Elias Theodorou of Mississauga, Ont., is one of eight Canadians competing on TUF Nations. He will be writing weekly blogs for sportsnet.ca to share an inside perspective about what went on inside the gym and house.
TUF Nations: Canada vs. Australia episode six recap
Getting Caught Up…
With our second straight loss, Team Australia is closing in on the Mighty Moose’s lead. This, of course, has put a damper on Team Canada’s mood, both in the gym and back in the house. The Aussies, on the other hand, couldn’t be happier. And rightfully so — they pulled themselves together after a three-fight losing skid. They hoped to continue that streak by picking our team’s injured wolverine: Sheldon Westcott. Dan Kelly, who was dubbed “the Grizzly Bear,” looked to make quick work of his chosen prey. This pick surprised many of us, as a potential “super-fight” between fellow judo-chopper Luke Harris looked to be both perfect and inevitable. But what do I know?
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Watch TUF Nations every Wednesday at 10 p.m. EST on Sportsnet 360 and visit sportsnet.ca for weekly previews, recaps and blogs
The Battle To Not Fight Each Other…
With three of the semifinal spots spoken for in the welterweight portion of the tournament, Canadians Chad and Kajan are competing for Richard’s hand in the cage. I even suggested a rose ceremony for the winner. I don’t know if you are a fan of The Bachelor, but I think I would definitely get a rose —perhaps I’ll hand those out at my next event, or at the very least some sort of Flavor of Love action. True love is hard to find, especially if an oversized clock is involved. It’s clear at this point that the team aspect of the competition is slowly drawing to an end. We all want each other to taste success, but we all came here to win, national pride aside.
Let’s Get Ready to Rumble…
After the weigh-ins, both teams were excited to find out that we would be watching UFC 167 back at the house. The shocker was the sweet spread of food, candy and beer waiting for us. There was a cotton candy machine and beaver tales, for heaven’s sake, which were amazing, unless you’re planning to fight and make weight ever again. Like a girl who just broke up with her high school sweetheart, I ate and cried. Luckily, this fatty was wearing his glow-in-the-dark skeleton sweat pants — success! Watching the fights was a great motivator for everyone in the house; it reminded us all of the reason we’re here: to reach for the dream and to compete in that very Octagon. For the two men fighting the next day, I could only imagine how much it pumped them up.
The Tristar Gym members of Team Canada had teammates fighting on the card. First up was Rory MacDonald’s disappointing decision loss to Robbie Lawler. Kajan took it the hardest, being unable to sit still the entire fight, yelling at the screen as if his teammate could hear him. The amazing part to me was the fact that both Kajan and Rory had met in the cage years ago and fought their hearts out against one another, but were still able to become such good friends afterwards. That just shows how professional and respectful we can be of one another and the sport.
Going Out On Top…
Once the fight between welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre and Johny Hendricks began, everyone’s eyes were glued to the TV. Again, half of Team Canada trains with GSP, while the rest of our team, and even some of Team Australia, adore him. It’s GSP, after all; he’s the face of UFC around the globe. This Canadian sweetheart is loved by all, except for the few Aussies that rooted for Johny, just to oppose the Canadians. Makes no difference; I am still very proud of our champion.
Even though his victory was close (a razor-thin split decision) and many argue that Johny should have received the nod, GSP did what few could only dream of and only he’s accomplished. He became a UFC title holder, defended it a record number of times and then retired as the undisputed champ. Bravo, sir. You win.
Fight Day: Bat Out of Hell…
The next day was fight day, with the third middleweight tilt. In Team Canada’s change room, we were more quite than usual, watching Sheldon with reservation. He wasn’t looking his best and hadn’t throughout training for this fight; his injury impeded his ability to prepare. When coach Fabio is telling you to take “baby steps” as your game plan, you know you’re in trouble. At least that’s what we thought.
Instead, Sheldon came out like a bat out of hell and swarmed Australian opponent Dan Kelly from the get-go. A few quick jabs and a flurry of uppercuts put Dan in a panic mode. That was all the opening Sheldon needed, as he picked up the judo Olympian and tossed him around — up and down. This blitz allowed Sheldon to find the perfect moment to sink in a head-and-arm choke. Sheldon then squeezed the remaining life out of his opponent, submitting the judo specialist very quickly. When the two separated, it was clear Dan was injured, hopping on one knee to his corner. He was devastated.
Why So Serious?
It was at this point that Team Canada exploded in both excitement and surprise. The most grievous offenders to the Aussies were honorary loudmouths Mr. Kajan and yours truly. For whatever reason, we were the targets of their vitriol due to our “overly exuberant” celebration. It’s very hypocritical of our friends from the land down under to scold Kajan and I, as they did much the same thing when Tyler pulled off the upset against Nordine. When our teammate was injured and bested, we took it in stride and allowed the Aussies to enjoy their moment. Now, back on the losing side, after a brief flurry of success, they’re beginning to get sensitive.
Zein would later confront me, because that’s what you do when there are cameras around — it makes for good television. I explained that my celebration was not at Dan Kelly’s expense, but rather the relief of Sheldon winning his fight — a weight was lifted from my shoulders, and Team Canada’s, with his win. That was enough for Zein, but it seems Noke still craves blood and plans to send Tyler to get it — dun, dun, duuuuuunnnnnn.
With that said, no one wants to see a fellow fighter injured, especially with something as severe as a blown out knee. Dan is an amazing athlete, with a competitive drive like no other. He competes because of his desire to win and for the thrill of victory; I hope he gets another chance to taste success soon.
Now back in control, with a four-to-two lead in the series, things are once again looking up for the Mighty Moose and Team Canada. Tune in next week, as both teams send in their young guns to battle for the final welterweight spot.
Until next week,
The Spartan.
Follow Elias on Twitter @EliasTheodorou