Bellator MMA's 'Fight Master,' episode No. 3 recap

As the third episode of “Fight Master” gets underway, it’s again right to the fights as the cast of 32 hopefuls continues to be whittled down to a list of 16 contestants who will move into the house and compete for $100,000 and a spot in an upcoming Bellator MMA tournament and the title of “Fight Master.”

TWELTH ELIMINATION FIGHT: Ismael “The Officer” Gonzalez (6-10-2) vs. Marcus “Lelo” Aurelio (6-2)

Aurelio’s capoeira kicks are on display to open the fight, and Gonzales seems a little hesitant in the early going. However, he settles in and lands a side kick to the body that sees Aurelio crumble, and Gonzales pounces to earn the first-round TKO.

COACH SELECTION: Coach Greg Jackson notes Gonzales’ tae kwon do stance and points him toward wrestling specialists Randy Couture and Joe Warren. Gonzales takes the advice and fills out the Rino Sport team with four fighters.

THIRTEENTH ELIMINATION FIGHT: Andy “Stunner” Uhrich (8-3) vs. Dom “I Hate You So Much” O’Grady (15-5-1)

Shown in highlight form, O’Grady uses crisp boxing to open up a cut over Uhruch’s eye. But the fight hits the floor soon after, and Uhrich gets to the back and tees off with punches until the bell. Uhrich scores another takedown in the second and is able to control the frame. It’s enough to score a decision win. Unfortunately, the cut is nasty, and the commission needs to make a ruling. After commercial, we find out he’s suspended and ruled out of the tournament.

COACH SELECTION: The coaches offer their praise to Uhrich, but he’s not going to stick around.

FOURTEENTH ELIMINATION FIGHT: Artenas “The Machine Gun” Young (9-5) vs. Bryan “The Bull” Travers (14-3)

Young tees off to open, but Travers survives the early onslaught and takes the action into deep waters. Young seems to lose a step as time winds down, and a spirited Travers claims a victory in a deciding third round and moves on by decision.

COACH SELECTION: Travers asks the coaches who will be in the gym each and every day. Jackson and Couture admit they have other commitments, though Couture indicates they are minimal. Despite his concerns, Travers goes with Jackson.

FIFTEENTH ELIMINATION FIGHT: Gareth “G-Wrath” Joseph (9-5) vs. Mike “The Greek” Bronzoulis (15-5-1)

Bronzoulis’ defensive wrestling keeps the action on the feet in a round that the coaches all admit isn’t exactly pretty but shows the grit of each fighter. Bronzoulis wobbles his opponent in the second, and it’s enough to see him take both rounds and move on by decision.

COACH SELECTION: Couture and Frank Shamrock each try and push Bronzoulis off on the other. Ultimately, he chooses Xtreme Couture and becomes the fourth and final member of that team.

SIXTEENTH ELIMINATION FIGHT: Joe “Diesel” Riggs (39-14) vs. Frank “The Tank” Carillo (6-4)

Carillo is battling medical issues before the fight and is ruled out by the commission. It’s an odd situation for Riggs, who admits pre-fight distractions have been an issue in the past. Riggs doesn’t get a free pass, so eliminated contest Rob Mills, who didn’t take much damage in his first fight, is allowed to come back.

The pair engage right away, and Riggs scores with his hands. As he takes control of the fight on the floor, Mills works hard to get to his feet. Riggs stays patient and is able to control the flow of the contest, eventually working to a heel-hook attempt and scoring the tapout.

COACH SELECTION: With Jackson and Shamrock as the only two remaining options. Riggs elects to go with Jackson, a coach he’s wanted to work with for quite some time.

There is still one spot to be filled, but that won’t be addressed until next week. So for now, the team rosters thus far include:

• Jackson’s MMA: Tim Welch, Eric Bradley, Bryan Travers, Joe Riggs
• Rino Sport: Eric Scallan, Evan Cutts, Jason Norwood, Ismael Gonzalez
• Shamrock MMA: Nick Barnes, Chris Lozano, Mike Dubois
• Xtreme Couture: A.J. Matthews, Cole Williams, Cristiano Souza, Mike Bronzoulis

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