This is it. After 12 episodes--and barring another jaw-dropping plot twist--by the end of tonight's show either Amir Sadollah or C.B. Dolloway will have earned the coveted title of "The Ultimate Fighter."
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Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan welcomed viewers to the sold-out show, live from The Pearl at The Palms in Las Vegas.
Season 7 coaches Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Forrest Griffin were shown in the audience.
(1) Matt Riddle vs. Dante Rivera.
This was a middleweight bout between Season 7 rivals. Herb Dean was the referee. The round-one action took place mostly against the fence, although it was lively. Round two ended with Riddle within seconds of a submission victory. On to round three, where Matt Riddle continued to control.
Servicemen and women in Afghanistan, where it was 6:06 a.m., were shown watching the show live.
Wanderlei Silva was shown in the audience.
Bruce Buffer announced that Matt Riddle had won via unanimous decision.
Joe Rogan asked Riddle about the fight, his first win as a professional.
Rogan also interviewed Dante, who said he was not going to retire, despite what he'd said on TUF about a loss to Riddle.
Rogan was with Dana White for a big announcement. Anderson Silva will be moving up to 205 pounds and face James "The Sandman" Irvin on July 19.
(2) Spencer Fisher vs. Jeremy Stephens.
Goldberg said this lightweight bout was a Battle of Iowa. Steve Mazzagatti was the referee. The fight went three full rounds, with Fisher hanging on in a submission hold as the seconds ticked down to the end of the match. The decision went to the judges.
Actor Kevin James was shown in the audience trying to put Rampage in a chokehold.
Bruce Buffer announced that Spencer Fisher had won by unanimous decision.
Fisher thanked the troops and the Miletich camp.
Joe Rogan was seated in the audience with the two coaches, Rampage Jackson and Forrest Griffin. Rampage went on some kind of rant about Griffin drinking coffee every day. Huh? Rampage did call Griffin a worthy opponent, though. Rogan asked Griffin about being the original Ultimate Fighter and going on to fight Rampage for the title. Griffin said his victory over Shogun Rua was in the past and his focus now is on fighting Jackson on July 19.
Michael Bisping and B.J. Penn were shown watching with the troops in Afghanistan.
Wilmer Valderamma was shown in the Las Vegas audience.
(3) Diego Sanchez (a Season 1 champ) vs. Luigi Fioravanti.
Josh Rosenthal was the referee as The Nightmare and Fioravanti, the former Marine, squared off. It nearly ended for Diego as round one came to a close, although he'd been throwing good kicks. Round two, and Diego pounced as Luigi took a misstep. Luigi recovered and both stood and traded. Diego was a bulldog, getting Luigi down and punching him. Round three was nearly over when Diego used a head kick, followed by a big knee, to pound out Luigi for the win. Excellent match.
Bruce Buffer announced Diego Sanchez as the winner via TKO.
Rogan interviewed the winner and discussed Diego's improved striking.
Frank Mir and Antonio Noguiera, coaches for the next season of TUF, were shown in the audience.
(4) Middleweight Bout to Determine "The Ultimate Fighter": Amir Sadollah vs. C.B. Dolloway.
This will be a rematch for these two. They'd fought in the semi-finals, with Amir defeating C.B. When semi-finalist Jesse Taylor was unceremoniously removed from the UFC, C.B. got a second chance to make it to the finals.
It's hard not to be rooting for Amir in this match. He's the male version of a Cinderella story, having been spotted by Dana White at an open workout for the TUF 7 casting. Without so much as a professional match under his belt, Amir battled his way to the finals.
Herb Dean was the referee. The two fighters started the fight with smiles on their faces as they touched gloves. C.B. took Amir down. Then Amir got C.B. in an arm bar. A shocked C.B. insisted he did not tap, but a replay of the tape answered that question.
Bruce Buffer announced Amir Sadollah as the winner of the match via arm bar tap out at 3:02 of the first round, and the winner of title of The Ultimate Fighter.
Dana White made the official presentation of the TUF trophy and the 6-figure contract. Joe Rogan asked Amir what his thoughts were on winning, and he said he was trying to think of funny stuff to say, but couldn't. He was very much like Forrest Griffin in his wry humor, unassuming demeanor, and happy smile.
Rogan was in the audience talking to the stars of "The Factory," a low brow comedy debuting on Spike TV soon.
(5) Evan Tanner (former UFC World Middleweight Champ) vs. Kendall Grove (Season 3 TUF champ).
Grove said this was going to be a "Loser Leaves Town" match.
Evan Tanner looks different every time he fights. This time he has a Grizzly Adams beard. Rogan said he was competing with Kimbo Slice for the best beard in the MMA.
Steve Mazzagatti was the referee for this middleweight bout. Each fighter poured his heart into the fight. It went three full rounds and to a decision.
Bruce Buffer announced that the winner was Kendall Grove by split decision.
Rogan asked Kendall about the fight. He said he was happy to have kept his job since he's going to be a father in August.
The show is going into overtime. Three hours and it continues on into the night.
(6) Marvin Eastman vs. Drew McFedries.
Drew McFedries won easily.
Bruce Buffer announced Drew McFedries as winner via TKO.
Rogan asked the winner about the fight, and he said he knew he had to come out strong early. He was emotional and happy to be in the UFC.
This brought the show to a close.