Episode No. 3 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter: Live'
LAS VEGAS – As episode No. 3 opens, we get a live look into the locker rooms of both Team Cruz's Justin Lawrence and Team Faber's Cristiano Marcello, who both look relaxed as their hands are wrapped for tonight's elimination fight. The countdown clock is back, and we know their fight will start at the 45-minute mark. A quick recap of last week's episode gets things started, and Dominick Cruz admits it was a relief to get the first win of the season.
UFC president Dana White recounts the previous week's awkward team selection, where Cruz put the picking responsibilities on Urijah Faber, only for his team to wilt in the face of the challenge.
Team Cruz is then shown yucking it up in the locker room at Team Faber's unwillingness to step up to his challenge. Faber admits it was a smart strategy but lets his team know that can't happen again. He also rallies the troops by stating the matchup is actually just fine with them, pitting his Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace against a fighter who might struggle against him in a fight on the floor.
Back at the house, there's more talk about Team Faber's actions. Team Cruz's Chris Tickle is leading the trashtalk, but Team Faber appears to remain relatively controlled in the face of the chatter.
Fast forward to Sunday, and Tickle is shown wearing a gas mask on the way to practice and then breaking Faber's parking sign outside the gym. He says he was just intending to move the sign, but it snaps. Cruz lets his team know that he's cool with pranks but that Tickle's actions might just be the start of a war.
Next, we get a close look at Lawrence, who details his training background. He also admits he's in a tough fight with Marcello. Cruz does, as well, but he said that was his precise intention. He wants challenging fights for his team, and he wants to challenge Faber's best right away.
In practice, Cruz admits he's having a challenge with Tickle. Taping his feet, wearing an earring, claiming diarrhea – Cruz thinks Tickle is doing anything he can to get out of hard work. Cruz pulls Tickle aside and demands a bit more focus from his fighter. Tickle says he gets it, but his confessional chats make it seem he may be a little less than 100-percent sincere.
After a quick commercial break, we meet Marcello, who outlines his Brazilian jiu-jitsu pedigree, which dates back directly to MMA's first family, the Gracies.
Team Faber breaks down the fight, and they know Lawrence is going to assume the fight is going to go to the ground. But Marcello and his coaches think it might be best just to make it a dirty fight on the feet.
Faber finally sees his broken sign, so Team Faber plans his revenge. A little bit of tape to Cruz's portrait is all they offer, and Faber said he's happy to keep it simple.
Later on, Tickle and his squad arrive to the gym, and Team Faber is there to give him a little ribbing. Tickle takes major offense, and he starts yelling at John Cofer. It seems there may be a ready-made matchup, as both guys are happy to admit they'll fight each other. First though, it's Lawrence and Marcello, now just about 20 minutes away.
Both fighters make weight without issue, and the staredown is a good one. It looks like we're in for a good one.
TEAM CRUZ'S JUSTIN LAWRENCE (3-0) VS. TEAM FABER'S CRISTIANO MARCELLO (12-3)
Round 1 - Referee Steve Mazagatti in charge. Lawrence circles right on the outside to open as Marcello takes the center. Lawrence looks comfortable as he sets range. Marcello not quite as aggressive as his coaches were hoping. Lawrence mixing in a few kicks, as well. Nothing of real consequence yet, but he's the aggressor to start. Lawrence adding combinations, and he lands a nice kick to the body. Marcello punches to answer, but Lawrence backs away with little issue. Marcello resets in the center, but he lets Lawrence start each exchange. Marcello slips but scrambles up. Lawrence tries to capitalize with punches before pulling away and avoiding a clinch. Lawrence wings a few overhand shots. Marcello throws a nice knee inside, but Lawrence counters over the top. Marcello lands a front kick to the body. Marcello continues to hold the center, but it's Lawrence doing the most damage. Round ends, and it looks like it should be Lawrence's, 10-9.
Round 2 - Marcello busier to start. He's still looking to strike. He briefly gets a clinch, but Lawrence pulls free. Big overhand right from Lawrence. Marcello recovers well. Lawrence now on the attack. He ducks for a takedown and Marcello willingly goes to the floor. Lawrence backs away and declines the invitation. Lawrence misses a spinning backfist but lands a crisp jab. Volume picking up in the gym as they trade shots. Marcello falls back from a left hand. He gets up but gets caught again. Marcello is in trouble, and Lawrence is swarming. Marcello moves forward, but he looks very tired. Lawrence is in complete control. Marcello is wilting, and in comes a massive shot, and it was the hook Faber warned of. Marcello is down, and that's the fight. Another highlight-reel finish for "The Ultimate Fighter: Live."
Justin Lawrence def. Cristiano Marcello via knockout (punches) - Round 2, 3:16.
Another big finish, another big win for Team Cruz. He retains selection of the next week's fight. This time, he keeps it. Myles Jury represents Cruz and takes on Al Iaquinta from Team Faber, his No. 1 pick. See you next week.
