Randa Markos of Windsor, Ont., is the lone Canadian competing on The Ultimate Fighter 20. She will be writing weekly blogs for sportsnet.ca to share an inside perspective about what went on inside the gym and house.
The Ultimate Fighter 20: Episode one recap
Being chosen to be on TUF 20 was the culmination of everything I’ve worked hard for my entire life. Like others, I sacrificed so much to get to where I am and TUF was my opportunity to show everyone what I am made of.
When I entered the TUF gym for the first time I felt like I was on cloud nine. I remember seeing that gym on TV and I was thinking about all the amazing fighters that were in that gym before me. It felt like a dream.
Meeting Dana White and coaches Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez was a pretty cool experience and it was even better seeing them in the crowd and Pettis in my corner when I fought Tecia Torres. It made it feel like this was serious stuff.
When I first got to meet all the girls, I knew a few faces and names from the internet, but I really didn’t know anything bout any of them. I don’t like watching girls in my weight class, especially if we eventually have to fight each other, so I like to keep away from seeing their fights. Everyone seemed pretty nice at first, but I knew it wouldn’t last long.
Watch The Ultimate Fighter 20: Team Pettis vs. Team Melendez every Wednesday at 10 p.m. EST on Sportsnet 360
I didn’t have a preference on which team I wanted to be on because I was excited to train with either of them. I also didn’t care who was on my team because I didn’t know much about any of them–only that we are the best in the world and there is only one winner.
Training at the TUF gym was pretty cool. I enjoyed learning what Team Pettis had to offer. Watching how Anthony and his team train and just training with the other girls helped me see where I stood.
When I first saw the girls, Tecia stood out to me because before I got to the show someone had told me they thought she would win the whole thing. So, right away I wanted that fight and was so happy we were matched up. Even happier when I beat her. I knew she was ranked No. 3 on the show for a reason, but leading up to the fight I became more confidant in myself and my training. Tecia is a tough chick and I respect her. I feel like I have a lot to learn still and a lot to improve on and hope to continue doing so on my way to the belt.
It was great to finally see the fight on TV with all my friends and family and just hearing all the feedback from fans. I hope you enjoyed our fight and I want you all to know that it is only the beginning. We have so much talent in that house and if you enjoyed my fight then you will definitely enjoy the rest of the season.
Thank you for tuning in.
Follow Randa Markos on Twitter @randamma