A flyweight competitor from Daniel Cormier`s team successfully advanced in The Ultimate Fighter 33 tournament this week, despite facing a significant point deduction during the bout.
Representing Team Cormier was Kazakhstan`s Alibi Idiris, an undefeated fighter. He squared off against Furkatbek Yokubov of Uzbekistan, fighting for Chael Sonnen`s team. Idiris secured a decision victory, relying heavily on his strong wrestling base.
Idiris`s performance was not without its challenges. Yokubov initially appeared to have the edge in the striking department, landing effective body kicks and timely counter punches. However, after a brief halt in the action due to an accidental low blow delivered by Yokubov, Idiris managed to close the distance and initiated his strategy of taking the fight to the ground.
Despite referee Jason Herzog issuing a warning to Yokubov for grabbing the cage, Idiris powered through, successfully taking Yokubov down and began applying ground-and-pound damage. Yokubov survived to see Round 2, which started with a quick striking exchange during which Idiris accidentally poked Yokubov in the eye. Herzog immediately responded by docking a point from Idiris.
Ultimately, the penalty did not impact the final result. Idiris continued to control the fight with his grappling, securing the decision victory after two rounds of competition.
With this win, Team Cormier now has its second flyweight participant in the semifinals, with Idiris joining teammate Imanol Rodriguez. The only flyweight semifinalist from Team Sonnen so far is Joseph Morales. Overall, Daniel Cormier`s team now holds a 4-1 lead in the series, also having seen welterweights Daniil Donchenko and Jeff Creighton advance.
This week`s episode also featured two special guests visiting Team Cormier: former TUF competitor and two-time UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno, and Super Bowl champion and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark. Moreno shared insights on the value of the TUF experience with Cormier`s team, recounting how he lost his only fight on the show but went on to achieve significant success in the UFC.
Clark, a colleague of Cormier at ESPN, delivered an encouraging pep talk to Alibi Idiris and the team wearing yellow jerseys before Idiris`s fight.
Looking ahead to the next episode, the welterweight quarterfinal matchup will feature Alex Sanchez (Mexico) from Team Cormier facing Matt Dixon (USA) from Team Sonnen.
The Ultimate Fighter 33 airs live every Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Unlike many previous seasons of TUF, coaches Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen will not compete against each other at the conclusion of the season, as both are long retired from active competition.
The finalists of the TUF 33 welterweight and flyweight tournaments will be awarded a six-figure UFC contract as part of the show`s live finale fights. The specific date for these culminating bouts has not yet been announced.
TUF 33 Rosters and Quarterfinal Results So Far:
Team Cormier
Flyweights
Alibi Idiris
Imanol Rodriguez
Richard Martins
Arshiyan Memon
Welterweights
Daniil Donchenko
Jeff Creighton
Eduardo Henrique
Andreeas Binder
Team Sonnen
Flyweights
Joseph Morales
Furkatbek Yokubov
… (Other flyweights not listed in results)
Welterweights
Alex Sanchez
Matt Dixon
… (Other welterweights not listed in results)
Completed Quarterfinal Results:
- Joseph Morales defeated Eduardo Henrique via first-round submission (rear-naked choke)
- Daniil Donchenko defeated Richard Martins via decision
- Imanol Rodriguez defeated Arshiyan Memon via first-round TKO (strikes)
- Jeff Creighton defeated Andreeas Binder via decision
- Alibi Idiris defeated Furkatbek Yokubov via decision
Advancing to Semifinals:
- Joseph Morales (Flyweight, Team Sonnen)
- Daniil Donchenko (Welterweight, Team Cormier)
- Imanol Rodriguez (Flyweight, Team Cormier)
- Jeff Creighton (Welterweight, Team Cormier)
- Alibi Idiris (Flyweight, Team Cormier)
Eliminated:
- Eduardo Henrique
- Richard Martins
- Arshiyan Memon
- Andreeas Binder
- Furkatbek Yokubov
