Episode 2 of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen featured the first quarterfinal matchup and the first fight since the 16 contenders for the TUF 17 crown entered the house.
On tonight’s episode, a scrap between Team Jones’ Gilbert Smith and Team Sonnen’s number one pick Luke Barnatt was set and both fighters were hoping to start their stint in the house with dominating and impressive victories. One of the fighters got his wish.
The fight started off slow with a low blow from Team Sonnen’s Barnatt. After a halt to action from referee Steve Mazzagatti, the two fighters were ready to trade some leather. Smith kept pressing the action and was relentless in his pursuit for a takedown. Barnatt initially defended the takedown but initially landed on his back. He was able to spring back to his feet while Smith continued to look for a takedown.
The round finished with neither fighter making any major impact.
Smith’s pursuit of the takedown eventually was his undoing. He kept the same strategy in round two. Smith was successful with some of his attempts, though one resulted in Barnatt getting top position, but the Team Jones representative was never able to hold his opponent down.
When Barnatt finally got back to his feet, he timed a flying knee that connected with Smith who, you guessed it, was going for another takedown. It was a knockout block that ended the fight and resulted in Team Sonnen gaining control of the fight pick for next week.
Here is a GIF of Barnatt’s finish:
On next week’s episode Chael Sonnen went with his No. 2 pick Uriah Hall to matchup against Team Jones’ No. 6 pick Adam Cella.
Be sure to check in to FanSided.com next Tuesday for the latest recap of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen.
Topics: Chael Sonnen, Gilbert Smith, Jon Jones, Luke Barnatt, The Ultimate Fighter, The Ultimate Fighter 17, TUF, UFC
