There has never been a Canadian winner of The Ultimate Fighter, but Team Canada got off to a strong start on the premiere episode of TUF Nations: Canada vs. Australia.
Team Canada, comprised of four of the top middleweights and four of the best welterweights this country has to offer, was led by UFC star Patrick Cote, along with Muay Thai coach Kru Ash, jiu-jitsu coach Fabio Holanda and wrestling coach David Zilberman.
The fighters bonded quickly and were inspired by their coach early on.
“We want to put finally, finally a Canadian guy as the winner of The Ultimate Fighter,” Cote, a finalist on TUF 4, told his team. “I know exactly what you’re living [like] now, I’ve been in the house. You’re going to miss your family, you’re going to miss your kids, you’re going to miss your girlfriend. It’s normal, but you have to realize you’re here for six weeks of your life to change your life.”
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After some initial team workouts, Team Canada won a coin toss to determine which side got to select the first fight matchup.
Canada won and Cote chose energetic Tristar Gym product Kajan Johnson to face Australia’s Brendan O’Reilly in the first bout of the season. Both Johnson and O’Reilly typically compete at lightweight and it resulted in a fast-paced tilt.
THE FIGHT
Despite being extremely anxious to fight after returning to competition following a two-year absence from MMA due to various injuries, Johnson maintained his composure as his opponent came out aggressive.
O’Reilly, 26, pressed forward but was cut open early when Johnson clipped him with a knee. As the Australian attempted to land ground-and-pound, Johnson secured a tight heel hook. O’Reilly persevered and eventually escaped.
“That guy was tough, I mean that inside heel hook I had, I don’t understand how his knee didn’t tear apart but I was trying to break it off,” said Johnson, who was dealing with several injuries prior to the fight including an LCL sprain.
After a brief striking exchange the two clinched up and Johnson locked in a rear-naked choke that forced a tap.
“I’m just very grateful. If I had lost it would have pretty much been done; my career would have been pretty much over,” Johnson said after the fight. “If I don’t get picked up here, I can’t see me getting picked up any other way. This is really my only shot. I’m giving it my everything.”
Team Australia coach Kyle Noke felt his fighter rushed in too quickly and it led to his downfall.
“I’m just going to grow from this experience and learn when I have to take my foot off the pedal a little bit and when I can push,” O’Reilly said. “I’m just glad I showed that Australians are going to bring it every time and fight.”
OUTSIDE THE OCTAGON
Early rift between teams
Team Australia members were upset with several Canadians after overhearing them talk about the Australian fighters’ records. O’Reilly and his teammates let the Canucks know they didn’t appreciate all the discussion.
On the next episode
Since Team Canada won the first bout, they retained control of fight selection and Cote chose for Elias Theodorou to take on Team Australia’s Zein Saliba in the first middleweight bout of the season.
