw the first mini fit of the season and kick a chair. He’s upset that Main did not stick to the game plan. He feels it as another close fight and if Main had stuck to the plan he could have won.

That wraps up another episode. You can check back here or http://fisttacuff.com for another recap every Thursday. We are also getting closer and closer to Rampage’s next fight so don’t forget to check back here on Monday’s for my weekly Rampage thought. We would love to hear your comments, predictions, gripes etc on Twitter (@woMMAn) so drop us a line. TTFN!!!

K*Lovely