'The Ultimate Fighter 33': Cormier vs. Sonnen, Episode 1: UFC alum vs. LFA champ ends quickly
Twenty years after it initially premiered, "The Ultimate Fighter" is back for Season 33.
"TUF 33" streamed its first episode Tuesday during which coaches Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen evaluated talent, picked teams and faced off vicariously through their first head-to-head matchup.
The season features two weight classes as eight welterweights and eight flyweights work their way through a bracket with the hope of punching a ticket to the final – and then earning a six-figure UFC deal.
Here are the official teams for "TUF 33," selected by the coaches:
Team Cormier
Flyweights: Eduardo Henrique (1), Alibi Idiris (3), Imanol Rodriguez (5), Tumelo Manyamala (7)
Welterweights: Rodrigo Sezinando (1), Daniil Donchenko (3), Jeff Creighton (5), Alex Sanchez (7)
Team Sonnen
Flyweights: Joseph Morales (2), Furkatbek Yokubov (4), Roybert Echeverria (6), Arshiyan Memon (8)
Welterweights: Diego Bianchini (2), Matt Dixon (4), Richard Martins (6), Andreeas Binder (8)
Fight 1: Eduardo Henrique (CS) vs. Joseph Morales (DC)
The first fight of the season took place between the top two flyweight selections.
Former UFC fighter and Team Alpha Male member Joseph Morales (12-2) said he was surprised Cormier took LFA flyweight champ Eduardo Henrique (13-2) – and he showed why.
In less than half a round, Morales dragged Henrique to the canvas and tapped him out with a rear-naked choke. Morales was all sorts of fired up as he tauntingly screamed, "Uh vai morrer," at the downed Brazilian.
"I feel like some of the weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I'm ready to move onto the next fight honestly," Morales said."
Next week's matchup
On Episode 2, the first two welterweights will square off as Team Cormier's Daniil Donchenko (11-2) battles Team Sonnen's Richard Martins (9-1).
"TUF 33" airs every Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET and can be watched on ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+.
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