The Ultimate Fighter season 33 episode 1 recap; how Cormier and Sonnen cheered newcomers
UFC launches The Ultimate Fighter season 33 with tribute to legacy and fierce opening fight
Twenty years of The Ultimate Fighter: a legacy rekindled
The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 kicked off at the
UFC APEX
, marking the 20th anniversary of the show that changed mixed martial arts history. UFC CEO Dana White opened with a nod to the show's legendary status, reminding fighters that TUF has produced 16 UFC champions and four Hall of Famers. This season, coached by veterans
Daniel Cormier
and
Chael Sonnen
, includes 16 new fighters vying for a UFC contract.
Former TUF winner Forrest Griffin returned to oversee team selections, while White teased appearances from former champions-turned-mentors who will guide this season's prospects.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Draft day: Henrique and Morales lead the pack
Live Events
Following evaluations, Daniel Cormier selected
Eduardo Henrique
, reigning LFA flyweight champion, as his first flyweight pick. Chael Sonnen responded with veteran
Joseph Morales
. The two coaches alternated selections, with each eyeing early dominance in both flyweight and welterweight brackets.
Notably, Irish fighter Andreeas Binder became the final draft pick for Team Sonnen. Griffin encouraged fighters to maximize the opportunity, stating, 'I won The Ultimate Fighter 20 years ago; I haven't worked a job since.'
Inside the TUF house: rivalries and resolutions begin
Once inside the TUF house, fighters staked out rooms, waved flags, and declared intentions. Rodrigo Sezinando and Diego Bianchini stood out early, Sezinando for his loud, friendly nature and Bianchini for avoiding bonds with fighters in his own weight class. Tension quickly surfaced, foreshadowing drama to come.
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Fight week: Morales vs. Henrique headlines the opener
The first bout was announced: Joseph Morales (Team Sonnen) vs. Eduardo Henrique (Team Cormier). Both coaches respected their opponents, Cormier highlighting Henrique's striking prowess and Sonnen focusing on Morales' grappling game.
Fight preparations revealed personal stories. Henrique shared how he was raised by his grandparents after his mother's arrest, while Morales reflected on his prior UFC stint and the support of his wife and two sons.
Weigh-in drama and fight night action
Weigh-ins brought drama as Morales initially missed weight by half a pound. After stripping down, he made weight on his second try. Fighters jawed back and forth, with clear animosity between Sezinando and Bianchini.
On fight night, Morales executed a perfect game plan. After exchanging early strikes, he scored a takedown, transitioned smoothly to Henrique's back, and secured a rear-naked choke in Round 1.
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Fight result: Joseph Morales def. Eduardo Henrique via submission (rear-naked choke) in round 1
Aftermath and next fight Announcement
In tears after the win, Morales dedicated the victory to his family and said he thrives under pressure. Cormier suggested Henrique overestimated his striking edge, while Sonnen credited Morales' patience and timing.
Looking ahead, Team Sonnen chose Richard Martins to face Daniel Donchenko in the first welterweight matchup. Dana White hyped the bout, highlighting Martins' knockout power and Donchenko's youth and experience.
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