Latest news with #TeamCormier
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
How Episode 5 results flipped pressure on Daniel Cormier vs Chael Sonnen rivalry
How Episode 5 results flipped pressure on Daniel Cormier vs Chael Sonnen rivalry (Image Source: Youtube) Daniel Cormier's commanding 4-1 lead over Chael Sonnen in The Ultimate Fighter 33 has reached a critical juncture following Alibi Idiris's hard-fought victory against Furkatbek Yokubov in Episode 5. The Kazakhstani fighter's unanimous decision win not only secured Team Cormier another semifinalist but also intensified the pressure on Team Sonnen to prevent a complete tournament sweep. With only one fighter remaining in Sonnen's corner across both weight divisions, the legendary rivalry between these coaching titans has taken a dramatic turn that could define the entire season's narrative. Alibi Idiris's ground game dominance extends team Cormier's winning streak The Ultimate Fighter 33 featured Alibi Idiris presenting the wrestling-heavy style that has defined Daniel Cormier's coaching. Although he was taking a lot of early punishment due to Furkatbek Yokubov's striking ability and was even deducted a point for a legal accidental eye poke, the undefeated Kazakhstani fighter showed a lot of spirit by gaining ground control through most of the exchanges. This win was the fourth win in a row by Team Cormier since losing the first fight, as Idiris became the second semifinal flyweight after teammate Imanol Rodriguez. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like FREE，從源頭開始的自然美 FREE輝盟 了解更多 Undo The performance of Idiris also caught the attention of former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno, who was among the guest coaches. He watched the fighter pressuring his opponent non-stop and using impressive transitions in the grappling position. Chael Sonnen's team faces elimination crisis as tournament narrows Team Sonnen is in a very delicate situation as Furkatbek Yokubov is eliminated, and now they have only Joseph Morales to represent their flyweight division in the semifinals. Chael Sonnen is now left with all of his hopes in his welterweight division in the hands of Matt Dixon, who will be fighting against Team Cormier member Alex Sanchez in the quarterfinal match next Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+. These performance disparities in the two coaching styles have aggravated the woes of Team Sonnen. Although Daniel Cormier has managed to execute game plans that focus on cardio and wrestling pressure, it has been difficult to keep his fighters on track to their initial advantages as a fight progresses past the opening rounds, accrued by Sonnen and his fighters. The next welterweight match between Alex Sanchez and Matt Dixon is perhaps the last chance for Team Sonnen to get a head start before the semifinals start. As Rose Namajunas and Raquel Pennington are expected to join Team Cormier and train, the psychological edge keeps getting shifted to the team of the former two-division UFC champion. Also Read: How the commentary lineup could shape fan buzz for the Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira main event The mounting pressure on Chael Sonnen's coaching reputation adds another layer to this storied rivalry, as Daniel Cormier appears positioned to deliver a decisive statement victory in their second season coaching together. The Ultimate Fighter 33's live finale will ultimately determine which fighters earn six-figure UFC contracts, but the coaching battle between these Hall of Fame competitors has already produced compelling television that honors the show's 20th anniversary celebration. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
USA Today
28-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
'The Ultimate Fighter 33': Cormier vs. Sonnen, Episode 1: UFC alum vs. LFA champ ends quickly
'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+.
