The Ultimate Fighter 11: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz - Episode 3: “A Lotta Heart” Recap

Recap of Episode 3 of TUF 11 as Brad Tavares and James Hammortree fight

Finally, after a week of hype regarding one fighter being sent home, Episode 3: “A Lotta Heart” begins. Some of the steam has been let out of the show with the recent announcement that Tito Ortiz has been forced to pull out of the fight with Chuck Liddell at UFC 115 and that Rich Franklin will fight Chuck instead. Regardless, the Ultimate Fighter has always been about the fighters, the coaches are just the cherry on top.

Dana, Tito, and Chuck burst through the gym doors as the fighters stand around, anticipating an announcement.

Dana calls out Chris Camozzi. As it turns out, his toothache isn’t a toothache, but a jaw fracture that could lead to his jaw breaking if he gets hit in the face. So after a week of hyping the episode to feature, what we believed to be, a fighter getting thrown off for doing something wrong, we find out an injury sends home Camozzi. Smart advertising; it reminds me of last season when they continually hyped up Kimbo’s return every week in an attempt to attract more viewers. Dishonest, but a good way to increase ratings.

Cammozzi is saddened by the news, his dream seemingly vanishing before his eyes. The fighters are shocked at the announcement and feel for Chris. Chris’ parting words are, “Dreams do come true, if you put something into it, you’ll get something out of it.”

Dana gives Tito a choice of 4 guys who lost their fight and are healthy enough to come back. Tito will have to sit down with his coaches to determine just who they want to fill Chris’ place and fight for Team Punishment.

Team Liddell begins training again and Chuck is happy to have control over the next fight. Chuck shows his fighters some punching technique, getting involved with each and every fighter on the team. The fighters respond positively to Chuck’s generosity of his knowledge, commenting on how great a coach he is. John Hackleman says Team Liddell is a happy camp, no turmoil, no conflict.

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There’s a masseuse in the house. Charles Blanchard. And he’s doing it at 2 in the morning. Not surprisingly, in a house full of alpha males, some of the fighters find it “weird”.

Dana reveals the fighter Tito and his team decided to bring back… It’s Seth Baczynski. Tito says he brought him back because he showed tremendous heart in his last fight.

The fight announcement is made by Chuck, he picks Tarvares and Hammortree. Tito says Team Punishment has to win the fight, he considers it a must win situation.

During a sparring session for Team Punishment, Yager and Nick Ring get into an argument after Ring tells Yager he’s kicking too hard and Yager inturn calls Ring a bitch. Tito gives them a speech, tells Nick to stop complaining and to check the kicks. Tito ends the speech with, “You guys got to understand, the team is what matters.”

During the weigh-in, the fighters weigh in on the fight. The fighters from Team Liddell believe Tarvares has solid standup and will knockout Hammortree. While Team Punishment believes Hammortree will knockout Tavares. Go figure.

Tavares is 22 years old, from Hilo, Hawaii. He says he loves to fight because fighting is fun. He loves the whole “mono y mono”, hand to hand combat aspect of it. Hackleman thinks Tavares is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the UFC. He doesn’t use his jab enough, but he has good boxing. Tavares says he likes to bang and so does Hammortree, so he’s really looking forward to throwing down.

Hammortree is 23 years old from Ocala, Florida and holds the Florida state record for fastest Knockout , finishing a fight in only 5 seconds. He says he’s called the “Sledge” because his right arm is a sledgehammer. Hammortree plans to take the fight to the ground and use some Tito Ortiz ground and pound.

Hammortree wakes up the morning of the fight and is feeling great. He’s feeling really confident, and thinks this is his fight.

Tavares knows Hammortree is tough, but he doesn’t plan on backing down. He sees himself as a warrior, and plans to treat this fight like he’s going into a war.

The two fighters warm up in their locker room as the fight gets ready to go.

Tavares says when the cage door closes the only thing on his mind is getting that win. And then he mentions, once again, just how much he loves fighting.

Hammortree says he was happy to get in the house, but that just isn’t good enough for him, he wants his hand raised after this fights over.

We get a shot of Arianny’s butt, and then Dana gives the rundown of the rules.

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James Hammortree vs. Brad Tavares

Round 1:

They touch up. The fight starts with Tavares showing some solid striking, but then Hammortree shoots for the takedown. Tarvares displays good takedown defense and holds Hammortree off. Eventually the fight makes its way to the ground where for the next couple of minutes the two fighters take one another down, transitioning and losing position. Tavares has Hammortree’s back multiple times, but his jiu-jitsu seems weak as he is unable to maintain control and apply a rear naked choke. The round ends with Hammortree landing elbows and hammerfists on a prone Tarvares.

I scored the round for Hammortree. Tito agrees.

 

Round 2:

The round starts with Tarvares landing a nice left hook and then taking down Hammortree. Hammortree makes his way back to his feet and is able to get Taravares to the ground where he takes his back. He works some elbows and hammerfists, while Tarvares tries for a kimura.

After some time, Tarvares makes his way back to his feet, but then is tripped to the ground by Hammortree. Tarvares keeps trying to work for the kimura, but can’t rip the arm out. Hammortree works the ribs of Tarvares and then finally Tarvares breaks the arm loose and torques Hammortree’s shoulder, but he can’t get enough leverage from his back to make him submit.

Hammortree escapes the Kimura and works back into Tarvares’ guard with a minute left in the round. Hammortree stays in his guard for the remainder of the round, throwing the occasional punch and riding out the round.

I score the round for Hammortree, giving him the win. He throws up his arms in victory, but Tito tells him to put his arms down, he might be fighting another round.

Dana comes into the Octagon and announces that the judges have declared it a draw and that the fight is going to Sudden Victory.

The first round was close, so a draw makes sense.

 

Round 3:

Both fighters are noticeably tired, taking deep breaths, heaving punches. Tarvares lands some nice jabs on the feet which causes Hammortree to shoot for the takedown. He gets it and works some poundage from half guard.

Hammortree secures full mount, but Tarvares sweeps him. Hammortree scrambles to his feet and works for a single leg.

They wrestle for a bit, as Hammortree continues to look for the single leg while Tarvares sticks to the kimura. Tarvares scores points with punches, but nothing of significance is landed. They stay stuck against the cage for the remainder of the round, neither fighter doing much, but Tarvares clearly scoring more with his hammerfists.

Another close round in an overall close fight. Both fighters and their respective coaches think they won the third round. I score it for Tarvares.

The judges hand in their decision. Dana announces a unanimous decision for Brad Tarvares.

Team Punishment is upset, crying “bulls**t!”

Tarvares is happy to get the win, saying it’s a win for his family and his girlfriend.

Tito tells Hammortree he gave it his all and that’s all you can ask for. He’s unhappy with the decision, but not unhappy enough to throw a tantrum.

Hammortree says he wants a shot at the wildcard fight. We will have to wait and see.

On the next episode, a controversy inside the cage, which has never happened in Ultimate Fighter history, sets off a post-fight “riot” outside it. Be sure to tune in next week for the controversy as well as two fights instead of one.