Bellator MMA's 'Fight Master' episode No. 5 recap

As the fifth episode of “Fight Master” gets underway, it’s right to the next matchup. Xtreme Couture’s Mike Bronzoulis reveals he considers his role as an MMA fighter to be that of a modern day gladiator. Meanwhile, Team Rino Sport’s Jason Norwood is a former soldier who promises to come right after his opponent.

Norwood was the No. 8 seed, so the fight was his selection. He takes the No. 13 Bronzoulis, who promises to make him pay for the choice. Both fighters seem to think wrestling is going to play a huge role in the fight, and Bronzoulis believes he holds the advantage. Coach Randy Couture thinks the key will be to force Norwood to work early and gas over time.

ROUND OF 16 FIGHT: Jason Norwood (12-3) vs. Mike Bronzoulis (15-5-1)

Norwood shoots immediately into a clinch. They pummel for 90 seconds before Norwood locks the body and slams Bronzoulis to the floor. Bronzoulis quickly stands but exposes his back in the process. He eventually turns in, but he struggles to create any space. Norwood scores one more quick takedown, but Bronzoulis crawls up, and they finish in the clinch.

Bronzoulis looks to strike early, and he fires front kicks to keep Norwood away. it doesn’t work, and Norwood is quickly in on the body yet again. Bronzoulis again defends well, and he does find a few opportunities to separate and strike. Norwood does fade in the late stages of the round. Bronzoulis turns up the volume, including a spinning kick to the body. The round ends, and it’s apparent a third round is on the way.

Norwood looks again for a takedown, but he’s exhausted. Bronzoulis shucks him off and blasts him with a right hand. Norwood falls, and Bronzoulis pounces with punches to secure the finish.

Mike Bronzoulis def. Jason Norwood via knockout (strikes) – Round 3

Norwood is understandably devastated, but the tournament rolls on.

Shamrock MMA’s Joe Williams, who earned his way back into the tournament after losing his first fight, faces Rino Sport’s Ismael Gonzalez. It turns out Gonzalez was the No. 12 seed, and he realizes picking No. 16 Williams is simply the smartest selection to move through. That said, Gonzalez knows as a striker, he’ll have to handle Williams’ wrestling in order to win.

ROUND OF 16 FIGHT: Joe Williams (9-1) vs. Ismael Gonzalez (6-10-2)

Williams immediately scores a takedown. He’s patient on top as he works into a dominant position. Gonzalez struggles to get off his back, but Williams moves into side control. The round plays out with Williams in complete control from the top, and it’s obvious Gonzalez has no idea how to get back to his feet.

Coach Shamrock is enjoying the performance and freely taunts Joe Warren and Gonzalez. As round two starts, Williams immediately scores another takedown. Gonzalez is flat on his back, and Warren admits he has no advice for someone not willing to hip out and rise. Williams sets up an arm-triangle choke and doesn’t bother to dismount, earning the win.

Joe Williams def. Ismael Gonzalez via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 2

Two more fights are scheduled for next week, including No. 1 seed Joe Riggs‘ return to action.

The debut season of Bellator MMA’s “Fight Master” airs Wednesday nights on Spike TV at 10 p.m. ET.