'TUF 21: ATT vs. Blackzilians,' blog: Michael Graves on episode No. 3

Michael Graves

Thank you for checking out the fourth installment of my MMAjunkie blog for “The Ultimate Fighter 21,” which airs Wednesdays on FOX Sports 1.

To clear the air and tackle the question that’s probably on everyone’s mind, I still don’t have any regrets about drinking the Blackzilians’ wine. Nope.

Now, on to business.

If you would’ve told me before we got into the “TUF” house that I would lose my UFC debut on the show, and that my loss would be part of a two-fight skid out the gates for American Top Team, I wouldn’t have believed it. I would’ve said you’re crazy. I’d know you’re crazy.

I visualized my long-awaited UFC debut hundreds, if not thousands of times in my head and not once did I lose. Not once.

And never did I imagine American Top Team would stumble out the gate like this. I knew with everything that we were going to come out strong and dominate the season.

But that’s not exactly what has happened so far, and we were 0-2 heading into last night’s episode.

With our backs against the wall, in a sense, my man and former WSOF champion Steve Carl fought a Blackzilian known as “Baby Monster.”

Steve has done a lot in this sport already. He’s a really great fighter, an even better person and he’s definitely been a major asset to American Top Team since he joined the academy.

The first round was very close. The second round had a lot more action than the first. But, unfortunately, Steve was submitted toward the end of the second round.

For those keeping score at home, we’re now down 3-0 and 75 points. Damn. The team is a lot better than we’ve shown, and I think everyone knows that. I know me and my teammates know that.

Regardless, I hope you all have enjoyed the season so far. It’s been bittersweet for me, to say the very least. But I assure you, the best is yet to come for “TUF 21.”

All the best!

Michael Graves (4-0), an American Top Team fighter on “The Ultimate Fighter 21,” blogs about the season each week exclusively for MMAjunkie. Follow him on Twitter at @gravesmma.

* * * *

ATT and Blackzilian fighters discuss their rivalry:

view original article >>