TUF ‘The Smashes’ Episode 9 Recap: Bloody War Sees One Welterweight Progress to TUF Finale

TUF The Smashes Episode 9 opened with Team Australia returning to the gym looking to snap their two-fight losing streak, but things got heated between Xavier Lucas and Ben Alloway after Alloway landed some solid leg kicks on his teammate in sparring.

Team UK’s Mike Wilkinson was poked in the eye during a training drill and was sent off to a specialist to have it examined. Wilkinson found out he had a tear in his retina and was told he should have an operation.

“I’m shocked, but it is what it is,” Wilkinson said. He broke the news to the team upon returning to the house and they were devastated for him.

Dana White spoke to both coaches about the semifinal match-ups. UK coach Ross Pearson said that he would like one of the UK lightweights to get a free run to the finale instead of giving an Australian another chance.

White then spoke to each fighter and asked them who they’d like to fight in the semifinals before making his final decision on the match-ups. A common answer by all fighters was Xavier Lucas, which made his blood boil when Dana told him.

Welterweight Fights:
Bradley Scott (UK) vs. Ben Alloway (AUS)
Xavier Lucas (AUS) vs. Robert Whittaker (AUS)

Lightweight Fights:
Norman Parke (UK) vs. Brendan Loughnane (UK)
Colin Fletcher (UK) vs. Richie Vaculik (AUS)

Dana made the decision to bring an Aussie back for the lightweight fight since they weren’t the ones to break the rules in regards to the UK team borrowing a mobile phone from the neighbors house.

At the official weigh-in, Ben Alloway (171lbs) and Bradley Scott (171lbs) made weight for their welterweight clash.

UK’s Luke Newman fired back at George Sotiropoulos saying that the Australian coach is welcome to train with the UK team at any time.  Sotiropoulos hit back saying, “I guess that explains your performance.” Things started to get heated when the Australian striking coach became involved and the teams went back to the dressing rooms after some more words were spoken.

Ben Alloway (AUS) vs. Bradley Scott (UK):

Round 1- Alloway opened with a leg kick that caught Scott low. When the fight resumed, Alloway landed with his jab and, after circling the cage, both fighters engaged in a clinch with Alloway landing knees before Scott returned the favor. The fighters separated and Alloway caught Scott moving forward before Scott landed shots of his own. Alloway tied the fight up, but Scott took his back and looked for the submission. Alloway toughed it out to the bell. Scott 10-9.

Round 2- Both fighters fought for Octagon control in the early stages, but it was Alloway who dropped Scott and he pounced landing elbows and ground shots with Scott bleeding. Scott fought from his back, but Alloway was able to land hammerfists. Alloway enticed Scott to stand up and landed strikes on the feet. Both fighters then fought in a clinch while standing and Scott took control with Alloway gassing out. Scott took the back of Alloway, but they fought to the bell. 10-9 Alloway.

Round 3- Alloway opened with a leg kick and was on the front foot landing shots on Scott. Another Alloway kick hit Scott low. On restart, both fighters fought in a clinch before Scott got the takedown and took Alloway’s back. Alloway managed to get to his feet and both fighters traded shots for the remaining minute. 10-9 Scott.

Bradley Scott def. Ben Alloway via Split Decision.

“It just hurts like hell to lose,” Alloway said. “This is the way it goes and you just need to come back stronger.”

“It’s emotional but exciting,” Scott said. “I can’t wait! If I win this thing I can do but I want to for the rest of my life and that’s to fight.”

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