Bellator MMA's 'Fight Master' episode No. 6 recap

As the sixth episode of “Fight Master” gets started, we’re getting right into another Round of 16 contest. Team Shamrock’s Nick Barnes faces Greg Jackson student Tim Welch.

We flash back to nine days earlier, when Welch finds out he was selected as a No. 6 seed. He admits calling someone out was difficult, but he picks an opponent he sees as a legitimate challenge in No. 9 Barnes.

Jackson then explains his busy schedule won’t allow for him to be there at all times, so he leaves Joey Villasenor and Damacio Page in charge. Shamrock points out that seems like an issue for fighters who picked Jackson, only to wind up with assistants. Still, Jackson insists those fighters know the system well.

Barnes reveals to his teammates the scars on his body came from a childhood incident, where his cousins actually set him on fire.

ROUND OF 16 FIGHT: Nick Barnes (6-0) vs. Tim Welch (9-4)

Round 1 – Both fighters trade strikes early, with southpaw Barnes doing some impressive work to the body in the early going. Welch seems to struggle with settling in, but he scores with a wild overhand right. Barnes pokes his opponent’s eye shortly after, but we return to work shortly after. Welch attacks, and Barnes counters, sending an off-balance opponent to the floor. Welch scrambles up and hurt Barnes with a solid straight, but Barnes counters by driving in for a takedown and moving immediately to the back.With both hooks in, Barnes gets the arm under the neck. Welch tries furiously to pull the arm away but can’t get it done and has to tap.

Nick Barnes def. Tim Welch via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1

Next up is top seed Joe Riggs. Opponent Nick Scallan from Joe Warren‘s squad believes Riggs has a tendency to break in his fights and think he’s primed for the upset. Riggs thinks Scallan is a wrestler with weak hands. Riggs seems to be struggling with keeping his weight on point.

As it turns out, Riggs and Scanlan are both recovering addicts that have built a bond during their time in the house. But they have to put that aside and fight.

Riggs does make weight, but he admits it was one of the toughest cuts of his life. The staredown is intense, and it’s time for a fight.

ROUND OF 16 FIGHT: Joe Riggs (39-14) vs. Nick Scallan (11-4)

Round 1 – Scallan works kicks to the body in the early going and pushes into a clinch. Riggs is s low to respond early, but he defends well and eventually scores a takedown of his own, moving immediately in to side control. Scallan works a slick sweep underneath, rolling and escaping before moving back to his feet. Scallan drives in for a takedown, but Riggs shucks him off. Scallan pushes back inside, refusing to relent on the takedown, but Riggs defends against the cage and then drops his opponent with a knee to the head. Scallan is in trouble, and Riggs pounces. Scallan bucks and rolls and somehow survives until the bell.

Round 2 – Scallan shoots immediately on a leg. He’s relentless, but Riggs is strong in defense and eventually reverses course by scoring his own takedown and starting in with heavy ground and pound. Riggs moves again to side control. Scallan finally works to his feet at the midway point of the round, but Riggs puts him back on the deck. Riggs patiently attacks from the top, eventually setting up a side choke. Scallan survives the squeeze, but he’s got nothing in terms of counters. Riggs dominates until the bell and easily takes home the decision.

Joe Riggs def. Eric Scallan via unanimous decision.

Two spots remain in the Round of 16, and the final two matchups will be held next week.

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