The vast majority of mixed martial artists show respect before they sling leather in the cage. But every once in a while we see two fighters square off who dislike one another and that’s what we saw on episode four of The Ultimate Fighter Nations.
Throughout the first three episodes we saw Team Australia’s Tyler Manawaroa get under the skin of many athletes in the TUF house, none more so than Team Canada’s Nordine Taleb.
So when Chad Laprise beat Chris Indich and Canada retained fight selection, Canadian coach Patrick Cote didn’t hesitate in paring Taleb with fellow middleweight Manawaroa.
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Manawaroa, 19, is one of the top young MMA talents in Australia and has amassed a 10-0 pro record. Taleb, whose last three fights came under the Bellator banner, was extremely confident heading into the bout because his level of competition was much more difficult than his opponent’s.
“I think he thinks I’m just some kid who fought a couple times and got lucky, so I’m just going to get right up in his face and punch him real hard,” Manawaroa said before the fight.
THE FIGHT
There was no secret to either man’s game plan. They were going to strike.
In the opening round Taleb was the crisper fighter and landed the more effective kicks, punches and knees from the clinch, although Manawaroa used his reach well and established a jab. At one point in the opening frame Taleb injured his right foot when throwing a kick and it hampered his movement for the remainder of the bout.
Early in round two Taleb was finding a home for his strikes as both fighters began to slow down. Late in the round, Manawaroa began up to find his range and he landed a spinning elbow that stunned Taleb in the closing seconds. Manawaroa did enough to win the round on at least two judges’ scorecards so the fight went to a third and deciding round for the first time this season.
The final round was close as the two continued to trade strikes on the feet. Then, with just over a minute remaining, Taleb secured a key takedown that appeared would seal the round and fight for him. But, with just 20 seconds left, Manawaroa swept Taleb, passed into mount, landed a few big punches and attempted a rear-naked choke as time expired.
The last-second momentum shift was enough to earn Manawaroa the decision.
“I’ve got respect for him now and I’m sure he’s got respect for me too,” Manawaroa said. “It was probably the hardest fight I’ve ever had so far. I went out there, tried my hardest, I did well and got the win. He was a good opponent. It was just an awesome fight.”
Taleb made no excuses and praised Manawaroa for his ability to use his length, but added that his injured foot was a detriment.
“I hurt my foot,” a dejected Taleb said after the bout. “I definitely want to fight again and hopefully my team gets over this defeat and comes back stronger for the next fight and Team Canada will win.”
The win was Team Australia’s first of the season, which is a relief for head coach Kyle Noke.
“Tyler just put pressure on him and kept the pace up and was outstriking him,” Noke said.
OUTSIDE THE OCTAGON
Bonding after battle
Despite the bad blood between Manawaroa hand Taleb prior to their battle, the two were seen joking around after the fight. Taleb and Manawaroa were sent to a nearby hospital after the fight to get x-rays on their foot and thumb, respectively.
Aussies see snow for the first time
It might be a foreign concept to Canadians, but not everyone gets snow. At the TUF house, following a fresh layer of the white stuff, several Team Australia members got their first taste of snow. Of course, they had a small snowball fight to celebrate.
On the next episode
Since Team Australia won, they earned control of fight selection for the first time this season. Noke selected Richard Walsh to face Fredericton, N.B.’s Matthew Desroches.
