‘TUF 23′ Recap: Episode 1

The first episode of “The Ultimate Fighter 23” is under way and, as usual, the expectations are through the roof amongst all involved. This year’s coaches, UFC women’s strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Claudia Gadelha, make it abundantly clear right off the bat that they aren’t exactly fond of each other. “I don’t like her,” the Brazilian tells the camera almost as soon as the episode begins. “When I’m around her, I just want to punch her in the face… I don’t want to be around her every day but I have (to).” Before the two women come to blows, though, they actually are cordial when sitting at the main table to watch the initial fights before UFC President Dana White joins them. There isn’t a hint of trash talk between the ladies and it actually makes for a pleasant afternoon, save for the fighters who eventually lose and are sent packing. Little time is wasted before the first of 16 fights is underway. This year will see eight strawweight women and the same number of light heavyweight men all vying for one goal: to become the Ultimate Fighter. The women are up first (the editing team decides to alternate between women and men fights) and it’s Dutch striker Mellony Geugjes taking on Amanda Cooper. After taking a few blows to the dome, the American stumbles to the canvas but Geugjes makes the mistake of chasing her down and landing in her guard. Bad move because almost immediately, she is tapping to a textbook armbar and Cooper is the first into the house. Rhode Island’s Eric Spicely followed suit by quickly dispatching Kenneth Bergh. As soon as the duel begins, Spicely is all over the …

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