The Ultimate Fighter 4
by The Z-Child
http://www.theultimatefighter.tv/
The Ultimate Fighter 4
This Saturday, the fourth season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality show comes to a close with a live finale in Vegas. I was honestly disappointed by the quality of the fights this season. The UFC’s idea to bring back “veteran” fighters for a comeback actually resulted in sub-par talent and boring fights. For the most part, these guys stopped fighting in the UFC for the simple reason that they couldn’t hack it.
I find it ironic that many hard-core MMA fans mocked past seasons of TUF because of the alleged poor talent. The fighters from the first three seasons of TUF are actually some of the most talented and entertaining in the UFC. Season one alone produced Forest Griffin, Diego Sanchez, Josh Koscheck and Mike Swick. Swick and Sanchez are undefeated in the UFC and headed for title shots, while Griffin and Koscheck are quickly on the way. From the second season, Joe Stevenson and Rashad Evans are within reach of title contention. Even the lackluster third season produced Michael Bisping and Kendall Grove, two very promising young fighters. Ironically, only the Season 4 winners will get immediate guaranteed title shots. Seasons 1-3 fighters have earned them the hard way.
None of the fighters on TUF 4 have good finishing ability. Finalists Matt Serra (4-4), Chris Lytle (2-6), Patrick Cote (0-3), and Travis Lutter (1-2) all have losses and decisions all over their UFC records. Serra and Cote are fairly exciting fighters. Serra’s personality almost carried the show by itself. His mocking of Matt Hughes had me rolling. And it was riveting when he decided to verbally assault trainer Marc Laimon for disrespecting his mentor Royce Gracie.
So perhaps the season will finish with a bang, but I doubt it. Get ready for a lot of even and boring match-ups mostly ending in decisions. The judges will be busy.
The Picks:
Chris Lytle Vs. Matt Serra - In the main event, I like Serra over Lytle by decision. I think Serra is persistent enough to get the take down, and once he’s there, he can dominate. Lytle never really impressed me on the show. For a former boxer, his striking looked sloppy against both Spratt and Thomas. Serra isn't a clown on his feet. He's only been stopped once in his career. He should be able to avoid Lytle’s striking.
Patrick Cote Vs. Travis Lutter - Cote will have his hands full against Travis "lay-and-pray" Lutter. Lutter may be the most boring fighter I have ever seen, both inside and outside the ring. He has the personality of a pair of shoes. With that said, he's got good BJJ skills and can very dangerous on the ground. I think Cote has improved enough on the ground to survive, and he’s good enough on his feet to punish Lutter. Cote by decision.
Rich Clementi Vs. Din Thomas - I like Clementi here simply because I think he’s physically stronger. Thomas works off his back a lot but I don't think he'll submit Rich. I pick Clementi by decision.
Edwin Dewees Vs. Jorge Rivera - This should be another decision. I think Rivera is the stronger fighter. He’s getting older every day, but Dewees has never shown me much in his fights, besides the fact he bleeds a lot.
Jeremy Jackson Vs. Pete Spratt - Finally we have a fight that will NOT go to a decision. I see Jackson winning this by ground and pound stoppage in round 2. He should be able to take down Spratt easily.
Scott Smith Vs. Pete Sell - Another even match-up, but this should be a good brawl. I like Smith in a mini-upset here. I pick Smith by KO in round 3.
Gideon Ray Vs. Charles McCarthy - the battle of the worst two contestants on the show ends with Ray winning by, you guessed it, decision. McCarthy is decent on the ground, but terrible on his feet. If Ray fights smart, he'll avoid Charles weak takedowns, and slug it out.
Thales Leites Vs. Martin Kampmann – This is the one non-TUF bout on the card. I have no idea who wins this. I've never seen either fighter.
