The Ultimate Fighter 10: Heavyweights - Episode 2 Recap & Review

Recap of Wes Shivers vs James McSweeney on TUF 10 Episode 2

The first week of The Ultimate Fighter 10 proved to be a success, both for the UFC and for Spike TV executives. It is no secret as to why the once fledging series is on its way back up, scoring big with its first week in the ratings war. Kimbo Slice is proving his worth, at least when it comes to helping secure more viewers. He is however, turning out to be valuable in more ways than one. As the second episode hit the airwaves, the first fighter that was shown was none other than Kimbo, working and improving on the finer points of his ground game. Rampage even went as far as throwing a seldom-heard compliment his way saying, “I like the way you work Kimbo Slice.”

As the focus shifts from Kimbo, it turns to another lively personality in the house, Roy “Big Country” Nelson. Team Rashad coaches questioned the work ethics and ‘coach-ability’ of “Big Country,” going as far as sitting him down and asking him to respect their rules. Nelson seemed like he took the meeting as a productive one and moved past the situation.

This season is deviating from showing a lot of interaction in the house, instead focusing on more fighting. No more than fifteen minutes into the second episode and the second fight announcement of the tournament is in, Team Rampage picks Team Rashad’s number one selection, James McSweeney to fight 6’7”- 275 pound former NFL draft pick, Wes Shivers. Rashad, once again, seems very happy with the selection by Rampage, thinking that McSweeney’s strengths outweigh Shivers’ strong points.

When interviewed about his upcoming bout, James McSweeney seemed to think that he is more durable, in better condition and that his opponent will be easy to read. The Greg Jackson pupil is originally from England but has been training with Greg Jackson’s team in Albuquerque for over a year.

Wes Shivers comes into the TUF 10 house from Biloxi, Mississippi but with limited MMA experience. Shivers, a former Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons lineman, believed that his opponent didn’t have the tools to pick him apart, not to mention his power being too much for McSweeney.

Shivers (2-0) is the bigger fighter, claiming three inches and over twenty pounds on McSweeney. Shivers, 32, also holds a distinct advantage in the reach department, his (81.5”) to McSweeney’s (75”). It looks as if Shivers has the power advantage, where McSweeney is the better all-around striker of the two.

As the first round begins, both fighters take turns landing big shots, Shivers hits with a jab to McSweeney’s face then he returns the favor with a solid right hand of his own. Shivers, listening to his corners advice, clinched with his opponent then took him straight to the mat. As the two hit the ground, Shivers immediately began with punches to the body followed by a kimura attempt. Before long, the kimura was lost and both fighters back on their feet. The action came to a halt when Shivers accidently hit McSweeney with a groin shot. After a couple minutes of recovery time, the two heavies went back at it, McSweeney hitting with low kicks and a very tired Shivers, connecting with an occasional right jab.

A very close round that could have gone to either fighter was followed by a similar 2nd round. McSweeney continued to slap the low leg kicks off the thigh and inner leg of Shivers. Shivers, looking as if he had enough of the kicks, caught one from McSweeney and turned it into a takedown. Shivers worked him into a mount position but his inexperience was obvious as McSweeney easily reversed the dominant position and returned to his feet. With very little time remaining in the final round, both fighters were exhausted, however still trying to throw strikes. Shivers actually secured another takedown but left his head for the taking, which McSweeney did but was too tired to finish the guillotine. Shivers popped his head out in time to deliver one last elbow to the face of the Brit as time expired.

Many thought that there would surely be a third round to decide the winner; instead the judges didn’t need the extra time to award McSweeney the decision victory. With scores of 19-19, 20-18, 20-18, McSweeney survived his first bout of the tournament but was quick to mention that his job is not complete and won’t be until he finishes the tournament as a winner. Shivers was in position to win the fight; however his conditioning proved to be his downfall, often having to stop and put his hands on his knees searching for air.

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The second episode concluded with the fight announcement for episode three, pitting Roy Nelson against Kimbo Slice. Team Rashad believes that with two wins and control of the selection process, they can start matching up fights to their advantage. No reason to try and figure out why the UFC decided to announce the upcoming fight for the next episode. It will surely be one of the most watched in the series history.