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The Ultimate Fighter 7: Episode Four
I wanted to begin this week with a continuation as to who I thought would be the people to watch, for the rest of the season; since my #1 pick was already out. The man I neglected to mention before is Tim Credeur. With an obviously superior jiu-jitsu game that was displayed in his preliminary elimination bout, I could not forego sharing my premonition with you all. This week it seems that my prediction would come true. They would begin as always, by showing us a replay of last week's fight, with a few competitors giving their thoughts and feelings about the matter. The commercials coming in would lead me to believe that there was only one guarantee this week: Dante Rivera and Matt Riddle would engage in a certain exchange of choice vocabulary, with perhaps even a non-sanctioned brawl between these two looming in the not too distant future.
The household antics would begin with Jesse, the winner from last weeks match-up against Mike Dolce, attempting to pop the cap off of a "celebratory" bottle of beer, with a knife. Now I've seen liters and even coffee tables used before, but never a knife succeeding in this sort of situation. Being drunk and disorderly, Jesse Taylor started right into destroying the house, tearing the blinds down and leaving the remaining pieces in a state of disarray, all the while acting like it was an accident on camera and making a false attempt at repairing the broken window cover. Then would come the aforementioned exchange of words between Rivera and Riddle, not heated by any means, but it would seem to be brewing up with both men laughing it off for the time being. Later on in the hour, we would see Amir Sadollah spraying Jesse Taylor's questionably suspicious "spots", on the epidermis about his torso with "tough actin" Tinactin.
As the cameras focused in on an intense training session with Team Rampage, the champ himself would be all up in the mix, dishing out what also seemed to be some great input for his group of fighters, despite the statement he made about never before coaching his own team. Rampage would go on to discuss the mental aspects of the fight game, as the cameras displayed shots of some heavy motivational declarations from Quinton to his pupils. He would also shock the world (sarcasm), by declaring that he "sucks" at jiu-jitsu. Then we would hear Patrick Schultz express his thoughts on his hunch about being on the Team Forrest hit list, as he seems to be the weakest link since his return to grace, if you will.
Returning to the house, we would hear Riddle expressing his desire to "whoop ass" immediately. Riddle would go on to express his doubts about Rivera being able to beat him, should they be forced to square off in near future. He would also refer to Rivera as an "old man", and tell of the so called advantages of youth. Inquiries as to, the pair of individuals fighting this week, could also be heard in the house from Team Rampage directed at Team Forrest, who had retained the "hammer" from last weeks installment. Making the official announcement, Coach Griffin would choose jiu-jitsu black belt Tim Credeur of Louisiana and the outspoken, heavy-handed Matthew Riddle of Pennsylvania; two men who I had pledged to keep my eye on this season. In my opinion this was one for the TUF history books. I personally couldn't wait to see these two get down to business.
Back at the house Dante Rivera attempted to mess with Riddle psychologically, stating that it's his years as a used car dealer that makes him a qualified pro at such an activity. Then we would finally hear Tim Credeur speak out at some length about his attitude coming into his fight and even about the competition. Credeur would tell of his "quest" for a spot at the top of the MMA game, but would go on to state his lack of an overall craving for the limelight, only wanting his share of the battles, and to fight for his home state. Next, we would hear Riddle speak with confidence about the faith he has in his right hand, as well as his takedown ability and submission defense. Riddle would go on to give his thoughts about being the underdog. Once more they would cut back to Credeur vocalizing his concern about a possible retirement from MMA, should he lose this fight. Both men, looked intensely confident during the weigh-ins; Credeur, the more serious looking of the two, Riddle the one with the smile on his face. But, how long this would last was yet to determined. As they say in Louisiana: "Le bon temps roulet"…the good times were about to roll for fans of The Ultimate Fighter.
Round 1 of the fight would begin with an unsuccessful single-leg takedown attempt from Riddle, but immediately grabbing Credeur's back and dragging him to the canvas; securing back control and working for a body triangle or the "anaconda" lock, as some like to call it. Riddle would soon lose his control with Credeur scrambling and abruptly arising to his feet. Credeur would then throw a decent leg kick that connected, as well as some missed shots. Credeur would then shoot in for an unsuccessful takedown attempt. Riddle would answer back throwing a leg kick of his own, immediately shooting in for his own unsuccessful takedown attempt. Finally, asserting his will to bring the game to the ground, Riddle would work on shots from the top. Credeur would then scramble and arise with a knee to the face of Riddle. Credeur would then also secure a takedown into Riddles guard, landing shots against the cage. Riddle would then sweep Credeur taking his back once again with Credeur escaping this to attempt what looked like a knee-bar. Once again, Riddle would be on top attempting to pass guard, with Credeur working the butterfly guard it would end up in half guard, with Credeur sweeping and passing to full mount. Riddle would then roll to his back to escape the barrage of blows sent forth by Credeur which, for a moment, made it look like the referee was narrowly about to end the fight with a T.K.O. stoppage. Credeur would attempt to secure a choke before the horn sounded, but would not succeed. Round 2 would begin with a look of concern on the face of Riddle, who would come out with a head kick that missed, immediately taking Credeur to the ground yet again. Working the butterfly guard, Credeur rolled and scrambled to the top, landing shots against the cage. Using the cage to attempt a roll out, Riddle would not succeed in doing so. Credeur, who would remain on top, answered with some more shots. Managing to get back to the feet, Riddle would then deliver a furious flurry of punches and a knee to the body, immediately taking Credeur to the ground again. Once there he connected with an elbow. Working the guard, Credeur would sweep Riddle successfully, rolling into side-control. Credeur would then secure an arm-bar for the win!
by Joshua E. Ottley a.k.a. OttO "The Saxon Battle Axe"
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