“The Ultimate Fighter 31: Team McGregor vs. Team Chandler” returned Tuesday for Episode 8 as two fighters head to be examined by the UFC’s chief physician before a lightweight fight ends quickly.
On Episode 8, the matchup between seasoned veteran Hunter Azure and up-and-comer Rico DiSciullo, as Team McGregor seeks to avoid a clean sweep – and the fight ends in wild fashion.
The season runs from May 30 to Aug. 15 with the live finale expected for later this year. The promotion also intends for coaches Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler to square off in the months that follow the conclusion of the season.
Scroll below for a recap of Episode 8 and make sure to check out an exclusive insider look from Holobaugh, who will peel back the curtain on MMA Junkie the morning after each episode airs.
Veteran advice
In the wake of his loss, Landon Quinones seeks advice from his opponent, Jason Knight about how to handle defeat.
“You can either paint yourself a f*cking masterpiece or you can paint yourself a (expletive) picture,” Knight said. “If you want to paint a f*cking masterpiece, get good at everything.”
McGregor's last hope
DiSciullo is Conor McGregor’s last hope.
Down 0-7 in the series to date, Team McGregor has one chance to avoid a clean sweep: Peabody, Mass.’s DiSciullo, who faces Azure, of Team Chandler.
Should McGregor lose, UFC president Dana White indicated the rules would need to be improvised, as a clean first-round sweep has never previously occurred.
DiSciullo tells coach Owen Roddy he loves being the underdog, all the while he has a big grin on his face.
Chandler voices confidence
With confidence at an all-time high among his team, Chandler voices his firm belief in Azure.
“I don’t see a position in this fight you’re going to get roughed up in,” Chandler told Azure during a cardio warm-up.
The fight: Hunter Azure vs. Rico DiSciullo
Azure shoots for a takedown but is denied. Azure tries again. DiSciullo stuffs again ands lands a night shot in the break. Azure tries for a single leg. DiSciullo smashes him with elbows, but eventually Azure gets him down. Azure lands some big strikes and briefly mounts DiSciullo, who returns him into a high half guard. Azure blasts DiSciullo with more shots. DiSciullo struggles to get up, as Azure continues to ground-and-pound. A short shot by DiSciullo from the bottom splits Azure open. He’s leaking everywhere while maintaining top position. DiSciullo pushes off the cage and scrambles up. Azure maintains his grip and takes DiSciullo back down. Azure spits blood out and gets a warning from referee Herb Dean. The round ends with Azure on top.
In Round 2, both fighters come out a lot cleaner-looking than they did in Round 1. Nice work by the cut men. Both fighters open up in the striking department. A hard right hand lands for DiSciullo. Azure returns, then shoots. DiSciullo stuffs the single leg attempt and lands a hard leg kick. DiSciullo lands a hard overhand right that floors Azure. As Azure falls backward, DiSciullo lands a violent double hammerfist that flattens Azure, ending the fight.
Weight: Bantamweight
Round: Quarterfinal
Team Chandler fighter: Hunter Azure (10-3)
Team McGregor fighter: Rico DiSciullo (11-2)
Result: Rico DiSciullo def. Hunter Azure via knockout (punches) – Round 2
The score: Team Chandler (7), Team McGregor (1)
"Ayayayayyayaya" - McGregor does laps
After the all-time “TUF” knockout, McGregor avoids the sweep and celebrates by doing laps around the cage.
“That’s that Boston courage, brother,” McGregor yelled at DiSciullo through the cage. “That’s Boston Strong, baby.”
McGregor vs. Roberts
McGregor screams at Team Chandler and accuses them of not aiming to finish fight.
“I love KOs,” McGregor said. “Who doesn’t love KOs? F*cking holding on to each other, you are in here, for two f*cking rounds. You think closed guard top after two rounds is the fight over? There’s a lot of unfinished fights here.
Roosevelt Roberts takes exception with McGregor’s post-fight dancing, singing, and insults – and lets him know it.
Semifinal interviews
Dana White interviews each fighter as to who they would like to fight the most in the semifinal round.
Bantamweights:
DiSciullo wants Timur Valiev.
Cody Gibson wants DiSciullo.
Valiev wants DiSciullo.
Brad Katona wants DiSciullo.
Lightweights:
Austin Hubbard wants Kurt Holobaugh.
Knight wants Holobaugh.
Roberts wants Knight.
Holobaugh wants Knight.
A well-earned joy ride
After the conclusion of the opening round, DiSciullo half-jokingly asks to take McGregor’s Lamborghini for a joyride. Much to DiSciullo’s surprise, McGregor hands him the keys and the two go for a spin.
Next week's fight: Austin Hubbard vs. Roosevelt Roberts
In the first lightweight semifinal, Team Chandler teammates Austin Hubbard and Roosevelt Roberts throw down in a three-round bout.
Previous episode recaps
- Episode 1: One of the fastest KOs in TUF history
- Episode 2: A cold sore postponement and a flying KO
- Episode 3: Action fight keeps momentum on one side
- Episode 4: Drawn-out negotiating, fight finally scheduled
- Episode 5: A ‘diva’ and ‘unfinished fights’ spark frustration
- Episode 6: Crushed Conor McGregor gets violent
- Episode 7: Two injury exams and another quick finish
