Fighter vs Writer - TUF 18 Finale

Fighter vs Writer: Michael Wootten - The Ultimate Fighter Season 18 Finale 
by Ben Heather @benheather

Welcome to another Kingdom MMA fighter vs writer challenge.

For this challenge we challenge some of the biggest names from the world of MMA to give us their picks and fight outcomes for specific MMA events. Then they will be challenged by one of our writers, who will make their own predictions. Previously we have challenged the likes of Luke Barnatt, Jim Alers, Mike Wilkinson, Phil Harris, Cathal Pendred and Dustin Poirier.

This weeks opponent was a perfect man for the job and the only man for the job this weekend. He was part of Team Rousey on the current series of TUF, unfortunately losing in the semi final of the show to Chris Holdsworth. He is of course Michael Wootten.

The Scoring
If you predict the correct winner of the fight you will get one point and if you predict the correct method of victory you will get an extra point. However, if the fight ends in a stoppage and you predict the round as well the method you could earn a third bonus point. If the fight goes the distance you can only earn a maximum of two points.

The Predictions

Gray Maynard vs Nate Diaz

Wootten: Great main rematch and main event. It will be a very close fight and both posses different styles but I am a Diaz fan so I am going with Nate.

Prediction: Nate Diaz - Submission Round 2 

Heather: I love this fight, it could go either way and is a perfect replacement main event for the event, even though both guys come in to the fight after losing in their last outing. My main thought on this is whether Diaz can get the fight to the ground if he can it should be his fight to lose but on the feet I give Maynard the advantage. That being said over three rounds I see Diaz having enough to take the win.

Prediction: Nate Diaz - Unanimous Decision

Julianna Pena vs Jessica Rakoczy

Wootten: Having seen a lot from both girls throughout my time in the TUF house I am very excited to see both girls fight against each other. I think Jessica will win via TKO in the third round. I feel her footwork and boxing experience will be the key.

Prediction: Jessica Rakoczy - TKO Round 3

Heather: Like Mike I think that Jessica will be able to dominate this fight if it stays on the feet. How confident I am that it will stay there I am not sure.... Pena looked a beast in the house dominating her fights and getting the wins but was never really challenged. Rakoczy will certainly do that tonight but I think Pena will have enough and keep Rakoczy down to bring home the win and title of first women's TUF champion.

Prediction: Daniel Cormier - Unanimous Decision

Chris Holdsworth vs Davey Grant

Wootten: Chris and Davey are two great athletes that have different styles. Its a very interesting match up but I think Davey will win via TKO in the second round due to his physicality.

Prediction: Davey Grant - TKO Round 2

Heather: For me, this is the ultimate clash between head and heart. My heart certainly is telling me that Davey will win and bring home the title to the UK. As Mike knows unfortunately all too well, Holdsworth is a beast and certainly has proved why he is a BJJ black belt with the way he submitted Mike on the show.

That being said if Davey turns up bringing his A game like he did to make it on to the show and no thinks no matter what happens I will get the win then it will be a very entertaining fight and could go either way. However, I have to go with my head on this and predict a win for the American.

Prediction: Chris Holdsworth - Submission Round 2

Jessamyn Duke vs Peggy Morgan

Wootten: Tough fight for me to call having seen both these girls train and fight. Two similar styles match up wise as both are very competent strikers. Peggy has the size advantage and Jessamyn has the advantage on the ground. I think Jessamyn will win via sub in the third round.

Prediction: Jessamyn Duke - Submission Round 3 

Heather: I like Mike think that Duke should be able to make the most of her skills getting the fight down to the ground where she will finish the fight.

Prediction: Jessamyn Duke - Submission Round 2

Roxanne Modafferi vs Raquel Pennington

Wootten: Roxy vs Rocky is a clash of styles and experience. Roxanne has been in the game for many years now and rocky is inexperienced compared to Roxanne. But I see rocky being too big and strong at the weight and finishing the fight in the first round.

Prediction: Raquel Pennington  - TKO Round 1

Heather: As Mike has said, you can not even try and say that Roxanne does not have the experience on her side in this fight. I think that experience should see her through and help her defend against the size and strength advantage that Pennington will certainly have.

If she does not use her past experience this fight will be very tough for Modafferi but I think she will be able to pull of a decision victory.
Prediction: Roxanne Modafferi - Unanimous Decision


So that's our predictions for the fights, we will be live tweeting on Saturday night as always and we will keep you all informed as to how the challenge is going with latest scores throughout the main card.

Thanks again to Mike for providing us with his picks for this weekends fights and it just leaves me to say.... May the best man win!!

Luke Barnatt Interview "I want Francis Carmont"

Kingdom MMA: Exclusive Interview with Luke Barnatt

by Ben Heather @benheather

Kingdom MMA recently had the pleasure of asking Luke Barnatt some questions about his time in The Ultimate Fighter house, his fight at the Ultimate Fighter Finale and what happened between the two.

Luke made it to the the quarter finals on the show losing to Dylan Andrews in the fight of the series but was still rewarded with a fight in the UFC after the show. Luke made his UFC debut at the Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale as part of the prelims just over a week ago where he beat Collin Hart.

Ben: What was it like to leave the UK behind and live in Vegas for 6 weeks with a house full of guys wanting to stop your dream from coming true?
Barnatt: I've always been a bit of a lone wolf and moved around... lived all over the UK and left home at a young age... so it was easy. I was a bit naive when it came to the house, I thought it would be a lot easier than it turned out to be... but I was living out my dream and would love to do it all over again it was a life changing experience.

Ben: Was TUF as hard as Chael described it, "The Toughest tournament in sport"?
Barnatt: 100%... there is nothing in reality that comes close to matching the TUF house, eating breakfast with a group of trained fighters who are all willing to beat the hell outta you to get where they want to be.. having to fight 4 times in 6 weeks as well as be cut off from the world and all support networks is TUF...

Ben: Have you kept in touch with any of the guys from the house?
Barnatt: I made some amazing friends in that house, and we will all have a special bond for the rest of our lives, because there is no one else on the planet who can understand what happened apart from us. I speak to Jimmy Q and Thor the most outta everyone, but I tweet pretty much the whole group every now and then.

Ben: Was it hard not being able to talk to anyone once you were back about the whole series of TUF, even though you knew all the details?
Barnatt: Everyone tried to trick me into telling them things... trying to be smart, but I'm built like Fort Knox.

Ben: I met you in the bar in the Hilton after UFC on Fuel 7 and during our chat you told me I had to watch your next fight on the show as it was a great fight. We later found out that fight was the fight vs Dylan (Which won FOTS and earned you $25k)
Going in to the last round of that fight did you think the fight was yours to be won?
Barnatt: Fighting Dylan was a very important part of my career so far, its the first time I've been 3 rounds with a man who's willing to do as much as I am to win, we had a back and forth fight that was a high pace... but going into the 3rd I remember thinking I had what it took in me to take Dylan out, I searched for a FINISH... not just to win the round and I think that was my mistake... but Dylan is a tough competitor and come out stronger than I did, he was the better man on the night.

Ben: After Losing that fight, did you learn anything from it and work on in training?
Barnatt: I'm always trying to improve and have so much to get better at, I don't think there was anything specifically that let me down against Dylan so I didn't come away with anything I had to 100% get better at, it was a fight and sometimes you lose, I learnt from it that I had more fight in me, and next time I'm in that situation again you'll see that... Unless you've had to reach deep down into the depths of your soul before you won't understand, but I didn't reach far enough against Dylan, I thought I did at the time... but after the fact you realise you have more to give... so next time I'll be able to reach even deeper.

Ben: Do you think it was an advantage for you to have a fight like that and learn from it without the loss going on your record?
Barnatt: 100% I had the best possible outcome a fighter could ask for... I lost in the Quarter Finals got FOTS against a guy who's had 4x the amount of fights as me (16-4) and took him to a 3rd round, it taught me a lot and made me realise after a very short period of time I've really gained some skills and deserve to be in the UFC.

Ben: You met some true warriors while in the house not only Chael and Jon but people like Ronda Rousey and Mike Tyson. Which person did you think was great to have met?
Barnatt: Everyone was great to meet all in their own way. But Chael was the biggest person for me personally, even now when I've spent nearly half a year training with the guy every day he still holds that star power. the man is a true inspiration.

Ben: In my opinion Chael has to go down as the best coach in TUF history, some of the speeches he gave were incredible. Do you think that you have changed not only as a fighter but as a person after that experience?
Barnatt: I don't know about best TUF Coach in history I've not seen every coach to comment, but he definitely had an impact on me as a fighter, I have a very similar outlook on fighting to Chael... a fights a fight, you don't always win but you show up and fight every time. So having his point of view on things was very eye opening I changed as a fighter but not drastically.. it sort of excelled what I was already becoming.

Ben: After you had finished fighting on TUF, it seemed that you and John Maguire were travelling around America training with some really top level fighters in Chael, Vinny Maghalaes and Michael Bisping, who do you think you learnt the most from?
Barnatt: Probably from John... I mean the guys I've been training with are unreal and talented, but fighters are fighters not coaches... I've been getting great sparring and work in with the guys but John is the one who takes the time with me to break things down, talk about technique and really improve...

John Maguire is a World Class fighter with talent in every area of the game... hes not made his impact on the UFC scene yet because he's been fighting above his weight at 170... when he is clearly a 155er so at UFC 161 you'll get to see what John is all about.

Ben: Once the series was finished it was announced you would fight Collin Hart at the TUF Finale, What was the plan going in to your fight at the ultimate fighter 17 finale?
Barnatt: Don't get taken down... I worked religiously with Chael and the wrestling guys over here in Tualatin at defending the body lock take downs and scrambling to my feet...

Colin is a very talented athlete and strong in certain positions, so I avoided them and told myself I was going to work harder than him everywhere and push the pace so he would break. Collin's strengths are his grappling and his endurance, I pride myself on my conditioning and really feel I have some of the best conditioning at 185 there is, so when I hit Collin 119 times in 15 minutes and pushed the pace harder than him, I could feel him dwindle off and need more rest than me, It felt great... Chael has the best work rate in the UFC and I aspire to be the same way. 

Ben: I believe you have been working with Mike Dolce ahead of this fight, what changes to your diet has he made?
Barnatt: I worked very closely with Dolce for this camp, following the Dolce Diet 100% and he helped me cut the weight required for the fight. If you want to know what I ate... then go buy a Dolce Diet copy of Living Lean, because the grocery list is in it... that's all I had for 8 weeks leading up to the fight and now I'm doing it all year round.

Ben: You had Chael in your corner on Saturday night, was that a surreal moment for you?
Barnatt: I see Chael as a team mate now, so Surreal is the wrong word, but when I look at photos etc it does seem strange, if you had told me 6 months ago that Chael P Sonnen would be cornering me for my UFC debut on my Birthday... well you get my point!

The moment that I'll remember most is when I was walking into the octagon and Chael put his hand on my shoulder and said "I believe in you" that was a very powerful message.

Ben: How great did it feel when Bruce Buffer announced you as the winner of the fight at the end and do you think you did enough to edge the decision?
Barnatt: I thought I won all 3 rounds pretty convincingly... but that was because I knew I was fighting my fight, I dictated what was happening.

Collin did not want to stand he wanted it on the canvas, he couldn't get me there so he was forced to stand, he hit me a lot... but he punched like my mother so I was happy to take the shots and hit him back, I landed the more vicious blows and out struck him, so I knew I'd won the fight.... but you never do know with those bloody Judges... Collin was a tough guy and fought a great fight, I honestly felt the UFC should reward him with another fight. 

Ben: After winning your first UFC fight, who would you like to fight next and when would you next like to get back in the octagon?
Barnatt: I want Francis Carmont... Especially after this weekends tragic 15 minutes. He lost to Tom Lawlor and to Larkin but somehow stole two decision victories, he's on a 5 fight win streak in the UFC and people seem to be afraid of him.. that's who I want!

But being realistic the UFC aren't going to give me someone who's 5-0 in the organisation so I'd like to get out of the TUF circuit and beat the piss out of another European Middleweight... like Magnus Calenblad, who's been hiding for over a year telling the world hes a UFC fighter when he's not even won a fight yet... give me him and I'll get rid of him for you.

As for when... I'd fight in the UFC tomorrow. 

Ben: Would you like to say thanks to anyone?
Barnatt: Anyone who has ever watched MMA, spent money on MMA or spoken highly of MMA.

Thank you very much for your time and all the guys at Kingdom MMA can't wait to see back in the octagon fighting for the UFC again.

Kingdom MMA Roundtable on the talking points from the Tate vs Zingano fight

Kingdom MMA discuss the potential controversy from Saturday nights women's no 1 contender contest

by Ben Heather @benheather

Since Saturday night it seems that everyone who saw the Miesha Tate vs Cat Zingano fight this weekend at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale has been debating some talking points from the fight. So now the guys at Kingdom MMA will throw our opinions in to the hat for you all to read.

Was the fight stopped Early?

Chris: For well over a year its seems the standing joke amongst MMA fans on twitter is that Kim Wimslow is going to end up letting someone die in the cage, with her late stoppages. While this is a gross over exaggeration, you have to admit she has put some fighters in serious danger since her debut. Controversy is never far away in a Wimslow officiated fight, and it appears this fight was no exception.

I've seen a lot of people talk about an illegal knee, the fight was stopped too soon etc. but to be honest I think Wimslow did a pretty good job in this one, in fact one could argue she would have been justified to stop the fight before Tate even stood up - from my point of view Tate certainly wasn't fighting back or intelligently defending herself.

John: When I watched the fight live I thought it was stopped early but after watching it a few more times I think the stoppage came at the correct time. Tate had just eaten four well placed knees followed by an elbow that dropped her against the cage. I think she was one shot away from lights out.

Ben: If I am honest I thought at the time that Tate was taking punishment which she did not need to take at the end of the fight and not wisely protecting herself. When she took the four consecutive knees to the head that ended the fight as a battle and could have been stopped then. By the time the elbow came in Tate did not know where she was.

Watching the fight back..... A LOT, there is no way that Tate was going for a take down. She dropped and put her hands on the floor. She didn't drop and grab Cat's legs and at that point Kim Wimslow saved Tate from any further punishment.

Were the knees legal at the end of the fight?

Chris: While I would have been happy for the fight to be stopped on the ground, when Tate managed to get up the first knee that landed certainly did look illegal. That being said I don't think there was any malicious intent there, and realistically the damage was already done. Personally I would be keen for a review of the definition of a downed opponent - a finger on the floor does not make you a downed opponent if you ask me.

Ben: The opinion I take on this is that if it was illegal it was so close that you can't blame Kim Wimslow for letting the fight continue. If it was such a big talking point and as controversial as some people on the Internet have been making it out to be, then why didn't Jon Anik and Kenny Florian mention it.... at all!! The answer is because in my opinion there is nothing to discuss.

John: I think the first one was, just. Tate was just about to stand up as Zingano was throwing the first knee. Its not like Tate was trying to stay a downed opponent she was fighting her way back to a stand up position.

What you thought of Tate's conduct after rd 1. (Pushing Cat's face away)  

Ben: This to me was the most controversial moment of the whole fight and it seems to have been swept under the carpet. As far as I am concerned what Tate did was a punk move!! She had no reason to put her hands on Cat's face after the buzzer. I was backing Tate going in to this fight but as soon as she did that I wanted Cat to make her pay and was pleased when she got the TKO finish in the third.

John: No matter what people say before or during a fight, if you like the person you are fighting or not you should never put your hands on an opponent in between rounds or after the fight. You are martial artists who do this as a job and not some drunken yobs fighting on a night out, LEARN SOME RESPECT.

Chris: Someone needs to explain the whole martial artist = respect thing to the Tate / Caraway family. From Tate pushing off Zingano's face to stand up, to Caraway promising violence on women his girlfriend can't beat, it's terrible behaviour and one can't help but feel they got what's coming to them.

Who wins the UFC Women's bantamweight title fight Cat or Ronda?

Chris: While Zingano certainly could have success on the feet against Rousey, I see the fight going just like all the other Rousey fights. Zingano proved she is good on the ground in the Tate fight but she did end up in a Tate armbar at one point in time, and although she managed to defend it and eventually escape, Rousey will take her arm home if Zingano allows her anywhere near it. Expect a ferocious few minutes of dirty boxing against the cage, followed by Rousey take down, Rousey armbar attempt, Rousey first round submission victory.

John: I think this is Rousey’s toughest opponent yet no doubt. I think Rousey will have to come out pressuring from the start and try and get her trade arm bar quick before Zingano gets going. Zingano over powers Rousey all day long, if she finds her range early Rousey’s in trouble. Remember Rousey nearly came unstuck against Liz Carmouche when she took her back and was really cranking on Rousey’s neck but couldn’t quite sink it in fully. Should be an interesting fight to watch.

Ben: Cat's heart and determination to get through some tough times in the first two rounds against Tate makes me think that she may be the first person to take Rousey to the second round.

However the way Rousey has dominated all opponents and even though they all know and I imagine trained non stop on preventing and getting out of armbars she has still locked on and got the tap. I can't see anyone taking the belt away from Ronda anytime soon.

In the end somebody will be picking up that first career loss and if the women's fights in the UFC have been anything to go by so far, what I can guarantee is that it will be an absolute war.

UFC The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale Main Card Results - Urijah Faber vs Scott Jorgensen

Urijah Faber defeats Scott Jorgensen by Rear Naked Choke Round 4, 3:16

by Ben Heather @benheather

Urijah Faber keeps himself in title contention and within touching distance of yet another title shot. It seems that nobody (without a title around their waste) can knock him far enough down the ladder to the point he is no longer talked about as a title challenger.

 "The California Kid" is 0-5 in his last five cracks at gold, but I think if he can win another fight he might get yet another chance to win a belt especially if Cruz makes his long awaited return and bests Barao/ Wineland in a unification bout.

On Saturday night however, Faber finished his second straight top 10 opponent, Scott Jorgensen to tap out to a rear naked choke at 3:16 of the fourth round.

Faber controlled the first round with a variety of striking attacks and he very nearly got Jorgensen to tap to a guillotine, Jorgensen however recouped at the end of the round and his corner got him back into it with excellent adjustments.

Jorgensen began throwing combinations moving forward and keeping Faber on his heels. By the start of the third it seemed as though he was very much back into the fight and putting fans on notice for yet another upset on the card.

The fourth round began much the same way for Jorgensen, but that soon ended as Faber enforced his will and grappling advantage. The finish came off a scramble as Faber's speed allowed him to get to Jorgensen's back. At that point, a hand fight ensued with Faber getting his choking arm under Jorgensen's chin and soon after the fight was all over for his 16th career submission.

Jorgensen certainly made a fight of it but Faber has now won six straight non title fights, improving his record to 28-6. Jorgensen however is now 14-7.
"I've known for a long time how tough Scott is," Faber said after the TUF 17 Finale main event. "He got me with some good punches. We were going back and forth. It's incremental things at the highest level. He made one mistake and I was able to capitalise."

Keep checking Kingdom MMA for all the latest news from the world of MMA.

UFC The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale Main Card Results - Uriah Hall vs Kelvin Gastelum

TUF 17 Finale Kelvin Gastelum defeats Uriah Hall by split decision - (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

by John Haigh @JohnBjayHaigh

Most people had already decided the winner of this season before the first bell but most people would turn out to be wrong, after Kelvin Gastelum caused a major upset at the TUF 17 finale.

From the start of the first round Gastelum came out pressing causing Hall to back up after landing several overhand shots before scoring a takedown. Gastelum controls Hall on the ground in half guard landing punches to the body. Hall manages to fight his way back to full guard, Gastelum lands more shots to the body before Hall fights his way back to his feet. Now with the fight back on its feet Hall lands a hard inside leg kick having finally starting to find his range late in the first round. Hall pushes forward and scores a takedown but Gastelum immediately gets back to his feet.

Hall comes out in this round more aggressive working the jab early on. Hall goes for a high leg kick but Gastelum drops down and takes Hall down. Gastelum again works in half guard before Hall lands an elbow from the bottom and reverses Gastelum before standing up. Hall has definitely found his range now landing a knee to the body followed by a left hand, Gastelum wisely drops down and attempts a takedown but Hall sprawls. Fighting for position up against the cage Hall is successful with a trip takedown with Gastelum clinging on. Gastelum rolls and stands but Hall has his back and land a suplex. Gastelum fights his way back up and lands a right hand just before the end of the round.

By the Kingdom MMA scorecard we had it all even going in to the third and final round.

Round three is a very close round with both fighters trading shots in the early going. Hall lands a low blow but Gastelum recovers quick. Hall lands kicks making Gastelum back up, hall lands again with his jab. Hall has his hands down and Gastelum sees an opening rushing forward and slams Hall to the mat. Hall reverses and lands shots before Gastelum scrambles back up again to his feet. Gastelum presses Hall landing kicks and an overhand shot before again changing levels and takes hall down with a double leg takedown. Gastelum postures up and lands a left hand before Hall lands a shot off his back. Gastelum attacks with an arm bar attempt but hall defends it until the end of the fight.

This was a very close fight with Gastelum just edging the judges decision in doing so winning TUF 17 and also the six figure, multi fight contract with the UFC. Gastelum becomes the youngest ever winner of The Ultimate Fighter.

Keep Checking Kingdom MMA for the latest news from around the world of MMA.

UFC The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale Main Card Results - Cat Zingano vs Miesha Tate

Cat Zingano defeats Miesha Tate by TKO Round 3, 2:55

by John Haigh @JohnBjayHaigh

The second women’s fight in the UFC took place in Las Vegas on Saturday night at the TUF 17 finale.

From the opening bell Miesha Tate (13-4) started strong and was the constant aggressor, usually its Cat Zingano (8-0) as the early aggressor. Tate bombarded Zingano for the first round scoring takedowns and out striking Zingano on the feet.

Round two was mostly the same as the first, Tate again took Zingano to the mat and had her in trouble with a heel hook attempt but couldn’t quite lock it in. Zingano managed to fight her way out of danger with a reversal and turned the tide late in the round bloodying Tate up with a ground and pound attack. A very close round to call.

With Tate winning the first round and the second being very hard to call Zingano had to go for it at the start of the third and she certainly did that, finding her strength in the third and final round. Zingano took Tate to the mat and launched another ground and pound attack, landing punches and elbows. Tate did get the fight back to the feet but Zingano continued the pressure landing four straight knees to the head that had Tate dazed up against the cage . Zingano delivered one well placed elbow that dropped Tate to the mat, the referee had seen enough and called a stop to the action.

Zingano was very complimentary towards Tate after the fight saying “To be honest, I looked up to Miesha since I started this sport. I was scared to death of her, but I had no time to show it,”
“This is a dream come true. Everything that’s happened in my life has led me to this day.”

With the victory Zingano’s dream continues not only has she added to her undefeated streak but gets the chance to coach against Rhonda Rousey on TUF 18, the first series which will be coached by female coaches. Most importantly she gets her shot at the belt around Rousey’s waist, when the two meet at the end of the season.

Some will say it was a poor stoppage by the referee and Tate wasn’t given a chance to fight back. There was also a few other talking point within this fight and the Kingdom MMA staff will go in to this in detail later.
Keep Checking Kingdom MMA for all the latest news from around the world of MMA.

UFC The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale Main Card Results - Travis Browne vs Gabriel Gonzaga

Travis Browne def. Gabriel Gonzaga by KO - Round 1, 1:11

by John Haigh @JohnBjayHaigh

Travis Browne (14-1-1) returned to winning ways after his sole loss to Antonio "Bigfoot” Silva in his last fight. That was the fight where Browne got injured with one of the first kicks of the fight and it didnt take much longer for Bigfoot to get the finish on the clearly injured Browne.

Browne now fully fit came straight out going for a high kick but missed, Gonzaga pounced on the miss pushing Browne up against the cage. Trying his best for a single leg takedown. Browne defended and unleashed a series of devastating elbows to the head of Gonzaga dropping him to the mat. The fight was stopped by the ref with just 1:11 on the clock in the first round.

In his post fight interview Browne said he wanted everyone to know he was a mixed martial artist.
“I gotta show these young bucks how to make their bonuses,” “He did exactly as I thought he would do, he just did it a little bit quicker. He shot in off my left kick, his head was there my elbow was straight. I’m a mixed martial artist, I’m not a stand-up guy. Try and take me down.” Browne said after the fight.
This KO also earned him KO of the night, The 3rd bonus he’s earned in his last 5 fights.

Keep Checking Kingdom MMA for all the latest news from around the world of MMA.

UFC The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale Main Card Results - Bubba McDaniel vs Gilbert Smith

Bubba McDaniel defeats Gilbert Smith by armbar Round 3, 2:49

by Ben Heather @benheather

In the opening bout on the main card of The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale Bubba McDaniel took on Gilbert Smith at the Mandalay Bay Events Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The two didn't get on in the TUF house and even though they were teammates McDaniel questioned Smith's ability in one of the first episodes of the season.

Smith tried to prove he was a UFC calibre fighter and could hang with the big boys under the bright lights in the big show, however his efforts didn't go as he had wished.

McDaniel looked a lot sharper than he did while on the show, connecting with low kicks and sharp hooks. Smith however kept trying and shot for takedowns often doing his best to take the fight to the canvas where he obviously thought he had the advantage.

However when Smith got McDaniel on the ground, it didn't go to plan as Bubba reversed the position and dropped some heavy ground strikes of his own.

Smith survived some rough situations and initiated some fun scrambles, but he never seemed to get the better of them as McDaniel's experience of a lot more fights put him in the better positions.

In the third round Smith started to fade and Bubba had him in a lot of trouble, taking his back and threatening to finish the bout. Smith though kept fighting back even grabbing a single leg and diving into top position with a nice sweep. Unfortunately for Smith, his aggressive sweep put him directly into a triangle choke. Bubba didn't seem to have control of Smith's posture but he managed to grab on to an arm and finished off the fight with a submission via armbar while in the triangle choke.

In my opinion this may be the last we see of Gilbert Smith in the UFC, but unlike all the other contenders this year to date with the obvious exception of Bubba McDaniel he made it on to the main card.

Keep Checking Kingdom MMA for all the latest news from around the world of MMA.

TUF 17 Finale: Weigh in results

Weigh in Results for The Ultimate Fighter Season 17 - Finale

by Ben Heather @benheather

 Tomorrows The Ultimate Fighter season 17 finale live from the Mandalay Bay Events Centre in Las Vegas Nevada, is now set after the weigh ins have now made the fights official. The finale between Uriah Hall and Kelvin Gastelum is the co-main event of the night and both men weighed in within the 186lbs limit.

In the main event, a bantamweight battle between Urijah Faber and Scott Jorgensen. Both men weighed in under the 136lbs limit at the weigh ins, and will now clash in a bid to bid to move a step closer to a potential title shot.

Also on the main event, is the second ever women's bantamweight fight in the UFC. A fight between Miesha Tate and Cat Zingano. Dana White announced that the winner of this fight will get the next title shot in the UFC's women's division and will also be a coach on the next series of The Ultimate Fighter coaching against Ronda Rousey.

All of the other fighters made weight when they stepped on to the scales, with the exception of Maximo Blanco who failed to make the weight for his facebook prelim fight against Sam Sicilia. Blanco was given an extra hour to lose the 1lb he had to lose to make weight.

Full list of results from today's weigh in can be found below.

Main Card - Live on ESPN at 2am Sunday 14th April 2013

Urijah Faber (136 lbs) vs Scott Jorgensen (135.5 lbs)
Uriah Hall (185 lbs) vs Kelvin Gastelum (186 lbs)* - For The Ultimate Fighter 17 Title
Miesha Tate (135.5 lbs) vs Cat Zingano (136 lbs) - For the chance to coach on TUF 18
Travis Browne (239 lbs) vs Gabriel Gonzaga (261 lbs)
Bubba McDaniel (184.5 lbs) vs Gilbert Smith (185 lbs)

Prelims - Live on UFC.tv

Josh Samman (184.5 lbs) vs Kevin Casey (185 lbs)
Luke Barnatt (185 lbs) vs Collin Hart (184.5 lbs)
Dylan Andrews (186 lbs) vs Jimmy Quinlan (185 lbs)
Clint Hester (185 lbs) vs Bristol Marunde (185.5 lbs) -

Facebook Prelims - Live on facebook

Cole Miller (146 lbs)* vs Bart Palaszewski (145 lbs)
Sam Sicilia (146 lbs) vs Maximo Blanco (147 lbs)**
Justin Lawrence (145 lbs) vs Daniel Pineda (145 lbs)

* Had to use the towel to make weight
** Missed weight 1 hour to weigh in again

Kingdom MMA: TUF 17 Finale Main Card Picks

 Kingdom MMA TUF 17 Finale Main Card Picks

 by Ben Heather @benheather

Urijah Faber (27-6) vs. Scott Jorgensen (14-6)

Scott: These two set aside their friendship to battle it out in what should be an exciting encounter. Both fighters have a good all round skillset, but Faber's game is honed to a higher level with him being a veteran of a number of title fights. Jorgensen will put up a spirited battle, but we have seen him out-gunned by Renan Barao and Eddie Wineland in the recent past and he doesn't seem to have the quality to break the top 5 of the division. Like Faber's recent non-title fights, we'll be reminded why he should still be considered one of the top bantamweights in the world.

Prediction - Faber by Submisson Round 3

John: In recent fights both fighters have pretty similar records and will be both desperate to score back to back wins for the first time in two years. I see Jorgensen just edging this one. In recent years I have found Faber to fall just short of the mark and get any real momentum going since he lost the WEC featherweight title for the first time.

Prediction - Jorgensen by split decision

Ben: I think this fight is a great match up, both guys like to put on shows and are exciting fighters. My Dad even loves Jorgensen from his WEC days and he is one of the fighters he knows by name. As far as the outcome of this fight, I can only see Faber winning. I think it will be a great war and both guys are very well skilled but i think Faber is a little bit better in all areas. I dont think we will see a finish in the fight though and it wont be through them not trying but we will be treated to an absolute war. I see Faber doing just enough in every round to pull of the victory.

Prediction - Faber by UD

Kelvin Gastelum (4-0) vs. Uriah Hall (7-2)

John: I don’t think this fight will make it to the second round. I know Kelvin Gastelum is undefeated but having seen Uriah Hall’s KO power I just don’t see him maintaining it.
Even thought hall has been defeated twice in the cage both were by credible now UFC fighters and think it will be him that gets the contract.

Prediction - Hall by KO Round 1

Ben: Well I may be the only person who will say this out loud, but i think Gastelum has a half decent chance in this fight. He proved in the house that people underrated him and he is now in the finale not them.

Obviously Hall has got crazy power in his hands and can land kicks that others can only dream of pulling off, but he has not been tested on this show and how good is he on his back. Yes, in the semi final he finished the fight from his back but in all honesty he had already broken Andrews well before that point and it was only a matter of time before he finished him.

 I think if Kelvin can get him down early and work the ground game we could have a big shock here, but at the same time I wouldnt be surprised if we saw a 10 second 1st round KO by Hall.

Prediction - Gastelum by Submission Round 2

Scott: Forget the main event - this is the Uriah that everyone wants to see. Uriah Hall has a lot to live up to after his fights in the house delivering devastating KO after devastating KO. His performances make me think this will be nothing but a similar win for Hall, but there is just a shade of doubt creeping into mind and it's all down to the performnces of Gastelum in the house. He has been the underdog in every fight and whilst not being the most technically sound fighter has always come away with the finish. His only chance in my mind is to get in Hall's face from the opening bell and make the fight a real grind. I don't see it happening though, but there is always that shadow...

Prediction - Hall by TKO Round 2

Miesha Tate (13-3) vs. Cat Zingano (7-0)

Ben: In this fight i see Tate being a step up in competition for Cat and am not sure how she will cope. I think we will see Tate put on a performance and impress on the biggest stage of all in only the 2nd womans fight in the UFC. The prize which awaits the winner of this fight is exactly what Tate has been calling for since she lost to Rousey. Tate has more experience in the cage and on bigger shows so I think we will see the best Tate come saturday night. I hope we get the same from Cat, if we do they will put on a great fight but I think Tate will pick up the win.

Prediction - Tate by UD

Scott: No disrespect to the TUF finalists, but the rewards for the winner of this fight are bigger than any other. A Zingano win is much more interesting proposition in terms of gaining another contender in the UFC's fledgling women's bantamweight division, but I think she'll have her hands full with Tate who I think has the edge grappling wise. Tate can also call on her big fight experience from her time as the Strikeforce champion and should take the W.

Prediction - Tate by UD

John: I’m really looking forward to this fight, I think it will be a close one and turn into a submission battle. While Zingano comes into the fight undefeated, Tate has won 7 of her last 8 fights. And that one defeat was to now UFC women’s Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey and the way she’s destroying the women’s division, its hard to hold that against her. With that in mind and Tate having more fight experience I thin she will just edge this fight.

Prediction - Tate by Submission Round 3

Travis Browne (13-1) vs. Gabriel Gonzaga (14-6)

Ben: I really felt for Browne in his last fight, I think if he was fit and not picked up the injury early in that fight he could have caused Big Foot Silva a lot of problems.

As far as this fight goes I think Browne will use his cardio and wear down Gonzaga before finishing him in the third round. Gonzaga comes in to this fight with 3 wins in a row, with all coming via submission. In my opinion this has to be what he tries to do if he is going to have any chance of winning this fight. If he can't take Browne down and try for the submission then it will be a long night for Gonzaga.

Prediction - Browne by KO Round 3

Scott: This seems like an epic mismatch with Browne being by far the fitter, faster and more athletic fighter. Gonzaga's cardio was questionable in his last fight and I can see Browne wearing him down early and getting the KO victory quite handily. The only factor in Gonzaga's favour is his BJJ, but I feel Browne has enough wrestling ability to avoid getting taken down.

Prediction - Browne by KO Round 1

John: Having suffered the first loss of his career last time out against Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva, he’ll be looking to bounce back with a win. And I think if he can stay out of the clinch and avoid Gonzaga’s submissions, I think he will get the victory.

Prediction - Browne by KO Round 2

Bubba McDaniel (20-6) vs. Gilbert Smith (5-1)

Scott: This fight seems like a bit of a grudge match resulting from the events of episode 2 of this season of "The Ultimate Fighter" where Bubba wasn't fully behind his Team Jones teammate.

From his fights on the show, Smith seems like a fairly one dimensional fighter that will be looking for the takedown from the off. McDaniel is undoubtedly the more well rounded fighter and provided he can defend the inevitable takedown attempts could make this a long night for Smith.

Prediction - McDaniel by UD

John: Honestly I don’t know much about either of these fighters but after looking at the stats I’m favouring McDaniel. With both fighters making their UFC debut I think experience will count and McDaniel has far more. Both fighters have had most of their success with submission victories and think it will turn to a submission match with McDaniel edging it.

Prediction - McDaniel by Submission Round 2

Ben: I think throughout the whole series of TUF 17 I didn't see anything from Gilbert Smith that made me think he could be a UFC calibre fighter. That may be down to the fact he lost in the 2nd episode of the series but from what we have seen on the show I cant see him causing Bubba any problems.

I see Bubba using his experience, the fact he trains with Jon Jones and Greg Jackson in his corner to come up with a plan to easily cruise this fight. I see Bubba picking his shots and cruising his way to his first win in the UFC.

Prediction - McDaniel by UD

The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale: Faber vs Jorgensen (Fightcard)

The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale: Faber vs Jorgensen 
Date: April 13, 2013
Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 

Fight Card
Urijah Faber vs. Scott Jorgensen
opponent TBA vs. opponent TBA - "TUF 17" tournament final
Miesha Tate vs. Cat Zingano
Travis Browne vs. Gabriel Gonzaga
Cole Miller vs. Bart Palaszewski
Justin Lawrence vs. Daniel Pineda
Maximo Blanco vs. Sam Sicilia