The Ultimate Fighter 27 episode 8: Diamond over Dud
The final quarterfinal fight on The Ultimate Fighter: Undefeated is finally here. A beatdown commences and the semis are set.
The number one seed faces the final pick. The former is focused. The latter is full of braggadocio. The Ultimate Fighter inches closer to a winner, and more undefeated fighter faces the reality of humility.
“There is nothing more disgraceful than a vain man. Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.” ― Devin Madson, The Blood of Whisperers
Team Cormier
Tyler Diamond has expected to win it all since day one. Most other fighters probably feel the same, but he was the number one pick. His confidence may be rightfully higher than any other fighter on the show. His 9-0 record is support for this opinion. Consequently, he compares his upcoming opponent Dulani Perry to a single house fly he’s seen while in the show penthouse.
Coach Cormier doesn’t really offer much in the way of planning. He just wants Tyler to do what made him the number one pick. To summarize, Tyler says he basically wants to “slaughter” Dulani. Probably something like this:
Home visit
Tyler trains at Ultimate Fitness with Team Alpha Male, founded by Urijah Faber. He’s unemployed other than fighting, and is basically a drifter between his mother’s house and his girlfriend’s place. Otherwise, he is a real big fan of being in the outdoors and hunting.
Team Miocic
While Tyler is focused on winning the fight, Dulani is concerned with being a winner in life. That confidence and perspective will help him when he loses in the very near future. He certainly doesn’t lack for confidence. He is just as concerned with putting on a good show and being on the camera as he is with the actual fight.
Coach Miocic believes natural wrestlers (obviously referring to Tyler) drop their hands a lot, which will open up striking. Keeping range is the strategy, but Dulani thinks he can win anywhere. On the feet his karate makes him superior. On the ground his jiu jitsu makes him better.
Home visit
His home visit consists mostly of him showing off his jewelry and saying “gnomasayin’?” He’s super concerned with jewelry, status, image, cars, and everything that makes him a massive tool that nobody other than his mother supports. According to Dulani, he’s the best at everything. He’s a walking rap video. A literal stereotype.
Weigh in
- TUF 27
- FEATHERWEIGHT
Tyler Diamond VS. Dulani Perry
9-0
RECORD
4-0
5'7
WEIGHT
6'
145.5
HEIGHT
145.5
69%22
REACH
76.5%22
Round 1
Tyler charges and jumps. Dulani with a nice crescent kick. Then a switch kick. Fancy stuff. A few seconds later Tyler gets the takedown and slams Dulani into the mat. Tyler in Dulani’s guard. A few Hellbows come from up top as Dulani tries to get a triangle.
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There is some sloppy transition work, and Dulani misses a chance for a heel-hook. More control and dominance from Tyler. Transition to half-guard, briefly into full mount, then back to half. The ref warns Tyler to stay busy, so Tyler punches Dulani five or six times, then drops the same number of short elbows to the head. Side mount for a brief moment, and then back to half-guard. The defensive BJJ from Dulani is pretty good. Explosion from the top, posture, and a few big elbows swing down, opening up Dulani’s face. So much for being pretty and making things look good.
The last minute Tyler sort of toys around, looking for sub opportunities or chances to mount. Domination.
10-8 Tyler Diamond.
Round 2
Tyler to the center. Massive left sends his opponent to the canvas. After some awkward entry, 4:30 is left on the clock for ground and pound. Deja vu all over again. Half guard brings the elbows, and Dulani looks like he’s never trained how to escape from his back.
Side guard and brief crucifix position for Tyler. More elbows. At this point it’s almost boring. A few seconds later and Tyler tries something new. He props up, Dulani leans forward with his long neck, and Tyler wastes no time. A DEEEEP guillotine, and it’s over quicker than you can say Dulani the fight dud.
Tyler Diamond via submission.
Fighters looking for a second chance: Suman Mokhtarian (torn ACL)…nevermind. Dana says one guy from each division is required. He doesn’t want Richie Smullen or Thailand Clark. So it’s up to Stipe who to pick. He chooses Jay Cucciniello (FW), who lost via Thug Backpack, and John Gunther (LW), who lost via neck snatch.
The semis are announced:
- (LW) – John Gunther (Miocic) vs. Mike Trizano (Miocic)
- (FW) – Brad Katona (Cormier) vs. Bryce Mitchell (Cormier)
- (LW) – Joe Giannetti (Cormier) vs. Allan Zuniga (Miocic)
- (FW) – Tyler Diamond (Cormier) vs. Jay Cucciniello (Miocic)
The Ultimate Fighter airs Wednesday nights on Fox Sports.