TUF 16, episode 4 recap
JULIAN LANE (4-0) VS. BRISTOL MARUNDE (15-7) Round 1 – Referee Josh Rosenthal is in charge of the fight. Bristol…
JULIAN LANE (4-0) VS. BRISTOL MARUNDE (15-7)
Round 1 – Referee Josh Rosenthal is in charge of the fight. Bristol takes the center to open, and Julian engages in the center of the cage before Bristol switches to the outside and puts his opponent on the fence. It’s a bit of a stalemate in the clinch, but Bristol pushes in from the outside and drives in a few short knees. The pair does break and flurry briefly, but Bristol quickly returns to a Thai clinch in hopes of controlling the action. He lets go shortly after, and Julian does look to be a little winded just a few minutes into the round. Bristol returns to the clinch, where he’s strong against the cage. Julian’s team wants him to break away, which he finally does. Bristol is cut and open and bleeding at a decent clip. Julian fires off several power shots, but it’s still Bistol landing the majority of the quality blows. Julian shoots in the close the round, but Bristol stuffs it and transitions to the back, but the frame ends before he can capitalize. Despite the damage, MMAjunkie.com awards the round to Bristol, 10-9.
Round 2 – Julian slips on an early power shot. He’s still fighting on the outside, and Bristol lands a few powerful low kicks. Julian tries to return fire with his own low kicks and a few overhand counters, but fatigue appears to be an issue. Still, he is landing the occasional power shot, and his punches look formidable. It’s a slow-paced round as time winds down, and Bristol decides to move back into the clinch. Julian looks for a trip and transitions to the back when Bristol scrambles to remain upright. However, Bristol quickly turns in and switches the position against the cage. They break with a little less than one minute remaining. Bristol resumes his attack from the center. Julina continues to wing overhands, and Roy is begging for him to press. Instead, he stays outside until the bell. Team Nelson thinks Julian did enough to take the round, and even the Team Carwin corner believes there as at least a potential of a third, sudden-victory round. However, MMAjunkie.com awards the round to Bristol, 10-9, giving him the fight 20-18. The judges all agree.
Bristol Marunde def. Julian Lane via unanimous decision (20-18, 20-18, 20-18)