Team Tate blog: Chris Holdsworth on 'The Ultimate Fighter 18,' episode No. 10

At this point of the season, we were winding things down, and those that weren’t still in the tournament were starting to focus more on partying than training. It was a little hard at first to steer clear of that, but we’re there for one reason and one reason only, and that’s to get that contract and be the next ‘Ultimate Fighter.’ I knew that going into this thing, and I wasn’t going to let partying or having a good time interfere with that. I had to complete my goal.

This episode showed a few of my more creative workout techniques around the house. It was kind of hard to hang out in the house and watch everybody eat and relax, so I would get outside and kind of do my own thing. Especially on certain days where there were fights or something else that would only allow us one training session, it was our job to make sure we were getting in our other training session. Some people would just chill out at home and relax, but I was staying busy, doing the things you saw me doing, going for runs or whatever else. I was making sure I was always getting my training in, even though we weren’t able to be in the gym twice a day all the time.

I have to say, it kind of pissed me off to see that people were saying Julianna Pena and I were the favorites of the coaching staff. What did they expect? I mean, I can see why Sarah Moras and Raquel Pennington might say something about Julianna, but as far as saying something about me, I was the only guy left on the team in the tournament. Of course they’re going to show me more attention and give me what I need and wanted to do. Why would Louis Fisette expect to get in a mitt session before me? The chiropractor would come there twice a week, and if there’s a line and we only have a certain amount of time with the chiropractor, you best believe the coaches are going to put me at the front of the line and get the work done on me, especially if we only have 15 minutes left with him.

Come on. I’m the only one left on the team. Louis had stitches in his eye and wasn’t even really training. He’d come to the gym, sit down and be in front of the camera and maybe go for a run. That kind of pissed me off, honestly. When Master Thong asked Louis to come work with me, he didn’t ask him to spar. He just wanted him to throw strikes and work takedowns. It was just a body for me to work on, but Louis has to complain about his stitches. I understand you have stitches. I’m not going to punch you in the face. Grow some balls, dude.

Getting to speak with Kenny Salvini was pretty amazing. It really touched my heart listening to him. We had a fighter at our gym who was paralyzed in an accident, and so while I can’t say I truly relate to him, I could definitely feel the pain. It kind of made me look at life a little different and realize the need to be grateful for what I have. Just being able to wake up every day and stand on my own and do things on my own. He had some crazy stories that he couldn’t really tell on camera, but it was intense. I’m still in contact with him now. He sent me some shirts and a nice picture, and we talk every so often. I really respect Kenny, and I’m really glad he came in and shared his story with us.

With my fight, I feel like had a great performance. Like Miesha Tate said, I did everything I needed to do, and I got the job done. We got into a few exchanges early, but I saw an opening, and my instincts kicked in. I went for the takedown and ended up with some nice transitions on the ground.

I had that anaconda choke pretty tight, and I think I probably could have finished it if I kept on to it. He even told me afterward, like, “Man, that was close. I was almost going out.” But I didn’t want to gas myself out. If I didn’t get that, I didn’t want my arms to be completely dead, so I let go and saw the transition to the back. I hopped on his back and went for the rear-naked choke. He did a good job at first, but I softened him up with some punches to the face and was able to work it in and get the finish.

That transition I used was something I train all the time. It’s always been in my game since the beginning. People call me a spider monkey. I do a good job of latching on to people and transitioning and jumping on things. I saw an opportunity, and I took advantage of it.

I really liked hearing Dana White saying he thought it was exciting. That pumped me up a little but and made me even more motivated. I thought it was a good fight, but to hear him say it and to hear other people’s responses from it, that was cool. It was a great feeling, and I showed some respect for Royce Gracie afterward. As you guys saw, he was a big inspiration for me. He gave me my blue belt, and I look up to him. I’ve got a tattoo on my arm, as well, to show him respect.

It was a great feeling to get the win, but the job isn’t done yet. Sure, you feel relieved that you’re done with the house and the whole six weeks over so you can go see your family and rest up some injuries. But I was right back on the grind right away, and I’ve been training ever since. I’ve just been constantly getting better and focusing on my next opponent. It’s almost time. It’s going down. The next step is almost here, and I can’t wait to do this.

“The Ultimate Fighter 18? cast member Chris Holdsworth (4-0) blogs each Thursday exclusively for MMAjunkie.com. The bantamweight prospect takes readers behind the scenes of the FOX Sports 1-broadcast series, which airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET. Catch Holdsworth on Twitter at @holdsworth135.