TUF 10: Episode 6 recap
As the sixth episode of “The Ultimate Fighter 10: Heavyweights” opens, we see an image not unfamiliar to most “TUF”…
As the sixth episode of “The Ultimate Fighter 10: Heavyweights” opens, we see an image not unfamiliar to most “TUF” aficionados: a fighter drinking at 8 a.m.
Except this fighter, Darrill Schoonover, hasn’t yet competed.
Schoonover’s Team Rashad teammate James McSweeney addresses the issue head on and calls the Texan “a drunk.” With whiskey and beer in Schoonover’s hand, it’s a little tough to argue.
Team Rampage’s Zak Jensen says he’d love to face Schoonover. Why not?
Despite the beverages, Schoonover makes it to practice, and coach Rashad Evans has brought in striking coach Phil Nurse for a special workout. Maybe not the best day (if there is one) to hit practice with a buzz.
Schoonover spars with MMAjunkie.com blogger Brendan Schaub, and Evans notices the results from his beverage-toting heavyweight aren’t there. Evans tries to find out why, and McSweeney pipes up with the info.
“He’s a drunk,” McSweeney says.
Schoonover doesn’t deny it, and the admission draws a perhaps much-needed lecture. The heavyweight seems to take the advice to heart, though he only commits to keep his consumption to “at least a minimum.”
Despite the concerns, Evans says he believes Schoonover is being underestimated by Team Rampage, and he has “something that they just don’t know.”
As Team Rampage starts practice, Schoonover and coach Quinton “Rampage” Jackson cross paths. Jackson immediately starts in with the “Titties” references, though Schoonover tries to smile it off. When the verbal barbs don’t stop, Schoonover promises to cut to 205 pounds and kick Jackson’s ass.
The claim irks Jackson, who immediately gets in Schoonover’s face. Both appear to be half-joking, but the tension is evident, especially when Schoonover reveals he might headbutt Jackson if the scene repeats itself.
It’s fight selection time, and Team Rashad, at 5-0, maintains control. Evans elects to let Schoonover release some of his frustration, and he picks Jensen (just the fighter, not the whole family) to oppose.
Jensen gets his wish.
Ryan Jensen vs. Darrill Schoonover
Referee Steve Mazzagatti starts the action, and the two immediately trade punches in the pocket. Schoonover clinches up and moves Jensen to the cage, just as the gameplan dictated.
Jensen circles off the cage and reverses, but he eats a few knees to the midsection. Jensen releases the clinch after the blows, and Schoonover unleashes his hands. Jensen feels the hit and shoots in.
Schoonover sprawls and stands, though Jensen hits a nice trip and falls to top position.
Schoonover quickly moves from a closed guard to a triangle choke position. Jensen responds with hammerfists, but Schoonover patiently cinches the hold tighter. Jensen continues with the punches, though he does nothing to escape the hold.
After more than a minute in the choke, Jensen goes to sleep, and Mazzagatti rushes in. It’s the second-straight Team Rampage fighter to go to sleep.