Courtesy UFC/Fox Sports
It was something no one expected to happen and could be called the biggest upset in “The Ultimate Fighter” history.
After being the first pick by Team Rousey, Shayna Baszler lost to Team Tate’s #1 pick Julianna Pena by second round submission in the first quarterfinal bout.
Pena was throwing a flurry of punches in the first round, with Baszler eating a few before Baszler took it to the ground. Baszler gets the back temporarily, before Pena winds up in Baszler’s guard. A scramble ensured before Baszler worked on a spindle cradle submission, which she abandoned. Pena worked her way back to her feet before Baszler took her down again. Pena threw some elbows in guard and made the reversal. Baszler winds up in half guard taking some body shots as the round ended.
The second round saw a more motivated Pena, who again used her striking to try to overwhelm Baszler. They pummeled against the fence with Pena hitting some knees to Baszler. The fight went through the ground, where Pena took the back and got the rear naked choke for the tap at 3:08 of round 2.
Baszler was obviously upset, with coach Ronda Rousey just as upset. Rousey consoled Baszler, promising her that she will make the UFC one day.
You can read Baszler’s take on the loss here.
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Other notes from the show:
- Since the rooms had odd numbers, Team Tate fighter Roxanne Modafferi joined the girls of Team Rousey, which was a cool fit with all those involved.
- Sarah Moras told fighter Tim Gorman that she could sub him after he stated no woman could. Gorman, however, was medically uncleared to fight, so he was forced to leave the show.
- A lot of the female fighters in the house doubted Pena would win, including Team Tate members Raquel Pennington and Sarah Moras. Moras handed Pena her first pro loss.
- Rousey kicked Team Tate out of the gym right at 6 p.m., the scheduled time. Rousey was seen rolling with Baszler, and seems to have formed a respect and bond with her. Rousey vowed to avenge Baszler’s loss to a Team Tate member.
- No female bouts next week as the men step up. Tate currently has control of the matchmaking for now. Depending on the winner of the men’s match next week, choice will go to the winner for the female bout in two weeks. Match will be announced at the end of next week’s episode.
Filed under: MMA
