TUF Smashes Episode 11 Recap

In tonight’s welterweight final of The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs UK – The Smashes, Australia’s Robert Whittaker defeated teammate Xavier ‘X-Man’ Lucas and secured his place at UFC® on FX: SOTIROPOULOS vs. PEARSON fight card on December 15.

Whittaker will fly the green and gold in the Octagon® when he fights UK’s Bradley Scott for national glory and a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship®.

Leading up to the bout, Whittaker visualises knocking out Lucas, saying that he doesn’t want to hurt him for three rounds. Whittaker’s visualisation comes to fruition in the first round when a hard straight right glances over the top of his opponent’s head, dropping Lucas to the ground. Whittaker takes the opportunity to pounce on Lucas and knocks him out with powerful ground and pound.

Stealing the victory from his teammate, Whittaker’s celebration is subdued and his focus is quickly diverted to consoling Lucas.

Before the bout, Lucas shared stories about his time serving with the South African Special Forces, demonstrating moves and recounting experiences that included hostage releases.

During Team UK training, the Brits are joined by three Australian rugby players, Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane and Kurtley Beale. The players joined the fighters at the gym, participating in some pad work, with Cooper showing promising skills for his impending boxing career.

The series resumes next Wednesday, December 5, at 7.30 p.m. AEDT on FX (FOXTEL channel 123). In episode 12, the final lightweight semi-final is held between Australia’s Richie Vas and UK’s Colin ‘Freakshow’ Fletcher to decide who will have a shot at a UFC contract in the series finale.