TUF Blog with the MMA Mom: Season 14, Episode 8

TUF 14 Cast

Each week, we will give you a recap of what went down on the latest episode of “The Ultimate Fighter”, but from a unique perspective. Lynne McCreary is the mother of TUF Contestant, Dennis Bermudez, and transforms herself from a mild-mannered parent into The MMA Mom! Okay, it’s not quite that dramatic, but it’s definitely unexpected. Read on and see what went down this week inside the TUF house:

This week was probably the most intense episode for me yet. It’s the first round of the semi-finals and my son Dennis is the first to fight in his bout with Akira Corasanni. I found myself counting the minutes until the beginning of the show. The sneak peek had promised a surprise finish to the fight and, of course, Dennis wouldn’t give it up. So I sat here watching the clock…and Harry’s Law.

The episode started off with a recap of how Dennis and Akira advanced to the semi finals. There was a little schpeel about the different clicks that have evolved in the house and then moved on to what was touted to be the prank to beat all.

Team Mayhem was hanging out in their locker room with Bisping there, doing what Bisping does; talking smack. Team Mayhem began to think something was up, but by then it was too late. All hell broke loose as the room was filled with spray from multiple fire extinguishers. Team Mayhem escaped into the blare of a fully fledged Mariachi band playing just for their benefit.

“They scurried out of there like little rats,” laughed Bisping.

Mayhem, knowing that Tiki “is an expert prankologist,” gaves props to Team Bisping.

Later, Team Bisping was taking turns tossing out insults regarding my kid’s intelligence, which made Mom’s blood boil. Mama bear was getting out her claws, but then I remembered this cub can defend himself.

Team Bisping, knowing that Dennis is a threat on the ground, schools Akira on getting off the ground and then trying for a submission or KO.

Meanwhile, Mayhem imports Siyar Bahadurzada, who Akira had trained extensively with. Dennis was basically preparing with a bigger, badder Akira. After training concluded, Siyar believed that Dennis did well against him.

Akira did a little song for Dennis on the outcome of the fight.

“Akira, he’s like a cabaret act,” Dennis laughed. “If Akira fights like he talks then he could win this whole competition easily…. I usually fight to win; I don’t fight to hurt anyone. This time it’s different.”

Akira’s headgames just fueled Dennis’ fire. The faceoff, the fight entrance; I have truly had never seen such focused ferocity in Dennis.

Dana White had some thoughts on the matchup as well.

“Akira is cocky and a little nutty,” said the UFC president. “I think he was crazy to call out Dennis. Dennis is very good and tough. I was very impressed with his fight to get into the house and very impressed with his fight once he got here.”

At the start of round one, the two touched gloves and it’s on. Akira was a little less aggressive than I had expected him to be in the opening exchange. Yes, Akira landed some good shots and definitely knocked Den for a loop, but the only thing he really did was piss him off. Dennis responded with a big takedown. Akira tried to stand and he exposed his neck. Dennis locked up the guillotine and Akira was out!

After the fight, Akira was noticeably dazed. It took Bisping and White guide him to the ringside doctor. While Bisping embraced Akira, all he could do was ask “Coach, am I out?”

There’s little I can write about the end. Dennis is going to Vegas and now we just have to see against who. Next week, Dustin Pague will be taking on T.J. Dillashaw in the first bantamweight semi final fight.